How to Step Your Entertainment Game

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From family dinners to gathering your friends for a Friday game night, do you often find yourself hosting everything at your house? If so, you know that hosting in your home can sometimes be quite stressful. Like most hosts, you take gatherings at your place serious which is why we are going to show you how to create an atmosphere that is always ready for guests:

Entertaining Outdoors

Do you love entertaining outdoors during the summer months? Well, when you bring the party outdoors, you will need to make sure the backyard is equipped with cozy accessories. Be sure to load up your back patio with items that make your guests want to relax, stay a while even. You can add plush pillows on hard chairs and soft throw blankets to keep your guests warm. You can also light candles on the table tops to set the perfect cozy atmosphere as the sun sets.

In The Kitchen

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is where your guests will feel most at home. If you are planning on having a dinner party, avoid making the prep area off limits. Set out the drinks and platters of food inside your kitchen for your guests to freely enter. Allow them to serve themselves appetizers before the meal starts. By doing so, you do not exclude yourself from the party, but you can interact with guests while you make dinner.

The “Good” China

Think about it, when exactly do you pull out the “good stuff?” It does not have to be a holiday or a black tie event for you to pull out your prized dishware. An intimate gathering is a perfect time to serve your guests with your good china. What better way to make your guests feel special, and get to use your dishware?

Overnight Guests

If you plan on having overnight guests, you should create the ultimate cozy sleepover. It can be done by making sure the guest room and bathroom are well stocked with extra towels, sheets, toiletries, and other supplies.  Keeping the guest quarters well stocked with basic essentials will make them feel comfortable during their stay.

Ample Seating

The one thing that can make or break your an event is not having enough seating. While your guests will likely want to mingle with each other, at some point, they will want to take a seat. Make sure you have seating for at least half of the guests that will be attending your home gathering.

What is your favorite way to entertain? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.

The Minimalist Challenge

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Does your home life feel a little too cluttered?  Do you struggle with letting go of objects, clothing, and furniture that you do not use?  If so, you may be interested in learning about minimalism. Minimalism is a lifestyle; it does not happen overnight.  You can, however, set small goals to help kickstart your journey.  Becoming a minimalist can have your home feeling cleaner, more spacious, welcoming, and less cluttered.  If you are interested in starting this journey, we put together five places to start with some helpful tricks and tips. Let’s take a look!

The Closet

Our closets can become mayhem of storage and unused clothes.  To begin your journey, separate your clothes into three categories: clothes you frequently wear, clothes that you think you may still want, and clothing you never wear.  The clothing that you think you may want to keep, try putting them in another closet or even donation boxes.  If you do not look to wear it in ninety days, chances are, you will not miss it.  You can donate those clothing items as well.  You can use this trick on shoes as well.  It is a simple trick but an effective way to help slowly clean out your closet.  Try doing this task at least four times a year to reduce unwanted clutter.

The Kitchen and Pantry

The kitchen can quickly become home to expired foods and the notorious “miscellaneous drawer.” Organization is key in the kitchen.  Throw out all of your expired foods, and begin organizing your pantry.  If your home has a “miscellaneous drawer,” try to assign each object a place inside your home. A drawer for everything without a designated spot will not do. Everything in your home needs to have a place in which it belongs. Begin to eliminate household duplicates such as scissors and cooking utensils to clear up more space.

Furniture

Being a minimalist means having a keen eye for functionality. Having a “less is more” mindset when furnishing your home is vital.  Try to use items that serve multiple purposes. Your furniture should serve a purpose, and you want to try to be selective on how much space all your furniture uses.  You do not have to eliminate comfort; however, you should be able to easily justify why every piece of furniture is in a room.

Like we mentioned before, becoming a minimalist is a lifestyle.  It will not just happen overnight, and it will take a cognitive effort daily to improve.

We wish you the best in your minimalist journey! For more great tips and tricks, visit our blog hub.

How to Keep Houseplants Healthy

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While greenery is a great way to spice up your decor, most homeowners shy away from living plants because it can be a challenge to manage them. According to the experts, keeping houseplants happy may not be as difficult as it seems; you just need to be attentive to their basic needs. If you are thinking of purchasing houseplants, here are some great tips for taking care of them.

Know Your Specific Plant 

While all plants need water, sunlight, and food to survive, not all plants are the same. They all require different amounts of these essentials. In fact, some plants thrive more from indirect sunlight whereas other plants need dry soil and a lot of sunlight to stay healthy. Be sure to select a houseplant that can survive and thrive off the amount of sunlight you can provide it.

Prevent Pests 

When you notice that pests have infiltrated your plants, it is important to take care of the problem immediately, or it can potentially spread to other plants. The key to preventing pest problems is to take steps to stop them from entering your home in the first place. Before buying plants, check them for insects and even diseases. Every time you water your plants you should check them for insects, and take a look at their general health.

Consistent Flow of Water 

Providing a consistent flow of water is necessary for the survival of your houseplants. What many people do not know is that periods of drought and flood will put stress on the roots of the plant. A lot of plants need their roots to be consistently moist. On the other hand, there are some plants whose roots prefer to be dried out a bit between watering cycles. Read up on the new plants that you bring into your home so you can formulate an appropriate watering schedule.  

Keep Them Clean 

It is also essential to keep your plants clean. Grime and dirt do not just look bad on plants, but it can harm the health of your plants. Dust will eventually clog the pores of a plant making it difficult for the plant to breathe. You can use insecticidal soap to keep the leaves clean.  

Which houseplant is your favorite? We would love to hear in the comment section.

Open Organization Ideas for Your Bedroom

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Since your bedroom is generally the last place you would expect to have visitors, it is often the area in your home that is most neglected.  That being said, the bedroom plays a vital role in your life; it is where you both start and end your day. To help provide you with a stress-free place to rest your head at the end of a long, we have four useful organization tips that we want to share with you. Let’s take a look!

Storage Solutions

Storage is perhaps the most significant issue when organizing a room. If you are tired of looking at your clothes all over the place,  it is time to explore some creative storage options. You can create more space on your bedroom floor by purchasing storage bins that roll right underneath your bed. You can even rotate your seasonal and bulkier items between your closet and these storage bins. Be sure to label the outside of each container so that you know what inside of the bin. Our favorite part of this storage option is that it is discreet.

Purchase a Shoe Rack 

Are your shoes taking up valuable space in your closet? Experts suggest purchasing a shoe rack instead of a hook-hanging shoe bag which takes up much-needed space in the closet. A shoe rack can be installed right beneath your hanging clothes. It makes them easily accessible and keeps them out the way. The best thing about a tiered shoe rack is that it allows you to see what you have and pick out the shoes quickly.

Make Your Bed Every Day

Organizing does not just involve neatly stowing things away but it also consists of positioning things for their next use. You position your bed for everyday use when you make it in the morning before you leave out. We believe that a well-made bed makes the room convey a sense of order.  

Shelving Units and Hooks 

Create a well-polished look by installing a couple of shelves to hold your book collection and magazines. The wall shelves and hooks can provide you with ample wall storage while leaving valuable floor space still accessible.

How do you stay organized? We would love to hear your feedback below in the comment section.

What Should I Hang Above My Sofa?

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Have you still not figured out what to hang in that empty space above your sofa? Well, it is time to stop deliberating because filling this space with something chic can transform the entire look of your living room. You can use this space to create a focal point in the room’s design. Plus, there are several ways you can accent your couch by spicing up the blank slate above it, and we have a few ideas for you:

1. Use Personal Artwork

Do not be afraid to showcase your skills. You can fill this space with your own artwork, or perhaps, you have a little artist in the making? You can let the kids get creative on a large canvas and use a floating frame to give it a finished look. Using personal artwork is a great way to add personality to your home.

2. Basket Collection

Are you looking for a unique way to use the space above your couch? Consider displaying a collection of baskets by hanging them on the wall over the sofa. To pull this look off, stick with one basket color scheme and use a variety of sizes.  You can use clear thread to make a hanging look.

3. Large Canvas

Oversized artwork can really make a space look chic, especially when it depicts a unique or bold image; however, oversized artwork can be expensive, so it is time to exercise those creative options. You can try taking a curtain with an intricate design and stretching it over a large, blank canvas to simulate the look of something professional.

4. Wall Tapestry

You can use large, expansive textiles to dress up the area behind the sofa. Wall tapestry adds a flair of elegance that is hard to achieve with anything else.  Do not be afraid to select textiles with a bold pattern and a lustrous texture. You can suspend a wall tapestry using a rod with interesting hardware.

5. Family Photos

Of course, pictures of the family is a great way to make use of the empty space. Let us take a different spin on the concept. Instead of traditional photos, you can have a silhouette painted of each member of the family and hang it above the sofa. This creates a classy look that is as unique as it is stylish. 

For more great tips and tricks, visit us at Fulton Homes. 

Five Unhealthy Mistakes You May Be Making

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We can all agree that our family’s health and well-being is important to us. With so many misleading articles out there, it is easy to get confused or deterred from healthy habits. To ensure your family stays healthy this winter, you will want to avoid these six unhealthy mistakes that you may be making:

Mistake #1: Not Changing Your Filters. From the vacuum filter to air vent filters, replacing filters can be an essential part of healthy living. Changing these filters can help reduce the amount of dust and dirt particles we breathe in the air.

          • Experts recommend changing your air vent filters every three months and your vacuum filters every six months.

Mistake #2: Taking off Your Shoes Indoors. A lot of families make the mistake of removing their shoes inside their house, but this can be potentially dangerous. If you suffer from allergies, you are possibly bringing in your allergens from outside. Not to mention, you are bringing in dirt, debris, and other unwanted particles. Be sure to remove your shoes outdoors or place them in a shoe tray right by the main entrance.

          • If you decide to use a shoe tray, be sure to wash and clean it at least once a month.
          • Also, we recommend storing indoor shoes, slippers, or socks near your entrance to slide on after you enter your house.

Mistake #3: Letting Trash Can Overflow. Trash can be an unsanitary, unhealthy build-up of an array of items. Be sure to empty your trash cans often to avoid unwanted pests.

Mistake #4: Setting Your Thermostat Too High. Dust mites and mold are prone to living in warm climates; therefore, we recommend keeping your thermostat at 70 degrees. This middle temperature will help discourage these unwanted factors to develop.

Mistake #5: Not Using Exhaust Fans. From your kitchen to your bathrooms, it is imperative to use your exhaust fans. They help reduce mold and moisture build-up.

We wish you and your family a safe and healthy season. Let us know how you keep your home happy and healthy in the comment section!

Everything You Need to Know about Recycling

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Your recycling efforts are beneficial to the environment, the community, and the future of our planet. Creating a recycling plan for your household can help with the sustainability of our earth. The best part about recycling is that it is easier than many homeowners may believe. If you are a beginner, we have compiled a list of tips to help you with your recycling efforts. Let’s take a look!

  1. Know Why You Recycle. A significant part of recycling is understanding the impact waste, and greenhouse gas emissions have on our environment. Recycling can decrease the amount of waste we send to landfills, help to protect our natural resources, cut back on pollution, save energy, and it can lessen greenhouse gas emission. Recycling takes your products/materials and repurposes them.
  2. Know How to Recycle. You will need to check with your community to see what specific items you can recycle. We have compiled a list of the most common items that can be recycled but always check with your city to see if they will accept these items:
      • Paper. The United States Environmental Agency states that “30% of trash generated each year is paper. This is more than any other material.” When you recycle paper, it helps make new paper products, save our trees, and other natural resources. When you are purchasing new paper, look to see if it is made from recycled materials.
      • Batteries. Typically, communities do not recommend homeowners to throw away their batteries because they can contain heavy metals. The best choice is to recycle your batteries.
      • Plastic. The amount of plastic Americans use each year is alarming. In 2014, we used 33 million tons of plastic and only 9.5% of that was recycled according to The EPA.
      • Glass. Glass is an extremely reusable resource. It can usually be recycled at your local community curbside site.

3. Know When and Where to Recycle. Some cities offer recycling bins that can be picked up weekly at your house and other communities offer central drop off locals for homeowners to drop off their materials.

It is important to take into consideration your global footprint. How are you contributing and affecting our earth? If you do not know, that is okay! Recycling can be a great start. Recycle when you think about it then eventually you can challenge yourself to recycle more often.

Post-Holiday Weekend Project List

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Long holiday weekends are the perfect time to accomplish household tasks that you may have been putting off for some time now. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of things that you can tackle on your weekend off from work. Let’s take a look!

Tackle The Pantry & Fridge. The odds are that your refrigerator could use a good deep cleaning this weekend. Remove everything from the fridge and set it out on the counters. Wipe off all of the shelves and drawers with a disinfectant wipe. While everything is removed from the refrigerator, throw out items that have past their expiration date. Pitch empty bottles that may have been left in the fridge and consolidate into one bottle per condiment.

Dig into Your Messy Closet. From your hall closet to the master closet, you can tackle organizing them this weekend. Simply, remove everything from the closet and separate them into three different piles: trash, donate, and save. Once you determined each item’s pile, return all the items in the “save” pile back into the closet. If you are going through several closets in your home, it may be wise to have a big donation box ready to be filled. Take the box to each closet then afterward drop it off at your local donation center.

Take on The Laundry. The washing machine can do a world of wonders on a lot of items in your household. Take advantage this weekend by washing some of the items listed below:

  • Backpacks
  • Car Mats
  • Pillows
  • Oven Mitts
  • Pet Toys, Collars & Leashes

Change The Exterior Lights. Go around the outside of your home and check to see if all your lights are working. If they need to be changed, swap them out for some new ones. It is also a great time to take down any leftover holiday lights and decorations.

Clean Your Pots and Pans. A lot of your pots and pans will need a good scrub and deep cleaning. If they look like they have lived a full life, throw them away and purchase new ones when you can. Otherwise, a deep cleaning should do just the trick.

For more great advice, visit us here. Thanks for reading!

Lock Down Your Laundry Room’s Organization

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Get your laundry locked down this winter with our guide to mastering your laundry room’s organization and functionality. With four quick and easy tips, you can have a full-functioning laundry room in no time! Let us get started.

Tip No. 1: Add Hooks and an Extra Clothing Rod.

Your laundry room’s organization can contribute to how often you use it. If you find yourself running out of space for clothing, be sure to install hooks and even an extra clothing rod. These simple solutions can make using your space a whole lot easier.

Tip No. 2: Make It Multipurpose.

Laundry rooms are not just laundry rooms nowadays. They can hold a lot of different uses and functions for busy homeowners. Making your laundry room a multipurpose space can help you maximize your time and save room in other areas of your house. You can create a mudroom in your laundry room by adding some lockers, or maybe you need a home office; therefore, you would want to add a desk. Whatever you need, you can look at the available space in your laundry room and go for it!

Tip No. 3: Let The Storage Be Open.

Open storage is a great idea for homeowners that struggle with staying organized. Having all of your items out in the open will force you to maintain a well-kept area. Open-faced cabinets can be a great solution if you find yourself struggling to stay organized. Simply remove the cabinet doors from your cabinetry, and you have created custom open-storage.

Tip No. 4: Add Your Heart’s Desires.

There is no reason to hold back on your wildest laundry room dreams with inexpensive DIY projects. If you have always wanted something in your laundry room, find a do-it-yourself project and start it! There are a ton of hacks and user-friendly guides that are available online. You do not have to limit yourself anymore. Go ahead and create a folding station by adding a wood block overtop of your washer and dryer. Maybe you have always wanted a clothing line! It can be easily installed from one wall to the other. Whatever your heart desires, do not hold back in your design. Find an easy project and go for it.

We hope that these four tips and tricks help you to stay organized. For more organizational tips and expert advice, be sure to check out our blog hub at Fulton Homes.

Guide to Buying The Perfect Couch

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There is nothing better than curling up on the sofa for a bit of relaxation at the end of a long day. If your couch is nothing more than a “make-do” piece of furniture, you probably will not get the same level of satisfaction. Believe it or not, buying a couch should not be an impulsive purchase because it will be one of the most used pieces of furniture in your home. If you want a sofa that stands the test of time, here is the ultimate guide for buying the perfect couch.

Comfort
Comfort is an important factor when shopping for a sofa. You will find that with a new couch, what you see and feel is usually what you will get. That is why you should take a look at what is going on underneath the upholstery. The couch you end up purchasing should have an excellent support structure as well as expert quality and craftsmanship. These factors can be a big indicator of what you can expect for its lifespan.

Proportion
It is also vital for your new sofa to be able to fit the dimensions of the designated area; therefore, you will need to take into account the shape and size of the space. When you find a sofa that you think will fit inside the area, be sure to mark its measurements. Make sure you leave enough room to be able to create a walkway as well as an inviting conversational area. Also, the sofa should be proportionate to the size of the room. If you have a small living room, a huge couch will not leave enough room for anything else. Keep in mind these different factors while determining your purchase.

Function
If you have a family, you will want your sofa to be able to seat everyone in the household. Consider opting for two sofas that can fit together like an L-shape or even a sectional couch. Sectional couches should be upholstered in a durable fabric that is easier to maintain.

Frame
A sturdy frame is essential for a long lasting couch. Sofas with a high-quality wooden frame are best. A pine or greenwood frame are less quality pieces of wood which warp over time. The frame should be secured together with nails as opposed to staples.

Filling
Foam cushions are popular because they are inexpensive, but they deflate almost instantly. The most expensive filling will consist of feathers. The seat cushion should be firm and regain its shape immediately when you rise. You can sample a couch’s structure inside of a showroom by seeing how its shape refills.

Let your home be your escape from everything stressful, and you can begin the journey by choosing ideal furniture pieces like a cozy couch.

For more expert tips and tricks, be sure to visit our blog hub at Fulton Homes. Thanks for reading!