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!

Curb Appeal Boosting Tips & Tricks

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Imagine: you are driving through a neighborhood, and you begin to pick out the homes that you like. Maybe, you even imagine houses that you have seen in real life. Most likely, those homes have some feature of curb appeal that draws you towards them. Is it a gorgeous landscape? Maybe a beautiful front door? Whatever it may be, there is something special about this home. To help you captivate this look of the house, we have created a list of three curb appeal boosting items that can help you win over the neighborhood. Who knows, by the end of this, maybe your home’s curb appeal will be on someone else’s mind.

Curb Appeal Boosting Tips & Tricks:

  1. A Nice Trimming. If your plant life is overgrown, it can take away from the beauty of our home’s exterior. In order to boost your curb appeal with fresh new flowers, you will need to begin by removing any dead/diseased plants, trimming brushes/hedges/shrubs, and begin to mulch the area. Your home’s garden can play a crucial role in how it is perceived. Luckily, you can spend a weekend getting it back into shape.
  2. Establish a Focal Point. Just like with the interior, you will want to establish a focal point on the exterior of your home. Traditionally speaking, a focal point is what you want to catch the most attention. It can really be any element of your yard if done correctly. In fact, it can be as simple as a bright blue front door. Whatever you decide to be your focal point, go in with full dedication. Do not hold back.
  3. Be Different. In styling your home, it is easy to follow trends and go with the most popular ideas but being different is what helps your home to stand out the most. Whether you try incorporating different plants or play with different colors, try to think outside of the box visually. Plus, you can even play with different leveling and heights of plants to help give a more intriguing look.

What is your favorite feature of a home’s exterior? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.

Hosting The Ultimate New Year’s Eve Bash

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Celebrating New Years at your own home can be a convenient, fun, and safe way to party into the New Years.  With 2019 quickly approaching and the holidays amongst us, it can be challenging to find time to prepare for a New Year’s bash.  To help you throw the ultimate bash, we put together a simple checklist to follow. Let’s take a look!

Invitations

People want to have plans and will start making them very soon.  Make sure you invite everyone you want at your New Year’s party before they schedule other engagements.  Decide how big or how small you want your get together to be.  Also, make sure that the space you designated to hold the party is large enough to host as many people as you invited.  You do not want it to feel overwhelming and crowded during the party. 

Food and Beverages

You will want to decide the food and beverages beforehand.  Will you suggest BYOB or will you be providing them?  You probably will want everyone to have a drink to toast into the New Year.  On that note, if you are hosting the party, be prepared to gather everyone’s attention as the New Year countdown begins.  You should have snacks and beverages to last throughout the evening. 

Driving Arrangements

If you supply alcohol, you should consider how your guest will be returning home.  Will you be accommodating for them to spend the night?  As simple as this may sound, going above and beyond and looking out for your guest wellbeing is part of being a good host.  You do not want the evening to end bad, so make sure you find ways for all your guest to get home before the party begins!

Preparing for your New Years is key to hosting a good party.  Consider decorating for your party as well.  A well-thought-out gathering can go a long way.  Make sure to get some fun streamers and 2019 decor.  New Years is a celebration!  Remember to treat it as such.  

Do you have any fun New Year plans?  Let us know in the comments below and remember to stay safe this New Years!