A Garage Makeover

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If you have a garage, you probably just use it for parking your car; however, there is so much more potential for your garage than viewing it as just “a space.” Consider your garage as part of your home, if you are okay with parking outside or have extra space in your garage, here are some awesome garage improvement ideas!
 
  • Storage Shed
Usually, the secondary use for a garage is storage. Do not just make it a cluttered mess though. Building shelves is a great way to maximize your space and optimize your organization. Hang bikes from the ceiling with hooks, and put sporting equipment in bins and baskets. Try to separate items, perhaps splitting up the outdoor garden and lawn care equipment from fun outdoor activity storage.
 
  • Workshop
Build your garage into your workshop. Have a workbench and a place for your toolbox. You can even use a pegboard to hang your tools as well and even create it into a shadow board, so you know when something is missing. Tailor your workshop to the work that you will be doing in there. If you enjoy carpentry, add room for your saws and install an easy-to-clean sawdust floor. Whereas, if you plan on working on your car in there, you may want flooring that is slip resistant or can easily remove oil.
  • Mancave
Make your garage your getaway retreat from home. Install whatever you desire in your new mancave! Put seating and your favorite form of entertainment. Whether you put a billiards table, television, video games, or bar, make sure your entertainment can handle the room temperature. If you live in an area with extreme heat conditions, you may need to invest in insulation and a temperature control unit.
  • Home Gym
Put some rubber floor down or keep it concrete. Your garage will make the perfect spot for your home gym. Not only will this save you on dragging heavy gym equipment into your home, but your garage can handle the weight. Put a folding squat rack on the wall to tuck away when not in use. There is so much new weight equipment being design today for your garage space in mind. You can even some mirrors up and a treadmill and be ready to go. Design your gym to tailor your training style.
 
As you can see, there are many more uses for a garage than just parking your car inside of it. Try creating a space that will accommodate to your desires. You can do your whole garage or split it in half. Be creative when designing your garage and remember it is part of your home, so use it!

Simple Ideas for Decorating

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Have you ever entered a room and been instantly drawn to its decor? There is just something about that space, and you cannot quite put your finger on it. How does one master the art of decorating? Is it a trait you are born with having? While these questions may be going through your mind, we are here to assure you that you can master the art of decorating with our eight simple ideas. Then you too can have the space that everyone is desiring. Let’s take a look!  

Simple Ideas for Decorating:

1. Your Reflection. 

Mirrors are a designer’s best friend. They reflect natural light to create a more open, brighter space. Plus, you can incorporate some stylish mirrors to feature a beautiful twist on the classic look. 

2. Always Accessorize. 

Another easy way to add style to your space is through accessories. Chic clocks, modern art, and rustic lights are examples of accessories that can add personality and style. 

3. Go Green.

Greenery can add life and beauty to your room without taking away from the other decor. You can even incorporate plants in different ways. From hanging plants to windowsill succulents, you can create a homey feel with added greenery. 

4. Au Naturale. 

If you are lucky enough to have it, natural light can be a considerable asset inside of your space. Not only does natural light brighten up the space, but it can help make your room feel more open and big. And in turn, a more open space feels more inviting for guests. Just be sure to use the proper type of curtains to ensure you are letting in light. For example, sheer curtains can be stylish and functional for allowing natural light to flow throughout the space. 

5. Splash of Color. 

While neutrals are soothing and a traditional choice, there is something special about a splash of color inside of a room. With a tasteful addition, you can add personality and style to your space just by incorporating some color. From a bold bedspread to an electrifying sitting chair, the options for adding color are endless. Just be sure to limit yourself. You want to be sure that the room is not overwhelmed by the amount of color. 

6. Be Bold. 

Decorating is your chance to be unique. Be bold and different with your design and let your creativity go wild. You can even gain inspiration from others through online boards, magazines, and television shows. 

7. Texturized. 

Texture can help add dimension to your space. You can incorporate visually stimulating pieces that have a soft or unique texture. For example, blankets, pillows, and rugs can be used for style, but they can also be used to add texture and detail. 

8. Clear out Chaos. 

The best way to make your design plans go the furthest is to clear out any clutter. Make sure countertops are clear off non-decorative pieces and try to keep your space clean and clutter-free.  

We hope you enjoyed these tips! Be sure to check back weekly for more. 

Tips for Cleaning & Organizing Your Garage

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A garage is a great, functional space that can serve many purposes. It is a place to keep your car, store outdoor gear and unused furniture, and keep an extra refrigerator or freezer. Keeping a garage clean is challenging yet vital. Things can get messy quick, and if a lot of stuff is stored there or it is used as a workshop, it can be a bit challenging to keep it clean and organized. To help, we provided a few tips for keeping your garage clean and organized. Let’s take a look. 
 
The first step in cleaning a garage is emptying it of basically everything. Once it is clear, you can begin the task of cleaning. As you clear out the garage, it is also an opportunity to start the organization process. You can stack the items according to what you want to store together once the garage is clean.
 
After the garage is cleared, it is time to start cleaning. It is wise to start from the top and to work your way down. Spiders and creepy crawly bugs are known to live in garages, and the ceiling corners are a favorite spot for spiders and their cobwebs that come along with them. Many people use a broom to reach those high corners, and clear them of cobwebs and any other unwanted thing that has found a home in that space. You can also brush light fixtures and check the garage door hardware for build-up or mechanical defects. 
 
After you have done a thorough cleaning and checked the ceiling and items that are high, it is time to pay attention to the walls. You can use a large sponge to wash the walls and windows. The next area of focus would be the floors. With a good mop and warm, soapy water, you can mop the garage floor. There will probably be some hard to remove stains, and a wire brush can sometimes work for scrubbing stains. If not, there is always the option of buying a commercial oil stain remover.
 
The final step is organizing the garage. Some favorite items used for storage in a garage are mounted ceiling hooks, wall shelves, and stacking containers. An effective way to organize is to group items by how frequently they are used. Three categories you might consider are long-term storage items, seasonal items, and items that are regularly used throughout the year. Once you have categorized your items, you can store the long-term storage items at the back of the storage space, and seasonal or often used items towards the front of the storage space making them easily accessible.
 
It is incredible how much difference a clean and well-organized garage makes. These are just a few ideas to help with the process. 
 
Are you an organizing expert? We would love for you to share your advice and expertise with other readers in the comment section. Thanks for reading! 

10 Packing & Moving Tips

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Congratulations on your brand new Fulton Home! This is an exciting moment. Owning a new home rewards homeowners with exciting change and unique opportunities for design. But for some, moving can seem like an overwhelming project. To help comfort you on moving day, we want to share our top ten packing and moving tips so you can have ease of mind. Let’s take a look! 

10 Packing and Moving Tips: 

1. Get The Packing Supplies + Moving Accommodations. 

Before you begin packing, you want to prepare for the move by gathering all of your supplies and finishing your moving accommodations. Accommodations can include a moving day schedule, the truck rental, moving route, etc. Once you have everything organized, you can begin packing. 

2. Load The Moving Truck in Order. 

If you decide to rent a moving truck and load it yourself, you will want to follow a distinct order when loading the truck. All heavy items will go in first. You want your boxes to cap off at around 50 pounds (any bigger may cause tearing in the box or an issue with lifting). After your truck is almost full, you want to load your essential items in last. These items can include cell phone chargers, toothbrushes, etc. 

3. Add a Protective Barrier. 

Sometimes, you can use the budget-friendly alternative of bubblewrap by utilizing extra socks, pillowcases, and linens to fill out the box. These items will help to add a protective layer without costing an extra dime! 

4. Write an Inventory List. 

You may find it valuable to write an inventory list before you move. The list will say what each box contains inside of it.

5. Leave Dressers as Is. 

Instead of purchasing extra boxes and taking up room in the moving truck, you will want to leave your contents inside of your dressers and tape up the outside of it. This allows you to unpack easier once you get to your new place. 

6. Have Important Documents on Hand. 

There is no better person to trust than yourself with essential records and documents. Do not rely on movers or family members to hold onto your important papers. Take them with you in your hands during the move to ensure their safety. 

7. Buy Heavy-Duty Trash Bags.

The last thing you want on moving day is a torn or ripped trash bag. Be sure to invest in heavy-duty bags for moving day to ensure everything gets there safely. 

8. Organize Items by Room. 

Your boxes should be organized by room. This will help make unpacking more manageable and ensure that everything is kept in place. 

9. Ask for Help.

Moving can be overwhelming and stressful. There is nothing wrong with asking for a little help from family and friends. Promise them something like a pizza dinner if they help you with the move. The odds are that they will pitch in and be willing to help! 

10. Keep Tools Nearby. 

Lastly, you are going to have to reassemble furniture once you get to the new place. Be sure to keep your toolbox nearby and ready for use by keeping it with you during moving day. 

For more advice and expert tips, be sure to check out our other blog posts at https://proudtobuild.com. 

How to Style a Coffee Table

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The coffee table just may be the most neglected piece of furniture in the living room. It is much more than just a place to set the remote and magazines. In fact, all the swoon-worthy living rooms that you see in home decor magazines and on social media have one thing in common, a chic coffee table. That is right, with the right accessories, you can make your living room coffee table become the focal point of the room. Let’s see how!
 
How to Style a Coffee Table: 
  • Make a Statement. 
It is always great to have a coffee table that makes a statement all on its own. From intricately shaped legs to bold hues with patterns, there are so many different coffee tables on the market. If you want to add some interest to your living room, choose a table that helps to make a statement and add to the overall design. 
 
  • Chic Basket.
Baskets and coffee tables mesh together well. Not only are baskets super functional because they help collect your tabletop items and create a sense of organization, but you can use them to create chic vignettes. Start off, by picking out an eye-catching basket, organize a few objects within the catch-all, and top things off by adding a scented candle and small vase with flowers.
 
  • Style with Books.
Believe it or not, books are more than just a reading material. Did you know that they are interior designers’ go-to accessory? Books, specifically, can add dimensions to the coffee table’s flat surface. Whether it is just one book or a stack of them, they add style to the tabletop, especially when you incorporate in a few accessories like tray or basket. For an easy and clean look, stack books within the same color scheme. You can also go bold and mix together books with different palettes or patterns.
 
  • Accent with A Game. 
One unique way to dress up your coffee table is to accent it with a game board like a collector’s chess set, oversized dominoes, or tic tac toe set.
 
  • The Space Underneath.
Do not forget about the space underneath your coffee table. You can stylishly stash throw pillows or accent it with chic stools.
 
There are numerous ways you can dress up your coffee table. Get creative and make the design special to you. 

Everything You Need in Your Guest Room

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While most hotels have mastered the art of creating the perfect hosting retreat, have you ever stayed at a hotel which did not accommodate your needs? There are a couple of amenities that are essential in order to keep you comfortable during your stay. Guestrooms are like hotel rooms, and they can be designed like them. Here is everything you need to consider when creating your guest room.
 
Everything You Need in Your Guest Room:
  • Bed
Hotels invest in your comfort and it is important to do the same for your guests. Comfy throw blankets and pillows are necessary for creating a dream escape. We do not recommend adding blankets that you never use in your guest bedroom because how someone sleeps will be key to how they see their entire stay. Make sure you keep your guest sheets clean and provide extra pillows and blankets when needed. Everyone has different comfort zones with temperature; therefore, providing extra blankets is never a bad idea.
  • Nightstands and a Place for Clothes
You are going to want to have nightstands on either side of the bed, if possible. Nightstands are perfect for your guest to set their cell phones and other belongings on before bed. Also, having an empty dresser or closet can be important. Depending on how long your guest is staying; they are going to want to unpack their clothes. Be sure to provide hangers and a place to hang their jackets or purses when they enter the room. 
  • Outlets and Electronics
Consider where all outlets are located prior to setting up the room. Try to allow lamps to sit on the nightstands so that your company can read at night. You also need to make outlets easily accessible to plug in cell phone chargers and other electronics that your guest may have. A clock is a must for your guestroom. You may want to get an alarm clock for guest to be able to set for their convenience. 
  • Tissues and Wastebin
Tissues should be easy to find and access in your guestroom. You will want to make sure you keep them stocked before your guest arrives. Also, have an easy to find wastebin in the room so your guest can throw away their tissues or any other waste they may have.
 
  • Toiletries and Towels
Depending on your home’s layout, you may have a bathroom for them to use. Once they arrive, show them where they can find the bathroom. Also, you may want to provide fresh towels and all needed toiletries. Make sure you have toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, and soap for your guest. You should also provide a face towel and even a blow dryer if possible. Lastly, we recommend having a full-size mirror in your guest room for them to check themselves before they leave. 
 
Creating your guest room can be a fun task. Keep in mind everything you use daily and how your guest room accommodates for this. Provide clean sheets, towels, and empty waste bins before your guest arrives. Providing a comfortable stay for your friends and family is a key element to hosting and will keep your guest happy.

Easy Tricks for Bedroom Organization

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Has your bedroom’s organization gotten out-of-hand lately? Are you struggling to find a place for everything? Do not worry! With our top five tips, you can reclaim your space and have it looking great. Let’s take a look! 

Easy Tricks for Bedroom Organization: 

1. Start off The Day Right. 

There is nothing better than coming home to a freshly made bed. Make your mother proud by setting aside time in the morning to make your bed. Not only will it help you to keep the rest of the room organized, but it will also feel great to lay down in a made bed each night. 

2. Declutter Your Life. 

You cannot begin the organization process until you have removed excess clutter from your bedroom. A good rule of thumb is to remove anything that you do not need or use. Whether it is old clothing or shoes you never wear, put it in a box to donate. Not only will someone benefit from your donation, but you will have far fewer items to organize once you remove unwanted/unused items. 

3. Every Square Inch.

There is a lot of extra space to be utilized for storage purposes. The space, underneath your bed and over your doorway, can be taken advantage of for extra storage. We even recommend adding shelving and hooks on your walls for the maximum amount of storage. If you currently do not have space under your bed, you can purchase a bed riser to accomplish this elevation. 

4. Out with The Old. 

Once you have decluttered your room, it is time to organize your closet. You want to only have items inside of your bedroom closet that actually belong in there. This will help the closet to stay organized and efficient. Afterward, we recommend buying a couple of closet organizers and even a shoe rack to tame the mess. You can even store last season’s clothing items in a box underneath your bed for extra room inside of your closet. 

5. Bedside Dreams. 

Your nightstand’s organization should be taken into consideration when you are purchasing it. If it only serves as a decorative piece, pass for now and move onto a more functional piece of furniture. Ideally, you will want a nightstand that has drawers for organization and storage. You can remove the clutter from the stand’s surface and store it inside of the nightstand. Items like tissues, notepads, books, and beauty essentials should be stored inside of the drawers for a more organized look and feel. 

We hope you enjoyed these five easy tricks for better bedroom organization. Check back weekly for more expert advice! 

Organizing Your Refrigerator

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While whipping up a fast family dinner, your refrigerator can get messy and out of sorts. To help keep things looking crisp and clean, you can follow our five tips for maximum fridge organization. 

How to Organize Your Refrigerator: 

Tip No. One: Let’s Make it Clear.

An easy way to find the things that you are looking for is to put the items in clear bins. Your fridge probably already has a few clear drawers installed, but it is never too late to add more clear bins. They can help you organize and maintain your food system without breaking the bank. Add the bins on top of your shelves to help organize any clutter. 

Tip No. Two: Groupings.  

To navigate quickly throughout your refrigerator, you will want to organize items by category. Place fruits in one bin/drawer and dairy items in a different bin/drawer. Make sure your family is clear on the system and encourage them to put things in the correct spot. 

Tip No. Three: The No-No Zone.

Dairy should not be placed in your refrigerator’s door, because the air and temperatures fluctuate a little too often for comfort. To keep your dairy products safe, make sure you have a place on the shelves for them.

Tip No. Four: The Safe Zone.

Meats can contaminate your other food products if they come into contact. A good way to prevent any dripping or contamination is to place your meat products on the lowest shelf possible. 

Tip No. Five: Labeled. 

Keep track of eggs, milk, and meat expiration dates by writing them on the product. You will only need to write on one egg and it will be the last egg you use. For example: if you buy a dozen eggs and they expire on August 17, you will write “August 17” on one of the dozen eggs. Throughout the week, you will use every egg except for the “August 17” egg. You want that to be the last egg that you will use. This will help you efficiently keep track of your egg’s expiration dates. Your other products you can simply use duck tape and a permanent marker to write down their expiration dates on their packaging. 

Have you found any personal organization tips that work for you and your family? We would love to hear about them in the comment section! 

Bedroom Hacks for a Better Night’s Rest

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A good night’s rest is essential for a happy and healthy lifestyle, but is your bedroom affecting the quality of your sleep? If so, here are seven hacks to help you have a better night’s rest. 

Bedroom Hacks for a Better Night’s Rest: 

1. Embrace a Calming Color Palette. 

Believe it or not, but color can truly impact the way we feel and the amount of energy we have. By selecting the right shades for your room, you can completely transform the way it makes you feel. Expert designers recommend choosing relaxing hues like earthy tones, light blues, and subtle greens to help create a more calming oasis. 

2. Escape The Disruptions. 

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things inside of a bedroom that can disrupt your quality of sleep. Things like electronics, bright lights, and loud noises. To avoid these disruptive characteristics, we recommend following these simple tips: 

    1. Try to remove all electronics from your bedroom. We understand that this can be difficult and in some cases, unfeasible. But if you have the chance, try to remove as many electronics as you can. You may be surprised by the restful night of sleep you have after you do. 
    2. Loud noises can be another disruptive characteristic in bedrooms. If you are looking to drown out unwanted sounds, you can invest in a white noise machine or even utilize a fan. 
    3. Lastly, having too much lighting in a room can really affect the quality of your sleep. To help ensure that you are not bothered by the heavy lighting, we recommend getting an eye mask or even blackout curtains. These two items will help reduce the amount of light in your eyes while you try and fall asleep. 

3. Clear Clutter. 

A cluttered life can lead to a cluttered mind. After a long, stressful day of work, the last thing you want to do is clean your bedroom before you go to sleep. To help reduce the stress after work, we recommend keeping your surfaces clear of clutter. A good rule of thumb to follow is that you can only have three items on each surface at a time. For example, your bedside table may hold your phone, glass of water, and a light fixture. By following this simple tip, you will be able to unwind and clear your mind from a long, hard day.  

4. Discover The Right Temperature. 

Your bedroom’s temperature can truly affect your quality of sleep. In fact, sleep.org recommends homeowners to keep their thermostat between 60 and 67 degrees at night. This cool temperature can help your body transition into the sleep cycle. 

5. Find The Perfect Pillow.  

Have you ever slept somewhere that did not have the best pillows? It probably affected the quality of sleep you had for the night. Be sure to buy pillows that are best suited for yourself and always replace them when it is time. 

6. Smell Relaxation. 

Breathing scents of relaxation can help put your mind and body at ease. To help encourage relaxation, we recommend trying to incorporate scents like vanilla or lavender. You can purchase these scents in lotions, linen sprays, fabric softeners, candles, and diffusers to help you become more relaxed. 

7. Unwind.

You want to be sure that you give yourself some time to unwind each night. Whether it is taking a warm bath, reading a good book, or writing your thoughts in a journal, decompressing can be an essential part of a good night’s rest. 

We hope you enjoyed these hacks and have a good night’s rest! 

First Home Decorating Tips

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Congratulations! This is a monumental moment for you. You are officially a first-time homeowner. With owning a home, you will learn that there will be a lot of up’s and down’s (hopefully, mostly up’s). This is finally your chance to make your home unique and personalize it to fit your unique style. While you have always dreamt of the day, it has finally come for you to make your mark on your place. We are here to help you make your mark without breaking the bank. That is why we have created a guide with four tips for decorating your first home. Let’s take a look! 

First-Home Decorating Tips:

1. First Things, First.

Typically, the bedroom is where homeowners spend a majority of their time. Also, it is the least expensive room for you to redecorate. Depending on your budget, you have several options for decor ideas. If you are tight on a budget, we recommend starting with the bed. The coziness of your bed is definitely a top priority. You want your bed to be an escape from everyday life. We recommend starting with your comforter and working your way down to the sheets. If you have leftover cash, you can begin working on the room’s overall decor. Pieces like the curtains, rugs, and decorative finishes can turn your bedroom into a wonderful retreat. 

2. Pace Yourself.

It is exciting to own a new place and we are sure that you have a lot of dreams in place. But before you get too excited, you will want to budget yourself. It can be a great idea to create a check-list of your needs and wants. Before you make any purchases, you want to make sure that you are checking off your “need” list before your “want” list. 

3. Do Not Go Matchy, Matchy.

Design experts recommend steering clear of all matching furniture. Having a completely matching set of furniture can look nice, but it tends to make your home look dull and even staged. Whenever you have the chance, try to incorporate different pieces to spice up the place. 

4. Replace vs. Repurpose.

If you are trying to budget yourself, you will want to focus on making temporary adjustments to your home. By repurposing items, you can save a lot more money than replacing the item completely. For example, if you do not have the budget to replace all of your cabinetry, try repainting it and replacing the hardware until you can afford for a complete update. This is a simple hack to save you more money for a greater investment.

We want to help guarantee that you get the home of dreams. For more information on Fulton homes and check out our main website at http://www.fultonhomes.com.