Tag Archives: decorating

Tips for Adding Color to a Gray Color Scheme

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Do you feel stuck with your all-gray color scheme? Well, it is time to unlock the magic hidden in this cool-toned hue. Grey is so much more than just a combination of black and white. In fact, this color scheme is versatile, and there are numerous possibilities for designing it to compliment your home’s interior. In fact, although grey is considered a neutral color, it is much more interesting than white or black. The best way to make a gray room pop is to implement color into the design. In fact, you will find that gray serves as the perfect backdrop for a bold accent color. It also has the power to enhance more subtle hues as well as frame colors. The color palettes are virtually limitless. Look at some of the ways you can use add color to a gray room.

Soft Furnishings

If you find that your taste is subject to change from time to time, gray is the perfect backdrop for ever-changing designs. Use bright colors such as orange, blue, and yellow as accent colors in your soft furnishings. Whether you are designing a living room or bedroom, you can select soft furnishings like pillows, curtains, and comforter sets that feature unique patterns and bright hues.

Metallics

You do not have to just stick to traditional color palettes. In a dull room, find the perfect area to install a copper panel, or you can opt for metallic fixtures. Add an extra dimension to the room with accessories such as pendant lights and place settings. When paired against gray, metal is able to take center stage.

Electic Patterns

When adding some spice to the gray room, combine colors with eclectic patterns to further add emphasis to the room’s design. You can even mix different patterns within the space while the gray walls further highlight the decor. Area rugs, couch slipcovers, and other types of textiles add variety.

Using Texture

Be sure to add some colorful texture to your cool gray rooms. For instance, you can combine natural stone, distressed wood, and plush accessories against your gray walls to add dimensions.

What ways would you add a pop of flair to an all-gray room? Let us know below in the comment section.

Five Brilliant Ways to Design Your Great Room

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The term “great room” gets thrown around very often as an interchangeable word with “family room.” However, there are several key differences. A great room is typically in the front of your home and adjacent to the kitchen. It traditionally will have your family room and living room as one with a little higher of a ceiling. These large rooms are great for giving a more mid-century modern floorplan with an open layout. However, some people seem to get profoundly baffled on how to design and decorate these rooms. For instance, boundaries and walls are great for establishing space, yet in a space so grand, it can become challenging. Have no fear, though, because we are going to show you five of the key tricks used for decorating these spaces. Let’s get started!

Scale

Your room should be decorated to scale. Putting too much furniture or little furniture can make the room look chaotic or just plain empty. To avoid this, you need to consider what are the appropriate distances. Keep walkways open, avoid clutter, and create the illusion of space through balance and proportion.

Visual Boundaries

Your room is going to be lacking boundaries; however, you can still create sections in the room. If you want half the great room to be the living room while the other half be a dining room, you can create these boundaries with your furniture. Sectionals are also great tools for creating visual boundaries and pathways. You can even use area rugs or décor to help direct eyes to different areas and distinguish both areas individually.

Size Matters

Pay attention to the size of your furniture. High rise ceilings need taller furniture. Too short of furniture can make the room feel off and awkward. You can use your windows or other architectural lines to help gauges heights that you will want to reach.

Importance of Color

Color is a vital tool used in interior design. Color can have a significant impact on how the room looks and feels. Make sure you incorporate a fair share of color into your space. You can add color through throw pillows, wall art, area rugs, and décor pieces to help spruce up the atmosphere.

Do Not Trace the Borders

A common mistake is putting furniture on each wall. You have the freedom to create boundaries. Do not just trace your room. Use coaches and chairs to help create walkways and “rooms” within your room. This step will make your space feel larger and more open than tracing the walls with your furniture.  

Decorating a great room can feel like a daunting task at first. However, with these five tricks and a little patience, you can design your dream oasis. For more insight on designing your home, make sure to subscribe!

Adding Zen to Your Home

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Zen in interior design refers to the balance of relaxation and harmony. In today’s hectic society, our homes should be our safe havens and a place of comfort. Therefore, adding a little more zen to the atmosphere is a great way to incorporate more peace and relaxation at home. Though zen is not bound by strict guidelines, it is the ability to obtain tranquility in your home, and there are several great ways in which you can go about this. Here are the top ways to create a zen-influenced atmosphere:

Comfort

To begin creating tranquility in the room, you must start with elements of comfort. This feature can be the textures you add to the space. Consider adding a soft rug, comfortable throw pillows, or cozy blankets. A little bit of comfort can go a long way with creating zen.

Natural Light and Elements

Zen is derived from the roots and comfort of nature. Many ancient oriental philosophies in design are core-rooted in natural elements. Consider having natural light in your room as much as possible. You should also incorporate all different types of plants, woods, or stones in your design. Even running water can help add tranquility to the environment.

Simplicity

While all these are great for helping to create your design, always remember that less can be more. Most zen atmospheres thrive off a minimalist approach. Too much clutter can cause chaos in your home. Having fewer objects can be a great way to open up your environment and allow natural energy to flow.

Plants

When incorporating natural elements, do not forget plants! Plants can help rejuvenate a space and give a breath of fresh air. They are natural air purifiers while also giving homage to elements of nature. In fact, every great zen space will facilitate some plant life in the atmosphere.

Eliminate Electronic Disturbances

Lastly, if you are creating a zen room, consider eliminating electronics. Too often, we get overwhelmed by technology today. Therefore, having a place to escape in your own home is vital. So try to limit too much electronic disturbance in your home to help conquer zen in your design.

These tricks are great for helping to achieve a more peaceful atmosphere in your home. Remember, zen is a great tool for anyone to facilitate in their design. While it may not be for your entire home, this design trick can still help create an area to escape to in your home.

Do-It-Yourself Christmas Décor for the Whole Family

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It is Christmas time, and we are getting to spend more time with our loved ones. Use this opportunity to help build memories by participating in fun activities featuring creative DIY Christmas décor. Plus, you can let the children join in to make it an all-around fun family activity. Enjoy the spirit of Christmas throughout your home with these five simple DIY Christmas décor ideas:

Ornaments

There are hundreds of fun ways to decorate your tree. You can color-theme your ornaments, add candy canes, pictures, garland, and so much more. Personalize your tree, even more, this year by adding your own bulbs. Get the family together, and have everyone can paint their own bulbs. You can draw cool patterns or funny pictures. This idea is an excellent activity for the whole family. Plus, you will have the memory for years to come.

Mini Wreaths

Mini wreaths are fun, festive décor pieces that you can be used throughout your whole home. Plus, there are hundreds of creative ways in which you can make these wreaths. From rosemary, pinecones, cranberries, marshmallows, and even garland, you can let everyone put their own original spin on their wreaths.

Decorate the Stockings

Decorating your stockings is another excellent way to prepare for the holidays. You can even make stockings for your pets and get creative. Use glitter glue, paint, and other artsy accessories to personalize each stocking! After you are all done, make sure to display them on your fire mantle for everyone to see (and for Santa to find)!

Paper Snowflakes

Are you looking for an expensive do-it-yourself project? Try making paper snowflakes. Simply fold a paper into fourths and cut out a unique design. When you are done, hang your snowflakes around the home with string to make your own Christmas wonderland.

Gingerbread House

Gingerbread men and houses are fun for all ages. Let everyone decorate and create their very own gingerbread man/woman. You can all work together, putting your own touches onto the gingerbread house as well. Display the house and cookies and enjoy eating them after the holiday!

These fun activities can help you start getting into the holiday mindset. Use this time to bond and spend time with your loved ones. These activities are great and fun for the whole family. What are some of your favorite seasonal projects? Let us know below in the comment section and remember to subscribe!

Tips & Tricks for Decorating Your Coffee Table

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Most living rooms are traditionally set up with seating, some end tables, and your coffee table. However, how you decorate your coffee table can say a lot about your style. If you are looking to spruce up your living room, it can be the perfect place to start. Here are some general rules to consider when decorating your coffee table:

Less Is More

Your coffee table is very exposed, and this makes clutter on your table more noticeable. If your coffee table is already home to your remotes or magazines, you may want to consider finding these belongings a new home. Less is more when it comes to decorating your coffee table. You want to add just enough to make a statement without adding clutter.

Complement Color Palette

Your décor may not be the highlight point of the room, but it can enhance your design. Choose décor that complements your overall design, and try to keep your color ratio to the room in check with your décor.

Rule of Threes

When decorating your coffee table, consider the rule of threes. It can be visually-appealing to have three pieces of décor. These should be offset to make a triangle shape. Additionally, you should have a variety of sizes for your décor. Consider having a large, medium, and small element for your design to look complete.

Coffee Tray

Coffee trays and coffee tables go together like salt and pepper. Find a stylish coffee tray to help the aesthetics of your table. While being stylish, they should also provide a functional aspect to the room and can be very convenient to access.

Seasonal Change

Help keep your home fresh and up-to-date by adding seasonal décor. You will want to try to make your décor complementary to the season. In fact, the coffee table is the perfect spot in your living room to swap out with seasonal décor regularly. From Christmas to Easter and everything in between, your coffee table is the ideal place to showcase your décor.

Your coffee table provides a realm of possibilities to help spruce up your design, so make sure you are facilitating this useful piece of furniture in your home. We hope that these tricks will bring your coffee table to the next level. Let us know some of your favorite décor pieces in the comments below, and make sure to subscribe.

Dorm Room Decor Ideas

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Starting college can be stressful and intimidating at first. Since your dorm room is where you will be spending a good sum of your time, you can ease into the transition of college by making your dorm room feel more like home. College probably means you do not have a large budget, so designing your dorm room can be a bit challenging. If you are going to spend money, make sure you put it in the right places. Here are three ideas worth investing in to upgrade your dorm room:

Pictures 

Pictures can express yourself and give meaning to your room. Most dorm rooms will come in a very neutral color palleted walls and flooring. You probably cannot paint your walls, but you can add pictures! Add life with colorful and meaningful images. You can make a gallery wall above your bed or invest in one impactful photo. You can even have some of your favorite photos of your friends and family printed out onto canvases and hung in your dorm. Pictures are a great way to transform a boring space and tailor it to you. 

Rug 

Add warmth and comfort to your space by investing in a rug. You do not need to spend an arm and leg on a nice area rug. Find one that can help add comfort to your space. Remember, rugs can stain, so you will want to be cognitive on what you and your roommate do in your room after the investment (i.e., eating on the rug).

Comforter 

Your dorm is probably shared with a roommate. You both are perhaps putting elements into your space to make it more welcoming. Your bed is your personal space. Investing in a comforter that expresses you can make your dorm feel more personal. While you both may hang pictures or put décor around the atmosphere, your bed is directly and personally tied to you. Make a statement with some fun sheets, pillows, and comforter. 

These three investments are simple ways to help make your dorm room feel like home. Do not wait to personalize your room; find areas you want to improve and add a splash of you. You will not regret it.

Timeless Decorating Tips

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When it comes to style, some of us can have short attention spans. Current trends in design easily catch our eye, and we cannot wait to mimic them; however, we understand that trends come and go. The key is finding the right balance by creating a timeless design with decor. Timeless decor never goes out of style, and best of all, it provides a classic look that will still look beautiful years from now! 

The great thing about curating a timeless design is that it serves as the perfect background, allowing you to implement other types of styles. Here are some few tips to help you achieve a timeless look while throwing in some trendier pieces:

Stylish Yet Functional

Large furniture pieces like your sofa, you no doubt plan on having it for many, many years to come. Therefore, you will want to select well-constructed, quality pieces. Since you will have this furniture for a while, you also want to make sure it is super comfortable. Additionally, be sure that the style of the furniture is not too trendy but also not dull. Search for items that are classically beautiful but will provide that timeless look that will transcend time.  

Keep the Colors Neutral 

Neutral color tones are the epitome of timelessness. In fact, neutral shades can work with just about any color or style. Such color palettes will give off a fresh feel that looks up-to-date no matter what is currently in style. Off-whites, beiges, and grays are some neutral colors that have stayed powerful. Trendy colors can be used in spurts as a featured piece. In fact, they look great against traditional neutral shades.  

Steer Clear

Since a timeless design is also classic, you will want to avoid over-decorating. Do not invest in pieces with busy patterns, shapes, and that are too oversized. If you are set on spicing things up, you can incorporate such bold colors and patterns in accent pieces and accessories.  

Mix Things up 

Timeless does not mean boring. Try mixing up the elements in your home. Combine decor items from different eras to keep things interesting.  

Creating a timeless look in your decor does not have to be complicated. Remember, to keep your furnishing functional, utilize neutral colors with clean lines, and add trendy colors as accents. In the end, it is all about personality and what you love best.

Simple Decorating Tips to Transform a Room

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Now that you have purchased a home from Fulton Homes, we have several tips listed below for decorating your new home! The process for decorating your home can be overwhelming, and we are going to share a few tips to give your home that new look without breaking the bank. The key is to think outside of the box without spending a massive amount of money. Here is how:

Decorate One Wall Inexpensively

An inexpensive way to decorate one entire wall is to purchase frames that are white and insert black and white photographs inside of them. This design tip is timeless and will look like a professional crafted your gallery wall. If you are looking for a little more color or personalization, you can swap out photos that you took of flowers or other outdoor inspiration. It can be perfect for embracing summertime in your home decor.

Hanging a Shelf

If you have a narrow room, hang a long shelf or mantel to display a collection or various accessories and decor pieces. It helps utilize the wall space while adding a pop to color to your design.

Hanging a Mirror

Mirrors will instantly change the look of a room by making it look larger. This trick will reflect natural and artificial light, including patterns and color, and brings the outdoors into the room.

Add a Rug to the Room

This step will add an instant change to your room. All you need to do is add an area rug to the living space. If you want a clean feeling rug, add a natural fiber area rug to the space. For a more dramatic exotic feel, add an animal rug like a zebra, cow or lion print.

Add Pillows, Pillows, and More Pillows

Pillows are an easy and inexpensive way to change the entire look of a room. By adding pillows to your sofa and accent chairs, you can create a cozy and chic environment. Believe us; this easy and quick fix will change the look of any sofa, chair, or bed alike.

Paint a Closet

This is an easy fix if you have leftover paint that you would like to use. Paint the interior of a closet, so you have a pleasant surprise when you open the door!

Paint an Accent Wall

Paint an accent wall in bold strips horizontally, diagonally or vertically for a designer’s dream. This is an easy update that will add WOW to any room!

We would love to hear how decorating your new home goes, so please let us know below in the comment section.

Design Inspiration – Colors

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Color provides a terrific design inspiration for a room’s décor, and there is no room that can take advantage of color better than a child’s room.

In our second installment on using various inspirations to start your design plans, we’re taking a look at a seven-year-old’s bedroom. She and her mother visited a contemporary accessory store and she chose the colors you see here for her room. Her mother snapped a photo of their choices and shared it with the designer.

If you look at the final room below, you’ll notice that the colors aren’t a perfect match. In order to create a space that would grow with her, the designer added warm brown furniture and the softening influence of light blue. She also turned to a yellower green for accents.

However, in terms of mood and message, the colors in the photo are present in this space. Once again, don’t think of an inspiration as an exact reproduction in a design. Instead, it’s a starting point.

The final room also picks up the floral elements from the original photo without going overboard. The diagonal blue-washed wood flooring is an interesting variation on the whitewashed wood floor in the photo.

With a sophisticated color palette such as this one, a change of paint and bedding can help this bedroom grow as the child does, making it work well into her teenage years.

Are you drawn to certain colors and color combinations? How about visiting a favorite furniture, fabric or accessory store to experiment with new color combinations for your home? If you like the way they look in a small format, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy them when moved up to room size!

Enrich Your Dining Room with Built-in Buffet

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If you would like a buffet or china cabinet in your dining room but don’t want to sacrifice the space, a built-in might be the right solution for you.

If you choose to go in this direction, take a look at this successful installation from Fulton Home’s Tehama model in the Victoria Estates community. Here are a few design tips to help create a successful built-in buffet in your home.

Stay consistent: If your built-in will be stained wood, make sure it has the same basic tone as any other wood in the room. Notice that the table and chairs complement the buffet, while a touch of glaze on the cabinetry separates it from the other wood in the room.

Keep the furniture look: The height and depth variation in the buffet along with the floor molding help this piece read like furniture in the dining room rather than a traditional built-in. The inset is also a different height from the ceiling, wrapping itself around the piece as though the alcove was made for the buffet rather than the other way around.

Manage your flooring: Using tile or stone flooring to help contrast these beautiful wood cabinets, dining table, and chairs  will look better than wood flooring. Also, while it might be tempting to add an area rug, the location of the rug’s edge could affect people’s ability to walk comfortably next to the buffet.

Stay coordinated but not matchy-matchy: The rich rust on the walls, the soft taupe curtains, the artwork, and accessories pull all of the room’s elements together. Using a granite countertop for the buffet, the antique rattan chairs at the head and foot of the table also create an individualized look for both elements in the dining room.

By adding this built-in, the homeowner gained a generous amount of storage, a great solution for entertaining family and guests, and an additional sense of drama for the room itself. Consider built-ins when you make design plans. You may find them to be just the right solution for your home.