Tag Archives: relaxation in the home

A Fresh Start on Organizing Your Home: Your Calendar

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22422960_SSo, as we move into 2014 and the holiday decorations are down, it’s time to dive into all those plans to organize your life. How about starting with your calendar?

With just a little effort up front, your calendar, whether tangible or online, can be the central planning tool for just you or for your entire family. Here’s how to start.

Select your calendar. If you choose a paper calendar, it should be one that breaks everything down at least by the week, so you have plenty of room for appointment locations and directions if needed. This is where an online calendar comes in handy. Many of them have plenty of space for whatever notes you need to make, as well as the option for reminder emails.

Fill in all family birthdays and special holidays such as anniversaries. Then run through and add all of the standard appointments such as kid sports practices or Monday morning meetings at the office. If there are a number of family members, you might want to assign each one a color so everyone can see their events at a glance.

Place a paper calendar in a good central location, possibly connecting it to a desk drawer with string so it can’t walk away. The kitchen is the best place because everyone walks through there at least once a day. If you keep your calendar on the computer, choose a program such as Google calendar that everyone can log into, so that access is easy.

Finally, make it clear that any appointments or events that are not on the calendar are not part of your responsibility. If a child needs a ride or a spouse wants you to attend a company party, there had better be a note about it on the calendar, after they’ve cleared your part of the task with you, of course. You can also set ground rules, such as that in case of conflicts; the first event posted on the calendar takes precedence, with exceptions to be negotiated individually.

While this is only the beginning of what you have to do to get organized, this small step is an important one in the right direction.

Design Inspiration: Set a Foggy Mood

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14773707_SNow, we’re not talking about a place where you can’t keep your mind focused and aren’t sure where you’re going. Instead, think of it as a soft, misty feeling that is soothing and somewhat private – maybe with screens or curtains hung so that everything is not right in sight when you walk into a room.

Think of grey and white, with maybe just a few glimpses of a strong color once in a while.

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Take a look at the room to the right. The sheer roman shade can come down to hint at what’s outside, and the frosted glass on the French doors keep the next room half hidden.

There are a few surprises awaiting you as you move into the space. Only the bright green plants and the black clock in the corner provide any density of color and tone, just as a glimpse of a tree or flower can appear through the fog.

The wood flooring is touched with a bit of a grey wash to keep it from taking over a room characterized by warm grey walls and white trim and furniture. The space provides a sense of softness – this room allows you to relax in its soothing fog-filled mood.

18918213_SThe entryway on the left also captures a bit of the feel of fog. Very cool grey walls fit well with the soft-toned tile flooring. Every other piece of furniture and trim is white, with the half-table showing some soft edges of grey with its shabby-chic-style paint.

Notice again that there are only a couple of accessories to add contrast. The silver candlesticks ,the wall sconce and the mirror reflect light softly the way fog captures and reflects the sun. A small pop of the dark purple candle gives us the startling appeal of some item suddenly coming into view through a foggy day.

Driving in the fog can be unnerving, but taking a walk can provide an unmatched sense of magic. You never know what will appear with the next step. If you want to create that mood in your home, visualize a foggy day as you make your decorating choices.

Bridging Generations: Together in One Home

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8929512_SIn years past, it was common for three or more generations to share a home. For many years that idea seemed old fashioned, but recently it’s come back. Some aging parents can’t stay in their homes alone anymore, and many adult children need a landing pad after graduating from college, losing a job or experiencing a divorce. Today’s homes need to reflect these new demands.

Fulton Homes has many choices for multi-generational living. From simple shifts such as more bathrooms in a home to garages prepared to handle adult and teen vehicles, you want to find a home that works for you now and in the future as your family’s lives change. Here are some things to consider as you choose a home that will meet today’s and tomorrow’s needs:

Multiple-use rooms: Today’s bedroom can be tomorrow’s home office. A formal dining space could change into a TV room. Look for larger rooms in versatile arrangements. Bonus rooms can change roles as your family’s needs change.

Storage space: When people move in, they bring their stuff. Walk-in closets, built-in cabinetry in the house or garage, and plenty of shelf space can help absorb mementos and other favorite items.

Multiple living spaces: With a living room and a family room, different members of the family can entertain their guests at the same time.

Luxurious master suites: When dealing with three or more generations living in one home, it’s important for you to have an escape. Treat your master bedroom and bath as your private resource for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Today’s empty-nester could be tomorrow’s care-giver or helper for an un or under-employed child. Make sure your home is ready for the challenge!

A Bathroom Designed with You in Mind

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glass block showerDo you want a master bath that makes you feel spoiled, with a style that speaks of old-world charm? Maybe you prefer a simple functional space with just a few special touches.

Whatever look you want, take a peek at what Fulton Homes Design Online can show you. From various bathroom layouts, such as the one above that includes a low-threshold walk in shower, to your choice of cabinetry, flooring, countertops, sinks, faucets and finishes, you’ll find everything you need to make your bath work for you.

brushed nickelIn addition to the chrome finish that everyone is familiar with, Fulton also offers brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze. Both provide a matte finish that helps your bathroom feel unique. Brushed nickel is ideal for contemporary spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze works well in more traditional designs. Lighting and mirror frames can be selected to complement your faucet oil rubbed bronzefinish choice.

Fulton even offers a variety of water-conserving toilets suitable for your bathroom’s style. Be sure to consider options such as the elongated bowl and the ADA luxury height specially designed for ease of use for anyone who has difficulties transitioning from standing to sitting. And you may want to consider the off-white “biscuit” color finish to maintain a softer look and fit well with warm tones such as the oil-rubbed bronze option.

vanity valetWe talked about the Vanity Valet when it was introduced, but it’s worth mentioning again. It allows you to use the wasted vanity space in front of the sink to house beauty tools such as hair dryers and curling irons, keeping everything tidy and off your counter.

Bathrooms need to function well to meet the needs of you and your family. And if you can also make those spaces personally inviting and designed to follow your taste and style, that’s a bonus you can enjoy every day you live in your new Fulton Home.

 

Decorating with Your Style

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12221608_SIf you want to determine your style, start with looking in the mirror. How do you wear your hair? What types of clothes do you like, casual or dressy? Do you tend to wear colors or neutrals?

You choose your personal style to represent who you really are. You may find yourself drawn to retro sundresses in bright cottons, or a simple silk shell and pencil skirt. For a man, would you feel more comfortable in polo shirts and khakis or a t-shirt and jeans? Evaluating your style is a good first step when planning your home, since your taste should be just as reflected in your surroundings as it is in your wardrobe. This woman demonstrates a classic retro-40s look, with high-fashion hat and gloves and a classic black and white dress. Luxury and careful planning also show in everything about this woman’s look. So, let’s determine what sort of space would suit her style.

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How about this room? Black and white starts the look, but it’s the style of the room that mirrors this woman. Notice the black chandelier. It’s classic, but the black updates the fixture and adds an unexpected level of sophistication.

The rug picks up the blond hair and the light flooring provides contrast with the white/ivory upholstered furniture. If this woman walked into this room, she would have just the right look for it.

Does your living room reflect your personal style? Remember that a home that matches your style comfort zone is a home that will make you happy.

 

Design around your Needs

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2555983_SDo you want to help your children with their homework while you fix dinner? Then plan for homework space in or near your kitchen. Have pets? Consider durability and maintenance when planning your flooring. Are seniors with canes or walkers regular visitors to your home? You may want to choose a plan that provides a bathroom and guest bedroom on the first floor.

Before you make decisions about your home’s plan or design, take a minute to consider your current and future needs.

Many people today find themselves caring for children and parents or grandparents at the same time. When you plan your home, think about providing the options you may need if a family member needs to stay with you to recover from surgery or an accident.

Be sure to choose a home that gives you and your family plenty of opportunities to interact. Whether this means a dining area that encourages eating dinner together every night or a family room with a game table for board games in the evening depends upon your family patterns. As you plan your new home’s layout and design, talk to everyone in your family about what they love (and don’t love) about your current home and what they would like to have as part of the new one.

Think about your own needs too. Do you dream of having a deep comfy bathtub for taking a luxurious break from everything? Maybe outdoor space for your morning coffee is your top priority. How about closets and other kinds of storage?

Design around your needs and your new home will be comfortable and enjoyable for everyone in your family.

Design Grammar: Good Phrasing

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833591_SWhen you’re looking at the grammar of design, phrasing is all about creating moments of charm that capture the eye, just like a phrase in a sentence or a paragraph will capture your attention.

This bright red bench shines against the white and dark teal wall, while the red tile pillar brings the bench closer to the background. The grey stones with the little bit of green moss separating them provides a great contrast to the red. This is a well-phrased space.

15314602_SDesign phrasing is as much about the space between elements as it is about the moments of charm themselves. Too much stuff and the message can be lost in the abundance of words, or items. The eye needs white space, on a page or in a room.

Take a look at the children’s room to the right. While it appears cute at first, there are no places to rest the eye among all of the colors, designs and textures. There’s a lot of stimulating things to look at, but no place for your eyes to take a break. It’s simply too busy.

15058099_SThe bedroom shown on the left, on the other hand, uses design phrasing very well. The bed represents one phrase, with light bedding contrasting well with the dark wood wall behind it. Matching sconces and nightstands create a symmetrical presentation that is easy to read and draws the eye.

Another phrase comes from the upholstered chair with a side table and plant. The curtains connect the bed and chair, but they are neutral and undemanding enough to provide a break in the room. The flooring and the ceiling also provide good visual breaks in the room.

If you think of designing a room as a way to create and separate phrases of design, you will find yourself with a space that is both interesting and relaxing. How does the phrasing work in your home?

Design Grammar: Verbs

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12620942_SIn this series on design grammar, verbs are the things in your home’s design that have some kind of action associated with them. These include lights, electronics, appliances and water features.

Take a look at the lighting choices in this bedroom. There are four light sources in the room, each with an active role in the design. The light showing under the bed adds color and makes the bed appear to be floating. The purple and gold lights shining down the walls provide color and space definition, and the simple lamp by the bed is functional and adds warmth.

13738899_SThis photo has two verbs in it  – light and water. Notice how candlelight provides soft and yet directed light, and adds to the inviting feeling of the space. The water in the background contributes movement and sound. Although this is just a snapshot, it has the feeling of action because your mind can infuse it with motion and sound to match the image.

8969356_SEven when it’s off, an electronic element such as a television provides an action point in a room because of its potential. One reason people like to hide a TV in an armoire or behind doors is so that potential is not part of the everyday living space. Take a look at the photo to the left. You don’t need to see the television to know exactly where it is and what these people are doing. The people are reacting to the main action in the room: whatever is on the invisible television.

When you choose to put verbs in your home, be sure to balance them in the space. A room with too many action items may become overwhelming. On the other hand, no verbs make a room feel static and boring. Take the time to figure out the right verbs to build your story/design with excitement but not to the point of exhaustion!

A Beautiful Bath is all in the Details

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Oasis at Freeman Farms 081Monday’s blog took a look at how finishing touches could dress up a kitchen. The same approach can turn a nice bath into an oasis in the middle of your home. Let’s check out the choices that are showcased in the master bath at the Fulton Homes Whitewater model in the Oasis at Freeman Farms community.

First, a double sink allows space for two to get ready for work in the morning. Many couples value their own sink, and both of these have plenty of counter space and storage.

Separating the two, a lower counter with a drawer provides the perfect place for styling –with a hair dryer and/or make-up. The comfy ottoman adds a splash of class with its simple cylindrical shape and luscious upholstery.

Oasis at Freeman Farms 082Warm tones enrich the look of this bath with gold/brown porcelain tile on the floor, different but still coordinated tile countertops, and inviting wallpaper carrying the gold tones up to the ceiling. Notice the backsplash behind the sinks. The small tiles set the space apart. The large mirror is framed to coordinate with the cabinetry – another option offered through Fulton Homes that creates a more finished look.

Oasis at Freeman Farms 083Oil-rubbed bronze faucets and lighting stay with the warm-toned theme. This finish has become a classic since its introduction and it works beautifully in both modern and more traditional homes. The light fixtures with their bronze bases and amber glass shades echo that warm feeling while their design stands out over the more standard bathroom fixtures.

These details separate this bathroom from a more basic look, and create a space that will serve as a particularly enjoyable spot to get ready in the morning and prepare for bed at night.

 

Power Shower Creates Good Mornings

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Oasis at Freeman Farms 079With our busy lives, who has time to linger long enough for a bath in the morning? This master bath, part of the Fulton Homes Whitewater model in the Oasis at Freeman Farms community, offers a generous-sized shower option. Here are a few things that make this shower something to be appreciated.

Sheer size: No running an elbow into walls with this shower. With lots of space and dual shower heads, there’s room for two on busy mornings. For those with limited mobility, this shower has plenty of room for a seat, and the handheld shower head makes washing much easier.

Step-up entrance: Rather than dripping water through the bath, this side opening provides the perfect spot to towel off after a shower. Add a couple of bath mats – one just outside the entrance and another at the bottom of the step, and your bathroom floor will stay dry easily.

Light-rich space: The glass-block window just outside the shower combined with the clear glass shower surround provides plenty of natural light to help wake you up in the morning. The feeling is airy rather than over-enclosed.

Shower with style: The tile surround complements the rest of the bathroom. The row of decorative tiles running along the upper third of the shower area adds personality. The oiled bronze shower fixtures and trim on the shower surround connect with the sink faucets and bathroom lighting to create a feeling of indulgence.

How about giving yourself a chance to start your days with a power shower in a bathroom with this level of luxury? It will help you start every morning in a really good mood!