Tag Archives: relaxation in the home

Decorating your Home for the Holidays: Living and Family Rooms

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   DSC_0139When you have a generously-sized living room and a large family room such as in this home, the O’Connor model from Legacy, how do you bring in the holiday spirit without looking skimpy or overwhelming your home with cheer? Here are a few approaches for decorating both rooms while maintaining the style of your home.

Choose one room as holiday central for your home. This involves the tree you will be unwrapping presents under, the location for family holiday meals and any other traditions that suit the season. You can still decorate other rooms in your home but this gives you the flexibility to be understated in all but one area.

Replace current accessories with holiday elements rather than just adding them in. If you keep your home’s current décor in place while adding holiday pieces, your home can look too cluttered to be festive. Instead, pack away some or all of your everyday vases and other accessories to leave room for holiday items.

Add greenery. This is particularly effective in more formal contemporary spaces such as the living room above. Many stores sell fresh greens at this time of year. You can combine several types of greenery to make a splash For example, this living room could stay as-is and still feel like the holidays simply by adding pine and two-color holly around the silver candleholders on the coffee table and on the side tables. Add a few holiday ornaments to the tree on the right and this room is finished in an elegant and effective way. You might want to take advantage of the new battery-powered LED lights to add a spark to the greens.

Models 085This family room can support a large tree. You might one consider 8-9 feet in height to take advantage of the ceiling. The area to the right of the television provides a natural spot for a tree. Remember that you want to provide plenty of seating nearby. Don’t hesitate to rearrange the furniture to make the space work better with a tree. For example, you could move the checked chair on the right closer to the sofa and move the entire seating arrangement a bit to the right which would allow the tree to become the focal point of the room for the holiday season.

Whatever you decide, have fun with your decorations and they will help you set the stage for a lovely holiday.

 

Adding Style and Function to a Hall

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Legacy Models 033Halls can serve two primary purposes: to connect a number of rooms efficiently and to provide some separation and privacy between the main living areas and the bedrooms. But this space can be used for more than an interior pathway.

Fulton’s Legacy community demonstrates this with its three models: The Basha, The Fulton and The O’Connor. Let’s take a look at some of the ways a hall can have multiple uses and design elements.

Take a look at the photo to the left. This niche, from the Fulton model at Legacy, adds an inviting design element to the hallway. Visible from the family room, this lighted niche provides the perfect location for a favorite piece of art. It could hold a wreath for the holidays, a family photo, a shadow-box of memorabilia, or almost anything of importance to you and your family. The glass tile background adds interest and DSC_0177personality.

The next photo, to the right, is from the O’Connor model at Legacy. Here decorative elements combine with some storage to create a feature that is inviting and functional. You could use the chest to store guest linens or anything that’s nice to have in easy reach for the whole family.

The look of this location has been enhanced with the dark plum paint on the hall’s back wall. The contrast between the dark wall and the metallic silver chest and plate above it creates a moment of drama in what is often an overlooked area of the home. Notice that the hall has extra depth at this location allowing you more design flexibility, a thoughtful addition to this home.

DSC_0185For a final addition to a hall space, take a look at this built-in cabinet and counter available in the O’Connor model. A corner of a hallway suddenly can become the perfect central location for charging mobile devices and keeping office and homework supplies handy. With its easily accessible central location every family member can use this as a drop-zone for homework, keys, purses and phones. Consider adding a small bowl or jar for spare change, which could be used for a family treat or dinner out once you accumulate enough. Add a bulletin board or calendar and it could also be the central location for messages and schedules.

For a closer look at these and other interesting approaches to hall space, come see the Fulton Homes models at Legacy in Gilbert. We think you’ll enjoy your visit.

 

How would you use a Butler’s Pantry?

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Legacy Models 032Traditionally, a butler’s pantry was a small room between the kitchen and the dining room used to store china and serving pieces. Today, however, butler’s pantries are coming back as a resource for entertaining and display.

Now that we’ve moved into the holiday season, wouldn’t you enjoy one of these butler’s pantries when holding a holiday event? How would you use this space in your own home? Here are a few suggestions.

As drinks-central: Whether you are serving wine and cocktails or soft-drinks and juice or after-dinner coffee, this space is perfect for holding the glassware, drink options and any other items you may need. Away from the kitchen, people can help themselves to their choice of beverage without interfering with dinner or appetizer preparations.

Legacy Models 072 (1)As an extension of the buffet: Perhaps this would be a good place to present a small dessert bar or position extra plates and silverware. You could also provide room for napkins and extra placemats or other table linens.

As a clean-up resource: Use the space under the sink to hold an emergency clean-up kit for spills. Clean small white towels, paper towels, and a reliable carpet spot cleaner can easily be accessed to address unexpected messes.

As a children’s snack center: items such as pretzels, mini graham crackers and juice boxes could be arranged on this butler’s pantry, giving little hands an easily-accessed source for the kind of treats kids appreciate rather than the fancier appetizers prepared for adults. And don’t be surprised if you see some of your older guests wander over and grab a chocolate teddy-graham or two.

However you choose to use this space, a butler’s pantry provides a nice additional resource for entertaining friends and family this season and all year round. For an opportunity to check out these two butler’s pantries in person, visit our Legacy community in Gilbert.

 

Lighting that Shows Style as well as Function

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Legacy Models 131 (1)One of the special treats awaiting you at Fulton Home’s Legacy community is a wealth of great lighting options. Take the opportunity to get a glimpse of the newest lighting styles as well as smart lighting decisions room-by-room.

This space, the breakfast nook in the Basha model, demonstrates how lighting can transform a space. The dramatic double light fixture over the table catches the eye immediately. Combining the strong lines to the ceiling with the contemporary-meets-traditional line of the glass framing the lights, and you have fixtures that set the tone for the entire room.

These fixtures mirror the contrast between dark and light painted wood in this space. Clean lines and this contrast make the space comfortable yet still on point for design. The smart choice to use two chandeliers provides even lighting across the table while adding balance for the generous breakfast arrangement.

The other lighting in the room – under the molding and cupboards on the built-in cabinetry – allows you to highlight certain accessories while adding another design feature. The additional lighting is particularly effective in highlighting the tile lining the back of the counter.

This space is ideal for holding a brunch buffet, and the lights combined with the backsplash add a splash of style to the space. Dark and metallic serving dishes would make the arrangement feel integrated and inviting as guests helped themselves.

Every model at Legacy showcases the smartest and most intriguing lighting decisions. We look forward to sharing these special design features with you when you visit.

Lighting that shows Style as well as Function

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masterAs you plan your new Fulton home, don’t underestimate the design impact of the right lighting. A good lighting plan provides two benefits: the appeal of the lighting elements’ style in the home and the way the lights create the ambience you want.

Legacy Models 041More and more, chandeliers are moving out of dining rooms and appearing in master bedrooms, bathrooms and even walk-in closets. Any space that would benefit from the charm of an interesting hanging light works with the right choice of chandelier.

Take a look at the chandelier in this master bedroom from the Fulton model home at Legacy. The traditional candle style is modified into a transitional piece by the geometric cage surrounding it, creating a piece of interest and charm. Additional ceiling lighting combines with matching table lamps to make a space that is sophisticated and still inviting.

DSC_0091Adding to the mood, two smaller examples of the same style light up the seating area, helping to make it a special niche all its own.

Plenty of natural lighting also contributes to the mood of this room. Using shutters allows homeowners to adjust the light according to the time of day, bringing in the outdoors while shading away any glare.

Have you spent any time thinking about a lighting plan for your home? Combining style, mood and ambience, your home’s lighting can make the difference between a nice place and a well-designed space. For more ideas, visit the Fulton Design Center or the model homes at Legacy.

 

The O’Connor: Yellow Accents Family Room

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Models 079This open floor plan demonstrates a good way to make subtle tones pop. The grey upholstery gets a wiggle of color with yellow accents and a warming feeling with plants.

Grey is a sophisticated and versatile neutral, and this space takes full advantage of it. The soft taupe on the walls and floor complement the tile used as the backsplash in the kitchen. Countertops coordinate well with the glossy stone floor, but too much of the warm neutrals would quickly diminish this room. Enter grey to rescue the room with its strong contrast and modern aesthetic.

With the tone showing on all of the upholstered furniture, it’s the contrast of shades that makes it stay in the foreground. First the dark shade for the two sofas and the island chairs, then the lighter patterned chair echoes several of the throw pillows and the dining room chairs.

Yellow is used sparingly, which works well. The accents on the kitchen island and side tables add the interest you want without calling too much attention to them. Then the throw pillows pull all of the shades of grey together with yellow to make the space feel planned and smart.

Finish up with a bevy of sophisticated lighting – from the pendants over the island to the ultra-modern ceiling fan set in a coffered ceiling and the classic contemporary chandelier over the dining table. Each piece is unique, yet they flow together to make the space fit the transitional profile while still leaning in the direction of edgy.

For a closer look, visit Fulton Home’s Legacy community and see the full O’Connor model home for yourself.

The O’Connor: Beautiful Bedroom

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Legacy Models 097This master bedroom has the feel of a luxury hotel suite, one where the rooms are renovated regularly to keep the décor cutting-edge yet comfortable. What secrets does this bedroom contain that you can borrow to make your master as plush and inviting as this one? Let’s take a look.

Contrast combined with consistency: Light and dark tones together add a pop of personality to the space, while consistent colors and shades within the darks and lights keep the room integrated.

Plush features: From the fluffy duvet to the bench at the foot of the bed and upholstered chairs in the seating area, this room has a soft feel. The generous use of throw pillows also adds to the warmth.

A touch of bling: Nothing says special like things that shine, and the lamps on either side of the bed meet that goal. Add in the knobs holding up the curtains, the silver shimmer of the upholstered bench and the touch of gold edging the coffered ceiling and you have a shimmering feel that adds glamour.

A few daring design choices: Taking a chance with some of your design decisions can really make a room feel special. In this case the choice of the dark modernist piece running from the bed to the ceiling becomes part headboard, part art, allowing the bed to stand as a strong focal point in the room. The ceiling fan provides another intriguing feature with its contemporary lines and sharp blades.

To check out this and other interesting rooms from the Fulton Homes O’Connor model, visit our newest community, Legacy, in Gilbert.

 

The Basha: The Power of Hardscaping your Home’s Exterior Spaces

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Legacy Models 112Would you enjoy the luxury of an outside area in your home that is completely private and secure? The interior courtyard offered in Legacy’s Basha model creates a lovely outdoor setting that is accessible from several parts of the home and invites the outdoors in with charm and grace. When it comes to a courtyard, it’s the hardscaping that makes this area a natural continuation of the home’s interior.

Hardscaping refers to all of the permanent architectural features offered in an exterior space. In this case, it includes the stone flooring, which uses a pattern of large squares with dark borders to contrast it with the interior flooring while still making a connection. The outdoor fireplace, another effective hardscaping decision, provides warmth in design as well as extending the season for using this outdoor room.

While the lights strung along the ceiling area aren’t technically considered permanent, they provide the sense of a roof while creating a festival atmosphere within your home. Whether you are enjoying the evening outside under their canopy or looking out from inside as they light up the courtyard itself, those lights are just the right touch to make the space special for you and your family. Imagine a party on a clear night when all you need to do is throw open the doors to provide an indoor-outdoor event that takes advantage of the best of both worlds.

Would a courtyard like this add to your home’s appeal and flexibility? Why not visit the Basha model at Fulton Home’s Legacy community and experience its charm for yourself?

 

The Basha: Your own Home Spa

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xLegacy Models 148 (2)Imagine waking up every morning and walking into this generously-sized high-style bath. First, the variety of lighting options and two windows on the side allow you to determine just how much light you want to be exposed to first thing.

Maybe you are a morning person and want to throw open the shutters and let the sun shine in on your morning preparations. Or if you tend to prefer stumbling around in a darker space until after that first cup of coffee, choose the sconces – dimmed to a comfortable level – while you manage your initial morning requirements.

The separate vanities and sinks allow both of you the space to make this bathroom yours. A nice seating area as part of the woman’s vanity provides just the right spot to coordinate the look of your face and hair for the day. The vanity-to-ceiling mirrors allow you to get close enough to check your mascara or step back for a good perspective on how your outfit of the day is working.

And while this bath has a great morning presence, its best features shine at night when you can relax in the deep tub with your favorite scented bath oil and a good paperback. Has it been a rough day? Well, just step into this bath and feel your tensions drop off with the appreciation of this indulgence. After all, don’t you deserve it?

 

The Basha Unique Master Suite

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DSC_0057 (1)Bedrooms tend to be boxes with closets, and master bedrooms tend to be larger boxes with larger closets. However this master bedroom, from Fulton Home’s Basha model at Legacy, takes several big steps outside the box.

Start with a rich coffered ceiling highlighted by dramatic dark wood beams. This creates a sense of a room within a room, providing a special focus on the area above the bed. Contributing to the special feeling provided by this “fifth wall,” the chandelier lets you recognize that luxury has an important role to play in this space.

Notice next the wall behind the bed. The pattern mirrors the feeling of fine leather with well-placed oversize tacks supporting this image. By providing a special wall feature combined with an indentation for the bed and nightstand placement, a cozy and private space for sleeping is created within the room itself.

Finally, the window-rich embrasure gives the bedroom’s occupants a separate area to relax after a long day. Imagine settling in those chairs with a cup of tea or your favorite beverage for a break before getting ready for bed. It would also make the perfect morning coffee location, with a few minutes to read the paper or check your phone for news or messages before starting your day.

Is this the kind of master bedroom you’ve dreamed of having? Does the rich warmth draw you in and make you want to relax within its walls? If so, we encourage you to explore it in person at the Fulton Home luxury Legacy community in Gilbert.