Category Archives: About Fulton Homes

Preparing Your Home for Arizona’s “Cool” Season: Outdoor Living in Fall & Winter

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While much of the country is preparing to hunker down indoors for winter, Arizona homeowners are stepping into the best season for outdoor living. The cooler months bring mild temperatures, clear skies, and the kind of weather that begs you to open the patio doors and enjoy every moment outside. Whether you’re hosting family gatherings, cozying up around a fire pit, or savoring quiet mornings with coffee on the patio, fall and winter are prime time to make the most of your outdoor spaces.

From design ideas to comfort upgrades, here’s how to transform your yard, patio, or balcony into a year-round retreat that embraces Arizona’s unique cool-season charm.

1. Embrace the Season with Comfortable Outdoor Seating

Outdoor living in Arizona is all about maximizing comfort. With the heat of summer behind us, you can finally use your patio or backyard during the day — so it’s time to make those spaces inviting.

Start with seating that encourages relaxation and connection. Deep-sectionals, cushioned chairs, and weather-resistant loungers are ideal for fall and winter gatherings. Choose durable, UV-resistant fabrics like Sunbrella that can handle the desert sun year-round without fading.

If your space allows, consider creating multiple seating “zones” — a dining area for entertaining, a fire pit circle for cool evenings, and a quiet corner for reading or enjoying morning coffee. Add outdoor rugs to define each space and introduce warmth underfoot.

And don’t forget throw blankets or outdoor poufs. On chilly desert nights, these simple touches transform your patio from practical to cozy.

2. Add Warmth with Fire Features

One of the biggest benefits of Arizona’s climate is that you can enjoy your backyard almost every month of the year — as long as you have the right heat source. A fire feature instantly extends your outdoor season and becomes the heart of your gathering space.

Fire pits are a perennial favorite. Whether wood-burning, gas, or propane, they provide instant ambiance and warmth. For a more built-in look, consider a stone or stucco fireplace that complements your home’s architecture and serves as a focal point for outdoor seating.

For smaller patios or balconies, tabletop fire bowls or portable propane heaters are excellent alternatives. They add both heat and visual appeal without requiring major installation.

When planning your fire feature, think about function as much as style. If you love hosting, choose a design that includes a wide ledge or seating wall, so guests can gather close. If your space is intimate, opt for a compact, modern fire table that offers a cozy glow without taking up too much room.

3. Layer in Lighting for Ambiance and Function

As the days grow shorter, the right lighting can make your outdoor areas more inviting — and safer. The key is layering light for both ambiance and function.

  • String lights or bistro lighting create a soft, magical glow perfect for entertaining.
  • Lanterns or wall sconces add character and complement your home’s design.
  • Pathway lights improve visibility and guide guests through your yard or garden.
  • Spotlights or uplighting highlight architectural details, plants, or water features.

If you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing one, consider smart lighting options that let you control brightness and color temperature from your phone. You can shift from warm, relaxing tones to bright task lighting with the tap of a screen — ideal for transitioning from dinner to dessert under the stars.

4. Create an Outdoor Dining Experience

Cooler weather and clear skies make outdoor dining one of life’s simplest pleasures. With a few thoughtful touches, you can turn every meal into an event.

Start by choosing the right dining set for your space. If you frequently entertain, a large rectangular table with comfortable seating is perfect for family-style dinners. For smaller patios, a round bistro table or high-top set creates an intimate feel.

Invest in durable, low-maintenance materials like aluminum, teak, or powder-coated steel that can handle Arizona’s dry climate. Pair with washable seat cushions and a large umbrella or pergola for midday shade.

For ambiance, use outdoor-friendly table décor: textured placemats, LED candles, and fresh desert blooms like succulents or aloe centerpieces. And don’t overlook lighting — string lights or hanging lanterns over the dining table create instant charm.

Finally, if you love to cook and entertain, consider a built-in outdoor kitchen. Even a small counter space with a grill, mini fridge, and prep sink can elevate your hosting game and keep you part of the action while guests gather outside.

5. Enhance Your Space with Natural Elements

Bringing in plants, textures, and natural materials connects your outdoor areas to the desert landscape — and creates harmony between indoors and out.

In Arizona’s cooler months, plants like succulents, agave, desert marigold, and red yucca thrive with minimal care. Incorporate them into raised planters or ceramic pots for an instant refresh. If you have garden beds, consider adding seasonal color with lantana, petunias, or snapdragons, which bloom beautifully during the fall and winter.

Layer in natural textures through wood furniture, woven baskets, and stone accents. A teak coffee table, a terracotta planter, or a flagstone pathway brings warmth and authenticity to your design.

If your patio feels bare, vertical gardens or trellises can add greenery without taking up space. And don’t forget desert-friendly herbs like rosemary or sage — they’re beautiful, fragrant, and useful for cooking.

6. Make It Cozy: Textiles, Shade, and Comfort Touches

Even in winter, Arizona days can bring strong sun, so shade remains important. Retractable awnings, pergolas with drapes, and UV-filtering shades help you manage temperature and comfort throughout the day.

For cooler evenings, layer in soft furnishings. Outdoor pillows, throws, and rugs not only add color and personality but also invite guests to linger. Choose warm, earthy tones like rust, sand, or olive to complement the natural desert palette.

To keep the chill away, add warmth from above with outdoor heaters, or below with heated flooring options if you’re designing a new patio. If you’re looking for an easy seasonal upgrade, swap out summer fabrics for heavier textures — woven or quilted cushions, chunky knit blankets, and even flannel-style patterns give your outdoor space a cozy, seasonal feel.

7. Extend the Indoors Out: Creating Seamless Flow

Arizona homes often feature open layouts and large sliding doors that blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Fall and winter are the perfect time to enhance that connection.

Start by coordinating your color schemes and materials. Use similar tones or textures in both areas — like matching wood finishes, consistent metal accents, or complementary rug colors.

If your indoor living room opens onto a patio, think of it as one continuous entertaining space. An outdoor area rug, similar furniture scale, and cohesive décor will make it feel like a natural extension of your home.

For added functionality, install a ceiling fan or misting system for warmer afternoons, and weatherproof curtains or screens for privacy or wind protection. The result is an outdoor room you can enjoy in almost any weather.

8. Don’t Forget Entertainment and Functionality

Cool evenings are ideal for movie nights or weekend gatherings. Outdoor entertainment setups — from Bluetooth speakers and smart projectors to weatherproof TVs — make your space even more versatile.

If you’re working with limited space, modular furniture can adapt easily. Choose pieces that move from dining to lounging configurations or fold away when not in use.

And for families, consider creating dedicated areas for kids and pets — a small turf play zone, sandbox, or shaded corner for toys ensures everyone enjoys your outdoor space comfortably.

9. Keep It Low-Maintenance

The beauty of outdoor living in Arizona is that you can enjoy the fresh air without endless upkeep. When planning your space, choose low-maintenance materials and features that simplify life:

  • Composite decking or pavers instead of natural wood.
  • Drip irrigation systems for plants and gardens.
  • Outdoor-rated fabrics and furniture that withstand sun and dust.
  • Automatic timers for lighting or water features.

Regular sweeping, wiping down furniture, and rinsing hardscapes are usually all that’s needed to keep your space looking pristine.

10. Celebrate Arizona’s Outdoor Lifestyle

Arizona’s fall and winter offer a lifestyle that homeowners in colder climates can only dream of — dinners under starry skies, fire-lit conversations, and mornings spent surrounded by mountain views and desert air.

By preparing your home now and enhancing your outdoor spaces with comfort, function, and beauty, you’ll create the perfect setting for everything the season brings — from festive gatherings to quiet nights at home.

Whether you’re building a new home or updating your backyard, your Arizona outdoor spaces can become an extension of how you live, entertain, and connect — all year long.

Back to School, Back in Sync: Simple Tips to Organize Your Home for the New Routine

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The school bells are ringing again—and with them comes the familiar chaos of early mornings, busy evenings, and packed schedules. As summer winds down and the academic year ramps up, it’s the perfect time to hit reset at home.

At Fulton Homes, we know your home is more than just a place to live—it’s where routines are built, memories are made, and everyday life unfolds. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help families get back in sync for the school year with easy, effective organization tips. From setting up functional spaces to simplifying your mornings, here’s how to create a smoother transition from summer mode to school-year success.

1. Create a Command Center for the Family Schedule

With multiple family members juggling school, work, extracurriculars, and appointments, a centralized location for your calendar can be a game-changer.

What to Include:

  • A large calendar or dry-erase board
  • Weekly to-do list and grocery checklist
  • File organizers for permission slips, school forms, and mail
  • A space for charging phones or tablets

Place your family command center in a high-traffic area like the kitchen or mudroom. Color-code entries for each family member to make the schedule easier to follow at a glance.

2. Streamline the Entryway or Mudroom

The back-to-school season brings backpacks, lunch boxes, sports gear, and more into your home daily. Keep clutter from spreading by organizing your entryway with function in mind.

Ideas for a Better Drop Zone:

  • Install hooks or cubbies for each child
  • Add baskets or bins for shoes and small accessories
  • Use labels to help kids learn where everything belongs
  • Keep a mat for wet or muddy shoes to protect your floors

This setup helps kids develop the habit of putting away their belongings as soon as they walk in the door—making mornings less frantic and afternoons more relaxed.

3. Set Up a Homework-Friendly Space

Creating a consistent spot for homework can improve focus and productivity. It doesn’t have to be a dedicated office—a small corner of a quiet room or even a section of the kitchen counter can do the trick.

Essentials for a Homework Station:

  • Good lighting and a comfortable chair
  • School supplies like pencils, paper, scissors, and rulers
  • A container or drawer to store materials neatly
  • Noise-canceling headphones if multiple kids are working in the same area

You can also personalize the space with encouraging messages, family photos, or a mini corkboard to display achievements and upcoming assignments.

4. Refresh Kids’ Bedrooms for the School Year

A tidy, welcoming bedroom can help children relax, sleep better, and stay on track with their new routine. A quick room refresh can do wonders—especially after a summer of scattered toys and shifting bedtimes.

How to Prep Bedrooms for Success:

  • Declutter old clothes, toys, and books that are no longer needed
  • Create a reading nook with soft pillows and a small bookshelf
  • Add storage solutions under the bed or inside the closet
  • Use drawer organizers to make getting dressed quicker and easier

Let your child be part of the process—choosing colors, artwork, or bedding gives them a sense of ownership and encourages responsibility.

5. Simplify the Morning Routine

Mornings set the tone for the whole day, so reducing stress during this time can make a big difference. A few simple systems can turn chaos into calm.

Morning Organization Tips:

  • Prepare lunches and snacks the night before
  • Lay out clothes or uniforms in advance
  • Use a “launch pad” basket by the door for everything that needs to go to school
  • Keep a consistent wake-up schedule—even on weekends—to maintain rhythm

Consider adding a magnetic checklist to the fridge so kids can tick off each task: Brush teeth, get dressed, pack backpack, eat breakfast, etc. It adds structure and fosters independence.

6. Upgrade the Kitchen for Speed and Simplicity

During the school year, the kitchen becomes command central—meals, lunch prep, and after-school snacks all happen here. A few organizational tweaks can save you valuable time.

Back-to-School Kitchen Tips:

  • Designate a drawer or cabinet for lunchboxes, water bottles, and containers
  • Create a grab-and-go snack station with healthy options like fruit, granola bars, or crackers
  • Prep breakfast ingredients like smoothie packs or overnight oats for busy mornings
  • Use bins in the fridge for individual lunches to stay organized

Involve your kids in food prep—they’re more likely to eat what they helped prepare, and it teaches them valuable life skills.

7. Revisit and Refresh Household Routines

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to update your family’s daily rhythm. From bedtime to chore charts, a predictable routine creates a sense of security and stability.

Routine Reset Ideas:

  • Set consistent wake-up and bedtime hours
  • Establish screen-time rules and device charging stations
  • Assign age-appropriate chores to promote teamwork
  • Use timers to encourage time management for both homework and free play

Be sure to build in time for fun, too—family dinners, weekend outings, or even just a quiet movie night can keep everyone feeling connected.

8. Keep the Home Calm and Clutter-Free

The busier life gets, the more important it is to maintain a peaceful home environment. You don’t need to overhaul your entire space—just make small changes that support calm, clean living.

Simple Strategies for a More Serene Home:

  • Keep surfaces clear—use trays, baskets, and bins to corral items
  • Store seasonal or unused items to reduce visual clutter
  • Use scents like lavender or citrus to set a calming mood
  • Play soft music or use a white noise machine to quiet busy rooms

Even just a few small shifts can help create a home that feels like a haven during the hustle of the school year.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back to stress. With a few thoughtful organizational updates, your home can become the foundation of a smooth, supportive routine for the entire family.

At Fulton Homes, we’re proud to build homes that work as beautifully as they look—spaces where families can thrive, stay connected, and tackle whatever the day brings. Whether you’re setting up a homework hub or simply looking for a better way to handle the morning rush, we hope these tips help bring balance and harmony to your home this school year.

Ready to make your home work better for your family?
Visit the Fulton Homes blog each month for more helpful tips, seasonal ideas, and inspiration for living well in your Arizona home.

What Are Ranch Style Homes?

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Helena Elevation D by Fulton Homes

Ranch Homes are a very popular style of home found throughout the United States. These homes are typically built on a slab of concrete and are a single-story home. They are highly desired for their ability to have your whole house on one story. They offer an open floor plan which focuses on indoor-outdoor living. And while being a single-story home, you have the ability to add onto these homes fairly easily.

History

Ranch Homes were first built in California right at the beginning of the Great Depression. Homeowners began looking for less formal home layouts and invested at more informal, relaxed home blueprints. Soldiers were returning from the war, and homes needed to be built quickly and affordably. These homes offered a more open floor plan, allowing smaller homes to feel more spacious than traditional-sized homes. This informal living focused on single-story homes with easy access to the outdoors. By the end of the Great Depression, nearly 90% of every house was built as a Ranch and began spreading east throughout the United States.

Ranch Blueprints

Ranches are built as single floor homes directly on the slab. They have a walk-up porch, which offers a more indoor-outdoor style living. Typically, Ranches will have an attached garage, large windows on all sides of the home, and a low-pitch roof. There are several types of Ranches available, all with slightly different variables. California, Suburban, Split-Level, French, and Storybook Ranches all have slightly different details to market to different homeowners.

Ranch Homes Today

Ranch Homes are once again becoming very popular! We are noticing more and more being built every day since open layouts have become the new standard of homes. We are expecting to see Ranch Style Homes to increase by nearly 160% in the next couple of years. From their accessibility to affordability, these homes are great for many potential home buyers.

Did you know that Fulton Homes features an array of Ranch Homes? To learn about our communities as well as our properties, please visit us at Fulton Homes and feel free to contact us with any additional questions.

What to Consider When Home Shopping 

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Evangeline from Fulton Homes

Buying a home is arguably one of the most significant investments you can make in your life. Such a colossal decision requires a lot of thought, and ultimately, a good investment should be capable of maintaining or increasing a resell value. You should also consider other essential factors like the economy of the area, school systems, and crime rate. While all these can play an important role in your decision, we believe there are three key elements every investor should prioritize. Here are our top picks of what everyone should consider when home shopping:

Location 

Amorosa from Fulton Homes

Location is everything. Being close to work, food, activities, and freeway entrances can be critical factors we do not always consider. At Fulton Homes, we always strive to place our homing developments in prime locations strategically. Your time is important to us, and we want you to be able to commute and travel as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

Quality 

Bullet from Fulton Homes

You have probably heard the quality versus quantity debate. The quality of a product is always more important than how many of the products you have. At Fulton Homes, we use top-grade flooring, superior HVAC systems, and premium building materials. Feel at peace of mind, knowing your home was built to last.  

Aesthetics 

Jacaranda from Fulton Homes

While you cannot judge a book by its cover, it is essential to love the way your home looks. Your home is your refuge of relaxation and where you can escape from the world. Making this fortress genuinely feel like an expression of you is ideal. The home’s aesthetics play a direct correlation on how we interpret the atmosphere. At Fulton Homes, we pride ourselves in giving a selection of options that can best help tailor your home to you. Unlike other cookie-cutter homes, having a variety of options to choose from can allow you to customize your home to your specific wants and needs. 

So, when considering homes to buy, remember: location, quality, and aesthetics. These will help you make the right investment and love your home for years and years to come. For more information on Fulton Homes, please visit our website here.

Fulton Home’s Air Quality

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Fulton Home makes it our responsibility to provide you with the best home and services. There are many features we incorporate into the homes we build. We want our consumers to live a happy and healthy life after purchase. This is one of the reasons we chose to partner with Indoor airPLUS when constructing each home. This system goes beyond the general standards the government regulates on homes. AirPLUS has many quality benefits to help purify your air. For more information, be sure to keep on reading!

Government Regulations

The government created the Clean Air Act in 1970. This federal law was put in place to regulate air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. From automobiles to the construction of homes, a standard has been set that limits air pollutants. When building a house, many air contaminants can make it into HVAC systems and be dangerous to the health of the home buyers; therefore, the government put in the Clean Air Act to help protect the health of individuals and families.

Above and Beyond

Fulton Home does not only believe in meeting these codes but going above and beyond. Our comprehensive health protection includes practices and technology to prove the purest air is in your new home. We use moisture control systems to prevent unwanted molding in the houses, radon-resistant constructs, builders seal to prevent pest from infiltrating your home, and much more.

What to Expect

We have also included premium ENERGY STAR HVAC systems, which will help with the air quality. Reducing the pollutants in your home can prevent you from getting sick. This high-quality HVAC system will also regulate fewer chemicals from making it inside of your home. It is essential to keep proper maintenance on your Indoor airPLUS system in your home.

Have peace of mind with the assurance that your air quality is premium in your new home. While this may not be your first concern, clean air leads to a healthier you and your home. We believe in going above and beyond in everything in our homes to assure you the best. From premium materials to clean air, we got you covered.

Fulton Homes: Built Right

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At Fulton Homes, we understand that purchasing a home is an investment.  With real estate on the rise, now is the time to buy; however, finding the perfect home for you can be a daunting task. At Fulton Homes, we take pride in making quality homes to meet your needs and more. Here are three reasons why we believe you should choose Fulton Homes:

Location, Location, Location
An important factor in any house hunt is the location.  Arizona offers a wide variety of diverse cities, suburbs, and rural areas to meet your needs.  Our Arizona homes are carefully placed in locations that are convenient to freeways, shopping centers, and employment areas. We know the area, and we build the perfect communities.

Quality Matters
What really matters in construction is the quality!  Our homes offer high-quality finishes in every aspect.  From our countertops to our floors, we have put together a selection of choices to create your dream home.  Your home should be built to last, and we plan to excel in creating that for you.  We have passed the test of time with our highly respected and well-built communities!  To us, quality matters!

Built Right and Made Easy for You
We believe having your home built should be fun, not an overwhelming process.  We have a design center available in person and on the web for your convenience.  We strive to make your building process is as simple and efficient as possible.   Your time matters and we thrive to make your home design easy.

Consider the many benefits of having your home built by Fulton Homes.  Let us tailor your next home to your needs! Please do not hesitate to call or email us to learn more.  We would love to help you create your dream home.

 

Why Fulton Homes?

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Fulton Homes is not like your average, cookie-cutter homes. Fulton Homes believe no two homes should be exactly alike. Fulton Homes has proudly been one the most renowned builders in the Valley of the Sun for over forty years. We take pride not only in our construction but with our keen focus on the quality of lifestyle and opportune locations to ensure you enjoy the best living Arizona has to offer. With a large selection of customization and floorplans, you will easily find a style home that is suitable for your lifestyle. Fulton Homes is committed to building energy efficient homes to ensure you extreme savings. Our goal was never to be the biggest home builders in Arizona, we simply just wanted to be the best.

Customization

We have put together one of the largest selections of home appliances, flooring, doors, lighting, cabinets and more for you to make your home fully express you. Check out our Home Design Center at 1241 West Warner Road, Tempe, Arizona or take our interactive virtual tour at https://www.fultonhomes.com/design-center to fully explore all we have to offer. You do not have to go to multiple locations to customize your home but tour our one-stop shop and make all the selections you need to create your home. 

Communities

Fulton Homes strives to put our homes in the most interactively convenient locations. Being next to freeways, malls, and shopping plazas have been a focal point of location building for Fulton Homes. We have homes in Chandler, Gilbert, Maricopa, and Queen Creek. We also encourage you to visit https://www.fultonhomes.com/classic-communities to check out some of our older community homes. We take pride in all our communities we build and want you to see how they have passed the test of time. 

No More Waiting

We understand that you cannot always wait around to have a home constructed for you, so we have the option of move-in-ready-homes waiting in different stages of construction, so you can still customize your dream home but not be stuck waiting for a house to be built from scratch. This is perfect for someone with a deadline move in date to find a home that can be ready for them on time.

More Information

If you are looking for more information, call us or go to https://www.fultonhomes.com/my-fulton-home/log-in. We will help set you on your way to having your dream home in no time.

 

Energy Star Partner of the Year!

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We are excited to announce that we were recently awarded the Energy Star Partner of the Year award!  

It is a great honor for us to receive this title, and also a great honor to receive a commendation from our Congressman Tom O’Halleran.  Thank you for the encouragement, Congressman!

The Fun of the Fulton Design Center

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fulton-design-centerWhen you’re choosing your home builder, the model homes are only a starting point. It’s important to see what a builder provides to allow you to make your home your own. A rich selection of options makes the difference between a stock home and a home that feels fully customized. With the Fulton Design Center, you have 13,000 square feet of choices.

Take the time to review the kitchen vignettes. They give you a wide selection of styles and moods, providing a good conceptual overview of what different kitchens will look like when finished. Not sure what you want in a bathroom? Just wander through the bath section to get ideas.

The most recently updated area is the smart home section, where you can learn about the latest in security systems, whole-house sound and home theater choices. The Fulton Design Center is regularly updated so you have a chance to see and select the latest in home options.

A range of kitchen appliances are on display, giving you the opportunity to explore which type of refrigerator or oven you would prefer. Be sure to check out the awesome Bertolini Gas ranges – they quickly become the focal point in any chef’s kitchen!

We all dream of creating the perfect home. Thanks to the Fulton Design Center, that dream can really happen. Visit during one of the browse nights and see for yourself. The Design Center is open the first and third Thursdays of every month from 5 to 8 p.m.

First Impressions

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design center 8It’s easy to get so focused on what’s inside your new Fulton Home that you forget what people see first – your front door. That’s what makes your home’s first impression. Fortunately, you have so much to choose from when it comes to a front door with Fulton Homes.

When you visit the Fulton Design Center, don’t forget to stop by the front door display. No matter what style you prefer, you will find the right door for you. Start with the door itself. Take the look and style of your home into consideration. If you have chosen a traditional exterior, a contemporary door such as the one to the left in the photo above won’t be a fit. On the other hand the romance of the door to the right with its hobnail finish might be just the right choice.

Once you know the door you want, take the time to choose the hardware that will work for you. As you can see from the two doors shown above, selecting the right combination of hardware and door makes a perfect final product.

Your front door also sends a message about your taste and style even before anyone walks into your home for the first time. It’s exciting to invite family and friends to see your  new home, and part of the fun starts before the front door opens, when they walk up and see your first selection – and the statement it makes about you and your home.

The two doors shown above are just a small sample of your choices. Please come take your time checking out all of your options for creating just the right first impression with your new Fulton Home.