A motorized blind gives you the convenience of raising and lowering your window covering with just the push of a button. Automated roller shades roll up discreetly into their own casing and are nearly undetectable when they’re not being used.
Continue readingRoller Shades and Outdoor Motorized Blinds
Known for their clean appearance, versatility and premium style, we recommend roller shades to homeowners that enjoy the look of their home without window coverings, but are looking for something that can provide temporary privacy.
Continue readingPrepare Your Windows for the Holidays
The holidays have arrived and that means decorating your space for guests and for your own entertainment. Your windows can easily be forgotten with all the kitchen, living room, and outside decorations. The reality is that you can create a great holiday ambiance with your windows with a little TLC. Here is the ABC way of preparing your windows for the holiday season!
First off, clean those windows!
The first and most important step is making sure your windows are clean. When your windows are nice and squeaky clean, they can help emphasize the lights both in and outside a home. For the inside windows, ABC recommends household cleaners like vinegar or a store-bought cleaner. For the outside, you may need to give them an extra push by washing off all the outdoor dust and strains that stick on the glass. After your windows are back to shiny new, it’s time for the next step.
Update your drapes and blinds!
It’s time to put away the oranges and violet shaded drapes and switch them out for the reds, greens, golds, grays or even blues. The right colored drapes will help enhance not only the windows but the look and feel of your whole decorations. If you have drapes that stand out like a sore thumb, your whole indoor aesthetic won’t be complete. Get the right drapes that match your holiday decorations with ABC! After you’ve changed out the drapes, the next step is the fun part.
Time to Decorate for the Holidays!
Take out those lights, garlands, window stickies, and any other decorations that you want people to see from the windows! The combination of decorations and drapes will really help frame your windows on the outside and inside. Holiday-colored lights, garlands, and curtains are great for framing a window, while stickies are fun for the kids to put on and give a family feel. Place battery-powered candles on the window sills or incorporate a Christmas tree for all to see. However you decorate, we know it’ll be sure to set the mood for the holiday month (or months).
Get in the Fall Mood With our Fall Mood Board
Fall lasts until December 21st, so why not make the most of it? Most of you might have already started decorating, but we know some of you may be still looking for new ideas. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year or you just want some inspiration, ABC is here to turn the gears in your noggin.
Fall in Love With Colors
The word of the day is Earth. You’ll want to bring more earthy-toned colors to your space. Think browns and beiges with ranges of oranges, hints of reds and even some green. All these colors make everyone think of fall and more importantly, think of cozying up for the season. Just walk outside in the crisp air, what colors pop out at you? Go from there!
Fallow these Decor Elements
Some common themes you’ll find in fall decor are pumpkins. Not just regular everyday pumpkins, but different sized and colored pumpkins. Pumpkins are great fall decor, but they aren’t the only vegetable you can decorate your home with. Squash in general is a great decor to have for the fall season. Squash represents harvest and is great to have around the house. You can also flourish your home with orange and red flowers, fake or real, mono-toned flowers will make your space pop. And don’t forget the pillows! Whether it says “Happy Fall” or it’s a subtle beige colored pillow, changing out your pillows can really tie up your living room and bedroom in a nice bow.
Switch up Bedding, Drapes, Curtains
Fall is a great time to switch up your bedding, drapes and curtains for the new season. And, if you plan it right, you can make it work for winter as well! For the bedding, we recommend staying with browns OR go a little more bold with buffalo checkered patterns. Both styles will hold for fall and winter. For drapes and curtains, we recommend staying in the red realm. With hints of red everywhere, red drapes or curtains, you will pull everything together. Bonus, you’ll also be able to use it again for winter. If you need help getting a certain pattern or color for your bedding, drapes, or curtains, ABC is here to help you.
Are You Ready?
It’s easy to get fall style in your home without having to completely redecorate. Window treatments are a great place to start. Curtains and drapes really draw in a room, and by simply changing up the color, you’ll have a whole mood change. Get started today with a free consultation with us today.
Get Your Windows Ready for Halloween
It’s that time of the year again, where we put away our summer decorations and bring out all things spooky. As people start to decorate their homes, we have to ask the question, how are you decorating your windows this year? Windows are usually thought of last when decorating, but let it be known that a great decorated window can boost your decorating rating from a 10 to a solid 20. Here are some fun Halloween decorations we recommend for your windows this year.
Dust off the Cobwebs and Skeletons
Cobwebs and skeletons, a classic pair that can really spruce up your windows for Halloween. Create a cobweb illusion by spreading them all over your windows or on the sides of your windows. Then grab some different sized skeletons to place on your window sill. You can make the skeletons scary or funny. Either way, you’ll look like a house that hasn’t been dusted in ages!
Pick up a Creepy Doll or Two
If you really want to scare the neighborhood, grab some creepy-looking dolls. With stories about Annabelle and Robert the Doll, you can’t go wrong! Place one huge doll, or a few small dolls, around the windows. You can use a background for them or simply place them in the window. Make it as creepy as you want.
Carve out Some Jack-o-Lanterns and add Bats
Jack-o-lanterns and bats are classic Halloween decorations and are great to display on your windows. Place your Jack’s inside or outside and create different faces for each. Then grab some bats, or make your own, and stick them on the window for an ageless window appearance. This is also a great window idea for both the spooky and the spoopy.
Put Some Ghosts in their Place
Whether it’s small ghosts that stick on your glass or bigger ghosts that hang from the windows, ghosts are always a must. Place ghosts all around your window, with light cobwebs sticking around. You might also want to use purple, green or orange lights to make them take effect.
Got some Ideas?
Now that you have some ideas, go forth and conquer Halloween! In need of some more permanent window decor options? Let ABC help you today! We specialize in everything from decorating your windows to creating bedding and patios exactly how you picture it.
Window Treatments for Oddly Shaped Windows
Oddly shaped windows are fun and provide a unique flair to any home. These windows range anywhere from octagons, half-moons, and small-sized triangles. While we may enjoy these oddly shaped windows, it can be a bit of a challenge to find a window treatment that fits the mold. ABC is here to help with those tricky windows.
Angled Blinds
Angled blinds can be custom-made with angled tops. The top of the blinds in the triangle will only tilt. When you raise the blinds, it will rise to the bottom of the triangle, meaning the triangle area will always be covered. ABC can help with your custom blinds for your odd triangular-shaped windows.
Long Drapes
Adding drapes is not only a great and simple way to add color and style to your home, but it’s also an easy way to be versatile with your oddly shaped windows. If your odd window is high enough, drapes make it easy to pull back and reveal your window panes or cover to hide away the blaring sun.
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are versatile and come in a variety of shapes and angles, including arches and triangles. They’re available in a wide array of colors and textures, making them a great choice for your oddly shaped windows.
Custom Shutters
Custom shutters can fit your windows and can be your perfect solution. Shutters can be custom-made into different shapes, including circles, octagons, and arches.
Need a Fit For Your Oddly Shaped Windows?
ABC Blinds can help you pick your perfect oddly shaped window treatment! We’ll help you find a solution that fits both your style and your home’s function.
4 Modern Drape Trends of 2021
We’re eight months into 2021, and we’re seeing some great drape trends coming out of this year when it comes to drapes. From earthy color tones to exotic patterns, the drapes coming out this year are down to earth and create a great ambiance. Here are some of the styles that have set the window dressing tone for 2021.
Earth Toned Colors
From off whites, to creams and stony greys, we have seen a rise in want for these colors. They’re comforting, welcoming and they fit in with a multitude of schemes. Whether your room is traditional or mid-century modern, earthy colors fit every decor style. They also complement bold, statement wall colors or pieces.
Nature-Inspired Patterns
Biophilic is all the buzz in 2021. Biophilic means creating a home connected to nature. Besides filling our homes with real plants, fake plants, and palm tree-leafed pillow patterns, people are wanting nature patterned drapes to match. Since windows are nearest the outside, it makes sense for this 2021 trend.
Bold Statements
The opposite of earth-toned, people on the other side of the interior design spectrum are looking for bold colored curtains or drapes to define their earth-toned paint. Some bold drapes we’re seeing are blues, yellows, and greens. These colors scream classy and bold in whatever room you decide to hang these drapes in.
Layered Sheer Look
Trendsetters out there have gone back to pairing sheer curtains with thick drapes. Not only does this enhance the look of a room, but adds decor as well as privacy. The thick drapes can open up, while the sheer curtains can keep cover and still bring in all that natural light. You get the best of both worlds. Then you can close the drapes at night to add privacy plus insulation. This layered sheer look adds style and function to your home
These are four modern drapes trends of 2021. Have any of these looks? Share with us on social by tagging us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Want to get your hands on the latest drape trends? ABC is here to help you customize your home and your style. Start your free consultation with us today!
How to Take Care of Your Antique Furniture
We have seen an uptick in homeowners having a fun or unique antique piece in their home. These furniture pieces often bring a sense of boldness to your kitchens, living rooms or bedrooms. While we love these pieces and appreciate their authenticity, we also need to make sure we know how to take care of our antiques. Unlike their new-age counterpart, antique furniture needs a little more TLC. Here are our tips for taking care of your antique furniture.
Dusting
Dusting. We hate it, but we do it anyways. Your antique furniture needs dusting just as much as your regular furniture, just tweaked a bit. With your antiques, you want to make sure you’re dusting regularly with a soft brush. Some folks like to wet dust, but your older furniture won’t like that and it can cause damage, especially on wood finishes.
Wax Polishing
Waxing with a good quality beeswax polish brings out the color of the wood and protects your furniture at the same time. Just put a small amount of polish on a soft cloth and rub the piece on the cloth. Rubbing is important because it helps evaporate any solvent. Then polish with a clean duster. Unlike dusting, we recommend waxing once every few months. Too much wax can cause dullness and absorb dust.
Pro Tip: We know you’re busy, but we do recommend waxing during the night. The wax needs at least 5 hours to nourish, so leaving the wax overnight allows for no unexpected interruptions to the furniture from pets and children.
Environment
Besides cleaning, your furnitures’ environment is a key factor in its life expectancy. When your furniture is in the sunlight and humidity, wood, fabric and leather can become warped and faded. If your antique furniture needs to be near a window, consider purchasing roller shades or thicker blinds to cut out the rays without compromising the natural lighting.
The room where your antiques sit should also be kept at a constant temperature and well-aired. Avoid damp and heavily humid rooms.
Last Thoughts
When it comes to our antique furniture, we want to make sure it lasts for years to come and not become that old, rundown piece of furniture in the room. Clean regularly, make a schedule to wax and polish and check on your furniture to see if the environment is affecting the color or shape. If you do have a furniture piece that’s seen better days, ABC can help you today! Besides customizing shades, blinds and bedding, we also restore furniture to look good as new.
5 Mid-Century Modern Design Ideas
The Mid-Century Modern trend is climbing high on every design list. People love the emphasis on function and form. The style is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. You can also switch this design from bright and fun, to dark and sleek. With a Mid-Century Modern design, everyone can get what they want. While you’re looking to reinvigorate your space, here are 5 Mid-Century Modern designs we recommend.
Wood Furnishings
No Mid-Century Modern home is complete without some wood furnishings. Not everything needs to be wood, but maybe a clean-lined coffee table, picture frames and wooden blinds. This style is all about embracing the natural feel, so wood is essential.
Texture Blend
This trend really taps into your creativity. Mix and match textures of your decor and furniture to create a visually appealing space. If you look at the picture above, you’ll see the leather couch, mixed with wood, and crown molding. Have a color palette in mind when picking out your decor to keep your design from overwhelming.
Pop of Pattern
Add interest to any room with a nice color scheme and blend of pattern! Think oversized floral print on a custom bedding piece or a feature wallpaper design. This creates fun and adds a pinch of uniqueness.
Touches of Retro Fabrics and Accessories
Mid-Century modern takes the modern in one hand and cherishes the retro and vintage in the other. You can achieve this by adding a retro lamp shade, maybe some 1920’s pillows on your couch or a groovy custom curtain pattern. The trick is not going overboard. You want to take pieces of grandma’s house, you don’t want to live there.
Storage System
Mid-Century designs are created with practicality and functionality in mind. You’ll see this with open shelving, cabinet and drawer designs. It’s easy to access and shows off your beautiful and quirky dinnerware.
These are just a few designs we recommend to achieve your Mid-Century Modern look. If you need help with those unique touches to round out your design, ABC Blind & Drapery is here for you let’s get designing and customizing!
The Best Window Treatments for Every Room
Window treatments create a combination of style and purpose. They make a statement in your home while also performing a specific function. The function of your window treatment depends on each individual room and its needs.
The Living Room
The living room is typically the first room people see when they step into your home. This is also the place people spend the most time in their home. For the living room, you want to make a statement, but you also want that comfortability. Here are the window treatments we suggest adding to your living room:
- Roman Shades: These are beautifully aesthetic and are easy to fit in with any of your in-season decor. They provide natural light while also adding privacy from those nosey neighbors.
- Shutters: Interior shutters are a timeless window treatment that adds a distinct wow factor to your living room. They create a bold statement for inside and outside of the home. Shutters additionally block light as well as the Texas heat.
- Drapes: Drapes add a layer of elegance to any living room. They are a dramatic and eye-catching statement piece that’ll surely grab your guests’ attention. Drapes are incredibly effective at blocking light and additionally give your living room privacy.
The Bedrooms
Your bedrooms need light control and privacy. You’ll want some natural light peeking out, but you also don’t want the room to feel like an oven. Your personality is also reflected in a different way than in the rest of the home. A bedroom is a place of comfort, calm, and refuge. Your choice of window treatments should reflect this.
- Cellular Shades: If any of your bedroom windows are facing the sun during the day, you’ll need a temperature-controlled window treatment. Cellular shades come in a wide variety of styles and colors. You can have a beautiful-looking piece while also having a cool and calm feeling room.
- Roman Shades: These shades create a stylistic border to your bedroom window while blocking out that sun and heat. They also add to privacy, especially if your window is street-facing.
- Lined Drapes: These drapes are a great option for noise and light control. The addition of the liner is what blocks noise and adds a layer of insulation. You can also customize your lined drapes to fit each bedroom’s personality.
The Dining Room
The dining room is a place to gather and celebrate different occasions. Use this space as a place for bold statements and elegance. You’ll also want to consider the direction of the sunlight when you’re in the dining room, usually in the evening.
- Panels: Side panels add instant elegance to your dining room. They also frame your windows to allow natural light to trickle in, but not be over the top. You can also add panels as an extra layer to your existing window treatment for pizazz.
- Wooden Blinds: These add an elevated style to your dining room. We have a variety of colors and styles of wooden blinds to choose from that’ll match the theme of your dining room perfectly.
The Kitchen
The windows in kitchens are all about that natural lighting. People don’t want to cook in the dark, they want to see all the colors illuminate for their Instagram worthy dish. Kitchen window treatments should frame your windows without blocking light.
- Curtains: Curtains can come in all different shades and sizes to fit your kitchen aesthetic and the size of your kitchen windows. They are also versatile for light control. Curtains can let in as much or little light as you desire.
- Sheer Shades: Sheer shades bring filtered light into your kitchen. If your kitchen gets harsh afternoon sun, sheer shades are a great way to soften the natural light.
Window treatments play a bigger part in your rooms than you may have thought. They add charm to any space and allow for privacy after a long day. They also help with light and heat control, thus saving energy as well.
If you’re inspired to brighten, or darken, up your space, fill out ABC’s free consultation form and we’ll be right there to help!