​It’s almost that time again! In a few short weeks, the kids will be headed back to school. Is your home ready to handle the influx of backpacks, supplies, instruments, and sports equipment? When it comes to getting ready to go back to school, the name of the game is Organization:

1. Clean out and organize closets and drawers. No one likes to sift through piled up clothes and try to guess if they’re clean, dirty, or if they even fit anymore. Donate old clothes and shoes to charity, put up hooks for belts and hats, buy a shoe rack, and designate drawers for each type of clothing item. Getting dressed goes so much smoother when everything has its place and is easily accessible. 

2. Clean out and organize the bathroom. Bathroom sharing can be quite a headache on school mornings. Disorganization, expired products, and empty bottles certainly don’t help. Categorize your products in drawers or on shelves. Maybe even have a basket for each member of the family’s personal toiletries. Invest in a good shower caddy or shelves. Bite the bullet and fold and put away towels and washcloths in their proper place so they’re ready for use.

3. Create a homework area or work station. Whether your child prefers to study quietly at a desk in their room or in the middle of the action at the kitchen table, having an organized workstation is essential for homework success. Along with a sturdy table or desk, have a set of shelves equipped with baskets or bins for organizing school supplies. Add a cork board with pushpins for important reminders. Don’t forget to have good lighting and a comfortable chair.

4. Create a breakfast/lunch/snack station. Grab-n-go foods are an integral part of the school year, especially if you’re preparing lunches at home. Set aside a section of your kitchen island or cabinets that has all your kids’ breakfast and snack foods easily accessible. Prepare lunches the night before and make space in the fridge for lunch boxes. Have a designated place close by where lunchboxes are stored.

5. Create a mudroom or drop zone. There’s nothing worse than cast-off backpacks and shoes all over the house. Whether you have a designated mudroom or simply an entryway, you can outfit it for back to school success with a few simple modifications. Hooks are essential for backpacks, bags, and jackets. If you have the room, add a combo shelf/bench/cubby unit for storing shoes, sports equipment, and instruments. If space is limited, try a console table with baskets underneath for storage. Also invest in a good rug to protect your floors from scratches and dirt.

​Follow these tips to help keep chaos and stress at bay and make the school year smoother for everyone in your household. 

At Abbey carpet, we enjoy giving back to the community. This year during National Police Week (May 12-17, 2019), we served breakfast each day to our area law enforcement officers and also had a drawing to win an iPad. We had a such a great time taking goofy photos and hosting so many wonderful people. It was our privilege to get to know and serve the men and women who serve our city!

Is 2019 the year you finally give in and remodel your kitchen? Well, not to worry! We’ve got the latest design trends to help you find a new look for your space.

Let’s talk appliances and fixtures first. Appliances are evolving into functional statement pieces that look like works of art. Vintage elements are combined with mixed metals and colors for a modern feel. We’re not just talking ranges. Range hoods, refrigerators, and dishwashers are holding their own with sleek design and unexpected features like bold colors or non-traditional materials like wood. In addition, faucets and other fixtures no longer have to match appliances or even each other. Mix it up with brass, chrome, polished or brushed metals, nickel, pewter, whatever look you desire. The goal is not to look messy but eclectically modern.

Usually when we talk finishes, we have to mention cabinet hardware, but this year trends are leaning towards streamlined drawers and cabinet with cut-outs rather than handles. Dark or colored cabinets are pushing out white this year and are joining with free-standing islands and massive wall cabinets for storage. Speaking of storage, how about some deep storage drawers for those big pots and pans, rather than experiencing an avalanche every time you open a cabinet? Couldn’t we all use beautiful, spacious floor-to-ceiling cabinets for all our dishes and cooking supplies?

Of course, we can’t talk cabinets without mentioning countertops. Trends are moving toward stone countertops with an industrial or minimalist feel; think concrete, quartz or terrazzo. There is also a trend towards using wood countertops to offer a warm, natural feel in a space. People are shopping for specialty sinks, made from the likes of copper and granite, and some look for covers to allow for more counter space as needed.

What about tile? Statement floors and backsplashes are what will really set your kitchen apart. Take your backsplash all the way to the ceiling with bold colors, patterns, shapes, and designs. Mirrored or Moroccan tiles, glass, fish scales, or even graphic prints are huge this year. You can still go for classic subway, but try it in a different size, not just 3x6, or maybe even a color other than white. Vintage tiles that hearken back to a simpler time are also popular, whether on the floor or wall. Also look for different finishes like weathered, acid-washed, or tumbled.

Everyone’s style is different. While we like to stay abreast of current trends, we also know that you want a home that reflects you, not what a magazine or blog tells you to like. In our showroom, we have something for everyone. Let us help you find what you need to make your kitchen reflect your style. Visit shopabbey.com.

Rugs are often the icing on the cake of your space. They add so much style and personality to any room, not to mention they protect your floors! While classic Moroccan and Oriental rugs never go out of style, there are trends emerging in 2019 that not only take your design to the next level but offer function as well. 

One thing you might never have considered before is layering—that is area rugs on top of carpet, or even rug upon rug! Before your discount this idea, hear us out. Let’s say you have a large, neutral area rug or even carpet in your space. What better way to spice it up than by throwing down some color and texture? Maybe you have an open concept house and want to delineate space? A rug is perfect for that.
Check out this article on how to layer rugs over carpet.

​The Bohemian look is also big this year, consisting of warm, earthy colors mixed with bright hues. Think eclectic mixes of pattern, texture and design throughout your space. And, don’t forget fringe. The Bohemian is the free spirit! 

As far as prints, geometric and chevron patterns continue to reign big. Shapes mixed with colors, or shapes in neutral patterns add depth. Chevron print can also be mixed with a myriad of design schemes from florals to stripes. Let’s not forget about animal prints. You can either go bold with a  large area rug, or throw a faux cowhide or sheepskin rug down in a sitting nook.

​Jute, jute, and more jute! Jute rugs are becoming wildly popular for any room of the home. They provide a textured look, are allergen friendly, and help disguise dirt. It’s a good idea, though, to have a rug pad underneath to keep it from shifting since the raw fibers might have a tendency to scratch the floor. Jute rugs come in a wide variety of sizes, and some even have chevron patterns, stripes, borders, and tassels to make it interesting. 

​Once you get that perfect rug, you’ve got to find the perfect location. While it goes without saying that most people love an area rug in the living room, let’s think outside the box. Rugs in the kitchen are a great way to add a comfortable place to stand at islands and sinks or set apart your breakfast nook from the rest of the space. Entryway rugs are excellent ways to not only add a welcoming touch, but also to catch dirt and debris from traveling father into the house. It’s a good idea to look for rugs that are easy-clean if you’re shopping for either of these areas. 

​Finally, we frequently have clients who have hard surface flooring throughout their home, but they still want carpet or at least a runner on the stairs. This is a great place to really shake things up by incorporating a patterned or colored carpet that plays off your décor theme. It’s also an excellent way to keep your stairs slip-resistant.

​Whatever style rug you choose, remember: we can customize any piece of carpet into a bound rug, just for you! Come by and see our selection of designer carpets!

Gone are the days of your traditional 2 ¼” solid hardwood planks in Gunstock or Butterscotch! Of course, many people still love this traditional solid hardwood, but today’s wider hardwood planks are where it’s at! Why is wider getting so much attention? Let’s take a look.

Wide planks are generally thought of as those that are three inches in width or wider. Whether you choose engineered or solid wood, there is quite a variety of species, finishes, and colors from which to choose. Many flooring collections often pair wide planks with other widths for a custom, random-width look. Wider planks also mean easier and faster installation so you get to enjoy your new floors sooner!

The main attraction with wider planks is the character of the wood. Wider means there is more area to showcase knots, grains, colors, and textures inherent in the wood. While these features are often suggestive of rustic or traditional decor, they can actually lend a warm and cozy vibe to any style, whether it be farmhouse or contemporary. For those that prefer more clean lines, smoother varieties are available as well.

Wide planks have also become popular with the rise of open floor plans. They work very well in vast, open spaces for creating a sense of grandeur. While narrow planks often make a room look busy, wide planks create a more clean, harmonious look. You can certainly install wide planks in smaller rooms, but be careful not to choose a plank so wide that it’s disproportionate and overpowers the space.

As far as cost, wide planks are available in both premium solid woods and engineered varieties in every shade ranging from blondes to darks. This variety along with easier installation helps keep cost down. Keep in mind, though, that the cost often gets steeper as the plank width approaches 10 inches or more.

​Are you ready to widen your perspective? Give us a call for a free in-home estimate! 256.231.0008 or visit shopabbey.com. 

Today we’re talking with Southern Kitchen & Bath showroom manager, Lynay Armbrester, getting to know a little more about their business and customers, as well as current kitchen and bathroom trends. Southern Kitchen & Bath is the showroom for Southern Pipe and Supply, which for the last 30 years, has been helping people in the Anniston area outfit their kitchens and bathrooms with custom plumbing fixtures, tubs, toilets, and appliances. They have many items in stock but can pull from a large warehouse in Mississippi and special order from many major vendors such as Kohler, Delta, and Brizo. Southern Pipe is also the only dealer in the area of the high-end luxury Viking appliance brand.

What types of services and supplies do you offer?
We sell almost anything plumbing related—toilets, tubs, faucets, sinks. We do sell a few brands of appliances too.

Who is your typical customer?
We deal with a lot of builders and plumbers, but of course walk-in customers too. Typically, either a builder or plumber will send in their customers to pick out what they want—faucets, toilets, tubs, etc.

What do you see trending in bathroom and kitchen design?
Definitely free-standing tubs. Everybody wants one of those at least in their master bath. Finish wise, we’re seeing a lot of chrome, shiny finishes. Even gold is popular again, kind of getting more contemporary, away from old, traditional looks. People will put different finishes in every bathroom. As for showers, lots of people want rain heads. Custom showers in general are pretty popular, with people putting in multiple shower heads, hand-held showers, and body sprays.

​For kitchens, mostly people are going towards farmhouse sinks and anything undermounted. People are going with solid surface countertops like granite and quartz. They also tend to put the same plumbing finish throughout a kitchen.
 
We’re also a big seller of Viking appliances, the only dealer in the area. Their ranges and appliances are really nice for people that like to cook a lot. Their ranges have higher BTU’s, so they cook things faster. They also give a nice industrial look to a residential home.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?
When people come in here with an idea of what they want, I like to be able to help them put all of that into real life. I can help them choose everything that’s going to coordinate and match. I like being able to help people get what they want and see it come together.
 
The customers that bring in samples and pictures are really easy to work with because they already know what they want. It’s not a lot of staring at faucets, for instance, and trying to decide what color they want and what style they want. A lot of people, because of things like Houzz and Pinterest, they get on there and know what they want. The hard thing sometimes is though when they come in with a picture of something I’ve never seen before, and they want you to find it. For instance, I had a customer wanting a satin brass finish for her kitchen-sink, vegetable sink, pot filler, and butler pantry sink. She wants all those to match in a bridge-style faucet. I was able to find it, but we’re not sure if it fits in her budget.
 
What are the most important points for your customer to remember about their project?
Think about everything you’re putting in your house and make sure it’s something that’s going to last. If you plan on staying in the house any length of time, be sure you’re getting good quality products so that you’re not having to replace things.
 
If you’re getting ready to have Abbey Carpet remodel your bathroom or kitchen, don’t forget about your fixtures and appliances! Go see Lynay at Southern Bath & Kitchen at 800 Gurnee Ave., Anniston (256.237.5415), for the latest styles, highest quality products, and personalized service.

A new year is here, and it’s time to talk trends! From natural looks and textures to patterns and environmental consciousness, let's take a look at the top-emerging design trends in flooring for 2019.

Go Natural.
Natural, textured looks are in! Wood or wood-look flooring (like vinyl, tile, or waterproof flooring) with imperfections and variations lends a rustic, nature-inspired vibe to any room. Look for products with hand scraped and distressed features that add character and originality. Think about taking wood where it’s never been before. With today’s options in waterproof flooring and wood-look tile, you can get the wood look you’ve always wanted, even in your bathroom! This collection from Mannington is beautiful!

Lighten Up!
We’re seeing the continued rise of grays, along with light wood washes, ashes, and blondes. Opting for a lighter shade of flooring lends a clean palette for any design and brings an airy essence to any space. For a rustic theme, look for a flooring with more of the textures we mentioned like hand-scraped planks and wire brushing. If you’re looking for a more modern design, go with planks that are smooth and less distressed. Explore this look with Mohawk’s RevWood Collection.

​Add Pattern.
Tile obviously lends itself well to patterns and design, and this year’s trends do not disappoint: geometrics, stenciled designs, mosaics, squares, herringbone—the possibilities are endless. Even wood flooring is getting in on the act with layouts ranging from a diagonal pattern to herringbone and chevron motifs. We love this design from Marazzi.

​Patterns, shapes, and texture are also big for carpet, which continues to carry favor with consumers. In addition to being a top choice for warmth and comfort, carpet is now a top choice for personalization. Animal prints, stripes, geometrics, and variations in pile lengths and fibers allow homeowners to customize their space to their heart’s content. Take a look at this one from Stanton.

Be Responsible.
Today’s consumers aren’t just concerned about all of these aesthetic features. They’re also choosing to be environmentally responsible with their flooring choices, and flooring manufacturers know this. In shopping for wood floors, look for those made from sustainable or recyclable materials, bamboo, cork, reclaimed or engineered wood, and certification by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). You can also find many brands of carpet now being made from not only sustainable and recyclable materials, but they’re also being manufactured with environmentally responsible practices. Check out DreamWeaver’s PureColor or Mannington’s hardwood policy as excellent examples of environmental responsibility.

So, are you ready to re-do your home this year? You can find all these trends and so much more in our showroom. Give us a call for a free estimate! 256.231.0008.

It’s never ending. It lurks in corners and mocks you. It multiplies overnight and haunts your dreams. It’s the dreaded “L word”: LAUNDRY!! Though some of you may bask in the scent of freshly laundered sheets and take pleasure in neatly pressed shirts, I would venture to say the majority of us would rather spend our afternoon baby sitting howler monkeys than devote another minute to washing and folding. What to do? Well, since the task is pretty much unavoidable, let’s look at some ways to make it a bit more bearable and beautiful.

For starters, let’s examine the laundry room itself. Is your space dull, dingy, and completely utilitarian? Research shows that whether it’s employees, students, children, or animals, they thrive in stimulating and creative environments. Cue the laundry room makeover! Here are seven steps for revamping your laundry room. 

2. Floor it. Here’s another chance to get stylish! Go with a bold, decorative tile or vinyl, or even a wood or brick look. Flooring should be both beautiful and functional. Make sure it’s waterproof and easy to clean. Adding a cute rug adds a touch of flare!

3. Store it. Storage, storage storage! Don’t let those mounds of clothes overtake you anymore. Invest in or DIY a laundry basket storage area to keep both clean and dirty clothes separated and ready to wash and fold. Also consider cabinets, shelves, and baskets to house all your detergents, softeners, and stain removers.

4. Hang it. A drying rack and hooks are essential to any laundry room for hanging your line-dry items as well as storing hangers. There’s nothing worse than trying to untangle hangers carelessly tossed into a laundry basket! Take a look at these!

5. Press it. So, if you haven’t caught on to wrinkle-free fabric, or if you’re just a bit OCD, you’ll need an ironing board. Carve out a niche near an outlet to store your ironing board so it’s handy and ready to go. No more lugging it into your bedroom or kitchen.

6. Fold it. If you have space, a countertop or table is a wonderful addition for folding laundry and keeping it off the couch. It you have front-loading units, a countertop installed across the top is super convenient. If you have a free-standing sink, consider incorporating a vanity/extended countertop not just for folding but for help with scrubbing those extra-tough jobs.

7. Tile it. Last but not least, if you have the space, install a tile backsplash or even tile a whole wall or two! It really finishes off the look. 

​For more ideas, examples, and DIY projects for improving your laundry room, visit our Pinterest Board!

Baby, it’s getting cold outside! Fall is settling in, and winter is on the way. Make sure you stay warm and toasty inside your home by focusing on three key elements: flooring, drafts, and thermostats.
​
Flooring

Carpet is an obvious choice for warmer, insulated flooring, with hardwood, laminate, and vinyl all beating out tile in the warmth category. If carpet’s not your thing, here are a couple things you can do to warm up whatever you have underfoot.

1. Get a good rug. Never underestimate the power of a good rug to add not only warmth and softness to a room, but also texture and style. It’s also a good idea to invest in an anti-slip pad to go under your rug to provide extra stability on slick floors. 
2. Invest in heated floors. If you have tile, you already know that it can be considerably colder than other hard surfaces like wood, laminate, and vinyl. If your rugs just aren’t cutting it, and you find your feet are freezing, consider something like the Schluter Floor Warming System. This unique system of heating coils is installed under your tile with an “uncoupling membrane” that means no cracked tile or grout! It also features an optional programmable, touch screen thermostat and power module. 

​Drafts

Do you find yourself asking, “Where’s that breeze coming from?” Then, you probably need to check doors and windows for drafts. Make sure your insulation and weather stripping are intact. About a quarter of your home’s heat can be lost through the roof if not properly insulated. For drafty doors, look for something like this fleece draft guard to block the air flow. Curtains or window coverings are also good for keeping drafts out, but when open, they can let in sunlight which instantly warms up any room. Also make sure to reverse your ceiling fan direction to clockwise so that it pushes cold air up and warm air down.

Thermostats

Speaking of warming up, investing in a programmable thermostat allows you to be comfortable in your home and also save on your energy bill! Once you get that heat blowing, make sure vents and radiators are open and not obstructed by furniture or objects. Always make sure to change your furnace filters to keep your system running an optimum performance.
​
Check out this article for a suggested programmable thermostat schedule as well as other tips on keeping your home warm during the colder months.

The popularity of wood-look tile has sky rocketed over the last couple of years, and rightly so. Advances in technology have led to unparalleled realistic wood looks in both porcelain and ceramic tile. Add to that an expanding line of varying plank lengths and widths, and you would be hard-pressed to tell which is tile and which is wood. What is perhaps most important, though, is that wood-look tile gives you that wood look without the worry. Tile is highly durable, standing up to scratches, dings, dents, and moisture far better than wood products. It’s both pet and allergy friendly and can easily be cleaned with regular sweeping and mopping.

But, don’t be limited by traditional thinking. Just because wood usually goes on the floor, wood-look tile can go places wood can’t (think bathrooms, showers, and even outdoors!). Browse through the gallery below, find your inspiration, and give us a call when you’re ready to get started!