12
Dec
cold weather flooring

Wake up to warm floors and wide grins with the best cold weather flooring options! As the winter gets colder it becomes more and more important to keep your house warm and cozy. One of the best ways to ensure that your home stays warm and keeps the heat circulating is to have the appropriate cold weather flooring! Mudrooms The weather during the colder months can be quite unpredictable; one moment it’s sunny, the next it’s raining or snowing! It’s very important to think of your flooring during this time and the wear and tear that it may endure throughout the […]

05
Dec
black stainless steel

Black is the new chrome! Brand new black stainless steel appliances are all the rage because they have a smudge-proof finish and make an eye-catching addition to any kitchen! Not to mention, they are also a hybrid of the popular matte black color and every homeowner’s go-to appliance style: stainless steel. Black stainless steel is fingerprint proof and is said to be a softer and warmer alternative to traditional stainless steel. These types of appliances are perfect for the more modern kitchen due to their sleek design and contemporary build! The look and feel of black stainless steel Black stainless steel […]

28
Nov
mudroom

Say goodbye to messy floors by installing a mudroom! It’s not uncommon to have people walk around the house with their shoes on. As the seasons change and winter rolls into town, tracking snow, mud or slush becomes a real concern. Even with secluding the outside debris to your front doorway, your home can still look uninviting and be a hassle to clean every day. Thankfully, Abbey Design Center offers an alternative solution to clomping your dirty boots outside on the welcome mat: the mudroom! What is a mudroom? While the name might not be pretty, that doesn’t mean the room itself can’t be! […]

28
Nov
rustic kitchen

The rustic kitchen: an enchanting work of art! What does your dream kitchen look like? Do you know the feeling you want your kitchen to evoke but aren’t sure how to put the details into words? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many customers come into Abbey Design Center with an idea of what they’re looking for, but can’t quite pinpoint the specifics. Whether you want a kitchen that feels like summer, spring, or something more classic, we can help! At Abbey we’ll do our best to not only deliver your dream kitchen right to your doorstep, but also provide you […]

14
Nov
bamboo flooring

Bamboo flooring may seem like an illusion at times. It’s actually a type of grass, while having a similar look and feel to hardwood flooring. Bamboo grass can live on for years, made from one of the fastest growing plants in the world. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and durable flooring choice, look no further! Quality bamboo flooring is captivating, affordable, and magnificent – it’s even 160% more durable than oak hardwood floors, which are prone to nicks, scratches and water damage. If hardwood floors don’t fit your budget, just “shoot” for bamboo! What are the benefits? One of the main benefits of good […]

28
Oct
fireplace basement

Add style and warmth to your basement with a fireplace! Winter is coming! Or rather, it’s already here. Everyone is looking for different ways to stay warm and cozy. Warm up in style by adding a fireplace to your basement! A fireplace is a stylish focal point and a great addition when you are remodeling your basement. It can add that extra warmth and coziness that makes your basement the place everyone wants to gather all winter long. Whether it is wood-burning or electric, you can structure the room to make your stylish heat source the center of attention. There are […]

21
Oct
kitchen backsplash

Choosing the best tile backsplash for your kitchen: A backsplash is the section of wall behind a kitchen sink or kitchen counter. They help protect your walls from grease stains and cooking oil, and also look fabulous doing so! A tile backsplash adds just the right amount of style to a kitchen. Your kitchen’s tile backsplash acts as a focal point in the room, catching the attention of any guest. Most people tend to lean towards tile as the material for backslashes. It’s easily adapted for different styles, fits most budgets, and also offers a wider range materials to use. Nevertheless, you may be wondering what sort […]

07
Oct
space optimization

Space Optimization – The Kitchen Triangle Are you having trouble with the spacing of your kitchen?  Can you not prepare food efficiently?  Space Optimization is crucial to a kitchen that can be navigated through well without too much hassle.  Believe it or not there is a formula to your kitchen space!  It is called the work triangle.  The work triangle consists of three main areas: the food storage area, cleanup, and cooking areas.  If these three areas are properly spaced in your kitchen it will make it easier to navigate around your kitchen. The Work Triangle It is important that […]

07
Oct
Old styles made new

Here are some old styles that mean it’s time for you to update! Is it time for a change? Remember your grandparents’ colorful kitchen decor. Old styles used to be in, but the times are always changing and so are the styles. It’s out with the old and in with the new. Don’t get stuck in the past. Rustic is out and modern is in. Wood paneling is being replaced by sleek, modern styles such as whites and grays. Ceiling fans are being updated to chrome, matte colors. Cabinets are being refurbished from darkened wood to painted white.   1970s: Older […]

07
Oct
Home Theater Design

One look at our home theater design and you’ll never leave! Are you tired of going to the movie theater every Friday night?  Well we have a solution for you!  Let our designers make a cozy home theater design for you.  With our design team we can have a theater up and running for you to enjoy with your family.  These theaters can be used for a variety of things, not just films.  Football games for the upcoming NFL season, video games, or even television shows.  The theater will be great for everyone in the family. The Bells and Whistles […]

07
Oct
vinyl flooring

Vinyl Flooring is in and it’s Time For a Remodel! Vinyl flooring is what you’ve been dreaming of and looking for. It’s the allure and style of hardwood flooring without all the maintenance! Hardwood flooring is notorious for scratching and staining. If you have any children and/or pets, you know this all too well. Additionally, many people like to cover their floors in a carpet or two in their living and dining areas to make it more cozy, especially during the winter months. Areas where the sun touches the hardwood can lighten the wood so the colors on the floor […]

07
Oct
houzz

My Houzz is your Houzz If you haven’t heard of Houzz, you’re in for a treat. Houzz is a website that Abbey Design uses to share pictures of projects we’ve done to offer inspiration to our customers. It’s a platform for design and remodeling that brings homeowners and home professionals together. If you are looking to update your home, you can get ideas from things we’ve done for other people in the area! It’s a community that allows us to share our work and to inspire you. Projects We typically post before and after pictures of our remodels. When we’re […]

09
Sep
interior design trends

Interior Design Trends: Escapism When Alice ventured down the rabbit hole she emerged isolated in her own abstract paradise, full of quirky creatures and bright vibrant colors. While the specific destination may vary from individual preference, the concept is something every person desires: escape. A vacation away from a busy life full of meetings, pressed suits, and the omnipresence of technology. Disconnecting and going off the grid is no longer an anxiety, but a luxury – and usually a pricey one at that. Abbey Design Center is here to tell you that you don’t need a summer home or an […]

09
Sep
barn doors

Mix a little Southern Comfort into your home with barn doors! Rustic, antique barn doors are a great way to accessorize any room! It also adds a classic country vibe to your home. A barn door can serve many purposes in the home. They can be used as partitions, replacements for traditional doors, or even hung up as like pictures as decorations. Connecting several barn doors and staggering them is a great way to divide a room, providing you with the right amount of privacy and style. The most common way to incorporate some of these doors into your homes […]

11
Jul
hands free

New Faucet Designs, Including Hands free for Kitchens and Bathrooms! Have you ever had dirty hands from cooking? Had to use your elbow to turn on the kitchen faucet so that you don’t dirty up the handle?  Well, we have some good news for you: hands free faucets help avoid this problem! There are two main models of hands free faucets that allow you to turn the water on without touching them.  These new faucets work by tapping your foot against a switch that is installed below the cabinets in order to turn the water on or off.  This allows the cook to move […]

08
Jul
kitchen islands

Kitchen Islands: A Different Kind of Paradise If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, kitchen islands are a great way to start. Kitchen islands make your kitchen look larger, efficient and professional. If you’re a cook, you will especially appreciate the extra space. Model your kitchen island around the functionality you need in your kitchen. Additionally, your kitchen island can serve as a cooktop, additional food preparation area, dining area, breakfast bar, or an appliance island with an additional sink or oven. If you decide to get a kitchen island, pick a concept that will work for your kitchen and […]

17
Jun
tile flooring

Tile flooring can be seen in more rooms than just your bathroom! Tile flooring is very versatile. When most people think of tile they automatically associate it with bathrooms. However, tile can have multiple uses. It can be seen all throughout a home in more rooms than just one. From bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms and more, tile will leave a lasting impression on your home. It’s a practical and functional flooring material. It is now being seen in more rooms than ever!   Styles and Variations Using tile instead of hardwood or carpet allows for creative design choices. There’s […]

07
Jun
Staycation Flooring Sale

Make your home your staycation spot! During the summer, people travel to various destinations all over the country, and some all over the world in hopes of achieving the ultimate vacation. What if you could achieve that vacation by staying right at home? A staycation! With Abbey Design Center you can turn your home into an oasis that you never want to leave. Abbey Design Center’s Flooring Sale will help you achieve the ultimate staycation. Carpet pricing starts as low as $1.89 per square foot installed and hardwood pricing starts as low as $6.49 square foot installed. If you’d like […]

06
Jun

Kitchen Organization in 4 Easy Steps Kitchen organization should be next on your to-do list. Is your pantry overflowing? Looking for ingredients for that new recipe you’ve been dying to try, but can’t find them? Try these easy tips to organize your kitchen, fast! Abbey Design Center has hundreds of designs to make your kitchen the functional one you’ve been dreaming of. Utilize all the space in your pantry It’s easy for your pantry to become an overflowing mess. Group items together by shelves or buy cheap storage containers to fill up with food such as snacks, chocolate chips, flour, […]

30
May
man cave

Just in Time for Father’s Day: Create the Man Cave of your Dreams! The man cave. It’s what every man wants. This Father’s Day, give your man a place to escape, a place to watch his favorite sports team in peace. These helpful design tips can help you turn your basement from blah to yeah, and show your appreciation for your man this Father’s Day. Step 1: Decide on a Concept Whether your man is into sports, movies, or just a place to relax, figure out what he’s into. Is he more of a baseball guy? Hockey? Football? Design the […]

23
May
bath remodel

Throw Out the Old and Bring in The New with these Bath Remodeling Tips! A bath remodel can seem like a daunting task. Abbey Design Center has some helpful tricks that will turn your bathroom into the beautiful retreat you’ve always dreamed of. Step 1: Decide what your bathroom is missing. Whether it’s your master bathroom, a half-bath on your main level, or a kids bathroom, there’s always room for improvement with a bathroom remodel. Is your bathroom missing a common element? Does it need a little updating? One easy design trick is to incorporate an element consistent with the rest […]

22
Apr
design trends

New Home Design Trends With a new year come new trends. What’s considered “in” is constantly evolving and there are always new concepts and ideas popping up. If you’d like to update your home but you’re not sure where to start, check out these 10 home design trends that will help you improve your home this year! Top 10 Design Trends Two- tone cabinets. By differing the color of your upper cabinets to your lower cabinets, you will be able to incorporate two different styles into your kitchen in a unique way. Colored stainless steel appliances. Silver shiny stainless steel […]

14
Apr
Vessel Sinks

Vessel Sinks: Pros & Cons Vessel sinks are becoming even more popular these days. They are great ways to add style to your bathroom but they are not for everyone. Read the pros and cons list to find out why. Pros  1) Vessel sinks have the ability to completely hide the sink. Most think of a vessel sink as a way to accent the sink itself, but if you use a glass vessel sink that is wall mounted, it lets you draw attention to other parts of the bathroom.  2) Vessel sinks have so many different styles. There are limitless […]

08
Apr

Should you Select Stained or Painted Kitchen Cabinets? One of the biggest decisions for making your dream kitchen is the finish on your kitchen cabinets. Staining and painting a cabinet are the two main finishes people use but are completely different. Keep in mind, that you should make your decision while also looking at samples of your countertops, backsplashes as well as any other textures and colors in your kitchen to make sure that they all compliment each other. Finishes to Consider: When making your cabinet finish decision keep these tips in mind. Stain It is often the less expensive option, and […]

22
Mar
current hardwood

Current Hardwood Floor Types Are you getting tired of that old, worn out carpet? Switch to hardwood! It’s easier to clean and adds a modern look to your home. This year there are many current hardwood trends that can help make your home feel brand new. Get acquainted with the trendy stains, finishes and styles. Look for the one that’s best for you and make the most of your upgrade!   Stains Really dark and really light cool tones are in. Now people tend to stray away from warmer red tones. The darkest of dark is a fairly popular hardwood […]

10
Mar

Have you been thinking about remodeling your home or redoing your kitchen? What about new hardwood flooring or finishing your basement?  Now is the time! During our 27th anniversary sale, you will get the best pricing of the entire year on any or all of these projects and you can take advantage of 18 months of interest free refinancing! Also, earn up to $1,200 in Visa Gift Cards. For every $2,500 you spend, we will add $100 to your gift card. The sale runs until March 28th so there is not much time left.  If you are interested in scheduling […]

01
Mar
owner of abbey

Meet Shiva Etessam, Owner of Abbey Design Center Shiva, owner of Abbey Design Center, began the company in 1989 with her husband. The company has grown to 32 employees and they have 2 showrooms in Sterling and Leesburg, Virginia. Shiva and her family immigrated to the United States in 1986 from Iran. They had owned restaurants in their home county and sold them and moved to the United States. Now as the owner of Abbey Design Center, Shiva acts as a successful entrepreneur who runs a company that strives towards customer satisfaction. My husband and I started a flooring company with two of his friends in 1987 and […]

14
Sep
shower design tricks

Looking for a fresh style for a statement shower? Check out our shower design tricks! For example: try using smoky gray glass, reflective mirrors or graphic tile for a look that’s low budget but will still wake you up every morning. Shower Design: 13 Tricks With Tile and Other Materials

14
May
santec faucets

 Santec Faucets provides custom-designed plumbing fixtures that bring refined class to your home Santec Faucets are based out of California. They design and manufacture unique, one-of-a-kind plumbing fixtures. Estate and Designer are the two different product lines that they offer. Abbey Design Center has chosen to become a distributor of these faucets because we are committed to providing excellence and quality to our customers. “Fluid Imagination” – the motto behind Santec Faucets Santec provides a balance between art and technology. Their philosophy is “Fluid Imagination,” which represents their company’s brand image. They believe in the free flow of ideas and that’s what […]

04
May
kitchen flowers

Add a Dash of Beauty in Your Home with Kitchen Flowers! It’s no secret that spring is the most welcome time of year at Abbey Design Center. The green grass, the tree buds; but mostly the color that was missing for so many winter months. And it doesn’t take much to draw our eye in a gray neutral winter. That tiny pop of purple is planted in our minds as just the beginning for what the season has in store, and we can bring that beautiful element into your home with kitchen flowers! The reasoning behind kitchen flowers Your kitchens […]

23
Apr
karastan month

Spring savings start with National Karastan Month! Today begins that twice a year promotion at Abbey Design Center called National Karastan Month. If you are unfamiliar with the promotion, it is the opportunity to save on one of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious carpet and area rug brands. As the only authorized Karastan dealer in Loudoun County, Abbey Design Center has welcomed loyal brand fans from near and far for this semi-annual savings event for decades. Abbey is one of the select few authorized Karastan dealers in Virginia. Our installers have been trained as Karastan Certified Installers. As an […]

07
Apr
spring cleaning messy bike

Spring Cleaning for Northern Virginia Spring has been an aloof guest again here in Northern Virginia. Each time we opened the door to check on its arrival, we were greeted with a mélange of snow, rain, sleet and heavy winds with nary a speck of sunshine. This kept most of us hidden indoors for weeks beyond our liking, but some adventurous types just can’t be contained. They’re out there anyway — planting peas, pruning trees, running races, mountain biking and generally trying to enjoy nature. Loudoun County has much to offer for outdoor activities, but bringing the great outdoors inside […]

27
Mar
kitchen countertops

High-End Kitchen Countertops – What’s Your Preference? The look and feel of stone is so popular, nearly all kitchen countertops we install are either natural stone granite or quartz composites. The natural stone, granite, continues to be the leader in countertop choices at Abbey Design Center, but quartz composites are becoming more popular than ever. Here are some reasons these two are the leading choices for countertops and the features that differentiate them. Granite Granite is igneous rock formed by the earth. Hundreds of granite color patterns reside in countries throughout the world. Due to supply in the country of origin […]

24
Mar
abbey customer service

Abbey Customer Service is a Guarantee for Satisfaction! Abbey Customer Service is without a doubt the most important part of our business. We don’t view customer service as a location or a department but something within each of us at Abbey to deliver each day. We display, measure, consult, estimate, sell, create, design, order, prepare, coordinate, deliver, remove, install, construct, comply, fix, paint and inspect (phew!). Indeed, we are a service business. Communication We believe the hallmark of our service to our customers is communication and meeting our customers’ expectations. Each one of Abbey Design Center representatives is tasked with […]

09
Mar
flooring health risks

Flooring Health Risks – Lumber Liquidators’ Exposed This past Sunday night, the CBS news magazine, 60 Minutes, aired an investigative story about flooring health risks and the illegal levels of formaldehyde in Lumber Liquidators’ wood laminate flooring sold to residents of California. The laminate flooring sold in Lumber Liquidators’ stores exceeds the California Air Resources Board Phase 2 (CARB 2) maximum level of toxic formaldehyde by up to 20 times the allowable amount. The World Health Organization suggests a cap for formaldehyde emissions at 0.042 ppm; the CARB 2 cap is .05 ppm. The CARB regulations are set to become […]

03
Mar
remodeling company

Selecting the Right Remodeling Company for Your Home If you are considering any type of remodeling job on your home and don’t want to tackle the job yourself, you will need to look around for a remodeling company. But what’s the best way to select the right one for you? By doing your homework, of course. In order to feel comfortable embarking on a project that will occur in your home and affect the look of your home you will need to invest a little time to make sure you hire the right company. You may have a few companies […]

27
Feb
Houzz Service Award

Houzz about that! It’s been said, ‘A picture says a thousand words,’ and there’s no better example than the website Houzz. Its amazing remodeling pictures say leaps and bounds about the quality of Houzz’ dedication. Additionally, its awards also portray a standard of excellence for any business. Once again, Abbey Design Center is immeasurably proud to win the Houzz Service Award of 2015! History of Houzz Houzz.com started just a few years ago by a couple planning a remodeling project. They found themselves surrounded by disorganized stacks of magazines, pictures, samples and referrals from friends. They knew there had to be […]

11
Feb
KBIS team

We’re back from KBIS! Did you miss us? Our designers are now home from Design and Construction week at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) 2015 held in Las Vegas at the end of January. Now that they’ve had a chance to soak their feet and answer their emails, they are ready to share the plethora of information and inspiration they garnered in 3 days of classes and displays. KBIS 2015 featured classes in traditional and new lighting trends, approaching technical difficulties in challenging design requests, the art of storage, design through virtual visualization, using daylight in design, and […]

09
Feb
open floor plan

An open floor plan is extremely desirable for many homeowners. They provide an open view and use of multiple rooms without walls dividing the space. But, they are not for every family at every life stage. Some consider an open plan ideal for young families with young children so they can keep an eye and ear on the kids’ every move. However, once those toddlers become tweens, separate spaces become more desirable for time with friends and when they need to be alone to concentrate or study. Let’s review what’s good and not so good about creating or buying into […]