Family-Owned Company Celebrates Four Decades in Business
Writer / Julie Yates
Photography Provided
Adkins Draperies & Blinds has been designing custom products for four decades. The family-owned business, now in the experienced hands of a second generation, continues to offer a one-on-one experience to meet the needs of loyal customers. From the first free shop-at-home appointment all the way to installation, Catherine Strong and her team work to make sure homeowners are pleased with their new window treatments.
Whether a customer prefers privacy treatments or stationary panels to frame a window, the process is enjoyable and easy. It all starts with a phone call to the shop. An appointment is set for an in-home consultation, where clients can view fabric sample books and blind examples. After decisions on the types of treatments and fabric selections have been established, the products are made in the companys workspace and put in place by an in-house installer.
We follow COVID social-distancing practices, and have even had a few virtual appointments, Strong says. But there is nothing like actually being in the home seeing the walls, floor colors and the windows. Sometimes customers know exactly what they want and sometimes they have to be coaxed to figure it out. We ask questions and figure out if blinds or fabric is wanted. It matters if the layout is open concept and all rooms can be seen at the same time. Its all about the lighting. It depends on the clients personality. Some people can handle big and bold fabrics.
The company offers a large variety of products, including traditional 3 and 2 pleated panels, Roman shades, valances, cushions, bedspreads and table decor. Blind types include Venetian, outdoor roller shutters, and more.
Adkins offers fabrics from $35 per yard to more than $200 per yard. Costs for blind materials depend on whether wood or faux materials are used. Customers can find coupons in local magazines with promotions for 30% off of materials, and 25% to 30% off of blinds. With coupons, plantation shutters average $34 per square foot.
Current trends are neutrals and grays, but some people dont worry about it – they get what they like, Strong says. The florals and stripes of the past are no longer popular. People dont do matchy-matchy any more, like having the same fabric on the couch and windows. While we still do cornice boards, stationary side panels are in high demand. Most of our customers are people who live within an hour of the shop, and many are referrals. We will go farther if a client wants us to help them with a second home such as a lake cottage. We mostly do residential, but if we have worked in their home, we will do the window treatments for their business.
Adkins Draperies & Blinds is located at 3162 East State Road 32 in Westfield. Call them for an appointment at 317-896-3833, and visit their website at AdkinsDraperyShop.com.
