FAQs

Alpha Decor

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we receive. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us at (678) 919-9998, or send an email to: jandoh@alphadecor.com. Help is only a phone call or email away!

WHAT PROCESS DO YOU FOLLOW?
This usually starts with a phone call to discuss your project, and for us to get to know a little bit about each other. Moving forward, an in-home consultation (or virtual consultation, given our current pandemic season) is scheduled, where we talk more about YOUR design ideas, color preferences, your likes and dislikes, fabric and hardware selections. Accurate measurements and photographs are taken at this time of all windows to be treated. A proposal is emailed to you within 48 business hours after the final details have been selected, and upon receipt of your down payment (and full payment of fabrics and/or hardware), all items will be ordered. Once order is to hand, your treatment fabrication begins in our in-house studio using the highest of quality standards; this usually takes about 6-8 weeks, depending on our workload. On completion, we arrange for professional installation supervised by ourselves.
IS THERE A CHARGE FOR AN IN-HOME CONSULTATION?
A lot of preparation and planning starts hours before we even get to your home; putting together samples, selecting fabrics books of your choice and color, etc. Our visit takes us away from working on other projects or being with another client. And then we give you 1-2 hours of undivided attention to ensure that you end up with treatments that you will love for a very long time. Because of all that goes into the planning & designing of custom treatments, we are not able to give you those services for free. A non-refundable fee of $75.00 is charged at consultation. But the good news is that this amount gets applied to your order, should you choose to let us design for you!
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY IN-HOME CONSULTATION?
There is usually a pre-appointment phone call before our in-home consultation whereby we ask a few questions, enabling us to prepare to meet you! In the meantime, you can prepare by gathering any inspirational ideas or photos you may have, think of your likes and dislikes and be prepared to discuss your budget or the amount you are willing to invest in your custom treatments. The more information you share with us, the better. This will help the in-home consultation be more productive and we will be able to quickly measure, select fabrics and design details, and let you get back to your day. We appreciate your busy schedule and respect your valuable time.
IS THE APPOINTMENT AT YOUR LOCATION OR MINE?
We meet at your home or location so that your windows can be measured and accessed. It is also invaluable to be with your furniture, carpeting, wall color, lighting, etc., when making the selections. After this initial consultation if there is more you would like to see, you can always visit our studio where we have a wall of sample treatments and more fabric books for you to look through.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY CUSTOM MADE TREATMENTS?
Most custom projects take 6 – 8 weeks from the time your order is placed and all fabrics, trimmings, and hardware are to hand. Some projects like blinds and/or shades takes less time. Please take this time period into consideration when planning any family gatherings, parties, etc.
HOW MUCH WILL MY TREATMENTS COST?

Custom is more expensive than ready-made.  We are making one item specifically for you and not mass producing.  Hence discussing your budget ahead of time is highly recommended.  To give you an indication of my prices, however, here are two scenarios:

  • A pair of hand sewn drapes for window. Pole width is 80″, drop of drape is 90″. You have requested these to be lined with a pinch pleated heading. Labor cost for this treatment would be $220.00 (plus tax) plus the cost of the lining fabric.  This amount does not include your hardware. You will need 12 yards of face fabric to complete this project. 
  • A Roman shade 40″ wide by 50″ long. Assembled with shade cords and lift cord. Labor would be $196.00 (plus tax). Finishing will be with blackout lining. You will need 1.5 yards of face fabric. 
HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY TREATMENTS?
Payments can be made by cash, check or credit card (MasterCard or Visa – these usually attract a 3% increase) through PayPal. A 50% fabricating deposit will be required at confirmation of the order with the balance due upon delivery/collection. Where supply of fabric is required the fabric component must be paid in FULL in addition to the deposit. Fabric will not be ordered until this component is received.
I HAVE JUST MOVED HOUSES AND HAVE MANY ROOMS THAT NEED TREATMENTS; DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS?
Yes, subject to the quantity of window treatments and/or soft furnishings required, we can make room for some kind of a discount.
DO YOU OFFER TRADE PRICES?
For Interior Designers I do offer trade prices; please contact me to discuss how we can work together.
WHAT GUARANTEES DO YOU GIVE?
Customer satisfaction is very important to us, so from the initial consultation to completion of your soft furnishings you can be assured that the service you receive will be the best it can be. We are very proud of the work we produce and wouldn’t be happy supplying a client with soft furnishings we wouldn’t want ourselves. The over 20 years’ experience in soft furnishings is a guarantee of the standard of our work and dedication.
HOW LONG HAS ALPHA DÉCOR BEEN IN BUSINESS?
Alpha Décor has been in business now since 1997, after spending many years making soft window treatments and furnishings for myself and family.
DO YOU SUPPLY FABRIC?
Yes, we have a number of sample books and resources to source the right fabric for your requirements.
WHAT AREAS DO YOU WORK IN?
We are proudly serving Ellenwood, GA and the 25 miles surrounding areas including McDonough, Stockbridge, Locust Grove, Forest Park, Gresham Park, Riverdale, College Park, East Point, Decatur, Atlanta and Panthersville. If you are outside these areas, we may still be able to help you (travel fees may apply). We also have great clients in other parts of Atlanta, other areas of Georgia and many other parts of the US.
I LIVE OUTSIDE OF YOUR STATE; CAN YOU STILL HELP?
Possibly, but it depends on what you would like. Smaller items like pillows, cushions, shades, table clothes, etc., can be shipped out. However, this method of delivery is not always suitable for larger items such as board mounted cornices or drapes, though these have been accomplished on many occasions, cost of course being the underlying factor. Please contact us for more information.
DO YOU ALTER EXISTING WINDOW TREATMENTS?
Often due to the fabrication process, it is more expensive to alter existing treatments rather than start from scratch. We can provide a quote for altering existing draperies on a case by case basis. Sometimes due to age or wear, existing treatments are not suitable to be altered.
DO YOU SELL BLINDS AND/OR SHUTTERS?
Yes we do! We have beautiful lines of Wood & Faux Wood Blinds, Cellular Shades, Solar & Roller Shades, Shutters, Woven Woods & much more!! Nearly all of these products can also be Motorized.
I WANT SOMETHING UNUSUAL. CAN YOU HELP?
Yes, most of our work involves fabricating draperies, cornices and other soft furnishings. However, every now and then we are asked to make something different. For one of our regular clients we have become a specialist in Swags & Tails! We are sometimes asked to create very specific and unusual soft furnishings. Please contact us to discuss what you would like and hopefully we can help.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY NEW CUSTOM TREATMENTS?
We recommend a light vacuuming or dusting with a lint roller as needed. Washing your treatments in the washing machine is never recommended as the fabrics layered together may react differently, and we cannot be responsible for the results. Dry Cleaning is an alternative method of cleaning drapery panels, however, Alpha Décor takes no responsibility for the results of the dry cleaning process. Dust & vacuum as long as humanly possible! Even if your treatments survive the dry cleaning process, they will never look as good!

ByAlpha Couture

What are fascinators made of?

Fascinators can be made of various types of fabrics and materials, all of which are combined to create a unique design. A few common materials used to create fascinators include:

  • Sinamay, which is a fabric made from banana plant fibers and is often used to make the base of a fascinator, as well as decorative loops or curls.
  • Feathers, such as goose, ostrich, guinea fowl, or peacock.
  • Crinoline, which is a stiff fabric that‘s used to create architectural decorative elements.
  • Lace, which adds a delicate beauty to pretty much anything.
  • Silk flowers, which are a fairly traditional decorative element, and add a touch of femininity to a fascinator.
How much are your fascinators, hats and hatinators?
Cost will vary depending on materials chosen, size and complexity. However, as a guide line, prices generally range from $50.00 – $200.00.
Do I have to pay upfront?
Yes. You can purchase one of the items online as is, (color, design, etc) if it is still available. Alternatively, you can ask for a custom made design (bespoke) which is what most customers go for, given that they are looking for a specific color/design to match an outfit. Either way, you will have to pay upfront (1) to secure your place on The Design Board if ordering a bespoke design, and (2) to have your item shipped to you. Nothing with be shipped without prior payment.
What is a bespoke design?
A Bespoke design is the place to be if you need something created to compliment your outfit. All bespoke designs are priced on a client by client basis, as everyone is individual and materials will differ from piece to piece.
How do I place an order?

For your convenience, there are different ways to order.

  • By telephone – call Janet Andoh @+1(207) 409-0692 or +1 (678) 919-9998 to discuss your order.
  • Email– Please send an email to: info@byalphacouture.com, with any questions you may have on placing your order.
  • In person – Please make an appointment to visit our Studio. Appointments are generally available week days, week nights and also on a weekend (Saturday only).
  • Virtual Consultation– If distance is an issue, then an alternate would be to undertake a consultation virtually (facetime or SKYPE) so that I can fully understand your requirements.
What is your time frame?
Depending on the time of the year and your location, your order can be completed anytime between two to four weeks. If you need a made-to-measure hat or fascinator for a particular function and need this sooner than specified, please call – in some instances, shorter timescales can be met (workload permitting).
What sort of Payment options do you have?
  • Online– you can pay by secure online credit or debit card payment through PayPal.
  • I will email you a PayPal invoice, from which you can make your online payment.
  • By telephone– you can phone in your credit card details. This method will attract a 3% increase in your payment, just so you know!
  • In person– you can pay by credit card (Visa or MasterCard), check or cash, if visiting the Studio.
Can I try before I buy?
If I have a sample, then yes; this provides you with reassurance. I have a few samples at the Studio that you are welcome to try. Otherwise, if a piece has been custom-ordered, then for hygiene reasons, it would be unfair to let you try these.
I like a piece but want it changed a little. Will you customize it for me?
Yes. I will typically customize a piece for no additional charge, unless it substantially changes and adds cost in which case I will let you know ahead of time. Just contact me and I will work with you to create the perfect design.
Could you copy a design I've seen?
No, this would be against the original designers’ copyright and would be both unethical and illegal. The design can, however, be altered or tweaked, if you so desire. If you have a specific idea in mind this can be used as a source of inspiration but no direct copies of other people’s work will be undertaken.
Can I email a picture of my dress to you?
While I can color match via pictures sent through email it is best if you can send in a piece of your outfit’s fabric or similar color (if applicable). Screens differ tremendously and my perception of what your outfit color is could be deceiving. Alternatively, I could mail you swatches of colors I have available. This will ensure we get the whole look perfect for you.
Can I wash my hat or fascinator?

No. Washing such items will make them lose their shape and sometimes even wash away the colors. From experience, I know that even applying a damp sponge is not advisable as this can create permanent staining – I once tried to clean make up stains on the brim of my hat – bad move! Tip – to avoid make up stains, place a small piece of carpenter’s tape (the color of the fascinator, if possible) directly under the brim to avoid it touching your forehead before (or even whilst) wearing – good luck!

If you need to clean your fascinator or hat, we recommend removing any dust or particles with a low tack adhesive tape.

What types of weddings can I wear a fascinator to? Is wearing a fascinator (or hat) necessary?
Wearing a fascinator to a wedding is always appropriate, unless the bride has specifically mentioned not to in the dress code. If you are uncertain about whether of not to wear a fascinator to a wedding, contact the bride and tell her you would like to, and if that is appropriate for her dress code.
If the wedding you are attending is in the evening, a hat may not be appropriate but a fascinator will be. It’s not necessary to wear a fascinator, but it can be a lot of fun! Fascinators can add color and personality to your outfit, and help pull together a look. Only wear a fascinator if you feel comfortable doing so, and enjoy the experience!
Is there anything I should know about wearing a fascinator to a wedding?

Unlike a hat, there is no need to remove your fascinators if you are indoors, or when you enter a church (or other religious building, unless specified).

Mother knows best

The mother of the bride dictates when other ladies may remove their hats and fascinators. If you are attending a traditional wedding hosted by the bride’s family, only remove your fascinator if/when the mother of the bride removes hers.

Enquiries

If you still have questions unanswered, please contact ByAlpha Couture.