For soon-to-be newlyweds Ted and Kathy Gray, redecorating their master bedroom was an artistic endeavor - literally. Starting with a few sketches by art deco era artist Louis Icart, the Grays approached Debra Dunham, designer for ABC Blind and Drapery. With Icart's elegant and provocative twenties-era prints in hand, they asked her to redecorate their southwest Austin home.

"We knew what we didn't want and we knew a little of what we did want, but we didn't know how to get there," says Kathy Gray. "We shared our ideas for the whole bedroom design, trying to stay with what we already had and not get too far out there."

The Grays' decorating dilemma is not unique to older newlyweds as combining two households can prove overwhelming. "Combining two households can be difficult for older, newly-married couples who have lived full lives," says Debra Dunham, a designer for ABC Blind and Drapery. "Mixing different styles of furnishings under one roof can be a little frightening. No one wants to hurt anyone's feelings about what to keep, where to put it and how to use it.

The Grays and Dunham decided to begin their remodeling project with the master bedroom, which was decorated in a "very vanilla" style, says Dunham. "We wanted to start there and make the master bedroom really special. I found a fabric in a black and crème that had a real art deco feeling to it for the bedding that served as our inspiration point. From there, we did the draperies and new carpet and then went through what they already had and decided what furniture should stay and what should go."

The end result was a master boudoir and bath that completely reflects the Grays' eclectic taste. From gold leaf twenties-era chandelier to the framed original Icart sketches the Grays found in Italy while on their honeymoon, the rooms are a tribute to the art deco master artist that inspired its décor. The black and crème deco-style fabric is carried forward as pillow and wrap accents for the sofa in the boudoir sitting area, while gold glass tiles provide perfect accents to the black marble mirror in the bathroom.

"I know there are plenty of trends around, but I feel as a designer that style is more individualized - it's about including details and catering to our clients' desires," says Dunham. "Finding the Icart sketches in that Italian gallery,  proves it was all just meant to be."

In addition to home decorating services, ABC Blind and Drapery has been working with Austinites since 1947 to design window fashions with in-store factory facilities that provide a great selection of window treatment styles, materials and designs; including custom bedding and custom furniture for your indoor and outdoor living areas. Visit ABC Blind and Draperty at 6221 North Lamar, or online at www.abcblind.com or contact them at 512-459-6561.