Thursday, July 30, 2009

Top Green Companies

Check out this article posted on the Green Economy Post on the top green design firms, building team LEED AP's and Green contractors.

Going green really is the future. We should commend these companies on doing their part to make the earth a healthier place to live, while making a profit for themselves!

Box Truck for sale!

If you know anyone who needs a box truck for deliveries or anything else, we have one for sale.


It is a 1992 GMC Diesel Box truck. I don't know too much about it, but John is very knowledgeable on it. We are looking to get a newer delivery truck to use with our more current truck, but would like to sell this one first.

Please contact John with any leads or questions.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

ALVALINE cabinets





What do you guys think? Click on the link below to check out Alva Cabinets. The rep has contacted us about carrying this line. Do you think that your customers would have interest in cabinets like this? The line seems very price sensitive. The kitchens above price out accordingly:
1 - Averages around $836.00
2 - Averages around $2,033.00
3 - Averages around $4,386.00
We will have samples in the showroom soon. Stop on by to check them out.



Twitter

We are now on !
Click on the link above to come join the fun!
You can also click follow me on th Twitter Updates box to the right!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

4 ways to liven up a drab kitchen

There are many different ways for you to take your existing, drab kitchen and turn it into a place that you are not only proud to show off to your friends, but have no problem making the center of your next party.

  • Getting new appliances is one of the more obvious/quickest moves you can make to change the look of your kitchen. With the constant change in technology, updated looking models can add a new feel to your kitchen quickly and cost-efficiently.
  • Change your counter top - get rid of your old, discolored, chipped counter top. If you want a completely new look change your existing counter tops to Concrete, Granite Quartz or Marble.
  • Obviously, changing the kitchen cabinets is another kitchen improvement option. You can spend as much or as little as you want or need and you will still greatly impact the look of the kitchen.
  • Change out the hardware: Hinges and handles in a new color or material will go a long way to making your kitchen look like a new, more welcoming room.

Fieldstone Glaze Promo Ends Soon!

Save 60% on Glazes and 60% on Glazes for Tinted Varnish on orders received through Friday, July 31, 2009.

Outdoor Bamboo Cabinetry



If an all-stainless steel kitchen does not appeal to your client, consider using bamboo cabinet doors to soften an outdoor kitchen's look.

These cabinets from Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens use bamboo harvested at the peak of its maturity so the wood stands up to the outdoor elements.

Natural oils help maintain the bamboo while a Perma Panel base provides a virtually indestructible cabinet foundation.

Because bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, it's also an ecofriendly material choice.



Atlantis cabinets are available at Hicks.

Penn State is #1!



We just found out that PENN STATE has been named the number one party school in the country according to the Princeton Review. This is not very work related, but it is a fun fact considering John and I both graduated from there!


Have a great week!!!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Sales in Outdoor Living Areas are on the Rise with more Affluent Clients


Clients Are Investing More on Outdoor Living Areas of their Homes

New study from Unity Marketing reports on trend toward garden and outdoor interests among affluent consumers:


Stevens, PA July 7, 2009 -- Clients are spending more on their outdoor living spaces, giving a much needed boost to category retailers and marketers during this recession. Spending by affluents on outdoor living 'luxuries' rose 22.6 percent from 2007 to 2008. Continued strong demand for home improvements to outdoor living areas in the first quarter 2009 boosted affluent's spending by 33 percent from the same period last year. This makes outdoor living a particularly strong category in an otherwise dismal consumer market.

As the summer season heats up, prospects are good for continued growth in the outdoor living market, says Pam Danziger president of Unity Marketing and author of a new trend report on the outdoor living market, entitled Reaping the Fruits of the Recession -- A Trend Report on the Market for Outdoor Living Luxuries, Benefitting most from increased spending in outdoor living goods are big-box home improvement stores, Further affluents are turning more frequently to internet and other direct-to-consumer retailers, like TV and mail order, for outdoor products. Spending by affluents on outdoor living goods through the internet and other direct channels more than doubled from first quarter 2008 to same period 2009.

"In the current recession affluent consumers are investing more in luxuries for their homes and less on experiences, such as dining and travel," says Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing, commenting on the company's latest trend report on the market for outdoor living products.

"Opportunities abound for marketers and retailers that tap into the product categories where affluents are still willing to indulge, like the outdoor living areas of their homes. This new trend report summarizes the most important findings from Unity Marketing's research into the spending habits of the affluent consumer to provide guidance to marketers and retailers that want more insight into this promising marketplace."

Urban Industrial Vanity Design

The latest in Urban Industrial vanity design.


This vanity is made from 2" galvanized pipe. The top is a custom made concrete design. This is the perfect vanity for that client that is looking for something innovative and different.

This vanity was designed and installed by one of our customers, and it being displayed in their office. These vanities are available for purchase.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Hicks Brochure

A few months back we had brochures printed up for your clients to let them know about us as a company. I know some of you have been in and picked a few up to give out. I just wanted to let everyone know that they are available for you client.



Click on the link below to view the brochure, and let us know if you need any for your clients...


Thank you!

Just wanted to say thank you for all of the feedback we have gotten about our blog and posts. I will definitely be taking everything in and trying to modify things as I can. I am pretty new to this, so I am not too sure on how to do some things, but I will be learning and updating. Thank as well for following us on Facebook. I hope to be getting better at that in the coming months as well.

Also, the comments on the Chalfont job have been so nice to hear. I can't wait to get finished photos for you to look at.

Have a great day and a fun weekend!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Chalfont Kitchen Project

This is a kitchen remodel in Chalfont that we supplied the cabinets for. The cabinets are Fieldstone Cherry Toffee with Ebony glaze. They are Beaded Inset Athens with concealed hinges. The kitchen is turning out to be a beautiful space.
This is a Custom unit for the microwave and toaster oven. The bottom double door area is a "throw" cabinet for book bags and school stuff.
Built in pantry area. Each 27" wide
.
Stanichi Hood


Cross wire door inserts with Enkebol accents



Full picture of the top of the "bar" area - two tired rope crown with beaded light shield and Integrated end panel.



I will be updating the blog with more recent pictures as soon as I get them!
If you have any pictures of kitchens we have done that you would like me to post. Please e-mail me and I will get them up!
Installation and trim work done by Kunkel Contracting.


GRANITE STARTING AT $45/SQUARE FOOT

25 Square foot purchase includes:

  • Grade A material

  • 7 edge choices

  • Your choice of 4 stainless steel 18 gauge sinks

  • Template & Install

  • Over 75 colors available

  • Slab viewing by appointment in Myerstown and Telford, PA or online



Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Get Involved!



The link above is to a letter that we recieved from the owner of Executive kitchens.
Please take some time to read about legislation designed to stimulate remodeling and home furnishing purchases.
A copy of the HIRE act is available below:


Kitchen and Bath design news

Today Kitchen and Bath Design news sent me an e-mail about decorative and functional hardware appeal, which I thought was informative and helpful. Here it is:



With inexpensive upgrades increasingly in demand in the kitchen and
bath, consumers are turning to unique decorative hardware to give their spaces a
mini makeover. On the decorative front, simple elegance remains a hot trend,
with custom hardware pieces that mix and match materials increasingly being used
to add a stylish note. In functional hardware, ease of use, space efficiency and
accessibility are among the hottest trends.



Below are some of the hottest trends in decorative and
functional hardware:


The challenging economy has led to a rise in "mini makeovers,"
creating strong demand for unique decorative hardware pieces that can help to
provide an inexpensive kitchen upgrade.


In decorative hardware, cleaner, simpler lines are gaining in popularity, while unusual finishes help to add a point of differentiation.



  • Satin nickel and bronze continue to be hot finishes in decorative
    hardware, while polished nickel is challenging polished chrome as the preferred
    finish.


  • The mix-and-match trend continues to be evident in hardware, with
    traditional mediums such as finished metals being combined with materials not
    typically used in cabinet hardware, such as glass, crystal and leather.

  • In functional hardware, ease of use, accessibility and perceived
    value are key, with quiet-close features and hands-free operation remaining hot
    trends.


The aging Baby Boomers are driving a trend toward larger,
easy-to-grasp pulls, while smaller spaces continue to raise demand for
functional hardware that maximizes space.





Greco Pull


Check out for a full line of decorative and functional hardware available through Hicks.



Tuesday, July 21, 2009

2009 Kitchen Color Trends

Yellow is the shade that color experts have chosen as the "it" kitchen color for 2009

Color experts have identified a need for optimism as yellow emerges as a popular color choice in 2009.

With popular shades ranging from a bright, greenish citron to soothing, orange-toned mimosa yellow is transitioning us into change.

Expect yellow to show up in kitchens everywhere from the walls to the appliances. With the eco-friendly drive that kitchens have been experiencing, yellow signifies a vibrant continuation of environmental awareness in design.


Another color choice...

Dark blues have changed into shades of violet. Needing blue or red undertones, purples make a strong design statement.

Bright and light blues are still making a strong push to the fore-front as well.


From warm to cool, to black-ish to brown-ish, gray is the new neutral color for 2009.

WOW! Over 14,00 combinations of legs, posts & bun feet!



Fieldstone cabinetry is partnering with Glacial Wood Products to bring us finely crafted solid wood posts, legs and bun feet. Clients will be wow'd with all the decorative accents available from one place. Click on the logo above to be directed to all of Fieldstones new posts, legs, & bun feet.

Monday, July 20, 2009

VACATION PROMOTION EXTENDED!!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that Fieldstone has extended it's vacation promotion

It now ends on September 30, 2009!


It's always great to get away, so let's get to selling some kitchens together!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

NKBA Guidelines

No one wants a brand-new kitchen with appliance doors that bump into cabinet doors, or an island so close to the wall that it can’t be used for dining. Good space planning will help you develop the best layout for your kitchen.

This is a modified version from the full version available at NKBA.com

If your kitchen budget requires some compromises and tradeoffs: The only rules you must follow are building codes.

1. Door/Entry: A doorway should be at least 32 inches wide.

2. Door Interference: No entry door should interfere with appliances, nor should appliance doors interfere with one another.

3. Distance Between Work Centers: In a kitchen with three work centers*, the sum of the distances between them should total no more than 26 feet. No leg of the work triangle should measure less than 4 feet nor more than 9 feet. When the kitchen includes additional work centers, each additional distance should measure no less than 4 feet nor more than 9 feet. No work triangle leg should intersect an island or peninsula by more than 12 inches.

* The distances between the three primary work centers (cooking, cleanup/prep and refrigeration) form a work tirangle

4. Separating Work Centers: A full-height, full-depth, tall obstacle should not separate two primary work centers.

5. Work Triangle Traffic: No major traffic patterns should cross through the work triangle.

6. Work Aisle: The width of a work aisle should be at least 42 inches for one cook and at least 48 inches for multiple cooks.

7. Walkway: The width of a walkway should be at least 36 inches.

8. Traffic Clearance at Seating: In a seating area where no traffic passes behind a seated diner, allow 32 inches of clearance from the counter/table edge to any wall or other obstruction behind the seating area. If traffic passes behind the seated diner, allow at least 36 inches to edge past or at least 44 inches to walk past.

9. Seating Clearance: Kitchen seating areas should incorporate at least the following clearances: At 30-inch-high tables/counters, allow a 24-inch-wide by 18-inch-deep knee space for each seated diner. At 36-inch-high counters, allow a 24-inch-wide by 15-inch-deep knee space. At 42-inch-high counters, allow a 24-inch-wide by 12-inch-deep knee space.

10. Cleanup/Prep Sink Placement: If a kitchen has only one sink, locate it adjacent to or across from the cooking surfaceand refrigerator.

11. Cleanup/Prep Sink Landing Area: Include at least a 24-inch-wide landing area to one side of the sink and at least an18-inch-wide landing area on the other side.

12. Preparation/Work Area: Include a section of continuous countertop at least 36 inches wide and 24 inches deep immediately next to a sink.

13. Dishwasher Placement: Locate nearest edge of the primary dishwasher within 36 inches of the nearest edge of a sink. Provide at least 21 inches of standing space between the edge of the dishwasher and countertop frontage, appliances and/or cabinets placed at a right angle to the dishwasher.

14. Waste Receptacles: Include at least two waste receptacles. Locate one near the sink(s) and a second for recycling in the kitchen or nearby.

15. Auxiliary Sink: At least 3 inches of countertop frontage should be provided on one side of the auxiliary sink and 18 inches on the other side.

16. Refrigerator Landing Area: Include at least 15 inches of landing area on the handle side of the refrigerator or 15 inches of landing area on either side of a side-by-side refrigerator or 15 inches of landing area no more than 48 inches across from the front of the refrigerator or 15 inches of landing area above or adjacent to any undercounter refrigeration appliance.

17. Cooking Surface Landing Area: Include a minimum of 12 inches of landing area on one side of a cooking surface and 15 inches on the other side. In an island or peninsula, the countertop should also extended a minimum of 9 inches behind the cooking surface.

18. Cooking Surface Clearance: Allow 24 inches of clearance between the cooking surface and a protected noncombustible surface [ex: a range hood] above it. At least 30 inches of clearance is required between the cooking surface and an unprotected/combustible surface [ex: cabinetry] above it. If a microwave hood is used, then the manufacturer’s specifications should be followed.

19. Cooking Surface Ventilation: Provide a correctly sized, ducted ventilation system for all cooking surface appliances; the recommended minimum is 150 CFM.

20. Cooking Surface Safety: Do not locate the cooking surface under an operable window. Window treatments above the cooking surface should not use flammable materials. A fire extinguisher should be located near the exit of the kitchen away from cooking equipment.

21. Microwave Oven Placement: The ideal location for the bottom of the microwave is 3 inches below the principle user’s shoulder but no more than 54 inches above the floor. If the microwave is below the countertop the bottom must be at least 15 inches off the finished floor.

22. Microwave Landing Area: Provide at least a 15-inch landing area above, below or adjacent to the handle side of a microwave.

23. Oven Landing Area: Include at least a 15-inch landing area next to or above the oven. At least a 15-inch landing area not more than 48 inches across from the oven is acceptable if the appliance does not open into a walkway.

24. Combining Landing Areas: If two landing areas are adjacent, determine a new minimum by taking the longer of the two landing area requirements and adding 12 inches.

25. Countertop Space: A total of 158 inches of countertop frontage, 24 inches deep, with at least 15 inches of clearance above, is needed to accommodate all uses.

26. Countertop Edges: Specify clipped or round corners rather than sharp edges.

27. Storage: The total shelf/drawer frontage is: 1,400 inches for a small kitchen (150 square feet or less); 1,700 inches for a medium kitchen (151 to 350 square feet); and 2,000 inches for a large kitchen (351 square feet or more).
28. Storage at Cleanup/Prep Sink: Of the total recommended shelf/drawer frontage, the following should be located within 72 inches of the centerline of the main cleanup/prep sink: at least 400 inches for a small kitchen; at least 480 inches for a medium kitchen; and at least 560 inches for a large kitchen.

29. Corner Cabinet Storage: At least one corner cabinet should include a functional storage device. This does not apply if there are no corner cabinets.

30. Electrical Receptacles: GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protection is required on all receptacles servicing countertop surfaces.

31. Lighting: Every work surface should be well-illuminated by appropriate task lighting.

Just saying Hi & Thank you!

Just wanted to touch base with everyone and see how your summer is going.


I also figured this would be a great time to say THANK YOU to all of our valued customers, and to offer you a discount on your next kitchen project with us...


Mention this blog to John or Kristin and we will waive any design fees associated with your project.


Again, Thank you for your continued loyalty, and have a great Summer!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Warehouse Space Available!!!

It has come to our attention over the last few weeks that we have A LOT of warehouse space that is unused.

A couple of our customers/clients have asked us to rent some space to store mechandise in, and we have done so.

We just wanted to let you know that we have warehouse space available for rent if you need some. The warehouse is fully enclosed and heated.

Please contact John or Kristin to talk about it.

Fieldstones New Doors!


Fieldstones 5 popular Custom Inset Cabinetry Doors - Athens, Fairfield, LaCrosse, LaGrange & LaSalle - are now available in Quarter Sawn Oak.

Pictures and Door Samples should be coming out soon. I'll keep you posted.

I think this will be a helpful addition to the Fieldstone Catalog!



Monday, July 13, 2009

Follow us on FACEBOOK!

Hicks Distributors just joined Facebook!


Come over and check it out!!!


I'm back.

I have been slacking off on my posts, as I was away for a week.

I hope everyone had a great Holiday.

I am going through things here to get you the latest information on what is new. I know that Legacy has updated their catalogs, so more SKU's are available! That is always nice.

Just wanted to say Hi!

I'll be back soon with all the latest information I can get!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Executive Kitchens New Eco-Friendly Brochure

Executive kitchens has launched it's newest version of it's eco-friendly brochure. It is really impressive and works well for all of our environmentally conscious clients.
Check it out for yourself...


Hicks Distributors
www.HicksDistributors.com

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Exotic Veneers

Are your clients looking for something "different", something a little wild? Look no further. Fieldstone, and Executive have a line of Exotic Veneer doors in multiple styles with unique personalities.

Exotic wood veneers consist of

  • Bamboo

  • Rosewood

  • Wenge

  • Bali Teak

  • Persimmon

  • Zebrawood

  • Western Fir

  • Wild Cherry

  • Congo

  • Asian Ash

  • Walnut

  • Burled Walnut

  • Brandied Peach

  • Birdseye Maple

  • Caramelized Bamboo

  • English Oak

  • Amazon Ebony
Veneer finishes are making a strong push in the marketplace, simply by giving customers something different. Most veneers doors are put on a European box (frame-less), which adds to the different look and feel.


To top it off all of our veneer doors are GREEN! For Fieldstone this is a huge step. For Executive this is what they do everyday. There is no added Formaldehyde to the core of the veneer, and they apply a water based top coat. No endangered trees are harmed to make these exotic looks!


Rosewood Bar Area

It's time for an extended vacation!





Fieldstone has extended it's free vacation with purchase until the end of July. Your customers can choose from 3 destinations with the purchase of 15 cabinets.

You can earn a vacation too...Just get 4 kitchen orders by July 31, 2009 and you'll be off to Vegas, Cancun or a Carnival Cruise!



Please contact us with any questions!