MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2011 NEWSLETTER!!!

We are starting a newsletter!!!

We are very excited to announce that a newsletter is coming!!! January 2011 will be our first copy, and we are looking for articles and links about our contractors and resources. Just as this blog has helped us to understand our customers needs and expecations, we are aiming for this newsletter continue with that, and to pick up from there. To get your address on our mailing list click on this link...HDI NEWSLETTER

I am hoping that by putting all of our ideas and resources together in one location, we can help each other as well as our clients.

I am excited for a fun and profitable 2011. Let's start off this upcoming year together...growing our companies, sharing our knowledge & raising our profits!

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,
Pennsylvania.Be a fan on facebook... www.facebook.com/hicksdistributors

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Where style meets function, and design options are limitless...

NEW ECO-FRIENDLY COUNTERTOP MATERIAL AVAILABLE!!!

ECO by Cosentino is a durable surface made of 75% recycled content composed of post-industrial or post-consumer materials and is bound by an environmentally friendly resin which comes in part from corn oil.


ECO™ by Cosentino Attributes:

• High performance against staining, scratching and scorching


• 
  Non-porous, does not require sealers


• 
  Available in 10 designer colors and two textures (Leather™ and polished)


• 
  Available in 63"x 128" slab and standard size tiles


• 
  Backed by a 5 year limited warranty


• 
  Building teams can gain points toward LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for a building project with ECO by Cosentino surfacing


• 
  GreenGuard, NSF and Cradle to Cradle Certifications
  

There are other eco-friendly surfacing materials in the market today. ECO by Cosentino reutilizes materials that have reached the end of their life cycle, thus saving on the creation and consumption of natural resources. Most of the raw materials used in the creation of ECO by Cosentino are:

Porcelain
Mirror

Crystalized Ash
Glass

Stone Scraps

Corn

We are very excited about his new sustainable material for countertops. We will be getting the new samples in the showroom within the next few weeks. Stop in to check them out!

Constantino also makes Silestone Quartz countertops. We have had a lot of positive feedback on their products to this point, and know that this pairing of eco-friendliness, and product support will only stregthen this products quality.

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Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.

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CAMBRIA STYLE FALL/WINTER ISSUE

The Cambria Style Fall/Winter Issue has arrived. It is full of great decorating ideas. Even if you do not have Cambria Tops, it is a fun publication to flip through.

www.cambriausa.com

Stop in for your FREE copy!!!

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/
Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.

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Trend: (Holiday) Luxury

With the holidays right around the corner, adding touches of luxury to your holiday decor is a fun and easy way to make your home feel like a five star hotel. After all, glamour is not a trend, it is something that is always in style.

Focus your efforts on smaller areas like powder rooms or dry bars. Use reflective surfaces to bounce light and create an illuminated atmosphere. Formal eating spaces like dining rooms always work for a more sophisticated look. Layer fabrics or use fabrics with lots of texture to create a glamorous feel.

Keep in mind, that not everything that shimmers in glamorous. Focus your attention on items in the silvers or gunmetals. Iridescent tiles, mother of pearl, velvet fabrics, whites and purples create powerful statements when used together. Even something as simple as a glass of champagne can add glamour to a space.

Whatever you choose to add, just don't over do it. Pick and choose what will work best in your home, and stick too it. Adding too much of a good thing can be...well, too much of a good thing!!!

For more glamorous ideas, stop in and pick up the Fall/Winter addition of CAMBRIA STYLE.

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/
Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.

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Thank you all again for your friendship, support and patronage throughout the year. We are truly thankful to have customers like you.

Lyptus is the latest addition to the Fieldstone wood species palette. Lyptus is a hard, fine-grain hardwood with a rich, warm tone. We offer it in a darker finish palette to minimize Lyptus’ natural color variation, which can be significant. More than most woods, Lyptus mellows and darkens with exposure to light.

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Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.

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Boo!!!

The Holidays are coming, the Holidays are coming!!!

photo courtesy of flicker

It is hard to believe that the Holiday season is approaching. It seems no matter what you do this season sneaks up on you. This post is just a reminder that cabinet orders are still at LEAST 4 weeks out. That means if your client wants new cabinets by that Holiday party they are planning, now is the time to act. In all honesty, 4 weeks doesn't seem like that far away, but actually, if you ordered your cabinets today a 4 week lead time puts your delivery the week AFTER Thanksgiving!!! If I can do anything to help you push a client along, please let me know. Pricing and re-pricing is what I am here for an I am happy to help!!! Let's make this season a great one for all of us!

www.hicksdistributors.com

Onyx Oak

I am normally the first person to steer a client away from oak cabinetry, but a new trend is making me double check myself.

Onyx stain on Oak cabinets is amazing. The depth of color and pattern bring out the oaks beautiful grain and help to use it as an accent rather than a distraction. Most of the time oak cabinets almost make your eye dizzy with all the grain and pattern. The onyx (black) stain helps to tone down the chaos. The grain becomes an accent piece almost like glaze. You end up with a cabinet full of depth and character rather than a flat black almost dull Maple look.

The best part of all this, the color is on OAK! Again, normally not something I would put in the pro column if doing a comparison, but oak is one of the least expensive woods to have cabinets built in. This new trend allows for redecorating on a budget...it doesn't get better than that!!!

Where style meets function and design options are limitless...

www.hicksdistributors.com

Getting ready for Halloween!

It is hard to believe that Halloween is just around the corner, and the colder weather is just getting started. Happily things have been picking up here at Hicks, and we hope the same can be said for everyone. For this reason, it has been a while since I have posted anything, but I wanted to try to get everyone in the Halloween spirit by posting this pretty Halloween themed kitchen. I for one could never quiet decorate this elaborately, but I have to admit it looks beautiful. Thanks to Country Living Magazine for this inspired photo. Now I just have to step up my decorating skills. We would love to see pictures of your kitchens decorated for Halloween. Please post them on our facebook page...www.facebook.com/hicksdistributors

www.hicksdistributors.com

Where style meets function and design and design options are limitless...

Philly Design Home 2010

photo courtesy of: Philadelphia Magazine

Looking for something to do this weekend? Why not take a drive over to the Philadelphia Design House in Lower Gwynedd.

Tours run from September 11-October 10, 2010. Tickets are $20. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House - Philadelphia.

www.hicksdistributors.com

Cheaha Cabinetry

We have just taken on a new line of cabinetry which has been really a great addition to our lines.

Take a look at http://www.cheahacabinets.com/

This cabinets line is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Ashland, Alabama. Cheaha takes it's name from the Creek Indian language - Cheaha means High Place and is the Creek name for Cheaha Mountain, the highest elevation in the State of Alabama.

They have a great commitment to quality, wonderful customer service and an extensive product line. On top of that they offer custom designer colors from the Sherwin-Williams Color Fan. These colors are available on many of their door styles at an additional charge.

This cabinet line has allowed us to compete with extremely low price points and make sales that would otherwise be a lot tougher.

We have sold 3-4 kitchens in this line and both us and the clients have been thrilled with the quality and price.

Stop in to see some sample doors and colors.

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/

How to prepare for your new kitchen

photo courtesy of: Westview Bungalow

Before you order:

1. Make sure you and your designer are on the same page as far as what you are envisioning in your mind. Pictures help a ton in this area, what you may think is cream, a designer may call yellow. Always show what you are thinking whenever possible.

2. Be in on all the desicions - it may get overwhelming and you will most likely get to a point where it is easier to say "just do what you think is best", rather than thinking about another option. At this point, stop and think. You are spending a lot of time and money on this renovation so do it the way you want it. Really think about every question that is posed to you...think about the answer now, and in 10 years from now.

3. Work with designer and installers that are there for you. Being on the same page with these people is key. You have to feel comfortable enough to ask any question at any time.

4. Find out your lead time - The shortest amount of time you can go without a kitchen is the best. Know how long the cabinets are going to take to come, and when the project is going to start.

After you order:

5. Prepare the install area - allow ample pathway for workers to enter and exit your home. Move anything that you would not want damaged. Workers are careful, but accidents happen, so it is better to be overprotecive of your furniture, art work and sentimental objects.

6. Have all kitchen accessories packed up and out of the way. Keep things you will need/use in a temporary kitchen space near a sink.

7. Remodeling means DUST. Keep everything covered.

8. Keep young children out of the work area for their safety, and have a clear cut idea of start and finish times.

9. Make sure everything is finished to your satisfaction & pay your contractor in a timely fashion. If there is something missing our something to be fixed, only hold back a fair amount. Holding $20,000 for a light switch cover is tough on a contractor who is there to do his job.

10. Enjoy your new kitchen!

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Happy Labor Day!!!

Amazing offers from Fieldstone!

15% off of 8 doors styles:
Bainbridge
Breton
Griffith
Romance
Bellmonte
Carmello
Recina
Stratford

10% off everything sale:
Take 10 % off every other door style

Ultimate Upgrade for FREE:
3/4" plywood end panels at no additional charge
Plywood selves are also available at no additional charge

ALL PROMOS RUN TO OCTOBER 1, 2010. this is a great way to close any of those open sales. Please call me with any questions. Thank you!

www.hicksdistributors.com

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.
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Banishing winter by reflecting light

It is hard to worry about Winter when we are being hit with heat wave after heat wave, but the truth is that no matter how warm it is here now, Winter is coming. Granted, we have Autumn coming too, but that doesn't tye in with my post, so lets just skip over that season for now!!!

Photo: Fillies Wo/UNEP/Still Pictures

European design has always been popular accross the pond, but it is quickly become more and more relevant in the United States as well. In addition to the minimalist aesthetic often admired, designers and clients are starting to look at their use of white and pale colors to keep away the dark of winter. This "pop" of cheery color is starting to well, pop up all over this country too. Suggest using subtle colors like Debut's Blueberry or Sage to clients (http://www.debutcabinetry.com/). Subtle colors are neutral enough to go with anything. A trained eye can make them work, and give a client something that isn't run of the mill

Another affordable option is Cheaha's Custom Paint line. Cheaha Cabinetry has joined with Sherwin Williams to create several door styles available in ANY of the Sherwin Williams paint colors available. There is NO CHARGE for this option...literally limitless color!!!

Check out www.sherwinwilliams.com for all available paint colors.

Now it is time to get back to air conditioning and water parks. Stay cool and remember this heat when it's 12 degrees outside, and we are all wishing it was Summer again!!!

http://www.hicksdistributors.com

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.

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Hi!

Just checking in to say hello to everyone. Have a great weekend.

John and I will both be back in the office on Monday, so things will finally feel back to normal again for me, these vacations are fun, they just throw me off a little!!!

Can't wait to talk to you all!!!

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.

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Save Some $$$$$

Here are a few things that many kitchen designers find aren't really worth the expense:

1. Warming Drawers: Isn't this what the microwave is for? Microwaves are easier to use and much quicker.

2. Paste Spigots over Cook top: The pot is only going to get heavier once you add ingredients into it. If you don't think you can hold it with just water in it to get it to the stove, how are you going to empty it?

3. A Second Dishwasher: Unless you have a very large everyday family, a 2nd dishwasher is really not a necessity. If you are worried about that large party you are going to have, 2 dishwashers probably won't wash it all anyway!

4. A Double Oven: Thanksgiving is only once a year. Use the space more effectively the other 364 days!!!

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Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania. Be a fan on facebook... www.facebook.com/hicksdistributors Follow us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/HDICabinets

Happy 4th of July!!! - a few days early!!!

Well, I was going to post this recipe on July 4th, but then I figured what would be the point? If any of you have parties to go to or are having them yourselves, you would be unable to include this amazing looking trifle if I waited. So here it goes...

Cook Time: 35 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 10 to 12 servings

Times:
Prep: 25 min
Inactive Prep: 1 hr 0 min
Cook: 35 min
Total: 2 hr 0 min

Ingredients:
1 box red velvet cake mix, about 18 ounces (if you can't find red velvet cake use 1 box chocolate cake plus a bottle of red food coloring)
1 (16-ounce) tub whipped topping
2 pints blueberries
1 pint strawberries, tops removed

Directions:
Bake the red velvet cake mix according to package directions and allow to cool.
Using a serrated knife cut the red velvet cake into 1 inch square pieces and line the bottom of the trifle bowl with half of the cake squares.
Using a spatula, spread about a 2-inch layer of whipped topping on top of the cake squares.
Layer about 1 1/2 pints of the blueberries on top of whipped topping.
Layer the remaining cake pieces on top of the blueberries forming a second layer of cake.
Using a spatula, spread remaining whipped topping over the cakes pieces.
Decorate the perimeter with the strawberries; placing the strawberries cut side down. Sprinkle the remaining blueberries on top of the trifle inside the strawberry perimeter.

For more amazing 4th of July recipes check out http://www.foodnetwork.com/.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!!!

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Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.
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Website Changes

We have made come fun changes to our website. Be sure to go over and take a look...

www.hicksdistributors.com

Also be sure to stop by our facebook page and twitter profile listed below. We are always updating and making announcements!!!

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.
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The Cambria Dress

photo courtesy of Cambria on facebook

I have to say, that even though I love clothes and accessories, I never thought the day would come when that fun hobby would intersect my work as a kitchen designer. I have done many posts on the functionality of Cambria quartz for kitchen and bath counter tops, but this new use for the material has got me very excited!

At Fashion Week El Paseo 2010 in Palm Desert, California, Cambria showed off its newest addition to the line...the Cambria Dress. Composed of mostly natural quartz products, the dress was created by Christopher Straub, a contestant from Project Runway's Season 6. It features hundreds of semi-circular quartz tiles in four different Cambria colors - Minai, Waverton, Talbot Gray, and Snowdon White - attached to a black canvas sheath.

I wonder if this is available at any of our distributors yet!!!

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Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.

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ISLANDS!!!

photo courtesy of SIC on facebook

Let's face it, around this time of year, the only Islands most of us ore thinking about are sunny, warm, and relaxing. I on the other hand am thinking about the kind that are functional, spacious and design friendly are what is on my mind.

Islands are pretty much a staple in any newly remodeled kitchen, and I am often bombarded with clearance questions. How much room do I need to walk around?, How much room do I need for seating?...
Lyn Peterson, author of Real Life Kitchens, has this advice for minimum clearances around an island...

Allow at least:

• 30-34 inches between the island and cabinetry with no appliances. if
  you don't have enough space, you might consider installing shallower cabinets
  along one wall to create more room.
• 37 inches minimum between the island and sink; 39-42 inches is ideal.
• In main traffic ways or walls with appliances, allow more space - 42-48 inches
  between island and wall. Be sue to allow space to open refrigerator or
  dishwasher door and still have room for people to pass.
• If you have seating at the island, you'll also need to allow space to pull
  out stools; Jennifer Howard recommends at least 48 inches clearance on the
  seating side.
• "The island does not have to be centered in the kitchen". It can gravitate closer to the cooking area, creating a narrower aisle, to discourage guests
  and children from taking that route through the space. "Islands and
  peninsulas should buffer the cooking zone and segregate it from the non-cooks,
  keeping the hoi polloi on the far side of the island".

These are not set in stone, but they do offer an industy standard that functions well, and allows for peace of mind.

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Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania. Be a fan on facebook... www.facebook.com/hicksdistributors Follow us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/HDICabinets

Why Professional Kitchen Design is Important

On paper a kitchen seems like several boxes put next to each other that form a simple or complex design. More over, watching someone who has been designing kitchen for years design yours on a computer program looks so simple. So why should you invest the time and money to takes to have a design professional work on your kitchen?

My first thought is "Well, because it is not as easy as it looks." but WHY? is my next.


1. We know trends: It is our job, and often our passion to know what is new and what is up and coming. We sit down with our clients to talk to them about every aspect of their kitchen. We can help guide clients to a new kitchen that will not only be beautiful today, but that will stand the test of time.


2. We know design: It's the little things that matter. It seems simple enough, but all those boxes on the page won't work in anyone else's kitchen but the one we design it for. Inches and half-inches matter here, and hiring a designer allows you the freedom to worry about styles, colors, and function rather than feet and inches. A professional designer knows what will fit and why. We have a mental list of flags to look for in every kitchen design.


3. We take responsibility: I have alluded to this is the other 2 areas, but it really is important. Trust your designer to be responsible for his/her design. If something is off or something doesn't work, that issue is theirs. What if you design your own kitchen and put your refrigerator next to the wall with nothing but wall next to it. When your new refrigerator comes and you slide it into the space it fits in (hopefully) is the door going to open all the way? Are the pull out trays going to pull out if the door won't fully extend? Wouldn't it be nicer to not have this situation happen or if for some reason it did, you not to have to think about the cost to fix it. The fact of the matter is, it is not impossible for a non kitchen designer to design his or her own kitchen, but it is not what they do everyday, and learning every nuance in one design is close to impossible. A novice kitchen design is bound to have a hiccup or two in it, and for the amount of money you are spending, is that really something you are willing to compromise?

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Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.

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SNEEK PEAK ***Fieldstone's 80+ page Accessories Brochure***

I am happy to announce that after several months/years of requests from us (and aparently quiet a few others) Fieldstone has decided to produce an Accessories Brochure. This guide should help clients understand the look and components of of cabinetry pieces that are hard to "see" on paper. This is really a great piece. They will be available for us to order in early July!

Call us if you would like us to send you one. #215-257-3730.

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Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.
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The Center for Woman's Health of Lansdale

This is an office area that is outfitted in both Fieldstone and Debut cabinetry. Each patient room has a base and wall cabinet with top, as well as the nurses station and reception area. This job was both fun and interesting to do as it took us out of the "normal" kitchen cabinet mindset. Thank you to everyone at The Center for Woman's Health of Lansdale.

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Choices of wood for Cabinetry...

Here are some of the characteristics of the basic cabinetry woods, and some design tips to help out:

OAK: Heavy, hard and strong wood. Ranges in color from white to reddish brown. Coarse texture and open grain which varies from vertical to sweeping.

tip:Takes light to dark stains well and is ideal for traditional style kitchens. Can be quarter-sawn for a cleaner vertical grain.

MAPLE: Closed grain wood with a smooth texture. Ranges in color from creamy white to reddish brown. Hard, tough and resistant to shock.

tip: Does not take darker stain well. Ideal for light to medium tone stains and painted finishes for a clean uncluttered look.

CHERRY: Closed, richly grained wood with smooth texture and reddish tone. Reddish color darkens with age and exposure to natural light producing deep, rich finish.

tip: Versatile finish palette. Light stains perfect for a craftsman-style look and darker stains can create a rich, elegant setting.

ALDER: Smooth texture and pleasing grain. Very similar grain and color to cherry with less red tones. Contains characteristic small knots and pin holes.

tip: Takes all stains very well. Knotty variety can create a rustic look. Clear variety offers a less expensive alternative to Cherry.

LYPUTS: An eco-friendly alternative because it is renewable and sustainable. It has a closed grain, slightly coarse texture with a pale pink to tan color.

tip: Takes all stains well. It resembles Mahogany wood. Ideal for a warm kitchen, home office, media center, or built in furniture piece.

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania. Be a fan on facebook... www.facebook.com/hicksdistributors Follow us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/HDICabinets

Art For Everyday - Architechtural Woodcarvings

Art For Everyday Inc. manufacturers the highest quality woodcarvings, providing innovative design details to designers, architects and cabinetry companies. We support our customers by giving them a selection of over 550 ready-to-ship products and the ability to bring design visions to life with custom carvings and applications. Click on the picture above to read all about Art For Everyday.

These pieces will help give customers a more decorative look at an easier price point!

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Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.Be a fan on facebook... www.facebook.com/hicksdistributorsFollow us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/HDICabinets

A New Look!

I was recently inspired by one of my dear friends to give our blog a little face lift. She has recently tweeked hers, and it gave it a boost of excitement. With that in mind, I have changed ours up a little bit. I am still looking into adding a few elements that I find interesting on other blogs, but don't know how to do yet. I think all in all, the changes are fun and exciting.

We have also added a couple of kitchen pictures to our facebook page, as well as some modifiations there as well.

Let us know what you think...

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Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.
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Kitchen Cabinet Corner Options

Lets face it, the corner space in the kitchen is not the easiest area to design with both form and function in mind. Most corner cabinets look nice, but really don't give you the maximum storage out of the given area. On the other hand, there are the cabinets that maximize storage space, but are not that easy to use.

Truth be told, a few years ago, I would have shuddered to put anything but a revolving corner base (lazy susan) in any kitchen. Time has passed though, and the options for blind corner bases have multiplied. I am now finding myself almost WANTING to put them in a design. Here are a few fun options that make blind corners more visually stimulating and well as functionally fun...

On the flip side, there are still great ideas for the "lazy Susan" type corner cabinet as well...s

And now there are even drawers to put in the corner. Not the best maximization of space, but they look very pretty!

So long story short, there seems to be a perfect fit corner cabinet for every request...for now at least. It does seem that cabinet manufacturers, and cabinet mechanical suppliers have really started to take notice of this corner issue, and are designing better cabinets that maximize form and function.

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Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.

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"What is your square foot price"?

This seems to be a question that is coming up more and more lately. It is apparent that the "box" stores are quoting kitchens to perspective clients in these terms to eliminate to time and expense of having a designer sit with customers, and to make it a bit more difficult to get a competitive quote.

In my opinion, buying cabinets by the square foot is like buying a car by weight. It really has no bearing on the quality or options that the lines offers you. It is just a bottom line number. Sure, a $40,000 BMW is a nice a car, but a $65,000 one might actually be what you were looking for. Are you reallying getting what you want out of cabinets for $25.00 a square foot. Better yet, do you even know what you are getting? Are you getting dovetail drawers, full extension runners, roll out trays, cutlery dividers, or are you getting the bare-bones cabinets to get you the lowest price they can give?

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Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.
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Feed the fish...

Don't forget to feed the newest additions to our blog...

Scroll down and look to the right to see our Koi Pond. Click on the pond to feed the fish, or just move your cursor around to have them follow you.

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1 YEAR!!!

Today is our 1 year BLOGIVERSARY!!!

Thanks for all of you feedback and opionons.

Looking forward to another year!!!

Were Legos really THAT important?

To me, building a kitchen is a lot like playing with Legos. There is a lot of twisting, turning, putting together and taking apart before the design is complete, let alone installed. That is why when I heard this response to a very common questions, I was bothered with my own stubbornness not to have thought of it, but enlightened with the answer itself.

I am often asked, " What is the difference between your Semi-custom and Full Custom cabinetry lines? and "Why does full custom cost more than Semi Custom"? The answer it seems, boils down to Legos!!!

If you were to go to the toy store and buy a basic Lego building block set, you would spend $19.99.

This set would allow you to build a nice house (or kitchen) but many modifications or stand out pieces are not available. If you wanted to modify a piece itself, it would take time (or money) to make that change.

Now, if you are to buy the Master set for $49.99,

more options are available with out modification charges. You can build a much larger house (or kitchen) with more options and variations built in. Modifications can still be made, but the need for them is less.

So, in short...it's Lego's! I never knew it when I was 3-4 years old playing with my first set of Legos, that I was practising for my career. I also never knew that when I was begging my parents for that bigger set of Legos, it really was a NEED...I needed to work on my kitchen design!!!

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What is my Remodeling Budget?

2 weeks ago, I wrote a post about setting a budget for your kitchen remodel. After getting some great feed back on that post, I realized most customers don't know HOW to set a budget, or where to start.

We have found this to be a helpful budget calculator to find what a good budget for you kitchen remodel might be:

Most homeowners will spend 15% of their homes value on a kitchen remodel.

Of that number:

35% gets spent on Cabinetry

11% on Counter tops

12% on Appliances

9% on Lighting

3% on Drywall

7% on Flooring

3% on Plumbing

20% on Labor

Using this formula, redoing a kitchen in an estimated $500,000 home should cost about $75,000.

$26,250 will be spent on Cabinets

$8,250 on Counter tops

$9,000 on Appliances

$6,750 on Lighting

$2,250 on Drywall

$5,250 on Flooring

$2,250 on Plumbing

$15,000 on Labor

Obviously this is a standard formula and it can be tweaked in either direction, but it does give homeowners and contractors a great starting point. Customers can always go above budget or below, but it is important to try to stick to the value of the house in terms of re-sale. If you put more money into the kitchen than your budget allows you MAY not get that back out when you go to sell your home. Vice Versa, if you but less into a kitchen remodel, you many not get as much back at re-sale either because the new buyers may need to spruce it up.

All in all, you need to make you kitchen your own. Personal touches here and there add depth and character to you kitchen. Even if you plan to sell your home soon. Make sure the kitchen is a space you are happy in. Most of the time, that will translate into others being happy there too!

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.

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"Where do we start?"

When remodeling your kitchen, it seems like a logical enough question to ask. The answer however, is not so straight forward, do you start by picking the cabinets, or do you pick the floor first? Are counter tops the most important, or are appliances. The honest answer, is that does not lie with the products at all...

Where you truly start is with a budget. I know many home owners are leery of contractors, and hesitate to give out specifics on their budget, truth be told, a budget really helps a contractor to allow a homeowner to afford the kitchen they are looking for.

I often get asked both at work and with friends/family what kitchen cabinets cost. This is a tough question to answer. We have bought cabinets for kitchens that cost $1,500.00 and we have bought cabinets for kitchens that cost $65,000; the average falls somewhere in the middle. Setting a budget for a project and telling your contractor allows him to funnel your ideas into a logical expectation.

Creating a budget also allows you to reel yourself in. It is very easy in ANY project to add $500 here and $500 there. On big ticket items, it doesn't seem like that much at the time, but it adds up quickly. Having a budget allows you to know the minimum and maximum you can spend. The last thing you want to do is over extend yourself.

AFTER a budget is set, you can start to choose your tangible objects. As for what comes first here, that is up to the customer. Most customers go straight for the outside look of the cabinets. Some have set in their mind what they are looking for INSIDE the cabinets. There is no right or wrong choice to this aspect of your kitchen. Whatever is most important to you is what you should choose first. What do you look for when you go into someon else's home? Do you look at the cabinets first, or the counters, the appliances, or the floor. Pick what you notice first, because you want that to be what you love in your new space.

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.
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Stunning Glass Kitchen Countertops

See The Stunning Glass Kitchen Countertops from ThinkGlass
For the discerning homeowner, for the unique room, for a breathtaking approach to kitchen or bathroom design, glass is the leading edge, new trendy material for kitchen, bathroom or raised bar countertops.

Unique & Luxurious Countertop Design
ThinkGlass’ glass countertops are the newest product trend in Kitchen & Bath showrooms. Why?
Glass countertops have a high-end appearance that distinguishes them from common countertop materials such as granite or synthetic surfaces.
All glass countertops produced by ThinkGlass are uniquely manufactured in 1.5 inch thick pure glass or thicker if you prefer - available in 1.5 inch (36mm), 2 inches (48 mm) or 3 inches (72 mm)
Every glass countertop can be customized with a choice of texture, color and finish to give it its unique characteristics.
As the only transparent countertop material, glass can further accent a kitchen or bathroom design by coordinating it with a colored or textured cabinet top.

Each Thinkglass countertop is fully customized to specs. In addition, glass master Mailhot can add an extra touch of magic to create artistic pieces that are out of this world!

Glass Durability and Easy Countertop Maintenance
Consider glass for a countertop with multiple advantages.
Tough as stone – Glass countertops are as strong and durable as any common natural stone or man-made countertop material.
Texturing – Textured finishes make dust, fingerprints and small scratches nearly invisible.
Heat – Glass is naturally heat resistant so hot cookware can be placed on its surface (although the use of hotplates is recommended).
Hygienic – Glass is non porous, making it the most hygienic material available for kitchen countertops.

Get more information at http://www.thinkglass.com/, or click on the picture above.

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.

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Lower Cambria Prices

Due to a Cambria Supplier change starting today we are now able to offer all 64 Cambria colors at a new lower price level! This has given us an opportunity for Cambria to be more competitive with other Quartz surfaces. Don't forget Cambria is currently the only quartz product that is Made in the U.S.A.

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.Be a fan on facebook... www.facebook.com/hicksdistributorsFollow us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/HDICabinets

Zodiaq Nine - $65/square foot

Starting immediately and running until the end of 2010 these 9 Zodiaq colors will be just $65 / ft2 templated and installed:

Cygnus Pearl

Antique Pearl

Cappuccino

Copper Sunset

Cinnamon Spice

Smokey Topaz

Borealis Blue

Abyss Black

Galaxy Black

This is a great deal!!!

Our Enkeboll Displays...

Well, as most of you know, we have had a couple displays in our showroom waiting for Enkeboll crown to be placed on them. I have to say that they really haven't complained too much about not being finished, I on the other hand have not been so kind. John did an excellent job of installing all the cabinetry in the showroom, but was a bit stand offish when it came to cutting this molding. I guess when it runs about $100/foot, you measure 50 times and then measure again!

Our friend and business associate volunteered to "help" John cut the molding. It ends up that Herb did most of the cutting - which I think John was 100% OK with - and the vanity area is now complete.

It is really amazing how this 1 piece of molding can make such impact in this small area. The mirror will be hung soon, and the display will be finished. That is sure to mean I will be ready to rip it out and put a new one in very soon!!!

A very special thanks to Herb Schmoock of HJS Carpentry for dedicating his Wednesday afternoon to our showroom. Both Enkeboll areas look outstanding as well as the baseboards and Debut cabinetry display you are currently working on! For information on how to get Herb to install your kitchen call HJS carpentry @ 215-896-8367.




Come in and see the changes for yourself.

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/

Designing custom kitchens in Bucks County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County,Pennsylvania.
Be a fan on facebook... www.facebook.com/hicksdistributors
Follow us on Twitter... http://twitter.com/HDICabinets