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!

http://www.hicksdistributors.com/