Hello Everyone, 
I've been doing some reading about trends for 2011 in Cabinetry, you'd never believe what I found.  The same colors and styles from 2010 that were "movers and shakers" will continue to be popular in 2011.  Yes, I know, it sounds a little dull.   

Ok, did I mention we just put in several new Cabinetry Displays… starting with the first one you see when you walk in the door at Drexel.  It's truly the "NEW American Classic Kitchen" if you ask me..

BACK to TRENDS: The research I read (yes, I read) looked for styles and finishes that have shown a significant change from one year to the next. If a particular door style or finish suddenly shows a strong surge in sales, that can be used as an indicator of style or color trends going into 2011.

Paint finishes continued their upward swing with the ever popular "White" paint cabintry taking the lead in all Paint categories. In past years, Paint/Glaze finishes have been the strongest sellers in the Paint category, but 2010 saw a definite trend toward crisp, clean Paint with no extra detailing.

This shift can partly be attributed to a more value-conscious consumer but it can also be attributed to an overall style trend toward transitional or modern design with clean lines and crisp details. It is expect that the trend toward "shades of white" paint to continue well into 2011 - with White, Antique White, Classic White, Vanilla and Latte expected to be strong sellers.

 Additionally, the article I was reading said stained finishes took a definitive shift to the dark side in 2010 and that looks to continue in 2011. We are seeing some early indicators of lighter tones gaining some popularity (like Wheat/Coffee Glaze on Alder or Butternut/Coffee Glaze on Cherry) but finishes like Chestnut, Mission and Mocha were the dominant stain colors for 2010. We also expect to see Peppercorn make some gains in 2011 because of it's dark hue with undertones of brown and gray!

As for door styles, (specfic to DuraSupreme Cabinets) Arcadia Classic, Craftsman and Homestead continue to take the top spots - but a handful of door styles moved up a few notches in 2010 which causes us to take notice and assess contributing factors and trends. Madison, Homestead, Lancaster, Chapel Hill Classic, Montego and Bella all took noticeable shifts up the popularity ladder. With the recent trend toward clean, simple "Transitional" styling, each of these doors fits solidly in that category.

For wood species, Cherry and Maple strongly lead the pack.

Ok, that's what I've learned about Cabinetry Trends for 2011… now I'd really love for you to come in and meet some my friends in our Drexel Cabinetry Department.

OMG, so I have some good and bad news!  I don't even know where to start!  Umm.. let's start with the good news!  Drexel is under a ginormous transformation and it is like sooooo exciting.  Out with the old and in with the new as I like to think about it. 

We have so many new displays being built to showcase the new styles of kitchen stuff.  You know.. like cabinets and pretty countertops.  It is beginning to look so awesome. I think all of you need to come take a look and come see me too of course!  But I won't be in my normal spot.  That's the bad news.  My desk has been taken over by the construction!  Can you believe it?  I'm kind of sad about it, I liked being up front were I can meet everyone.  But this way you can come find me and see all the new wonderful things that we have going on here!  Make sure you allow some time though, there is lots and lots to see! 

 I better see you all soon!

 Toodles,

Cindy

Happy Veterans Day Everyone!

Get this - a customer walked in the store this morning and given I'm the first person they see when they walk in I get this question dropped on me… What is the difference between blinds and shades?

WELL OK, I get it -  I know my new glasses make me A LOT smarter and everything but this was one question I just wasn't sure on how to answer.  Given Lauren, Judy and Amanda sit a few short steps away in our Window Treatment Department - I decided to get up with the customer and walk over to Lauren for the answer.  Here is what she said:

Blinds are generally made of hard surface materials (i.e. wood, metal, vinyl) with louvering vanes that can be both raised and tilted. Blinds are most appropriate when there is a need for direct light control.

Shades are primarily made of a soft, fabric material capable of UV filtration, light diffusion, and room darkening. Unlike blinds, shades can only be raised or lowered (no tilt), but do pose greater insulating properties. Shades are best used when looking to achieve a soft, tailored aesthetic.

Shadings are a hybrid between blinds and shades - combining the best of both! Shadings incorporate fabric with louvering vanes and are perfect for decorative, privacy, and daylighting applications.

Ok, so there you have it.  There is a difference, and our Window Treatment Designers can help pick the style that best fits your needs.

I have to get back to work. So much to do and just not enough time.  If you stop by the store today, just walk by me as I really don't have time for anymore questions.  The rest of the Drexel Team is always available to help.

Cindy 

Hey guys,

It's me.. Cindy!  

From what I can see we have a pretty big selection.  Well, at least I think we do.

I've also been told that you can get up to $1000 back.  WOW, that's a lot!  That will give you some extra money to buy me a Christmas present. 

Hurry up and get here the sale ends November 27.  I'll be waiting!

Toodles!

I am so excited to share with you the new adventure and project we are working on at Drexel with the Elmbrook Humane Society.

Drexel will be sponsoring and renovating one of the puppy rooms. We will be repainting, organizing and making it a little friendlier for all the visitors looking to purchase a new animal. We are still in the preliminary stages, gathering ideas and working on some sketches but I will keep you updated through out the process.

Don’t forget to stop at the Elmbook Humane Society to view the changes, updates and visit the animals. 
 

Toodles 

 ~Cindy

For More Info on the Elmbrook Humane Society:
http://ebhs.org/

Hey everybody.
Here's one that will put you to sleep.

Ed, our Mohawk carpet rep, comes over by me and asks, Cindy, what the heck do you know about carpeting?  

I'm thinking, oh boy another creeper hitting on me.  This is the cheesiet pick up line ever.  (Although Ed is kind of an old hottie.  Sort of.) 

So I don't say anything (it's my style).

So, Ed being Ed, goes into, let me tell you about smart strand carpet.  Okay..... I think.

Basically smart strand, from what Ed tells me, is the best stuff on the planet as far as technology goes.  The idea to make it basically came from the plastic used for bleech bottles, ketchup bottles, or think mustard bottles.  Ed, says, do you ever notice how that stuff doesn't stain the bottle?  It does not penetrate or adhere even one bit.  Well they use the same type technology into carpeting.  Makes sense. 

I'm thinking this carpet has to be pricey.  Ed says, it's a great value, it's his number #1 selling carpet.


Ed says the next time he gets a call back on smartstrand carpets it will be the first.  And he says, Drexel in Brookfield is one of the best selling stores he has for this carpet.  That I could of figured, we do rock I have to admit.

See you at the brat fry September 18th, all proceeds go to the Elm Brook Humane Society.  Sounds like it's gonna be a circus. 

-- Toodles, Cindy

What am I doubting, you ask?!? Well, get this… I checked my email this morning and the above commercial came through from Armstrong Hardwood Floors.  Yeah, watch it… funny right.  YES, OK,  SURE,  FUNNY…. but totally not possible.  A LAMP and GOLF BALL hitting the floor with no damage.  COME ON… NO WAY…
So out of complete disbelief I marched right back to one for our flooring guys Richard and shared the commercial with him. I was totally expecting him to fall off his chair laughing in disbelieve… but wait… he didn't.
Richard went on to tell me that quality is a VERY important factor when choosing a floor, especially hardwood flooring.  Armstrong has great quality flooring and an extremely wide selection of the latest floor styles…. oh, and we sell Armstrong at Drexel.

I wandered over to the hardwood section of our store, and MAN are there a lot to pick from. You gotta see it.
Top of my agenda for tomorrow… talk to owners Joel and Albert about redoing the flooring under my desk.  I deserve nothing but the finest most durable hardwoods under my feet…. I mean something that will hold up to my extensive shoe collection.  Don't you think? 

So what's my favorite movie? Well, I know this is going to sound cheesy but Weekend at Bernie's is just so wrong and so funny.  There is just something about a man that can be quiet a whole movie.  Delicious!

Anyways, why do I bring it up, this is suppose to be a Drexel blog right? STAINMASTER CARPET has a great performance promotion going on. First, the great performance of stainmaster carpet can impress you everyday right in your own home because STAINMASTER carpet:
* Stays up to 30% cleaner than other carpets
* Lasts up to 50% longer than other carpets
* Is the most trusted name in carpet today

Visit us at Drexel Incorporated (the former Drexel Interiors) in Brookfield now through May 31 for great deal on Stainmaster.  I tell ya, these guys are motivated to SELL.  I heard JD, our store manager, firing up the guys the other day, "do whatever it takes, get these jobs!"  

Back to the movie thing,  get a $50 movie voucher when you purchase 70 yards of any Stainmaster carpet.  And click HERE for the Stainmaster sweepstakes.  Win your choice of 5 amazing travel packages.  Hey, you can't win if you don't play.  (London is my choice, if you are looking for a partner.  LOL.)   

later, Cindy 

So today is "Professional Administrative Day", and yeah, it's not as cool as say being a Doctor, but still pretty freakin' important to any company.  And I bust my behind every day in my job at Drexel, so I was expecting something really nice from several of my co-workers, the store leader John, and Joel & Albert the owners.  I mean I even cleared off my desk for the insurgent of flowers I was expecting.  I didn't even pack a lunch, assuming I would be flooded with people trying to buy me lunch.  Guess what I got?  Just guess?

Nothing.  Nothing.  They are all so worried about "their customers", and are always talking about "the customers are king", "nothing matters more than the customers," that they forgot about me! 

Hello!?!?  Look, you all know what I do around here, it's quite obvious, yet they fail to even acknowledge this very important day.  Whatever.   They are great people I work with, but I won't forget this.  Next year for John's birthday I won't even acknowledge it.  And friend requests on facebook from co-workers, forget it. 

All these people smiling at work every day, and acting like they love their job and their customers, well I have never worked at a place like this before.  I mean, what is in the coffee for Goodness sakes?   Anyways,  happy administrative professional day for all of you that got the day off and all that fun stuff.  I'll be at work, taking care of customers I suppose.   It's crazy around here I tell ya. 

-- Later, Cindy

Hey all!   Just wanted to vent a little bit.  Went out back today to take a break during my hectic day (don't tell John please), and noticed the warehouse was FULL of cabinets in Stock at our Brookfield store here at Drexel.  Cardell Cabinets everywhere! 

So I asked Ryan, our warehouse leader, what the heck is going on?  He explained to me tha we carry all the time, ready for pickup or even same day delivery, over 350 items to choose from.

I'm like, "what your kidding me?  What is that worth?  Wow."   Ryan goes on to tell me builders, remodelers, and espcially apartment owners, do it yourselfers, love this service.  He says it is over $120,000 in inventory, and tons of people come in to pick these up, it's really a hit.  

So I assume the price must be really high, there is no way we can compete with the big box stores.  He says that I am totally wrong.  These cabinets are about 20% less than the limited in stock inventory at the big box stores.  And they are fully encased in cardboard, not just shrink wrapped.

Whatever, I'm thinking.  They must be junk.  And I scurry back to my office before somebody notices I was out goofing off in the warehouse.   Doug Matrise, our cabinetry sales manager wanders over by me, probably asking me to do something for him again (argh) like I don't have enough to do. 

So, I ask Doug what is with the cheap cabinets in the warehouse we are stocking.  Doug tells me they are inexpensive not cheap. (Salesman for ya.)  Doug tells me these are actually quality cabinets made out of German beech, on a nice square door panel, and
finished with a beautiful honey color.  He said the quailty and consistency is what he really loves in these cabinets.  Full adjustable shelves, bi-parting doors, blah, blah, blah.  I quit listening after ahwile (that dude can talk).  Doug tells me they are actually a great cabinet at a very, very nice price.

So, I guess it makes sense.  But what do I know I'm just a receptionist? LOL. (Although not for long, I am going places!)

-- Cindy