Happy Holidays from Global Sales!

We have so much to be thankful for and to celebrate this holiday season. So many of our customers -- both homeowners and builders/contractors -- have looked to us to help them get the best value for their building materials shipped in the most efficient way possible. It has been our pleasure finding creative solutions for every project. With the economy moving (ever so slowly) in the right direction, we know how important finding the right products at the right price will continue to be. 

Our team has shared their favorite project memories of 2012 and a little bit about themselves. Please click here to read their stories and get to know them a little better.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season!

Jeff Collins

President, Global Sales  

Great Options for Wood Doors

We work with Jeld-Wen, Buffelen Doors and other sources to provide a wide range of wood doors. We can help you decide what the best choice is for your home based on your budget, home style, and door configuration. Contact us to find the perfect door for your home.

Beautiful Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass doors come in an huge variety of styles with or without decorative glass inserts. You can order them smooth or textured to create the look of real wood. The doors can also be painted or stained.  Fiberglass doors are a great choice for the Caribbean and Bermuda because they are built to withstand the heat, humidity, moisture and salty air better than a wood or steel door. Fiberglass doors aren't prone to warping, shrinking or corroding.

Check out our Entry Door Photo Gallery and visit our Entry Door Page to view catalogs from SignaMark, Jeld-Wen, ODL, PlastPro and Neuma and see the many options we offer.

Interior Doors for Bermuda and the Caribbean

For our customers in the Caribbean and Bermuda, we offer everything you need for interior doors from standard 6-panel and flush doors to elegant French doors and custom wood doors.

Updating your doors is a great way to bring a fresh, cohesive look to your entire home. Check out this price quote to see what a whole home update might cost, including shipping to St. Kitts.

We've also included information, a photo gallery and catalogs on our website. Please contact us for a complimentary consultation to get your new door project started today!

Lemieux Torrefied Collection Doors -- Real Wood Ready for the Elements

Wood is a beautiful option, but many times isn't the right option for entry ways that are exposed to the elements. Lemieux now offers a great wood door solution with their Torrefied Collection.

Torrefication is an all-natural “green” process whereby wood is heated over time in order to eliminate its tendency to rot. It also makes wood far more structurally stable and highly resistant to heat, cold and moisture.

• 10,000 plus design options and custom designs
• Sizes up to 4/0 wide and 8/0 tall
• Arched/radius top doors, custom designs, curved rails, with panels and/or glass
• Available in vertical grain Douglas Fir, Mahogany and Poplar
• Covered with a 20 year warranty against, warping, twisting, cupping and rotting
• Solid wood construction so there are no veneers to delaminate

Check out more door options including fiberglass and wood on our Entry Door Page.

St. Kitts and Nevis Trip

Global Sales’ Jeff Collins recently visited St. Kitts and Nevis to meet with customers and visit project sites. Here’s what he had to say about the trip:

It’s always so great to meet our customers in person and get to know them better. Everyone was so warm and friendly welcoming me into their homes and businesses. I met with architects, with developers on job sites and homeowners.

When I meet with customers, my main focus is helping to bring their plans to reality with the best products for their space and budget. I also focus on their timeline and shipping options to come up with the most cost-efficient shipping plan.

Every time I visit St. Kitts and Nevis I am struck by the lush green cliffs as they meet the Caribbean Sea. There is so much unspoiled countryside and beauty.  I was also pleased to see quite a bit of development. You can tell that the economy is really coming back there. 

See all of our pictures on Facebook!

Election 2012: Vote for Kitchen 3

This customer came to us with a specific vision for their new kitchen. They wanted to mix dark, distinctive cabinets with soft white cabinets. The result is a sharp contrast that makes a big design statement. Starting with pictures from magazines, we established the look and worked closely with the manufacturer providing detailed drawings and specific instructions to bring the customer’s vision to life.

Here are the highlights:

• Contrasting Doors - the bottom cabinets and pantry doors are finished in sable. The upper cabinet doors are painted soft white with a slate highlight. All cabinet boxes are painted soft white. Plus, appliances and exposed ends are paneled for a cohesive look
   
• Glass and Light - Cabinets closest to the ceiling and next to eating area feature glass doors with down lighting to showcase collections and provide a bright, open feeling
   
• Organization - every inch of this kitchen is maximized for storage and organization with lazy susans, roll out drawers, cutlery inserts, spice racks, tilt out trays and more
   
• Hardwood Drawers - dovetail drawers feature full extension Blumotion slides 

• Cabinet Continuity - we carried the look throughout the home with matching cabinets in the bathroom and laundry area

Check out all of our candidates and cast your vote today!

Election 2012: Vote for Kitchen 2

Here's another great kitchen candidate in our Vote for Your Favorite Kitchen Election.

We designed this traditional, elegant kitchen for a customer in St. Croix. They wanted cherry cabinets with a raised panel for both the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. We worked with Shiloh Cabinetry with a rich Brandy finish. Starting with a simple sketch and inspiration photography, we worked with the customer to create a beautiful kitchen that worked perfectly in the space. Here are some highlights:

• Drawers - plywood dovetail drawers feature full extension, soft close Blumotion slides 
• Display Areas - open frames for glass provide a bright focal point and space to showcase dishes and collections. Decorative shelving around the sink area and stove add additional display opportunities 
• Decorative Crown Moulding - finished perfectly to match the cabinets and give the design a finished look 
• Storage - tall pantries frame the refrigerator with lots of great storage 
• Bar/Entertainment Center - includes space for a wall-mounted TV, lots of great seating and tons of storage 

Check out all of our candidates and cast your vote today!

Election 2012: Vote for Kitchen 1

We designed this kitchen for a customer in Tortola who wanted a great space to entertain, lots of storage and functionality and a creative island. We also worked with them on appliances and tile work. The final design encompassed all of the elements the client wanted in a streamlined and contemporary way to create this incredibly functional gourmet kitchen.

 Here are some highlights:

• Complete Island - with deep drawers, open shelving, sink, cooktop, small refrigerator, and narrow cabinets with tray dividers 
• Single Pivot Up Door Cabinets - these doors stay in the open position and close softly 
• Clear Glass Doors - to create a sense of brightness and openness, we included glass doors with an acid etched technique above some of the upper cabinets 
• Social Seating - working around an architectural beam and support, we created a fun and stylish seating area with cantilever shelves, room for two microwaves, a speed oven and a steam oven. Plus, another row of drawers for additional storage
• Organization - Every drawer and inch of this kitchen is designed with purpose -- a bread box, cutlery dividers, spice racks and more 

Want to vote for this kitchen in our election? Check out all our candidates and cast your vote.

Vote for Your Favorite Kitchen!

It's Election Season, so we thought we'd create an election of our own! Check out our four candidates for Your Favorite Kitchen.

Who will win? Will it be ...

Kitchen 1: Contemporary with Creative Island from Tortola
Kitchen 2: Traditional & Timeless from St. Croix
Kitchen 3: Transitional Light & Dark Design from Bermuda
Kitchen 4: Ready to Assemble Contemporary from Bermuda


To find out more about each candidate -- what inspired them, cool features, kitchen storage, cabinet style and more -- click on the links above.

Cast your vote TODAY!

4 Easy Bathroom Updates

New Fixtures
We recommend picking one finish color and style for your bathroom and carrying it through your plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, towel bars, and other accessories. Kohler offers a great assortment of stylish, coordinating options for everything from towel rods and lighting to medicine cabinets and cabinet knobs. Check out our Bathroom Photo Gallery for more inspiration.

Curved Shower Rod
Another option for upgrading your bath area is adding a curved shower rod. Curved shower rods provide an additional six inches of elbow room when showering.

Water Saving Showerheads
Replace your old, inefficient showerhead with a more efficient showerhead like Kohler's Flipside. Not only will you enjoy saving on your water bill, but you'll improve the functionality of your shower. The Flipside offers four distinct showering sensations.

 

Lighting Controls and Fans

Do you ever come home and realize the bathroom fan is still on? With smart timers from Pass & Seymour, you can save energy in the bathroom by installing a timer outlet with lots of options for fans and lighting. These smart combinations provide great solutions.

Visit our Home Update page or Contact Us for more ideas.

3 Ways to Update Your Living Room

1)  Furniture:  Give your living space a whole new vibe by updating your furniture. We work with Bassett Furniture, Ashley Home Furniture and Best Home Furnishings to provide a wide range of styles for every home. Plus, we can help you affordably consolidate and ship your order.

2)   Lighting Fixtures & Fans: Another great update is to change your fans and light fixtures. Kichler, Progress Lighting and Sea Gull Lighting offer some great options for any style and budget. Visit our ceiling fan and lighting pages for more information.  

3)  Mouldings and Custom Mantels: Adding crown moulding and trim is a great way to breathe new life info your living room. Crown moulding makes a space look larger and draws the eye to this stylish architectural feature. We offer traditional wood and pre-primed mouldings. We also provide other great options:

• Fypon moulded millwork constructed of urethane foam
• Flexible mouldings perfect for curved ceilings and arched windows
• Custom woodwork great for historical restorations

Replacing your fireplace mantel and surround is another way to update your space. We work with custom carpenters who can create the perfect mantel and surround to complement your style. We'll help you with measuring to make sure your new mantel and surround are a perfect fit.

For more great home improvement ideas, visit our Home Update page.

Home Update - Make Your Laundry Room More Efficient

Washers and dryers have come a long way in terms of looks – new colors, sleek lines, great styling. The smart energy and water efficiency technology inside has come a long way, too. At Global Sales, we can help you select the right style and size for your needs.

Here are some things to consider:

Fewer Loads
Clothes washers that have earned the Energy Star have a greater tub capacity which means you can wash fewer loads to clean the same amount of laundry.

Save Water
A full-sized Energy Star qualified clothes washers uses 14 gallons of water per load, compared to the 27 gallons used by a standard machine. That's 50 percent less water, per load. Over the machine's lifetime, that's a savings of 43,000 gallons of water!!

They are available in front-load and top-load models. The top-load models look like standard machines on the outside, yet they do not waste water filling up the tub. They clean using sophisticated wash systems to flip or spin clothes through a stream of water. Many have sensors to monitor incoming water levels and temperature. They also rinse clothes with repeated high-pressure spraying instead of soaking them in a full tub of water.

Save Energy
On average, a new Energy Star qualified clothes washer uses 270 kWh of electricity to run each year. They are at least 30% more efficient than non Energy Star qualified washers.

Moisture Sensor
While Energy Star does not label dryers, you can reduce your dryer's energy use by choosing a model with a moisture sensor. This feature automatically shuts off the machine when clothes are dry, which saves energy and reduces wear and tear on your clothes caused by over-drying.

Modified Energy Factor (MEF) and Water Factor (WF)
Modified Energy Factor (MEF) is a measure of energy efficiency that considers the energy used by the washer, the energy used to heat the water, and the energy used to run the dryer. The higher the MEF, the more energy efficient the clothes washer. Water Factor (WF) measures water efficiency in gallons of water consumed per cubic foot of capacity. The lower the WF, the more water efficient the clothes washer. These ratings can be found on the Energy Star label.

Contact us to see how we can help you find more efficiency in your laundry room.

Great Kitchen Updates

The kitchen is the heart of your home, where great meals are made and families come together. If you feel your kitchen is dated or doesn't reflect your personal style, there are some great ways to update your look without undertaking a major construction project. Here are just a few:

• Backsplash: Adding a new tile backsplash can easily bring a new focal point to your space. Check out new trends and options.  
• Countertops: If you're happy with your existing cabinets, changing your countertop is another way to transform your kitchen.  
• Islands: If you have an island, just updating that surface with a wood countertop can add a distinctive look to your kitchen.
• Hardware & Lighting: A simple and inexpensive change is to switch out your existing cabinet hardware or lighting fixtures.  
• Appliances: Your old appliances might be costing you money. Today's Energy Star compliant appliances run more efficiently and offer great style and functionality.

Need help updating your kitchen? Contact us for more information.

Shower Enclosure Price Quote

Frameless glass shower enclosures, like the one pictured here, are a great way to update your bathroom. Not only do they let you showcase your tile work, they make a small space seem larger with more depth. Each glass enclosure is custom built to fit your exact size.

When it comes to shipping your glass enclosure, you can feel confident that we will take every precaution to make sure it gets there in one piece. We carefully package and crate each piece so it arrives safely and ready for installation.

To help you see our competitive pricing and shipping costs, here is a quote on a frameless shower enclosure and bathroom tile. We used Florida Tile's Renaissance tile, which is available in four color choices. We’ve also included details on taxes, duties and shipping to a Bermuda port. We can provide you with great pricing and a free custom quote for your shower enclosure and tile project. Contact us today!

Great Garage Updates!

We offer Gladiator® GarageWorks -- a complete organization system that includes everything you need to organize your garage or work space -- workbenches, cabinets, hanging wall systems and shelving. The line even includes matching appliances and durable flooring.

• Organizational Flexibility: The flexible system is designed to mix and match, allowing you to create a workspace custom made to your organizational and storage needs. And, every product can be used in a number of ways. 
• Built to Last: Cabinets, drawers and surfaces are tougher so they keep performing year after year and are made to take the abuse of repetitive opening and closing. The hooks, cabinets and wall units can hold 4 times their rated weight capacity. And, these components are tested at -30°F and 150°F so that they can take anything you, and Mother Nature, throw at them. 
• Stylish Design: Coordinated to create a uniform look for your space, the signature Tread Plate design stretches across the lineup and features a durable powder coated finish. 

Check out the video (featured above) to learn more about the Gladiator GarageWorks innovative wall GearTrack Channels and GearWall Panels. Both feature Gladiator's patented double channel design to keep wall components locked in place and are compatible with all Gladiator wall accessories.

For tips on organizing or designing your garage, download the Gladiator GarageWorks guide: How to Get Started Transforming Your Garage and contact us for more information.

Ceiling Fan Tips

There are so many options when it comes to ceiling fans -- size, how many per room, controls and mounting. We've put together a handy guide to help you select the right ceiling fan for your home. 

Or, please contact us and visit our Ceiling Fan Page and Online Store for more information.

 

Pick the Right Size

The best rule of thumb is to go as large as your room can accommodate. For maximum airflow, you want at least 18 inches of clearance between the edge of the blade and your wall or ceiling. Here's a quick chart to help you find the right size for your space.

Room Size (sq ft)	6'x8'	8'x10'	10'x10'	12'x14'	16'x20'	18'x24'	larger
Size of Fan	29"-42"	40"-50"	42"-52"	50"-60"	50"-60"	50"-60"	50"-60"

Double Up
Larger rooms can accommodate more than one ceiling fan. Here are some quick guidelines. Or, just tell us about the configuration of your room and we'll help you come up with a solution that's right for you.

• Under 600 sq. ft. = 1 fan
• 600 - 1500 sq. ft. = 2 fans
• 1500 sq. ft. + = 3 fans

Get the Height Right
Most ceiling fans are sold with downrods to accommodate 8’ ceilings or 9’ ceilings. If your ceiling is higher, here are some suggested lengths of drop rods for ceilings ranging from 9 to 13 feet or more:

Ceiling Height (feet)	Drop Rod Length (inches)
9	12
10	18
11	24
12	36
13	48

Keep it in the Family

Many of Kichler's fans coordinate beautifully with their light fixtures. It's decorating made easy when all the glass, wood accents, and metal finishes match. Check out our lighting page for more info. 

Save on Energy Costs

A fan’s breeze will make a 79-degree room feel more like 72 degrees. By raising the thermostat, you can save up to 30 percent on your air-conditioning bills, depending on your home’s construction.

Take Control

Remote controls for fans have come a long way ... Most fans are mounted at a ceiling box where a light fixture was formerly located. Typically, the light switch is replaced with a control that allows various fan speeds and – if the fan includes lights – light settings.

22.8 Years of Light

Imagine not changing a light bulb for 22.8 years! With the new Energy Smart LED Bulb you'll use fewer watts than incandescent bulbs for big savings on electricity.The 22.8 years is based on using the bulb three hours a day over the 25,000 hour bulb life.

Plus, these smart lights are omnidirectional. Unlike most LED bulbs that direct light in only one direction, GE Energy Smart LED bulbs are designed to direct light all around. We offer a full selection of bulbs. Click here to see more energy-efficient options.

Way More Than Light Switches

Pass & Seymour offers way more more than just switches and switch covers. They offer innovative, smart ways of reducing energy costs and adding convenience to your life all with a clean, sleek style.

Here are some lighting control upgrades that can add style and functionality to your home:

Surge Protectors without the Bulk: Electrical surges can damage electronics in computers, entertainment systems, and appliances. Surge-protecting power strips can help, but are bulky. P&S Surge-Suppression Outlets offer a sleek, built-in solution.

Recessed TV Boxes: Now you can recess both power and low-voltage connections into the wall with recessed TV boxes. Mounting a high-def TV on the wall is quicker and easier with no visible connections to spoil the look.

Ambiance Control: Any room or space will look its best with the right lighting. What’s “right” will probably vary with time of day, weather, and activities. Adjusting lighting to create the perfect ambiance is easy with the broad selection of P&S Dimmers. From controlling a single fixture from one location to push-button whole-house control, they have the perfect solutions.

Dimmers Reduce Energy Costs: P&S Dimmers can cut energy use in bathrooms and bedrooms by 40 to 50% — with big savings in other rooms, too! Plus, you can extend the life of your light bulbs.

Click here to learn about more products

Stylish Ceiling Fans for Bermuda and the Caribbean

Ceiling fans can add style, better air circulation and illumination all over your home – both indoors and out. We work with Kichler, Progress Lighting, Sea Gull Lighting and others to provide everything from sleek and modern to traditional and elegant ceiling fans. Many of our customers choose to update the style of their homes by simply changing their light fixtures and ceiling fans. To see a sample customer quote including shipping and fees, click here.

And, shop our online store for a quick look at a few of the many ceiling fans we offer.

Illuminate Your Outdoors with Kichler

Kichler offers so many options for creating an outdoor space that looks as beautiful at night as it does during the day.

• Decorative or hidden path and spread lighting
• Uplighting, silhouetting, downlighting or cross lighting to focus illumination on trees, shrubs and exterior walls
• Garden and water feature lighting
• Innovative deck, dock and hardscape lighting 

Many styles incorporate low voltage and LED lighting. We can help you create a plan for your outdoor spaces and order all the necessary components from the lighting fixtures to transformers, wiring and accessories. Visit our Outdoor Lighting Page to download a brochure and learn more.

5 Tips for Great Hardscaping in Bermuda and the Caribbean

In the Caribbean and Bermuda your outdoor rooms and spaces are used as much as the interior ones. That's why creating a peaceful, serene space to enjoy is so important. At Global Sales, we can provide a wide variety of hardscaping materials to bring your vision to life. We can help you plan and design your space, provide an estimate for how much material you will need and coordinate and consolidate your shipment efficiently to save you time and money on your shipment.

Get inspired by our Hardscape & Paver Photo Gallery and Modular Outdoor Rooms. Here are 5 Tips for Hardscaping to help get you started.

• Consider what activities you would like to do in your outdoor space -- gathering together around a fire pit, enjoying drinks at your outdoor bar, grilling by the pool. Belgard offers pre-built modular units that work seamlessly with their hardscaping materials. 
• When selecting your hardscaping materials consider the architecture of your home -- roof color, house and shutter colors, stonework. Your pavers should be a cohesive extension of the existing design. Check out our photo gallery for more ideas. 
• When remodeling a pool area, we recommend Tremron's Retrofit Brick Paver Collection. These thin pavers can be placed on top of existing surfaces to create an updated look. 
• To save money on shipping, order setting materials (like paver base and sand) and stones, pebbles and rock when you purchase your pavers. QUIKRETE offers a full selection in their HardScapes by QUIKRETE collection. We can help you estimate your material needs and consolidate the shipment. 
• Connect the focal points of your outdoor space with pathways, patterns in your stonework and retaining walls with flower beds. Use curves and lines to mirror details like pool edges and landscape features. For more tips, visit Belgard's idea page. 

To download brochures and learn more visit our Hardscaping page or contact us. 

Beautiful Pools, Great Equipment

If you are building or remodeling a pool, we can provide you with everything you need for your project. This month we're featuring Diamond Brite for a beautiful, durable, easily maintained finish. Diamond Brite combines natural quartz aggregate, polymermodified cement and non-fading Diamond Quartz in a stunning variety of colors. The result is a unique finish that stands up to the harshest pool environments while providing years of enjoyment.

We also work with Pentair to provide our customers with pool cleaners, automation systems, heaters and heat pumps, pumps, maintenance and safety equipment, water features and more. For more information, visit the Pentair website or contact us.