Blogs: Most Recent postings http://www.a-19.com/articles Our 50% OFF Holiday Promotion! en-gb Copyright 2012 Thu, 17 May 2012 22:38:01 GMT Thu, 17 May 2012 22:38:01 GMT My Blog Category Axero Solutions RSS Generator http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 20 Is the Green Trend Still a Trend? http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/18/is-the-green-trend-still-a-trendBeautiful A19 Milan Pendant in Modern Kitchen Setting

Less than a decade ago, the green movement was limited to less-convenient and often more expensive replacements for resource hogging staples of life. In water-poor areas of the United States, black market, high water output toilets and showers constituted one of the most bizarre underground anti-government movements ever seen. Green alternatives were often less durable and more expensive in the short term than their outmoded counterparts. It wasn’t easy for the hospitality industry, either. Torn between customers who wanted to stay within their comfort zone and the knowledge that times (and statutes) were changing, a rock and a hard place perfectly described the balancing act of transitioning from old school principles to new practices without alienating end users and customers, not to mention the expense of implementing a whole new methodology that didn’t have established supply chains. Pardon the pun, but the green movement had a lot of us bleeding (and seeing) green.
 
Much, however, has changed. With an infrastructure both at home and overseas supporting sustainable and green components, a consumer base more and more on board with sustainability, and government legislation requiring energy efficiency, green is much less of a trend, and much more of a fact. While some suppliers are still making the switch, it’s a pretty safe bet that everyone reading this article has made some structural shifts to accommodate this new norm. In every category of the hospitality industry, green is a la mode. From the aforementioned low flow showers and toilets, the change made its way to the lighting industry, where companies like A19 (www.a19.com) now offer CFL sockets for every fixture, reclaim the gray water from their ceramic manufacturing, and use recycled glass for fused glass art fixtures, just for starters. In the kitchen, Champion Industries is integrating heat recovery units on their dishwashing machines to reduce energy consumption in restaurants and commercial kitchens. Even advertising is going green, as evidenced by Radius Display Products’ ECO 4, a banner stand made of bamboo and recycled plastic. I’d briefly considered sourcing a hypothetical hotel room or restaurant dining area, but had to stop myself when I started researching recycled gypsum based sheetrock and rooftop grass planters for LEED certification.
 
And so where does that leave us? It’s not enough to simply be green, we have to be known to be green. Every manufacturer’s FAQ and spec sheet lists their green “pedigree.” Hotels inform guests that having one’s sheets stay on one’s bed for more than 24 hours helps to save water and power, a double whammy. Buyers, guests, and customers are becoming more and more expecting of green or sustainable options in product offerings, services, and accommodations. The best way for us to survive this and any change is to do what we’ve always done in this industry: think fast, be flexible, and dance on that fine line between the cutting edge and the back of the pack. Staying educated about your options in green materials can get you recognition for being a forerunner of a new sustainable practice, not to mention favorable pricing from suppliers needing to get a new line off the ground. Think of ways to make sustainable a time saver, like the hotels saving money and time on laundering sheets that don’t need it. Find your niche, and make sure your customers know the lengths you’re going to in making the world a better, greener place.

 

A19 Cinnamon Wall Sconce in Green Setting

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info@axerosolutions.com(A19)Our 50% OFF Holiday Promotion!http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/18/is-the-green-trend-still-a-trendhttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/18/is-the-green-trend-still-a-trendFri, 16 Mar 2012 17:57:36 GMThttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/18/is-the-green-trend-still-a-trend
Las Vegas Market: Going Green http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/17/las-vegas-market-going-greenJust this once, what happens in Vegas ain't stayin' there.

I got back from Las Vegas Market 10 days ago and I've been sick ever since, which will explain the lateness of this post, I hope!

Vegas Market was overwhelming and awesome. 3 buildings of at least ten stories each. I think the most impressive thing I saw were the ladies walking around in heels. I'll be posting a series on Vegas Market, what I learned about the industries represented, and highlights of a few of my favorite exhibitors in the coming weeks!

One of the things I noticed the most was the sheer number of sustainable and/or eco-friendly exhibitors. From lampshades made of real leaves to furniture sourced from sustainable materials, the market is getting more and more cognizant of the environment, and I couldn't have been more thrilled to see it. There's a whole system set up to identify green-minded exhibitors and bring them to the attention of clientele who are looking for sustainability.

We here at A19 didn't get to exhibit this year, but the growing focus on environmental awareness is something that matters a lot to us. We've filtered the outgoing water at our facility, sourced responsibly, and provided low-emission lamping options for many years. It costs more to do things the right way, but it is our firm belief that there is more to being a good business than short term profit.

A19 is in it for the long haul, and our collections of eco-friendly light fixtures are our contribution to a sustainable industry and America.

If you haven't seen all of our products recently, come on over and browse. Our newest collection, reFusion features our traditional green practices on the ceramic side as well as recycled, locally sourced glass used for the beautiful decoration seen throughout the collection.

Zen Garden SconceAbstract Sconce in Teal Crackle

Clouds Sconce with Cobalt Blue Finish

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info@axerosolutions.com(A19)Our 50% OFF Holiday Promotion!http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/17/las-vegas-market-going-greenhttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/17/las-vegas-market-going-greenWed, 15 Feb 2012 17:50:14 GMThttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/17/las-vegas-market-going-green
Hand Blown Away http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/15/hand-blown-away

The lighting fixtures present in a house can make all of the difference between a house and a home. They can convey warmth, modernity, minimalism, or opulence. They can be a focal point such as a chandelier, or a workhorse such as table light. Really, it is the type and placement of these fixtures that is so pivotal.  In today's world, there are many options available in home lighting, each according to taste and price range. One way to amp up the artistic style factor in lighting choices is to choose ones made from hand-blown glass. Hand blown glass has been gaining popularity in recent years because of its unique look and artisan mentality: an instant conversation starter. 

This change is sure to add more artistic pop to any living space, and is a relatively low cost upgrade with maximum results. It may be necessary to shop around to find the best selection of hand-blown glass fixtures to choose from, but a great place to start is here at A19.com. Our new reFusion collection is actually made using recycled glass sourced from a local glass company. Local artists then hand blow all the glass and cast all the ceramic in the fixture collection in-house using our own kilns. This allows an ownership of the finished product that encourages an excellence that we take pride in along every step of the way. No matter what you choose, keep a high standard and choose responsible artisans for a decoration that makes you feel as good as it looks.

 

Marina Wall Sconce by A19

Abstract Wall Sconce from the reFusion Collection

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info@axerosolutions.com(A19)Our 50% OFF Holiday Promotion!http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/15/hand-blown-awayhttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/15/hand-blown-awayTue, 24 Jan 2012 16:52:55 GMThttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/15/hand-blown-away
Happy New Year from the A-19 Family! http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/14/happy-new-year-from-the-a-19-family
 
Awesome Stuff That Happened at A19 in 2011:
A19 was thrilled to release our new reFusion Collection. We partnered with a local glass maker and designed a line of fixtures using hand-cast ceramic and hand-blown, recycled glass. Of course, with a change that big, you know we had to update our catalogue. It came out beautifully, and we’re super proud of it (Incidentally, if you want to check it out, click here to download a PDF).
    
We also took a huge leap forward in fulfilling your orders with the least amount of hassle and overhead for you. In 2011, A19 began offering FREE freight on any order, with no minimum purchase amount and no drop ship fees. We know times are tough, and we want to stay as competitive as possible to help you attract and maintain as many customers as possible.If you haven’t ordered from us in a while and need a refresher on terms, just reply to this email with any questions and we’ll be right here!

Late in 2011, our President, Cinnamon Alvarez, was awarded the NEWH Recognition of Excellence. This affirms what we here at A19 have been telling her all along: she’s pretty excellent.

And as a perfect segue from things that started last year but are predicted to continue into 2012 and beyond, our fearless leader has a new beau. Who is this dashing suitor? More news in our special Valentine’s edition! Now onward to 2012!


Awesome Stuff A19 is Looking Forward to in 2012:
We’ve got a new marketing plan, focusing on growing our partnership with all of our valued customers. We’re refining our strategies and aggressively seeking ways to grow our shared interests. If YOU have feedback for us, we’re ready to hear it and work with you to find the best way to grow our sales.

We R Srsly on Twitter N FB now, so expect all of ur emails from us 2 b lyke this LOL! Just kidding, but come follow us on twitter (@A19Lighting) or Like us on Facebook. We’ll post news and keep you up-to-date with fascinating tales of ceramic manufacturing in a world gone mad - and possibly post pics of cats and really delicious cakes.

If you have application photos of our products installed and in use, let us know. We’d love to see what you or your clients have come up with using our fixtures. A19.com features blogs that would showcase those shots and provide you with some free traffic to your site in return. The shots will also eventually be featured in a permanent gallery, if you permit.


That’s All for January!
Thanks so much for reading and being one of our valued customers. We wish you a happy and prosperous 2012!

Warm Wishes,
The A19 Family

NEWH Awards Ceremony

NEWH is an organization which provides scholarships, education, and business networking for the future of the hospitality industry.
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info@axerosolutions.com(A19)Our 50% OFF Holiday Promotion!http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/14/happy-new-year-from-the-a-19-familyhttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/14/happy-new-year-from-the-a-19-familyMon, 09 Jan 2012 16:03:23 GMThttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/14/happy-new-year-from-the-a-19-family
Exterior Decor, Done the Green Way http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/13/exterior-decor-done-the-green-way    No doubt about it, the right installation, arrangement, and choice of lights can add to the safety, beauty, and elegance of your home’s exterior.  Whether yours is a large house or small, traditional or modern, lighting plays a vital role in the style of your outdoor life.  The outside of your home is often the only thing a visitor sees of your design sensibility, so exterior lighting is well worth some attention! It is essential to create a good balance of proper light and unique style which can ensure an aesthetic delight as well as proper security to the home.  Proper lighting can be very beneficial, as it can change the appearance of a small balcony by providing it a spacious look, welcome evening visitors, or make play areas safer after dark. 

    Today, outdoor lighting options such as pendants, sconces, and coach lamps are available in a wide array, and provide a great scope of choice for the home owner. Modern designs and technology can amazingly transform the appearance of the landscape, and save energy, to boot.  There are many new lamping options which last longer, cost less, and leave less of an impact on the world around you. Research some of these options for yourself and decide which is best for you and your family.

    In a world where more and more people spend more and more time at home, lights are becoming lifestyles, so most people are in search of energy efficient, environmentally friendly designs.  A19 has many options for those people, as a trusted online retailer which offers a wide range of designs in a blend of classic and modern styles.  The different collections allow the discerning home decorator to customize their home exterior in a number of different areas. In addition, the many finishing options allow you to further fine tune your choice; you can even skip a finish and paint your fixtures yourself. With most fixtures available for Wet locations, A19 is sure to have the lighting you need for your home, inside and out.

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info@axerosolutions.com(A19)Our 50% OFF Holiday Promotion!http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/13/exterior-decor-done-the-green-wayhttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/13/exterior-decor-done-the-green-wayTue, 27 Dec 2011 11:30:08 GMThttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/13/exterior-decor-done-the-green-way
Season's Greetings and Holiday Closures for A19 http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/12/season-s-greetings-and-holiday-closures-for-a19Wishing you a merry holiday season and a bright New Year!

A19 will be closed Friday, December 23rd - Monday, January 2nd.

Thank you for your business and friendship, we're looking forward to a great New Year!

~Cinnamon and the Team at A19

 

Happy Holidays from A19

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info@axerosolutions.com(A19)Our 50% OFF Holiday Promotion!http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/12/season-s-greetings-and-holiday-closures-for-a19http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/12/season-s-greetings-and-holiday-closures-for-a19Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:01:58 GMThttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/12/season-s-greetings-and-holiday-closures-for-a19
A19 President Wins Prestigious NEWH Award http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/11/a19-president-wins-prestigious-newh-awardWe're all always so very proud and happy to work with Cinnamon, and it made my day to see her get recognized for her drive and ambition. It's really an awesome thing for A-19 that we have a woman who is so motivated to be a responsible business owner as well as a savvy and prosperous one.

This last Saturday, the local chapter of NEWH recognized Cinnamon with the Joyce L. Johnson Award, which recognizes both service to the chapter and the pride the chapter takes in having such an outstanding member among its ranks. This award is not yearly but given only when merited.

I can practically feel her blushing from here.

 

Congratulations, Cinnamon. We're all very happy for you and proud to work with you!

 

Cinnamon Award

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info@axerosolutions.com(A19)Our 50% OFF Holiday Promotion!http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/11/a19-president-wins-prestigious-newh-awardhttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/11/a19-president-wins-prestigious-newh-awardThu, 15 Dec 2011 15:29:10 GMThttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/11/a19-president-wins-prestigious-newh-award
Unique Advantages http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/9/unique-advantagesUnique Advantages

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info@axerosolutions.com(A19)Our 50% OFF Holiday Promotion!http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/9/unique-advantageshttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/9/unique-advantagesMon, 28 Nov 2011 13:07:47 GMThttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/9/unique-advantages
Our 50% OFF Holiday Promotion! http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/8/our-50-off-holiday-promotionIf you are in the market for something handcrafted, something unique and long lasting, now is the time to take advantage of our Holiday promotion! This Holiday Season, we are offering 50% off all of our lighting products! Imagine the ways you can reinvent your space with the selection we offer, prices like ours and quality that will last. Why not gift a lighting fixture while you're at it? 

At A19 we offer you exclusive, handmade art pieces that are superior in every detail. Our world class designs are created for life and good living. From the first pendant you hang, you will be delighted with the quality you've chosen. Choose from a wide variety of alluring ceramic wall sconces to fit any of your specific decorating needs, each an unforgettable combination of hand made and our own passion for attention to detail. You will appreciate the assortment of lead-free colored glazes that accentuate the beauty in the shape and detail of each fixture as well as their ease of installation. 

Go to a19.com to be inspired by how you can make use of our one-of-a-kind art pieces!
Holiday Promotion

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info@axerosolutions.com(A19)Our 50% OFF Holiday Promotion!http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/8/our-50-off-holiday-promotionhttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/8/our-50-off-holiday-promotionMon, 24 Oct 2011 12:19:33 GMThttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/8/our-50-off-holiday-promotion
Watch for our new catalog including A19's new reFusion Collection coming soon... http://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/6/watch-for-our-new-catalog-including-a19-s-new-refusion-collection-coming-soon“You must be the change you wish to see in the world,” said Mahatma Gandhi. A19’s reFusion Collection seeks to make a difference in people’s lives – as well as the environment – by incorporating recycled window glass from local sources into stunning new pieces of art glass.

The special, one-of-a-kind pieces can add a unique touch to any room – whether it’s a luxurious bathroom, a dream master bedroom suite, inviting dining room or gourmet kitchen.

Rethinking the standard light fixture
Recycled fused glass takes lighting to the next level by creating an amazing array of textures, colors and patterns that have an organic, natural feel – including bubbles, speckles and crackles. It’s something you don’t find anywhere else but from A19.
But beautiful doesn’t mean these fused-glass pieces aren’t as sturdy and functional as our other fixtures. Each piece in the reFusion Collection is hand-made to A19’s exacting standards. Their ceramic bases ensure that use in a damp location, such as a bathroom, won’t harm the fixture. Additionally, we also offer incandescent and Energy Star fluorescent options to meet any needs, and many of our sconces also meet American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements by having a depth of four inches or less.

Where hand-crafted design meets “green”
Our reFusion Collection turns recycled glass into long-lasting, stunning, functional pieces of art that will be admired and appreciated for generations to come.
We invite you to take a look at the range of unique styles we have to offer.

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info@axerosolutions.com(A19)Wall Sconces and A19 Lightinghttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/6/watch-for-our-new-catalog-including-a19-s-new-refusion-collection-coming-soonhttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/6/watch-for-our-new-catalog-including-a19-s-new-refusion-collection-coming-soonTue, 01 Mar 2011 14:01:33 GMThttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/admin/my-blog-category/6/watch-for-our-new-catalog-including-a19-s-new-refusion-collection-coming-soon
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info@axerosolutions.com(A19)My Bloghttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/colors2life/my-blog-category/5/testhttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/colors2life/my-blog-category/5/testWed, 21 Jul 2010 11:28:37 GMThttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/colors2life/my-blog-category/5/test
Adding an Artistic Touch with A New Wall Sconce http://www.a-19.com/blogs/LightingDirect/my-blog-category/4/adding-an-artistic-touch-with-a-new-wall-sconceLooking to add an elegant artistic touch to your home or building? A new wall sconce can be a great way to do exactly this. Before you choose your new wall sconce, you should consider a few different factors including functionality, style, and extra options. The first question is how much light is needed for the given space?
A Ceramic sconce is a great way to accent the walls in large rooms, add lighting to a hallway, or light up the outdoors from the side of your home. A popular and functional location for sconces is in your stairway, helping to elegantly light your way. In addition, a ceramic sconce can be purchased to light up the wall and ceiling, point down to the floor, or both. Wall sconces are great accents for the surrounded ceiling light and a fitting wall sconce adds a little subtle design and elegance to the interior décor.

The style of your ceramic sconce should match the existing ceiling fixtures in the home. A19 Lighting ceramic fixtures are manufactured in a variety of styles. Whether its modern, contemporary, art deco, or classical there is a sconce to match any style. The real opportunity to create a unique style lies in browsing for one of the 50 different finishes A19 offers, ranging from marine life, to Asian art styles. An artistic style of lighting creates a sense of character and uniqueness in your home or business. Designers can go in many different directions from natural, to contemporary, or simply follow ADA codes.
When installing, a ceramic wall sconce should be mounted 60 inches above the ground and approximately six feet to eight feet apart. Be sure to keep in mind the desired amount, and the direction of the light for the given space. You can always use a wall sconce to greatly enhance the variance of the room, or just add a little ambiance. With style and functionality in A19 Lighting is here to provide you with your next sconce or pendant purchase. Purchasing new home lighting from A19 is made easy at LightingDirect.com.

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info@axerosolutions.com(A19)Lighting Directhttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/LightingDirect/my-blog-category/4/adding-an-artistic-touch-with-a-new-wall-sconcehttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/LightingDirect/my-blog-category/4/adding-an-artistic-touch-with-a-new-wall-sconceWed, 09 Jun 2010 12:07:15 GMThttp://www.a-19.com/blogs/LightingDirect/my-blog-category/4/adding-an-artistic-touch-with-a-new-wall-sconce