December 2016 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

Create A Classy And Elegant Kitchen With Dark Cabinets

In the past, light cabinets may have been the favorite finish but today dark cabinets are just as beloved — and for good reason! While white and light wood cabinets offer bright and cheery rooms, dark cabinets create a classic and elegant kitchen. For inspiration, take a look at these kitchen design ideas that tap into the dark cabinet and kitchen island trends we love most.

Best Themes For Dark Cabinets

When browsing kitchen design ideas, it’s best to first hone in on a theme. While in theory dark cabinets work perfectly fine with any style, there are some themes that really help them shine. Those kitchen themes are modern, traditional, and Old World.

Modern kitchens are sleek, heavy on stainless steel, and tend to use neutral colors rather than vibrant hues. Dark cabinets perfectly play into this clean, streamlined theme by limiting transitions and serving as a focal point.

Traditional and Old World styles work great with dark cabinets as well because they are inspired by that classic, European style. The dark finish will beautifully emphasize a brick or tile backsplash or floor.

Willow Lane Cabinetry’s Best Dark Finishes

Once you know your theme, it will be much easier to select your cabinets. A few of our favorites at Willow Lane Cabinetry are:

Manchester Shaker in Espresso or Black: Shaker style cabinets are very versatile, and their clean lines make them ideal for a modern kitchen. Both the warm espresso and black finishes are sleek and contemporary.

Roosevelt in Teaberry: Willow Lane Cabinetry’s Roosevelt Collection offers sophistication to a traditional kitchen. The raised panel doors feature an intricate design, and with the Teaberry you get the added beauty of this rich, dark chocolate finish.

Oxford in Merlot Glaze: These cabinets are right on point for your Old World theme. The Classic Series was made to last for generations, with decorative moldings and glass doors. With the Merlot Glaze, you have a truly unique finish that melds deep berry and dark brown.

You can stick with the same finish throughout, or mix and match a bit. Lighter cabinets can serve as a border or arch around your stovetop, or you can go with a different finish for your kitchen island.

Kitchen Island Trends That Complement Dark Cabinets

White marble countertops provide a beautiful contrast to dark cabinets, but we are also seeing a lot of kitchen island trends that utilize unusual materials.

Do you love to cook? Butcher-block countertops create a great foundation for chefs, and their light color also helps dark cabinets to really stand out. Like white marble, they provide a beautiful contrast, but also add a unique element to your kitchen.

Stainless steel countertops are another one of the unusual, but very cool, kitchen island trends. They fit in perfect with a modern theme, will make your dark cabinets pop, and help to minimize transitions when paired with stainless steel appliances.

Use Our Free Design Tool to Bring Your Kitchen Design ideas to Life

Once you’ve decided on the cabinet and kitchen island trends you want in your home, utilize our free kitchen design tool to get a customized layout, photorealistic rendering, and itemized list in just 48 hours!

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your new kitchen. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!

Start 2017 With The Bathroom Vanity Of Your Dreams

Are you starting the New Year with the same old bathroom? It’s not unusual to want a fresh start come January, and your home is no exception. So why not resolve to start 2017 with the bathroom of your dreams? A new bathroom vanity is the place to start, since it will be the focal point of your space. Willow Lane Cabinetry is here to help! Our cabinets are made to order (no mass production here)! With solid maple face and doorframes, all plywood I-beam construction, full overlay designs, dovetailed drawer boxes and soft close, full extension glides no detail is too small. Plus our selection can’t be beat! Here are just a few of our favorite bathroom vanities to start the New Year off on a beautiful note!

Society Shaker White (Semi-Custom)

With ten shades and styles of white cabinetry to choose from, it was hard to pick just one. Our Society Shaker White bathroom vanity series is semi custom, with clean, simple lines that seemed fitting for a fresh start. The face frame on these cabinets is made from 1-1/2” solid maple, with a premium MDF center for strength and durability. The soft white finish offers a sophisticated, timeless touch to any room, large or small. Plywood box construction, soft close drawer glides, and a full overlay design make these cabinets a great value. Customize your bathroom with a vanity for a stunning addition to any bathroom.

Roosevelt Dove Gray (Semi-Custom)

Dove gray is right on trend for 2017, and our Roosevelt Dove Gray bathroom vanity collection is the epitome of contemporary transitional style. These solid maple, semi custom cabinets are the perfect balance for those who want a neutral palate without being vanilla. Neither dark nor light, the stunning painted gray finish compliments the raised panel doors and highlights the beauty of these elegant cabinets. Select from customizable accessories like decorative feet, glass mullion doors, end panels, and molding.

Roosevelt Sage With Chocolate Distress And Walnut Highlights (Semi-Custom)

Trends are leaning towards shades of green for the upcoming year. In fact, Pantone recently named “Greenery” as its 2017 Color of the Year. Green is symbolic of spring and new beginnings, and can be a refreshing, neutral pop of color that brings the outdoors in. Our Roosevelt Sage with Chocolate Distress and Walnut Highlights bathroom vanity is semi-custom, and features soft close drawers, and a solid wood and plywood construction. They have a toned finish with artistically applied glazing that really make these cabinets a truly unique choice, and one that is sure to impress.

Manchester Shaker Black (Semi-Custom)

The rich, dark finish on our Manchester Shaker Black collection has a classic feel, while clean, minimalist lines give it a modern touch. The full overlay design and plywood box construction makes these Shaker cabinets exquisite. These semi-custom cabinets also feature full extension, soft close, dovetail drawers, and solid maple door and face frames. The door centers are constructed of premium MDF to help prevent cracking or warping. Customizable features include posts, brackets, corbels, valances and more. Shaker cabinets are timeless, and will offer unmatched beauty for years to come.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen or bath of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom bath and kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

How To Deep Clean Your Kitchen In 7 Steps

From how to clean kitchen hoods to sparkling kitchen sinks, we have all the answers and all the steps you need to start off 2017 with a shiny and clean kitchen.

Step 1: Everything has to go.

Okay, not everything has to go. But everything you don’t need has to go. That means a strong sweep of your pantry, kitchen cabinets, refrigerator, and under the sink (yikes)!

You know all that food you’re not going to eat, food that you shouldn’t eat (check expiration dates on lingering items), those disposable plastic containers and lids that have multiplied to unthinkable numbers, questionable sponges, and anything else that you won’t miss? Let it go.

Step 2: Start up top and then get low.

Dust falls. Cleaning solutions drip. Don’t clean the same space twice. Start from the top and work your way down. For the ceilings and light fixtures, a microfiber duster works best.

Your next stop should probably be your kitchen hood. Not sure what to do there?

The mystery of how to clean kitchen hoods is about to be solved! Simply create a solution with warm water and dishwashing detergent. Remove the grates and use a sponge or brush to clean out dust and grease. You can use this same method for cleaning the hood. Never use a solution or sponge that could scratch the stainless steel. It’s that easy.

Step 3: Shimmy on down to the cabinets.

Your kitchen cabinets are calling out for some TLC. The best way to clean them is by diluting all-purpose kitchen cleaner, wood cleaner, or white vinegar and wiping them down with a cloth. Follow with a wet rag and clean water to remove any residue, and then dry with a separate cloth.

Step 4: Scrub that sink like it’s 1999.

But do it gently. Cleaning kitchen sinks doesn’t take a lot of force. Simply use a nylon sponge and some baking soda or Bar Keeper’s Friend. If you rinse your sink routinely, you shouldn’t have too much work to do.

Step 5: Take it back to the refrigerator.

Now that you’ve tossed all that expired and unwanted refrigerator and freezer food, here is a fun task for you. Cleaning out your favorite large appliance. Yes, that is going to require you to empty it out. Sorry, but we promise it will be quick and painless.

Put all the items to the side so you can spray the inside (and outside) with disinfectant. Some disinfectants will advise letting the product sit for a few minutes. Start on the inside, wipe everything down and then work your way out. Then get back in there and absorb any excess cleaner with a dry cloth. Put in a new box of baking soda while you’re at it to keep things smelling fresh.

The next step is organizing the refrigerator and freezer, of course! How many times have you thought things should be put in a better place? Now is your chance to make it happen. If you are feeling ambitious after tackling the refrigerator and freezer, why not clean the oven too?

Step 6: Don’t forget the pantry.

If your kitchen has a pantry cabinet, it could probably use a good once over. When was the last time you really wiped down those shelves? Grab a clean, damp cloth and get it done.

Step 7: Finish with the floors.

Now it’s time to get low, but you can actually stay standing! First vacuum to pick up any crumbs. Pay special attention to the corners.

Then whether you have tile or hardwood, you will want to use a mop and floor-cleaning product that suits that material.

At this point it’s probable wise to get out a piece of paper and pen to make a “Do not enter!” sign, since the last thing you want after deep cleaning your kitchen is dirty sneakers tracking dirt on your floors!

How To Host A Potluck Like A Pro

The holiday season is here, and there is no better way to share a great meal with family and friends than by having a potluck dinner! This casual style of dining is wonderful because everyone contributes and comes together to share. It also takes pressure off of the host, so you aren’t preparing an entire holiday feast on your own. Best of all, you get a taste of everyone’s special holiday dishes! All you need is a kitchen island with plenty of countertop space (or a large table), and a little know-how. Below are six tips for hosting an incredible holiday potluck with ease!

1.Stay Organized

Make sure you have enough supplies for all your guests. Keep your kitchen stocked with the necessities like plates, bowls, cups, napkins, and utensils. Don’t be afraid to go with festive paper plates and plastic forks. If you have a large party, clean up will be much easier with disposables. Also keep extra basic essentials on hand like condiments and serving ware in case the need arises. In the holiday shuffle, it’s easy to forget the small details.

2.Think Of A Theme

Themes are helpful when planning the menu. You want the various dishes to complement each other, so choose a theme that everyone agrees upon. For example, an Italian theme would probably include lasagna, sausages and peppers, and tiramisu, while a traditional American potluck might have macaroni and cheese, ham, and apple pie. Pick by popular cuisine, or choose by ingredients like seafood or local vegetables. Also consider the time of day (breakfast, lunch, or dinner).

3.Decide On Dishes

Start a list of who is brining what to avoid duplicate or similar dishes. This way you can cover all the major courses and party favorites. There should be appetizers, soups or salads, entrees, sides, desserts, and beverages. Keep track in case of any last minute changes or cancellations. The host should be responsible for the main course. Also allow enough time for guests to research and prepare their recipes.

4.Plot Portion Sizes

You don’t need to be exact, but it’s better to prepare too much than too little, especially if your dish is the hit of the night. People usually don’t eat full portions, so they can try almost everything on the table. Encourage guests to bring containers for leftovers to take home after the party.

5.Prepare Accordingly

Guests will prepare dishes anywhere from the night before to a few hours before serving, but some dishes may need a little last minute prep at the party. Coordinate to see who will need to use the oven or stove, and ask them to prepare as much as they possibly can at home.

6.Perfect Presentation

Kitchen island ideas for potlucks have no boundaries. The key is to display all the dishes in an organized and beautiful arrangement (buffet-style) so that it’s easy for your guests to navigate and get their food as quickly as possible. Use nice serving platters, bowls, and dessert stands for a pretty presentation, with serving spoons/forks when needed. Group like items together, in logical order, with beverages and desserts at a secondary location.

Have your kitchen flowing and glowing this holiday season when hosting a harmonious holiday potluck. These six tips and tricks will have you feeling like a potluck pro, so your party will be a stress free success. Everyone will appreciate the attention to detail, preparation, and organization you’ve put into the potluck — not to mention the fabulous food!

5 Cozy Cabin Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

How perfect does a ski trip sound right now? Imagine yourself after a long day on the slopes, settling back into your toasty cabin, cuddling up by the fireplace, and snacking on a charcuterie board while you sip wine. Today we are going to share some kitchen design ideas that will allow you to enjoy that ambiance all year long.

There’s no need to live in an actual cabin, by the way. With these kitchen design ideas, you’ll be able to bring the comfort and charm of a cozy cabin right to your home. No snowy mountains or pine trees required.

1. Warm And Welcoming Kitchen Cabinets

When choosing your cabinetry, opt for rustic kitchen cabinets like our Manchester Shaker in Brandywine. Dark finishes, like this rich shade of brown, embodies the cabin style. Also be sure to include some open shelving. Almost all cabin-inspired kitchen design ideas include a welcoming element, and an open-door cabinet policy says, “Make yourself at home.” Utilize that space wisely and display pretty ceramic plates or copper mugs that will add charm.

2. Farmhouse Sink For A Vintage Touch

Cabins tend to have an authentic feel. Even if they are remodeled, they maintain some of their original features. This way they never completely lose their vintage character and appeal. A great way to give a nod to the past is with a farmhouse kitchen sink. It will feel original and give your kitchen a vintage air, but is also really trendy and stylish.

3. Natural Elements Reminiscent Of Cabin Life

Wood tends to be a dominant material in cabin kitchens, and there are many ways for you to incorporate this natural element into your home. From wood flooring to exposed ceiling beams, focus on one or two areas where you can include natural elements to amp up your cabin-inspired theme.

4. Benches Instead Of A Traditional Table And Chairs

Swapping out a traditional kitchen table for one with bench seats is a cool way to add charm. You instantly achieve that laid-back cabin feel, while also adding more natural elements like we just covered. Look for a picnic table style made out of distressed oak. These bench kitchen tables are the ultimate rustic furniture and one of our favorite cabin-inspired kitchen design ideas.

5. Soft Lighting That Mimics Dim Firelight

A fireplace is an essential part of a cabin. In fact, when imagining a cabin, we are sure that dim firelight is one of the first things to come to mind. But you may not necessarily want one in your kitchen. Sure there are plenty of open concept kitchen design ideas that have built in fireplaces that can be seen from the kitchen. But if your floor plan is more traditional, you can still achieve that fireside glow with artificial light. Use soft lighting for your foundation or overhead light, and chose brighter bulbs for your spotlights. That way, when you need your kitchen to be bright it can be, but you can also enjoy that warm glow when you don’t. Alternatively, you can install a dimmer, which will give you the best of both worlds with the switch of a button.

How To Wash, Dry And Fold Towels Like A Pro

Overnight guests year round will appreciate a tidy linen cabinet filled with fresh and fluffy towels. Take the time to wash, dry and fold your towels so that your guests feel pampered during their stay. Here are some tips to help you become a laundry pro this winter! Care for your towels by washing them every three or four uses. By washing and drying your towels properly, and taking the time to keep them neatly folded and stored in your bathroom vanity or linen cabinet, your guests will feel more comfortable and welcome during their visit.

Washing Your Towels Properly

Wash new towels separate from clothing before their first-time use to remove any lint. If you want to set the color, add a ½ cup of vinegar to the wash.
Only use half of the recommended amount of detergent, since the thick material of towels is difficult to rinse and excess detergent left behind can promote bacterial growth.
Follow the standard rules when washing. Use warm water for colored towels, and add color-safe bleach or Borax once every few washes. Use hot water and nonchlorine bleach (as needed) for white towels.
Give towels a good shake when taking them out of the washer to help fluff the terry loops, and allow for maximum absorbency.
Store laundry detergent and other necessary items neatly tucked away behind cabinet doors in the laundry room. Keep items organized together for easy access.

Drying Fresh Towels For Your Guests

Always use your dryer for towels so that they can get their driest and fluffiest. Do not hang dry.
Dry towels on the highest setting to make sure they are fully dry before removing them from the dryer. Remember that mildew will grow on anything that is even slightly damp.
If you are in a pinch, throw a clean, dry towel in with the wet towels. This will help absorb the moisture quicker so that towels can dry faster.
Soften your towels by using one or two dryer balls in the dryer. The bouncing of the balls acts as a natural fabric softener.

Folding Towels With Ease

The key to proper use of shelf space is to fold bath and hand towels in thirds. Hold the bath towel in so that the front is facing you. Grab the towel by the two upper corners, then hold the towel at shoulder height and stretch it out sideways. Make sure that the towel is smooth and flat.
One corer should be brought toward the other to a point about two-thirds of the width of the towel. Hold it there and continue to fold the second corner of the towel toward the first. This will create three distinct layers.
Pinch the folds and gently shake to distribute. Tuck the towel under your chin. Grasp the towel midpoint down its length, lift your chin, and then allow the top part of the towel to fall over the bottom half. You can also lay the towel on a flat surface to fold it into thirds.
Bundle your neatly folded towels and store then in your linen cabinet. If you don’t have a designated linen cabinet, then proper bathroom vanity organization is necessary for extra storage.

5 Creative Home Uses For String Lights

Seeing homes covered in string lights is one of our favorite things this time of year. It’s incredible how much magic a simple string of white lights can have. You can always keep things simple but if you’re looking to amp up your holiday lighting, we’re going to show you how to turn string lights into a kitchen sink window decoration, amazing nightstand accessory, and more. Here are five of our favorite creative home uses for string lights during the holidays.

1. Let There Be Light In The Kitchen

There aren’t many kitchen island ideas that include string lights, and that’s really a shame. At weddings and special events, arching string lights over tables as a source of light is very common. So we thought, “Why can’t we do that over a kitchen island?” While swinging this look yearlong might be a struggle, we knew it was the perfect idea for the holidays. For a little extra light, go for globe string lights, which are larger than your typical mini string lights. If light isn’t a concern, icicle lights are a great option for over or around the kitchen island.

2. A Kitchen Sink Window Decoration That Makes The Season Bright

If we’re being honest, the holidays aren’t all fun and games. There’s lots of work to be done, and lots of dishes to be cleaned. That might be why we especially love the idea of using string lights as a kitchen sink window decoration. It’s a great way to dress up your kitchen sink area and brighten the mood while scrubbing baking trays.

3. Give The Bedroom A Touch Of Twinkle

If you have a poster or canopy bed, hanging lights in the bedroom is easy. Just drape a strand over the top. If you have a traditional or farmhouse bed you can still add a touch of twinkle with battery-powered dewdrop lights. Dewdrop lights, or fairy lights, are very tiny, twinkling lights so they are great when you want string lights but also want to be subtle. You can even put them in a glass jar or lantern and use them as a nightstand accent light.

4. A Cheery Card Holder Lends A Festive Touch

Tacking Christmas cards up to a cork board is cute but clipping them to string lights is even more adorable. Using a strand of lights, create a zigzag pattern on a wall and then clip your cards along the strand. Use assorted color binder clips to add to the room’s color scheme or match with your holiday décor.

5. Festive String Light Garland Gets You In The Holiday Spirit

What says season’s greetings better than mixing string lights and garland? This amazing holiday hybrid exists, and it’s an easy DIY project. All you’ll need is shimmer lights, a garland of foliage (you can find this at craft shops), floral wire, and wire cutters. Cut your garland into smaller pieces to match the distance between each of the lights on your string. Using one continuous piece of wire, wrap the garland onto the string for the entire length. Seriously, how easy is that? Hang your creation on your fireplace mantle or anywhere you want to add some sparkle this season.

7 Tips For Setting Up A Festive and Fabulous Holiday Buffet

There are lots of benefits to a buffet, especially if you want to throw a party with less stress and a casual vibe. Buffets are perfect for picky eaters, since the options are plentiful — there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy! They also encourage mingling, since your guests will have to move about to fill their plates and cups. Best of all, there’s no need to fuss with complicated seating arrangements and fancy table settings. But with all that said, you still want your party to be a festive and fabulous event. Here are some tips on how to prep ahead, how to display the food, and how to serve your guests with ease, so your holiday buffet goes off without a hitch. Now clean off that kitchen island and let’s get started!

Once you nail down your final guest list, start by planning your menu and shopping list. Stick with hot and cold dips, platters of fruits and veggies, meats and cheese, and various bite-sized Hors d'oeuvres and desserts that you can make the night before the party.

The last thing you want is to run out of food, so take some of the pressure off by asking guests to bring a favorite dish to share.

The kitchen island is the perfect place for setting up a buffet that flows smoothly. Make sure you have enough platters, trays, dip bowls, and serving ware to properly display and serve your food.

Purchase festive paper plates, napkins, plastic ware, and disposable cups for easy clean up. Start the buffet with plates, and end with napkins and forks. Set up the food in the center.

Keep drinks at a separate station, such as a portable kitchen cart or counter space near the icemaker. If your refrigerator does not have an icemaker, make sure you have an ice bucket on hand. Either way, it’s wise to purchase a few bags of ice just in case you run out.

It’s safe to assume your guests will have two drinks in the first hour and one drink each additional hour, so plan accordingly. Have a variety of wine and beer available, as well as holiday punch and non-alcoholic beverages.

Don’t forget the trashcan! If you don’t give your guests an accessible place to throw things away, you won’t be happy after they leave and it’s time to clean up!