December 2017 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

A Clean Slate: How To Keep Your Slate Backslash Or Floor Looking Brand New

Who doesn’t love this time of year? In addition to the holiday celebrations and lavish New Year’s Eve parties, most of us are exhilarated by the idea of a new beginning. With the start of a new year comes the opportunity to make improvements. But this concept is not reserved for just our own lives. We also like to apply these intentions to extensions of ourselves — such as our home and belongings. For the ultimate clean slate, here we’re going to explain how to keep a very important part of your home looking new: your slate kitchen backsplash or floors.

Cleaning And Maintaining A Slate Kitchen Backsplash

There are many different varieties of slate. Some are more natural, with dimension and texture, while others have been honed down so much they will actually shine. If your kitchen backsplash is somewhere in between those two extremes, then you have the easier slate to maintain. Cleaning around the different dimensions can be slightly difficult, and polished slate will quickly show dirt or scratches.

If your slate has been sealed, a soft cloth and warm water may be sufficient in wiping down surfaces. If not, you will need a way to get deeper into the surface, because slate can absorb grease and debris. Try spot testing an unseen area by scrubbing it with a toothbrush dipped in warm water and dishwashing liquid. Let it dry before cleaning the remaining area. If no discoloration occurs, this method can be effective in deep cleaning unsealed slate backsplashes. Baking soda and water is another at-home option that can work well.

Alternatively, you can also find cleaners that are specifically made for cleaning slate. These cleaners should be acid-free to avoid causing any damage in the stone.

Whichever method you use, be sure to clean your kitchen backsplash regularly. Routine cleaning is the best way to maintain the look and luster of your slate backsplash.

Cleaning And Maintaining Slate Kitchen Floors

As we mentioned earlier, there are many different varieties of slate. For flooring, it is more likely to be slate that been honed down, since it is more comfortable to walk over a flat surface rather than one with rough dimensions.

Cleaning your slate regularly is important, because the accumulation of different particles can act as a grit and scratch away at the slate’s surfaces.

For dry cleaning, avoid hard bristled brooms that can also scratch the surface. Dry sweepers with attachable cloths are your best option for collecting dust, debris and sand without damaging your floors. If you choose to vacuum, be sure you are using a soft nose extension that will not scrape the slate as you work.

For wet cleaning, mops can work fine as long as you are mindful of the cleaning solution you use. Avoid oil-based cleaners and, as mentioned earlier, anything with an acid-base. You want to use a very mild solution on slate floors, such as a few drops of dishwashing liquid mixed into a bucket of warm water. When mopping, wring your mop out each time to avoid over saturating the surface. If your floors get too wet while mopping, follow with a dry cloth so they aren’t damaged.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, bar room, laundry room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom 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 Design A Magazine-Quality Kitchen For 2018

Are you addicted to glossy home magazines, with amazing layouts that showcase pin-worthy kitchen designs? Do you spend your evenings curled on the couch, watching your favorite DIY Network and HGTV shows, envying each and every kitchen transformation you see?

You don’t need a professional camera crew to get the magazine-quality kitchen you are craving. You also don’t need a big television budget. This year, design the kitchen of your dreams with the help of Willow Lane Cabinetry. We’ll show you how.

If the name sounds familiar, there’s a good reason.

This past year, Willow Lane Cabinetry was proud to sponsor the DIY Network Ultimate Retreat Giveaway. We contributed the premium hardwood cabinets in that expertly crafted, cozy Vermont getaway with incredible views of Lake Champlain! Or perhaps you saw us featured on HGTV, or DIY Network shows like Kitchen Crashers, I hate My Kitchen, or Kitchen Impossible? As you can tell, we’re pretty famous for what we do.

Magazine-quality kitchens don’t come from a box.

Instead, they have custom details like hand applies glazes, beautiful overlay designs, glass mullion doors, decorative end panels, molding, and corbels — to name a few. And those are just the things you see. Behind the scenes, they have features like solid maple face and doorframes, all plywood box, I-beam construction, and dovetailed drawer boxes with soft close, full extension glides — features that come standard from Willow Lane Cabinetry. Our cabinets are custom built to order. You wont find any assembly lines or mass production here.

Get some expert help bringing your design to life.

The design experts at Willow Lane Cabinetry know all the secrets to getting that magazine-quality look. In just 48 hours, you will get a custom layout that is both stylish and functional for your space, with photorealistic renderings and an itemized list of what you need and what it will all cost. Did we forget to mention this room design service is free? Browse our vast selection of cabinet styles, from Shaker, to raised panel and recessed panel, and a plethora of gorgeous finishes.

No detail is too small.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that have the biggest impact. Finishing touches like beautiful backsplash tile, cabinet knobs and pulls, inside cabinet accessories, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and fabulous lighting fixtures are just a few of the details that set the magazine-quality kitchens apart from your basic kitchen. The same goes for the addition of décor, including area rugs, window coverings, pottery, glassware, baskets, and table linens — everything that makes your space uniquely yours.

Shine On! How To Clean And Polish Cabinet Pulls And Knobs

The hardware on your cabinetry is like the frosting on the cake, the cover of a book, or the front door of a home. If it’s not appealing, it doesn’t matter what’s inside, your first impression has been forever tarnished. Just like your dull cabinet pulls and knobs. Discover how to clean and polish your kitchen hardware with these helpful tips.

Remove your cabinet pulls and knobs to maintain their luster and shine.

Like any element in the home, your kitchen hardware needs attention. Whether your cabinet pulls and knobs are finished in nickel, brass, or chrome, they are all metallic pieces that can be dulled or discolored by oxidation.

Even though your hardware might be clean, it can still appear dirty. This muddy or stained appearance can’t be removed by simply wiping the pieces down. To avoid this, you’ll need to clean and polish your hardware by removing it from your cabinet doors.

In most cases, you should be able to remove your hardware without much difficulty by simply using a screwdriver or drill.

Let your hardware soak in a vinegar solution for a few hours.

Fill a large bucket with equal parts warm water and white vinegar, and place all of the cabinet pulls and knobs inside. This gentle solution is very effective at loosening the grease and stains. For mild to moderate stains, a few hours of soaking should suffice. If your hardware has become extremely tarnished, it may require an overnight soak. To test, you can take out one piece after a few hours and gently rub it with a soft cloth to gauge the progress.

Follow up with a second soak of dishwashing liquid and water.

Following the vinegar soak, remove the hardware from the bucket and pour out the contents. Rinse out the bucket, and refill with warm water and one or two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. Mix the soap into water with your hand, and then add the hardware back into the bucket. This will serve as a second soak, and the dishwashing liquid will help fight any stubborn grease that still remains.

Polish with a soft cloth and let dry before reinstalling.

After an hour or two, remove the hardware from the soapy water and lay it out on a piece of paper towel. Place a second piece of paper towel down, and then begin polishing each individual piece with a soft cloth and placing them on the second paper towel to dry. After setting your hardware out to dry for 15 minutes or so, it should be ready to reinstall on your kitchen cabinets.

Incorporate metal polishes into the cleaning process.

This process requires no harsh chemicals or special products, and will remove stains from your cabinet pulls and knobs while also restoring shine. If you feel that your hardware requires extra special attention, you will be able to find metal polishes in your home improvement store that are safe to use on a variety of materials such as brass, copper, aluminum and stainless steel. These are great options as well, and can be used to supplement the soaking process, or for touch ups between cleanings.

5 Ways To Properly Stock Your Home Bar For The New Year

Start prepping for your New Year’s celebration by making sure your home bar is stocked and ready for guests. From the best drinks, to bar essentials and accessories, fill your beautiful bar room cabinetry with everything you need to make it a party to remember.

Splendid Supplies

Get back to the basics. Essential equipment for popular cocktails and drinks include an ice bucket, ice cube trays, cocktail napkins, bar spoons, a muddler, jigger, cocktail shaker, and strainer. When determining the other necessary items, think in three’s — three drinks, three glasses, and three napkins per guest, for a two to three hour party. Also, prepare for a pound of ice for each guest.

Gorgeous Glasses

Make sure you have the appropriate glassware tucked neatly inside your bar room cabinetry. It’s customary to have six or eight of each type of glass: shots, short tumblers (old-fashioned, double old-fashioned), tall (highball, collins), and stem (red wine, white wine, champagne flute, cocktail glasses).

Dazzling Drinks

You don’t need to have every variety of liquor ever produced. Simply choose an assortment of six or so essential spirits, such as vodka, gin or rum, plus a few mixers. That should be more than enough for you and your guests to create your own concoctions. Store liquor in a cool place away from sunlight.

Finishing Touches

Keep things classy and complete with an assortment of garnishes on New Year’s Eve. Depending on what drinks you plan on serving, salt, olives, pearl onions, cherries, lemon, lime and orange slices, and fresh mint leaves should all fit the bill — and maybe some peppermint and cinnamon sticks for festive flair.

5 Clever Storage Solutions For Your Custom Kitchen

If the word “storage” has negative connotations for you, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are put off by the idea of filling their kitchen with bins and boxes in an attempt to maintain order. How is bringing more into the room going to make it less cluttered? Forget what you know about storage and read on to discover five clever storage solutions for your custom kitchen.

1. Hidden Base And Wall Fillers

Many kitchen designs leave voids and fail to take full advantage of every square foot. Optimizing this unused space for storage is a genius way to organize your custom kitchen without cluttering your cabinets or pantry. Take a look at this base filler that was designed to neatly store your oils, sauces and spices. Hidden behind your decorative panels or fillers, this base filler features adjustable wood shelves with chrome rail and full-extension ball bearing sides. The three-slide design offers total functionality, and allows you to store a variety of containers in different shapes and sizes. This style, and more base and wall fillers, are available online at Willow Lane Cabinetry.

2. Baskets With Rails

Baskets make great storage solutions, but they often end up on top of countertops or crowding the pantry. This woven basket with rails is the perfect alternative, as it fits within an 18” wide base cabinet. To install these natural woven baskets, the cabinet door is removed and the mount rails are easily mounted with four screws. Each basket includes a washable canvas liner, a natural maple frame with built-in handles, and two side-mount rails.

3. Tray Dividers

Stop stacking your cookie sheets and serving ware under your oven. Tray dividers go inside of your wall or base cabinets to easily put away these everyday items. Our 3” wide chrome tray divider is ideal for a custom kitchen because you can use as many as you need to fit your cabinetry. This u-shaped design features a shiny chrome finish and is extremely durable. Install this organizer in just minutes using only four screws.

4. Pull Out Shelving Systems

Another great option for optimizing under-used base cabinets is pull out shelving systems. These organizers allow you to transform a cabinet into a designated storage area for something in your kitchen. For example, the double pullout waste container keeps your garbage and recyclables tucked away to free up floor space in your kitchen, and eliminate odors. Featuring a wire-frame construction, this organizer has full-extension ball bearing slides, and includes two 35-quart waste containers. Easily mount this system to the bottom of your base cabinet with just four screws.

5. Pull Out Organizers

Rather than mindlessly storing items in drawers, add a tray or peg system to keep things organized. A few favorites are the rearrangeable drawer pegs that can accommodate all different items, the trimmable cutlery tray, and the wood spice tray. With these systems in place, you’ll never have a problem finding an item when you pull out your cabinet drawers.

Your custom kitchen will be clutter free after you implement these clever storage solutions in your home. Want to see more inside cabinet accessories for different kitchen designs? Browse our full selection online at Willow Lane Cabinetry.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, laundry room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom 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!

I’m Dreaming Of A White Kitchen: Willow Lane Cabinetry’s Favorite White Cabinets For Winter

There is just something magical about white kitchen cabinets. According to Better Homes and Gardens, white kitchens will never go out of style, along with open kitchen designs, stainless steel appliances, and LED lighting. Such timeless kitchen trends add value to your home and will stay beautiful far longer than any freshly fallen snow. If you’re dreaming of a white kitchen this winter, here a few of our favorite selections from Willow Lane Cabinetry.

Savannah White

Savannah White cabinetry is elegant and versatile, with raised panel doors, and a crisp white finish that works equally well in both traditional and contemporary kitchen designs. Like all our cabinetry, this collection is well built and made to order, with all plywood box, I-beam construction, and standard features like solid hardwood, dovetailed drawer boxes with under-mount, soft close, full extension glides.

Urban White

If your tastes lean towards ultra modern, the Urban White collection will transform your kitchen into the contemporary space of your dreams. These cabinets have a frameless Euro design and a high-gloss, brilliant white finish that is sure to brighten your home. Custom features like aluminum frosted glass doors and open display shelves offer an additional touch of modern style.

Panama White

With a clean white finish and full overlay, recessed panel design, Panama White cabinetry will surely brighten any kitchen this winter. These cabinets have a classic appeal, with a straightforward style that can be dressed up any way you desire. Glass doors and Shaker molding add to their natural beauty, while traditional crown molding and decorative corbels up the glamour.

Sanibel Shaker White

Stunning in their simplicity, Shaker cabinets are loved for their clean lines and understated sophistication. Sanibel Shaker White cabinetry epitomizes these qualities, with a snowy white, 14-step process finish, and premium construction that will stand the test of time. Accessorize with charming details like glass doors and beaded paneling.

Midtown White Shaker

Another popular contemporary Shaker collection is Midtown Shaker White. These quality cabinets feature full overlay birch doors in a durable, painted Sherwin Williams finish. Rest assured, the minimalist allure of Shaker design will compliment any style home — and will remain beautiful season after season.

Belfast White

The Belfast White cabinet collection features solid birch, mortise and tenon doors in a raised panel style. The luxurious white finish comes courtesy of Sherwin Williams, complete with a catalytic conversion topcoat. The optional addition of a built-in plate or wine rack adds to the elegance factor, as does mullion glass doors and wainscot panels.

Why not make your kitchen dreams come true this winter? This is just a small sample of the many beautiful options at Willow Lane Cabinetry. Browse the vast selection today, and customize your new kitchen this winter with the help of our free room design service.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, laundry room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom 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 Clean Your Glass Kitchen Backsplash The Natural Way

A glass kitchen backsplash is prime real estate for splashes. No matter how carefully you stir, a drop of spaghetti sauce is bound to jump out of the pan and onto your glass tile. So how do you keep this surface clean? It’s easy to be tempted by the array of kitchen cleaning products on the market — but you really don’t need much to keep your kitchen backsplash shiny and spot-free. Here are a few natural solutions that you likely already have at home.

1. Absorb any grease or splatters with a paper towel.

Stopping to clean in the middle of cooking is not ideal — but taking just a moment to check your kitchen backsplash for splatters can save you a lot of trouble down the road. The faster you tackle the debris the less action is needed to remove the stain. The second you spot a splatter of food or grease, grab a paper towel and blot it down. This will absorb the debris from the glass surface, and in many cases will remove it all together.

2. A drop of warm water can do a lot of good.

If you still see a stain after absorbing the splatter, your next step is a little warm water. Wiping the surface with a damp cloth can do more than you imagine. Just run some warm water, dip your cloth underneath the faucet, and wring out any excess water. Then gently wipe the cloth over the stained area to try and remove the discoloration.

3. Soap is good for cleaning more than just dishes.

You’ve absorbed the splatter and wiped down the surface with warm water, but the stain lingers on your kitchen backsplash. Now it’s time for backup. Get a small bucket or bowl, and fill it with warm water and two drops of dishwashing liquid. Soak a sponge in the mild solution and then wring out any excess water. Working in a circular motion, try to rub out any remaining debris or discoloration.

4. Try a splash of vinegar.

Although not the best smelling kitchen cleaning solution, white vinegar is excellent at getting rid of tough stains and leaves a lustrous shine. If you’re dealing with a spot or splatter that is too tough for dishwashing liquid, try this natural option. Combine equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spritz the solution on to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Remove the solution with a damp cloth and then let dry.

5. Spot treat with a DIY paste.

Your last resort is a DIY paste made with baking soda. For those really stubborn stains, this natural solution can work wonders. Simply mix one cup of baking soda with one cup of warm water. Stir the ingredients together until a thick paste forms. Completely cover the stain with the baking soda mixture. Once the paste has fully dried, gently remove it using a cloth or damp sponge. With most stains, the paste will draw out any grease or discolorations and leave your glass kitchen backsplash looking as good as new.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, bath, laundry, home office, or bar room of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom 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!

Heavenly Peace: How To Create A Calm Home Office

A quiet and organized workspace is vital for productivity and creativity. With stressful deadlines looming, and a bustling and busy house (including active kids home for the holidays), wouldn’t it be nice to be able to work in Heavenly peace? This holiday season; give yourself the gift of a calm home office, with the help of Willow Lane Cabinetry and these helpful tips.

A Space Of Your Own

The first step in creating a calm home office is to carve out a space of your own. Maybe you’re currently camped out at the kitchen table, or perhaps you have an actual room that has a door, but not much else to be desired. If your current home office is less than adequate, it’s time to do something about it. You work hard — you deserve it!

A Place For Everything

A calm work environment needs to be tidy and uncluttered. An efficient home office needs to have plenty of office cabinetry for storage, and a suitable work surface to spread out and get the job done in a timely manner. When there is a place for everything (and everything is in its place), you should instantly feel less overwhelmed, frustrated, and disorganized.

Heavenly Peace and Quiet

In addition to a suitable amount of storage space for home office essentials, your office cabinetry should be well made, functional, and beautiful. At Willow Lane Cabinetry, our office cabinetry is custom built to order, with standard features like solid hardwood, dovetailed drawer boxes with soft close, full extension glides, making for a more quiet and serene workspace. We also offer a wide variety of styles and finishes to choose from. Take advantage of our free design service, and work with an expert designer to create the perfect layout that makes the most of your space, with a stunning end result.

Sit and Stay Awhile

You will be spending a good portion of your day working in your home office. Therefore, comfort is key. Choose a soothing paint color for the walls that compliments your office cabinetry, and helps to create a calm work environment that you will enjoy spending time in. Avoid colors that make you feel anxious, and stick with a soft palette of pale blues, purples, pinks, greens, grays or beiges. And don’t forget to include a comfortable office chair — it’s completely worth the splurge!

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, laundry room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom 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!

6 Stylish Ways To Upgrade Your Cabinet Pulls And Knobs

You can update your kitchen by simply upgrading your kitchen hardware. New cabinet pulls and knobs can make the room look more modern and enhance your new cabinets. Whether your hardware is starting to show signs of wear and tear or you’re just looking for a style that’s more on trend, we have six options for you. Take a look at this sample of the many unique designs and finishes available at Willow Lane Cabinetry.

1. Verona Collection Cabinet Pulls

If your kitchen theme leans towards contemporary, take a look at the Verona Collection Pulls. These modern Elements by Hardware Resource cabinet pulls offer a clean design that will instantly upgrade your cabinets. They feature a smooth, arched handle with a shiny satin nickel finish. In modern and contemporary kitchens, you want to keep all of the elements streamlined and clean. You will achieve both with this ultra sleek hardware choice.

2. Cosgrove Collection Knobs

These knobs are equally as modern as the Veronica Collection Pulls we mentioned before. The Cosgrove Collection Knobs feature a wide, smooth, rectangular shaped knob in a polished chrome finish. Their rounded, flat surface makes them the perfect choice for your contemporary cabinet drawers, and very different than most traditional designs.

3. Cairo Collection Knobs

If your kitchen is a blend of traditional and modern, then these transitional cabinet knobs by Jeffrey Alexander might just be the upgrade you’ve been looking for. The Cairo Collection features a square-shaped, angular design with clean lines, and a polished chrome finish that creates an interesting, multi-dimensional accessory for your transitional theme.

4. Brenton Collection Knobs

These oil rubbed bronze knobs created by Elements by Hardware Resource nicely complement industrial inspired kitchens, as well as cottage and country themes. The Brenton Collection knobs feature a circular-shaped design and a smooth flat surface. This particular finish gives the hardware a distressed look, which makes it feel authentic and original. If you’re looking to add a little character to your new kitchen cabinets, this might be the hardware for you.

5. Zurich Collection Pulls

Do you have a touch of Old World essence in your kitchen theme? Then take a look at the Zurich Collection Pulls by Jeffrey Alexander. These pulls feature an intricate swirling rope design that is both unique and elegant. In this particular finish, Antique Brushed Satin Brass, you have an even deeper appreciation for the past, while still being right on trend. Get the look of an heirloom with the quality of modern day craftsmanship with these antique inspired cabinet pulls.

6. Vienna Collection Pulls

These classic Elements by Hardware Resource pulls are a popular choice for a variety of kitchen themes. Featuring a long, thin, rectangular-shaped handle and light detailing on both sides, the Vienna Collection Pulls are a subtle and stylish selection. Here, they are featured in a Brushed Oil Rubbed Bronze but, like all of our cabinet pulls, they come in multiple finishes. You can also shop this style in Satin Nickel.

Still looking for the perfect hardware to upgrade your cabinets? Browse the full selection available online at Willow Lane Cabinetry or contact us for assistance.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, laundry room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom 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!