June 2018 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

9 Portable Breakfast Ideas For Busy Families

You want to start the day off right, but with places to go and things to do, who has time to cook up a big breakfast first thing in the morning? While you’re searching our website for kitchen trends, we’ve looked high and low for portable ways to feed a busy family (so you don’t have to waste time or worry). Here are a few of our favorite grab and go ideas.

Marvelous Muffins

If the thought of muffins conjures up images of melted chocolate chips and brown sugar crumb topping, you have a lot to learn! When you use healthy and hearty ingredients like oatmeal, peanut butter, Greek yogurt, bananas, berries, and shredded carrots, you can create a marvelous portable breakfast the whole family will love. But if you really must have chocolate chips, check out this healthy recipe for Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins from Taste of Home.

Exciting Eggs

Portable and packed with protein, hard-boiled eggs are a staple for busy families. But truth be told, sometimes you need to add a little excitement to your morning routine. Mix things up by thinking outside the shell. This Muffin Tin Quiche recipe from Eating Well combines eggs, fresh spinach, smoked Gouda cheese, and red-skinned potatoes, all in a portable package. Other ideas include make-ahead egg casseroles with sausage and ham, or homemade breakfast burritos and biscuit sandwiches stored in the freezer and heated in the microwave.

Overnight Oats

One of the more popular hearty home cooking kitchen trends on Pinterest, you can find a number of recipes for overnight steel-cut oatmeal, including this recipe from My Whole Food Life that includes almond milk, chia seeds, cacao powder, and strong brewed coffee. Just mix all the ingredients in a jar with a lid, let it set overnight in the fridge, and wake up to a delicious and nutritious meal.

More Grab and Go Breakfast Ideas We Love

Breakfast Cookies by Ellie Krieger / Food Network
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars by Well Plated by Erin
Baked Oatmeal by Martha Stewart
Coconut Milk Smoothie by Real Simple
Banana and Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Cups by Organize Yourself Skinny
Homemade Frozen Pancakes by The Pioneer Woman

Looking for more portable kitchen trends? Check out our wide selection of portable islands and carts, including beautiful Drop Leaf Breakfast Bars in a variety of stunning finishes.

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, TV 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!

Tips for Throwing a Backyard BBQ

Once the warm weather hits, it’s time to start thinking about spending more time outdoors with family and friends. And one of the best ways to do this is to host a casual backyard BBQ because—let’s be real—great food makes any gathering even better!

Plan a bit ahead with our tips below and your BBQ is sure to be a success. Not only will it be a memorable time for your guests, but you’ll be able to relax and enjoy yourself as well!

Get Your Grill Ready
Use your grill at least once before your BBQ in case there are any issues. The last thing you want is to find out there’s a problem when trying to grill at the party!
So give your grill grates a good cleaning, check if you need to replace any grilling supplies ahead of time, and stock up on propane or charcoal as needed.

Create Your Menu
Once you know how many guests are coming, you’ll be able to plan the perfect menu for the size of your group. If you’ll be expecting a large crowd, make it easier on yourself and go with a simple menu. If your gathering will be more intimate, feel free to add more to the menu and include one or two involved dishes.

Of course, regardless of the number of guests, don’t be afraid to keep food on the simple side. Choose a couple of grilled entrée selections, a few appetizers and side salads, along with a selection of fresh summer fruits and vegetables and you’ll have a menu that’s ideal for any BBQ.

Just be sure not to forget dessert! Something as simple as s’mores, brownies or cupcakes are always a hit.

Serve Refreshing Beverages
Having a selection of refreshing drinks is a must. In addition to the usual mix of sodas, guests are sure to appreciate some homemade lemonade or iced tea. Of course, have plenty of water available, too!

For alcoholic beverages, you may want to add a signature cocktail to the mix of beer and wine. For the most convenience, pick one that’s conducive to being served in a pitcher so guests can help themselves—and make at least two pitchers of it.

If you want guests to be able to mix their own favorite cocktails, a portable kitchen cart/island makes the perfect outdoor mini bar!

Consider Seating Arrangements

While most of your guests will likely be doing a lot of standing and moving around, it’s still important to have a good amount of seating available, especially since people will almost always want to sit down to eat. If needed, you can rent extra chairs or throw some blankets on the lawn for picnic-style fun.
Provide Some Entertainment

Playing music and having a few classic backyard games to keep guests active is guaranteed to liven up your barbecue for kids and adults alike. Create a playlist of popular songs (from oldies to some of today’s hits) to appease most of your guests’ musical tastes, and set up a few simple, old-fashioned games like badminton, horseshoes, bocce ball or limbo.

If your event will go into the evening, displaying Christmas lights or lanterns is a great way to keep the festivities going and create a cozy mood after sunset.

How To Turn Your Bathroom Into A Tropical Oasis

Have you ever been to a spa or a beachside resort with bathrooms inspired by the tropics? Lush greenery and the subtle scent of coconut fills the room. The sound of water can be heard ever so slightly and the iridescent colors remind you of shimmering shells beneath the waves. Sound familiar? If this is your ultimate ambiance, there’s no reason you can’t bring this theme home. With the right bathroom remodel and some island inspired décor, you can turn your bathroom into a dreamy tropical oasis in no time.

Keep your foundation clean and natural.

Avoid choosing colors that can’t be found in nature and create a foundation that will complement your tropical theme. When choosing cabinets for your bathroom vanity, opt for a natural, white, or black finish. For flooring options, consider bamboo, pebble tile or stone. These materials also look great on walls or you could opt for a rich paint color. Wallpaper featuring a foliage design is another way to enhance your theme. Just keep your other décor to a minimum if you do go with printed wallpaper.

Swap your traditional shower system for a rain shower head.

The beauty of a bathroom remodel is that you can incorporate elements that aren’t traditionally included in a house build. For your tropical oasis, consider installing a frameless walk in shower with a luxury shower system. Rather than your typical shower head, these systems feature rain shower heads that deliver the ultimate outdoors experience and total relaxation.

Find functional décor that also enhances your tropical theme.

A major design mistake is overwhelming a room with purely aesthetic décor. It is much more beneficial to find décor that is also functional to the space. For a tropical themed bathroom, wicker baskets make great towel holders and trash bins while also complementing your island-inspired oasis. Or add a few tropical houseplants that help clean the air.

Incorporate items that remind you of your favorite escape.

Think about what’s really so wonderful about a hotel or spa bathroom. Is it the calming scent of essential oils? Is it the feeling of melting into the plush, white towels? Don’t forget the finishing touches that will really transform your home bath into your dream bath. Accessorize your bathroom vanity with a few fragrant candles and splurge on some seriously soft towels. These little things might not seem like much but they will make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of the room.

Utilize storage space to keep the room clean and organized.

When choosing cabinets, don’t forget the inside cabinet storage solutions that will keep your oasis organized. There’s nothing relaxing about a bathroom filled with clutter. Avoid the buildup of toiletries and cleaning products by giving everything a proper place. Choosing a vanity that can fully accommodate your needs is also important. You don’t want to rely on outside storage to store your bathroom essentials. With the right bathroom furniture and organizational system, you can guarantee you’ll bathroom will maintain its vacation vibes for years to come.

How To Host A Swanky Summer Soiree At Home

A house party allows you to enjoy all of the luxuries of your home plus the fun company of your friends and family. But most summer get-togethers tend to be limited to pool parties and barbeques. We want your next celebration to be incredible and one of a kind — so we’re showing you exactly how to host a swanky summer soiree at home. Get those invitations ready because this summer will be sizzling with the hottest house parties around.

Bar room kitchen trends make your home the perfect place to host a party.

It’s time to take the party away from the kitchen island. While this extra countertop space makes a great makeshift bar and serving station for your hors d’oeuvres, it’s not always the most convenient location with a larger guest list. Add a bar room off your kitchen or living room and liven up any event.

When choosing cabinets, consider what type of amenities you and your guests will benefit from the most. Would a built-in wine rack be life changing? Could you finally accommodate everyone’s favorite beer with an extra fridge? Think about what makes you and your guests the happiest and try to incorporate these elements into your bar room cabinetry.

A seasonal menu highlights the best produce the summer has to offer.

Steer clear of the typical salsa, pigs in a blanket, and chicken wings and put together a party menu that is rich in seasonal goodness. Incorporate summer fruits and vegetables into your appetizers, main course, and dessert. Here are a few ideas:

Corn – Don’t forget this summer favorite at your soiree. Elote (better known as Mexican street corn) is a flavorful, grilled finger food that is much more exciting than your traditional corn on the cob. You could also whip up a delicious succotash to serve alongside a chicken or fish entrée.

Stone Fruits – Grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream are a simple but mouthwatering dessert. You could also cut up some fresh peaches to serve alongside a cheese plate with other summer fruits, such as cherries and figs.

Melons – Prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe will instantly give your menu a little something extra. You could also create an easy watermelon and feta salad that will be as tasty as it is colorful.

An outdoor space gives guests room to wander and a way to enjoy the warm weather.

There are so many kitchen trends that break down the backdoor and extend the heart of the home outdoors. Whether your home already has an outdoor kitchen or you’re considering one, adding an outdoor space is a great way to give your summer parties more punch. Other than a traditional outdoor kitchen, there are other fun ways to bring the fiesta into the fresh air. We’ve seen backyards with pizza ovens, fire pits, guacamole carts, Croquet, and Cornhole boards. You know your friends and family better than anyone. Find an awe-factor that will take your backyard to the next level and make your party a memory that lasts forever.

The Top 4 Kitchen Cabinetry Trends For Summer

Unlike home decorating fads that fade out of fashion with the seasons, these summer-inspired kitchen trends stand the test of time. Here, we’ll look at popular cabinet choices for a timeless kitchen with spectacular summer appeal.

Summery Shades of White

White cabinets feel right at home all year long, but especially in the warner months. Keeping a light, neutral color palette looks fresh, and epitomizes summer. We’re not just talking about crisp White and creamy Ivory. Shades of Almond, Oatmeal, Canvas, Khaki, and even Gray all fit the bill. If you prefer a pop of color, opt for pastel hues like Sage (green) and Tidewater (blue) for a touch of summer.

Simple Lines And Shaker Cabinetry

Summer is all about simplicity. When choosing cabinets for a kitchen remodel with summer style, look for clean lines and no-fuss details. Shaker cabinetry has a relaxed, easy-going vibe that works well in any style home, from traditional to contemporary. Thanks to their natural beauty and simplicity, Shaker cabinetry has been, and will remain, one of the top kitchen trends.

Stress-Free Storage Solutions

Summer should be stress-free. Equip your cabinets with smart storage solutions for smooth sailing in the kitchen. Accessories like pullout shelving, cookware organizers, and a well-placed Lazy Susan can make cooking a breeze. Other functional options include door mounted spice racks, cutlery trays, and even a pullout wastebasket (so unsightly trash and recyclables can be hidden behind closed cabinet doors).

Efficient Design

For a more efficient kitchen design, take advantage of wasted vertical space by installing floor to ceiling cabinetry. One of the latest kitchen trends, this feature affords extra storage solutions for often overlooked items like table linens, fine china, stemware, and even those small appliances that tend to clutter countertops. From an aesthetic standpoint, floor to ceiling cabinetry is often accompanied by details like open shelving, built-in wine racks, and glass-front cabinet doors to add a bit of visual interest. Glass-front doors are particularly nice for summer, since they add a touch of light and airiness to the room.

Other Details For A Summer Kitchen Remodel:

Glass Tile Backsplash
Apron-Front Sinks
Cup Pulls
Porcelain Flooring
Solid Surface or Natural Stone Countertops
Large Kitchen Islands
Mix and Match Cabinetry Finishes
Portable Islands and Carts

Designing the Ultimate Man Cave

Ready to design your ultimate man cave? A place you’ll look forward to retreating to at the end of a long day or whenever you just need a break?

Whether you envision your man cave as a spot where you can recharge in solitude or as a social space to be shared with your best buddies, our steps below will help you get started with designing the in-home retreat that’s perfect for you!

#1: Find the Perfect Spot

Before anything else, it’s important to first determine the perfect spot for your man cave. While basements are one of the most popular locations, if you don’t have a basement in your home or would prefer another place, pick a part of the house that will afford you the space and privacy you want for spending time on your own, with friends or both. A study, spare room or garage are all other possibilities.

Just be sure to do a de-cluttering and deep cleaning of the space you settle on before you start buying anything and getting into the physical work of designing your man cave. This will set you up for success and make the process a whole lot easier!

#2: Determine Your Style

After finding the perfect location, you’ll want to take the time to hone in on your style. This will largely be determined by the main purpose of your man cave. Do you want to use it to have the guys over for fun, laid-back nights and weekends watching sports or playing games? If so, this will have a much different look and feel than a man cave that will serve as a place for you to unwind with a good book and a glass of wine every night before turning in.

Once you have the main purpose for your man cave set, it will be easy to make a list of the items you’ll need to create the style and mood you want. For example, sports enthusiasts will require a state-of-the-art TV and plenty of comfortable seating and, possibly, a bar area and sports-related décor. Depending on the size of your space, you might even want to dedicate an entire bar section with stylish and functional bar room cabinetry.

Book and wine lovers, on the other hand, will most likely be aiming for a library feel with plenty of shelving for books, a large reading chair, a wine cooler and proper lighting.

#3: Consider the Layout
After you know the main pieces of furniture, storage and decorative items you’ll be using, you’ll want to create the layout. In order to ensure you make the most efficient use of the space available in your man cave, it’s critical to think through the best way to arrange everything.

Involve your family and friends in this decision, as it will be extremely helpful to get the perspective of others to make the space as comfortable and practical as possible, while staying true to your vision.

How To Design A Home Bar That Matches Your Entertaining Style

Deciding on a design and choosing cabinets for a home bar can be overwhelming. Every home is different and every homeowner plans a party in their own unique way. With these creative ideas, you’ll be able to create the perfect bar for your home that matches your entertaining style. Let’s get the party started!

Wine And Cheese Night

For the wine connoisseur who loves a good cheese pairing, no home bar is complete without a wine rack cabinet and cooler. Put your favorite bottles on display and keep a few chilled to perfection. When choosing cabinets, don’t forget the inside cabinet accessories. Tray dividers will keep your cheese boards and serving platters organized and scratch free.

Literary Libations

If your favorite way to celebrate is with a good book and a good drink, consider this crafty way to bring your books and bar together. Either build a bar around your bookshelf or add a bookshelf to your bar. When choosing cabinets, incorporate some open shelving for your favorite fiction (or non-fiction)! If you plan to invite your book club over, make serving seamless by adding glass cabinet doors that allow guests to find exactly what they’re looking for without interrupting the discussion.

Secret Cigar Bar

The next time the boys have something to celebrate, surprise them with what’s hiding behind bar cabinet doors. Adding a humidor offers a level of sophistication and excitement to the standard home bar. Keep it stocked with your favorite cigars and make every celebration one for the books.

Closet Conversion

Not all homes have space for a bar, but that doesn’t mean a bar cart is your only option. If you’re willing to think outside of the box, you’ll probably find plenty of nooks and crannies that would work perfectly for a home bar. Converting a closet is one way to transform an already carved out space into a fun and entertaining addition to your home. Beneath a staircase is another!

Keep It Chill

If game day is usually at your place, find ways to make your home bar extra special for your favorite fans. Freezer drawers let you serve your beer in chilled glasses for that awe-factor and a mini fridge means more cold drinks and less complaints. Rather than leave extra cabinets empty, fill them with your snacks of choice, so there’s no need to run to the kitchen for more chips and salsa.

The Kitchen Crowd

If your guests tend to gather around your kitchen island rather than linger in your living or dining room, build your home bar right in the center of the party. When choosing cabinets, you might want to select the same style in a different finish (or the same finish in a different style) to keep consistency but highlight the difference. This will help your bar stand out, and lets guests know they are welcome to help themselves. While touching your grill might be out of the question, pouring a drink is more than okay.

Growing Summer Herbs Indoors

Want to start growing summer herbs so you can easily incorporate them into your cooking without having to constantly run to the store? Luckily, you don’t need a huge outdoor herb garden to have fresh-grown herbs on hand in the kitchen whenever you need them.

Follow our tips below for growing and maintaining summer herbs indoors and, before you know it, you’ll be rewarded with herbs that taste extra delicious and smell lovely!

Top Tips for Growing Summer Herbs Indoors

Caring for indoor herbs is pretty low-maintenance, as they mainly need a sufficient amount of light to thrive. Below are some simple tips for growing indoor herbs:

Light is the biggest factor in caring for indoor herbs, so the location you keep them in needs to have an ample amount of sunlight in order for them to flourish. A minimum of 4-6 hours of light a day, depending on the specific herb, is recommended for them to grow successfully.

If you don’t have a window, kitchen countertop or other spot in your home that will provide the amount of sunlight needed, you may need to use shop lights or grow lights for your indoor herbs to thrive.

Don’t water herbs too frequently. Since herbs have minimal nutrient and water requirements, you don’t have to worry about constantly watering them. You’ll want to allow them to dry, but not to the point where they’re dried up. A good rule of thumb is to water your herbs when the soil becomes dry to the touch. In between watering, simply mist the leaves.

Good drainage is important to ensure your herbs don’t get overwatered. A lightweight potting mix will keep the roots of your herbs from sitting in water. Also, a soft-sided container or a clay pot with sufficient drainage will provide even better drainage and allow oxygen into the root.

Snip constantly. You’ll want to snip your herb leaves and use them for cooking regularly to keep them growing and delay flowering. Once they flower and produce seeds, they’re on their way out.

Keep herbs in an area with low humidity or use a fan to circulate the air in your kitchen to prevent powdery mildew from forming on the leaves.

Wondering what herbs to grow? Basil, mint, thyme, rosemary and sage are all versatile herbs that complement an array of summer dishes. Whichever ones you decide to start with, be sure to get into the habit of using them in your cooking and enjoy the delicious flavor they add to your meals!

Growing Summer Herbs Indoors

Follow our tips below for growing and maintaining summer herbs indoors and, before you know it, you’ll be rewarded with herbs that taste extra delicious and smell lovely!

Top Tips for Growing Summer Herbs Indoors

Caring for indoor herbs is pretty low-maintenance, as they mainly need a sufficient amount of light to thrive. Below are some simple tips for growing indoor herbs:

Light is the biggest factor in caring for indoor herbs, so the location you keep them in needs to have an ample amount of sunlight in order for them to flourish. A minimum of 4-6 hours of light a day, depending on the specific herb, is recommended for them to grow successfully.

Don’t water herbs too frequently. Since herbs have minimal nutrient and water requirements, you don’t have to worry about constantly watering them. You’ll want to allow them to dry, but not to the point where they’re dried up. A good rule of thumb is to water your herbs when the soil becomes dry to the touch. In between watering, simply mist the leaves.

Good drainage is important to ensure your herbs don’t get overwatered. A lightweight potting mix will keep the roots of your herbs from sitting in water. Also, a soft-sided container or a clay pot with sufficient drainage will provide even better drainage and allow oxygen into the root.

Snip constantly. You’ll want to snip your herb leaves and use them for cooking regularly to keep them growing and delay flowering. Once they flower and produce seeds, they’re on their way out.

Keep herbs in an area with low humidity or use a fan to circulate the air in your kitchen to prevent powdery mildew from forming on the leaves.

5 Tips To Infuse Your Home With Summer Style

Summer is officially here! It’s time to fill your home with summery kitchen trends, and easy breezy décor in the living room, bedroom and bath. Here are some terrific tips to help you infuse your interior with summer style.

By The Sea

Summer style is all about color. Beach-inspired blues are reminiscent of the sea and sky, and are the perfect choice for summer. Options run the gamut from pale aqua to deep navy. Other colors that epitomize the warmth of the season include sunny yellow hues, sandy beige, driftwood gray, grassy green, crisp white, and bright citrus tones like pink grapefruit and lime.

The Living Is Easy

Swap out the wool throws, velvet pillows, and heavy drapery in the living room for linen, burlap, and lightweight cotton fabrics. Sheer drapes let the sun shine through during the day, while thin knits are the perfect amount of warmth while watching TV in the evening. Add seasonal touches to TV room cabinetry, like glass jars of seashells and pots filled with succulents or fresh flowers.

Those Summer Nights

In the bedroom, opt for a thin quilt or duvet instead of a heavy comforter on the bed. If your home has central air conditioning, you may still want a blanket as well. With that said, now is a good time time to pack away those thick wool and microfiber blankets in favor of lighter cotton knits.

When choosing summer bedding, stick with a seasonal color scheme. Just be sure to find something that compliments your existing furniture and wall color. Summery patterns include:

Coastal
Batik
Floral
Geometric
Gingham
Ikat
Nautical
Paisley
Stripes
Tie Dye
Tropical

Summer Breeze

All the above-mentioned rules hold true for the bathroom as well. From shower curtains to towels, choose lightweight fabrics in seasonally appropriate colors and fabrics. Then add a touch of the outdoors with potted plants that love humidity, perfectly placed on your bathroom vanity. For more tips on how to turn your bathroom into a tropical oasis, click here.

In The Summertime

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and this is especially true in the summer months. Looking at kitchen trends, glass front cabinets add a touch of airiness to the space, and the opportunity to showcase pretty pottery and stemware. If you’re lucky enough to have a wet bar in your kitchen, stock your bar room cabinetry with summer cocktail essentials. Spend a few pennies on unbreakable melamine plates that can easily move outdoors for dining al fresco. Top your table with a natural fiber runner or linens, and a vase of fresh summer blooms or seasonal fruit.