October 2019 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

How to Design A Kitchen For Holiday Hosting

The holidays are all about celebrating family, friends and food — which means your kitchen is about to become the center of attention very soon. Get ahead of the last minute hustle and bustle, and start making the changes you need now so that you can focus on being the host with the most when your doorbell rings.

From how to maximize the space you have to the best tricks for organizing a kitchen pantry cabinet, here are some tips for designing a kitchen that can accommodate your guests this holiday season.

Install a kitchen island to create a better traffic flow while also increasing your storage and countertop space.

When your kitchen has only one place to enter and exit, you’re likely to encounter a traffic jam whenever you have company. By installing a kitchen island, you are actually able to create a second entryway and a more organized traffic flow.

Kitchen islands come in all shapes and sizes. There are even beautiful portable options and smaller kitchen carts available. Because of the extensive selection, you can easily find an option that fits perfectly into your kitchen.

The added bonus of a kitchen island is that it also increases your storage and countertop space. This is a lifesaver when your normal dinner party doubles or triples in size. You can use this area to set out food buffet style or allow guests to linger without crowding your prep space.

Create an organization system that cuts down on clutter and simplifies entertaining.

When you think of your dream kitchens, what is the one thing that none of them have?

Clutter.

Having a place for everything is crucial if you want to design a kitchen for entertaining. In other words — storage is king. It’s impossible to host during the holidays when it takes 20 minutes to find your vanilla extract or your countertops are completely covered.

There are so many ways you can set yourself up for organizational success when designing your kitchen. First is by making sure you have the right cabinets for your kitchen. Send your information over to our design team and we’ll create a custom layout for you that will be functional for your space.

From there, utilize inside cabinet accessories so that everything from your trays to your spices are organized and easy to find. When organizing a kitchen pantry cabinet, your best bet is to separate items by category. Some people prefer to organize by color or size, but when you organize by category, it simplifies grocery shopping and makes it much easier to find what you’re looking for. No stress for this host!

Build a home bar where guests can self-serve while you entertain.

A well designed home bar where guests can serve themselves is an amazing asset for any host. Not only does this reduce traffic in the main kitchen area, but it allows guests to truly feel at home.

The last thing a guest wants to do is constantly bother the host. By creating ways for guests to be autonomous and enjoy your offerings independently, there’s no need for you to be a helicopter host.

Most kitchen sizes can accommodate a home bar, and you don’t need a lot of space to build a great drink station. Even the smallest nook can be transformed into a fully functional wet bar that will take your next holiday party to a whole new level.

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

Roasted Nut Recipes For Fall And Winter Snacking

Squirrels aren’t the only ones who love nuts in the winter! From sweet to spicy, here are a few of our favorite roasted nut recipes for fall and winter snacking — whether you’re on the go or curled up on the TV room sofa in front of a crackling fire. All are easy to make and call for basic ingredients found in your kitchen pantry cabinet and spice rack.

Sugared Peanuts

Let’s start with the basics. With just 3 ingredients (peanuts, sugar and salt), Sugared Peanuts are as simple as can be and tasty to boot. Before roasting in the oven, you’ll have to boil the peanuts to make a syrupy coating. For the recipe and easy-to-follow instructions from A Taste of Home, click here.

Vanilla Cinnamon Candied Almonds

Crunchy and sweet with a hint of vanilla, cinnamon and ginger, candied almonds instantly warm your heart when the temperature begin to drop. They take about an hour to roast under low heat in the oven, but it’s well worth the wait. For the recipe from The Chunky Chef, click here.

Candied Cashews

This recipe calls for two types of sugar (granulated and brown) for an extra touch of sweetness. Add cashews and a hefty dash of cinnamon to the mix and you get an irresistible fall and winter snack. For the recipe from One Sarcastic Baker, click here.

Candied Spiced Walnuts & Pecans

Imagine roasted walnuts and pecans sprinkled with cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper, and drizzled with pure maple syrup? Sounds perfectly delicious, right? Now imagine dumping it all onto a baking sheet and popping it in the oven for 15 minutes — no bowl required! Click here for t his simple, one-pan recipe from The Minimalist Baker.

Rosemary Thyme Spiced Mixed Nuts

This fragrant recipe calls for fresh herbs and a variety of mixed nuts, including cashews, pecans and almonds. Seasoned with cumin and cayenne pepper, this savory snack is easy to make and can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Click here for the recipe from A Farmgirl Dabbles.

Smoked Paprika & Garlic Roasted Almonds

What could be easier than tossing whole almonds in olive oil with a blend of salt and zesty spices, spreading them evenly on a baking sheet, and roasting for 10 minutes? For a satisfying and simple snack when hunger strikes, click here for the recipe from Heart of a Baker.

Are you ready to try one of these recipes? Raid your kitchen pantry cabinet for squirreled away nuts, sugar and spices, preheat your oven, and let’s get snacking!

How To Add A Touch Of Fall And Winter Warmth To Your TV Room

The nights are getting colder and all you want to do is get cozy on the couch with your favorite snacks and a holiday movie. Whether it’s Hocus Pocus in October or A Christmas Story in December, you’ll want your TV room to be movie night ready all fall and winter long. Add these touches to prepare your TV room for a season of binge watching.

Install an entertainment center so that every seat is a VIP seat.

With custom cabinets, you can create the perfect entertainment center for your TV room. There will be no more fighting over the best seat in the house, because every seat will be the best seat. Custom cabinets can be fitted for your big screen television for perfect viewing throughout the entire room. Everyone will feel like a VIP when their seat is front and center.

Spark some inspiration for your TV room by browsing our selection of all wood cabinetry. From traditional walnut finishes to sleek modern grey cabinets, we have a style for every room and theme. Willow Lane Cabinetry also offers free room design services. Reach out to our team for support in picking the perfect all wood cabinetry for your TV room.

Upgrade your sofa for comfort and durability.

Just like with custom cabinets, you are able to create the dream sofa for your home. If you are looking for a specific color or dimensions, many retailers offer the option to personalize your purchase so that it is exactly what you want.

As far as comfort and durability, you want to choose a sofa that is both easy to lounge in and easy to keep clean. Deep seats tend to be more comfortable, as do couches and sofas made with plush down filling rather than polyester.

Leather and natural fabrics tend to look nicer, but some are more difficult to clean or require a little extra TLC. If you want a kid-friendly option, polyester fabrics are stain-resistant and durable. If you really love the look of leather but don’t want the maintenance, there are really good faux options out there that don’t require any upkeep.

Stock up on all the cold weather essentials.

Comfort is key when watching a good movie. During fall and winter, that means you’ll need blankets. Wool blankets tend to be the warmest, but some people find them itchy. Cotton fleece or cashmere are good alternatives. Both of these materials will keep you warm and are softer to the touch.

If you are someone who is always cold, consider investing in a heated blanket. This can be a game changer in winter months when you feel like nothing can warm you up. You’ll find cordless options that don’t even need to be plugged in. They use a rechargeable battery, so your blanket will stay warm wherever it goes.

Keep blankets in the drawers of your custom cabinets, or place them in a basket or storage ottoman for easy access. Who wants to run around the house looking for blankets right when your movie is getting to the good part?

8 Cooking Methods Every Home Chef Should Know

Dream kitchens are designed for cooking. You already have the best kitchen cabinets from Willow Lane Cabinetry. Here are the best cooking methods every home chef should know.

Braising: This method requires a pan with a tightly covered lid, and involves cooking in a small amount of liquid on the stovetop. But first, you need to sear the meat with a thin coating of oil. Want to cook a melt-in-your mouth pot roast or succulent lamb shank? Braising lets the juices tenderize and flavor tougher cuts of meat. For a step-by-step guide for braising meats from Food Network, click here.

Broiling: This cooking method calls for direct, intense heat (usually from above in your oven) and is great for quickly cooking thin steaks and veggies or crisping the tops of casseroles. When broiling, closely monitor what you are cooking, because your meal can go from golden brown to burnt in a matter of minutes.

Grilling: One of our favorite methods of the list, grilling is a spring and summertime staple, and is easy to master. Grilling involves dry heat applied to the surface of foods, whether it’s BBQ chicken, grilled veggies, or juicy burgers. Want to learn how to grill like a pro? Click here for tips from Good Housekeeping.
Pan-Frying: This method involves cooking foods in a skillet with a thick layer of oil. Healthier and easier than deep frying (where food is fully submerged in oil), pan frying is perfect for giving breaded chicken cutlets, crab cakes, and batter dipped fried green tomatoes a crispy coating. Or try this Chicken Stir-Fry from Epicurious!

Roasting: You’ll need a roasting pan and a large oven for this cooking method. Great for moist Thanksgiving turkey or tender roast beef, roasting allows melted fat to drip away while guaranteeing a crisp surface, and involves cooking at a high temperature.
Sautéing:In this popular cooking method, meat or evenly cut vegetables are cooked in a shallow pan over high heat on the stove top. Want to brown sausages with onions and peppers? Start by heating a thin layer of oil in your pan, and be sure to stir often.

Slow Cooking: Another of our favorites on the list, this low and slow method is a must for busy families, especially during the fall and winter months. Slow cooking is perfect for stews and soups, chili, and pulled pork. Prep your meal in the morning and come home hours later to a hot and hearty dinner.

Steaming: Steaming involves cooking foods (usually fresh vegetables) over boiling water. Simply place your broccoli florets or baby carrots in a steamer basket, set over a pot of boiling water, and top with a lid.
The best kitchen cabinets are organized and ready for cooking, so be sure to install a two-tier cookware organizer and more inside cabinet accessories to hold cutting boards, knives and other cooking tools every home chef should own. Dream kitchens are designed for cooking, so keep at it and you’ll master these methods in no time!

5 Dark Cabinet Finishes To Die For

With autumn in full swing and Halloween just around the bend, we decided to compile a list of our favorite deep, dark, and delightful cabinetry collections. Whether your tastes lean towards the traditional, the modern, or somewhere in between, here are five dark cabinet finishes that are simply to die for!

Midtown Dark Gray Shaker

When shopping for contemporary cabinets, gray is indeed the new neutral. The Midtown Dark Gray Shaker collection from Willow Lane Cabinetry smolders with modern charm. These solid wood cabinets offer a touch of the unexpected, by pairing a classic Shaker style door with a modern dark gray finish. The slightly sheer Sherwin Williams stain compliments the clean, simple doors that Shaker Cabinetry is known for, while adding a bit of drama and chic sophistication. Forget the other shades of gray — this rich, gray finish is the perfect match for your kitchen.

Tuscan Walnut

Our Tuscan Walnut collection features a dark reddish-brown stain and a deep glaze that accentuates the elegant bevel of recessed panel door frames. When it comes to kitchen cabinet finishes, this toasty hue is the epitome of autumn warmth. Tuscan Walnut cabinets will make a swoon-worthy addition to a traditional or transitional home, and you can be sure these cabinets will stand the test of time through many seasons with a plywood box construction and solid birch, dovetailed drawers.

Regency Espresso

Bold and nuanced, there is a lot to love about the Regency Espresso collection. Like a strong, steamy cappuccino on a cold winter morning, these birch cabinets are warm and inviting, thanks to a smoky glazed finish on raised square doors. And here is one more detail to savor. Our Regency Espresso cabinets are not only gorgeous — they’re also one of our more economical options. For contemporary cabinets at a price that can’t be beat, order Regency Espresso cabinets and enjoy mornings in a stunning new kitchen.

Midtown Dark Shaker

Like our Midtown Dark Gray Shaker cabinets, the Midtown Dark Shaker collection features the minimalist look that makes Shaker cabinetry so popular. With that said, these are nearly as dark as kitchen cabinet finishes can get, making them the ultimate choice in contemporary cabinets for your home. The opaque Sherwin Williams stain is deep and mysterious, and can be easily paired with other colors in the Midtown Shaker collection for a trendy, two-toned look. Options include white, cream, and gray hues that run the gamut from light to dark.

Brazilian Shaker

These solid birch, contemporary cabinets have a waterborne UV finish from Sherwin Williams and come pre-assembled. The warm, dark brown color makes any space feel welcoming, and the clean lines add a modern touch. The Brazilian Shaker collection from Willow Lane Cabinetry also has full overlay doors with dovetailed drawers and soft-close features. To see how they would look in your home, or any of the other kitchen cabinet finishes mentioned here, take advantage of our free room design service.

4 Color Pairings For A Classic And Timeless Home

Kitchen color trends come and go, so designing a home that is both modern and timeless can be quite the challenge. If you want more than white contemporary cabinets in an all white kitchen but also hope to create a clean, classic design, these four color pairings can help you achieve your dream kitchen.

Ivory / Cream / Gray

Let’s start with the most neutral color pairing. A mix of smart neutrals can give you a monochromatic color scheme that is right on point. The difference is warmth, which is achieved by layering off-white shades and modern neutrals.

White is clean, but it can also feel cold. In this particular pairing, we use ivory, cream and gray. While still a subdued color palette, it offers that hint of color and dimension you need to achieve warmth.

One of our favorite contemporary cabinets that would fit perfectly with this pairing is the Vision Almond. This off-white cabinetry features recessed doors and drawer panels. The applied moldings add character and help make these modern cabinets more transitional and timeless.

2. Beige / Blue / Gray

If you love the neutral look but want to turn it up a notch, consider this color pairing. By blending beige, blue and gray, you achieve a neutral design with a splash of classic color. Blue is one of the kitchen color trends that continues to thrive, and it looks fresh and modern next to beige and grey.

Consider a blue backsplash like the Cristezza Club Glass Tile in Slate. The handmade glass mosaic tile is a beautiful gray and azure blend that fits perfectly into a gray kitchen. This style also comes in a baby blue shade for a softer touch.

Either of these selections will help you achieve that subtle pop of color next to your beige or gray contemporary cabinets and will make your modern kitchen feel a little more transitional.

3. Navy / White / Yellow

This classic color palette will give your kitchen timeless appeal. Navy and white are always in style, and the warm addition of yellow delivers an unexpected splash of color for the finishing touch.

Another benefit of this color palette is how it complements natural wood. From your cabinets to furnishings, you will have no difficulty incorporating this favored material into your kitchen.

To see this design come to life, contact our team. We can create photorealistic renderings featuring one of our warm wood cabinet finishes, such as Bradford Cinnamon Glaze or Nutmeg Twist.

4. Off-White / Brown / Green

Those inspired by nature will relish at this clean color scheme that incorporates creamy white with earthy browns and leafy greens. Start with wood-look tile for your floors, build up to beautiful off-white kitchen cabinets, and incorporate that gorgeous green with a glossy backsplash.

We think the Cristezza Club Glass Tile in Olive is the perfect shade for a uniform look. If you prefer something more dynamic, the mix of natural stone and glass in the Piano Tile in Arizona is truly eye catching.

Kitchen color trends don’t need to be complicated. Keep things simple with a color pairing that mixes neutrals and a touch of your favorite classic color. The result will be a timeless kitchen that stays in style for years to come.

Eye-Catching Vessel Sinks For The Bathroom

When was the last time you stopped to admire your bathroom sink? Probably never. Perhaps you don’t even want to look at your sink. If it’s stained and scratched, you probably do your best to ignore it. It’s one of the most underappreciated elements of your bathroom, even though it’s something you use daily.

Vessel sinks are a stylish addition to a bathroom, beautifully blending form and function.

Forget plain white porcelain. Vessel sinks come in a variety of shapes, colors and materials that compliment contemporary bathroom cabinetry and let you show off your creative side. It’s time your sink did catch your eye with these functional but beautiful vessel sinks.

Glimmering Glass

Glass is the new go-to material for gorgeous bathrooms. Whether it’s adding colorful glass backsplash tile to the walls or accenting contemporary bathroom cabinetry with a frosted vessel sink, glass can make a simple bathroom absolutely spectacular.

Tempered glass vessel sinks are durable and strong, so they can rest atop your bathroom cabinetry without worry. They are also more sanitary than some other sink materials, because they are non-porous and won’t absorb stains or odors. And who doesn’t love the fact that glass is easy to keep clean?

Tempered glass vessel sinks come in a plethora of colors, from subtle, sheer hints of blue or green, to bold, hand painted hues in intricate patterns. For a truly eye-catching design element, add some sparkle with frosted or foil undertone glass.

Stunning Stone

As with countertops, natural stone can offer a unique look to your sink. After all, no two pieces of stone are alike. When you opt for an earthy material like sandstone, basalt, limestone, onyx, granite, or marble, you get a bathroom with unmatched natural beauty.

Hand polished stone vessel sinks are stunning, silky smooth and easy to clean. Just imagine a one-of-a kind, carved masterpiece above your contemporary bathroom vanity. You wouldn’t ignore your vessel sink anymore! The natural colors and winding veins will surely warrant attention.

Beautiful Bamboo

Nothing complements contemporary bathroom cabinetry like a bamboo vessel sink. The simple lines and warm wood tones make it the perfect addition to any modern or rustic bathroom. Bamboo vessel sinks from Willow Lane Cabinetry are manufactured from 100% renewable bamboo stalks, which are laminated to create a leak-proof seal. Stronger than hardwood, this option is not only eye-catching, but is Earth-friendly as well.

Bold Bronze

Metal is right on point in contemporary bathroom design, especially warm, rich metals like bronze. This unexpected choice is hard to ignore, whether you choose a blackened finish or an antique patina. Made from pure bronze and cast in one piece, these vessel sinks are uniquely shaped, low-maintenance, and will stand the test of time.

To see our entire selection of eye-catching bathroom sinks and contemporary bathroom cabinetry, visit Willow Lane Cabinetry online today!