October 2020 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

4 Chic Backsplash Choices For Contemporary Kitchens

Contemporary kitchens boast a sleek, minimalistic style. They typically feature a monochromatic color scheme, often favoring neutrals over bold or vibrant hues. Think dark or white Shaker cabinets and matching acrylic solid surface countertops. The more seamless the design, the better.

Since this modern kitchen design has such distinct characteristics, you’ll need to find just the right backsplash tile to maintain your contemporary aesthetic. Here are four chic backsplash choices for inspiration.

1. Subway Tile

Subway tile is truly one of the most versatile options when it comes to backsplash tile. It was first introduced in the New York subway back in the early 1900s. But those unremarkable ceramic rectangles grew to be much bigger than their originator could have ever imagined. That same tile became the go-to choice for kitchens and bathrooms all over the country.

Today, subway tile has evolved immensely and is now available in a variety of materials, patterns, and colors. With so many timeless options to choose from, you will have no problem finding the perfect match for your kitchen. The simple pattern of subway tile is both sophisticated and understated, so it finds harmony with any kitchen theme — and contemporary is no exception.

2. Stone

You can create a stunning look by matching your backsplash to your kitchen countertops. Whether your countertops are quartz, granite, or another type of natural or manufactured stone, you will likely be able to find a similar tile. Doing this minimizes contrast and will enhance your modern kitchen design.

If you love seamless, ultra minimalistic kitchens, stone backsplashes are a great choice. Unique options include marble, travertine, slate and onyx. And don’t worry about finding an exact match. It’s absolutely fine for there to be some distinction between your backsplash and countertops. In fact, the subtle differences will only add intrigue by creating the slightest amount of visual interest.

3. Glass

Glass is right on point in contemporary kitchens and can be a stylish addition to minimalist or monochromatic spaces. This transparent material is high-shine, which is a very desirable feature in modern kitchen design — whether it’s backsplash tile or glass-front Shaker cabinets.

Because it can be sheer or semi-sheer, a glass tile backsplash is a genius way to incorporate a soft color like blue or green without overpowering the room’s aesthetic. That glossy reflection is also irresistible and creates an undeniably eye-catching accent to your kitchen walls.

4. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel appliances are almost synonymous with contemporary kitchens. You’ll rarely find an ivory refrigerator or dishwasher here. Stainless steel is just undoubtedly sleek, and its popularity has elevated it above and beyond glistening appliances, sinks and kitchen hoods.

Durable and easy to clean, it only makes sense that this heavy-duty material made its way to kitchen walls. Like glass, stainless steel offers a high-shine finish, and it boasts an intriguing dash of futuristic appeal when paired cohesively with other elements in the kitchen.

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, closet, 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!

7 Tropical Houseplants To Help Beat The Winter Blues

Tropical houseplants have a way of making the home feel like it’s summer all year long. From lush, green foliage to showy blooms, here are seven tropical house plants to help beat the winter blues.

Lady Palm

This tropical house plant has fanned out foliage and can reach heights of around six feet, making it a great match for tall kitchen cabinets. Caring for a Lady Palm is simple, since it requires water only once every few weeks during the winter months. Just place it near a window and away from drafts.

Snake Plant

This tropical beauty has slender, upright leaves in variegated shades of green. While it is extremely tolerant of low light and drought conditions, the Snake Plant thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, making it a great plant for a bathroom vanity near a sunny window.

Bird of Paradise

This flashy plant has large leaves and eye-catching blooms with a tropical punch of color. It enjoys the occasional misting, but let the soil dry out in between watering in the winter months, and save the fertilizer for spring. Bird of Paradise can grow up to six feet tall, making it another great choice for homes with tall kitchen cabinets.

Bromeliads

Easy to grow Bromeliads come a wide variety of colors and textures, with thick, compact leaves and bright, tall flowers. Instead of watering from the soil, keep the center cup filled with water and refresh it each week. Bromeliadswill grow to the size of their pot. They like humidity and they don’t need a lot of light, so you can keep your plant on the kitchen island or bathroom vanity.

Peace Lily

The elegant Peace Lily is an ever-popular choice, with a mass of glossy green leaves and gorgeous yellow-white blooms. They prefer indirect light, and can be an attractive addition to a home office or TV room. However, the Peace Lily is toxic, and should be kept away from pets and children.

Anthurium

Anthurium can add a touch of tropical flair to your home. This houseplant features large, green leaves and distinctive flowers in shades of white, red, pink, or orange. Anthurium prefers humidity and moist soil. Anthurium is also considered toxic. Similar to Orchids, they take a little extra care when growing indoors, but it is well worth the effort.

Orchids

Contrary to popular belief, Orchids can be easy to grow with a little know-how. It’s important to use the right potting mix, and mist/water according to the variety you choose. They also need to be fertilized regularly, including during the colder months. With that said, there is nothing like the exotic blooms of an orchid to beat the winter blues.

3 Frightfully Good Halloween Cocktails To Make At Home

Level up your Halloween celebration at home with themed cocktails that are even more creative than your costume. From scary to scrumptious, we’ve gathered some frightfully good options for you to sip on this spooky season.

1. Vampire Cocktail

If you like your Halloween extra gory, the Self Proclaimed Foodie’s Vampire Cocktail is the drink for you. This creative concoction features a syringe filled with raspberry puree, which looks chillingly similar to blood!

Make the “blood” ahead of time by blending raspberries and then straining them to remove the seeds. Then, heat the puree in a saucepan with sugar for about ten minutes to sweeten and darken the fruit. Transfer the puree to a container and store in the refrigerator to chill.

When you’re ready to whip up this spooktacular cocktail, grab a bottle of vodka and amaretto from your bar cabinets. Add your spirits to a shaker with ice, pour them into a chilled glass, and stir in club soda and orange juice. Top your cocktail off with a blood-filled syringe for the final (and frightening) touch.

2. Pumpkin Spice White Russian

If you put pumpkin spice on everything this time of year, you’ll scream for this fall-inspired White Russian recipe. According to Country Living, all you need for this latte-like libation is your favorite coffee liqueur, vodka, pumpkin pie spice, and heavy cream.

This creamy cocktail is to die for just as is — but add on the recommended honey rim dipped in gingersnap cookie crumbs, and you can just close the coffin door. We recommend enjoying this sweet treat with a cozy blanket while watching your favorite scary movie in the TV room.

3. Blood Orange Punch

Punches are great for small gatherings, because they’re simple to throw together and they double as decor. This Blood Orange Punch ticks both boxes with only four ingredients and its deep red color. We also love any excuse to pop a bottle of prosecco from our wine storage cabinet, and this punch is extra bubbly.

Whether Halloween is just you and your boo this year or you’ll be entertaining some family members in the backyard, you can whip up a batch of this quick and devilishly delicious drink. You’ll need a bottle of campari and a bottle of sweet vermouth from your bar cabinets, as well as five blood oranges (four for juicing and one for garnishing). Don’t forget those two bottles of prosecco you’ve been saving in your wine storage cabinet. In a large bowl, stir in the campari, sweet vermouth and orange juice. Then add in your prosecco, orange slices, and ice cubes, and serve yourself a glass of this bewitching beverage.

Here’s to a frightfully good Halloween!

5 Ways To Design A Dark And Dramatic Kitchen

Halloween is lurking just around the corner, and there is no better time to talk about dark and dramatic kitchen cabinet finishes and decorative accents. From chic and contemporary cabinets to bespoke backsplash tile, here are a few of our favorite modern kitchen design choices for those who lean towards the dark side.

Kitchen Cabinet Finishes

Dark kitchen cabinet finishes are right on point in a modern kitchen design, whether you prefer rich Regency Espresso, Midtown Java Shaker, Midtown Dark Grey Shaker, or the dark chocolate tone of our Brazillian Shakercollection. You could even go for a bold, two-tone look! Order samples to feel and see the finish and quality of our all wood cabinetry before committing, or take advantage of our free online design service to see how these contemporary cabinets would look in your space.

Countertops

When selecting countertops for a dark and dramatic kitchen redesign, there are many options to choose from to compliment deep kitchen cabinet finishes. Granite natural stone countertops create a stunning statement, with options like Black Pearl, Depero, Merz and more. Or opt for Argon, Pangea or Essex acrylic solid surface countertops with a seamless, integrated sink — a favorite feature of modern kitchen design.

Flooring

The best flooring for kitchens should be strong, impervious to water damage, easy to clean, and easy to maintain. Tile checks off all of these boxes, and it also suits the modern kitchen design aesthetic. Options include warm, waterproof rigid core luxury vinyl planks, and durable, wood-look ceramic tile that realistically mimics hardwood floors. Or choose Dimensions Graphite porcelain tile that features a deep gray color. For an extra touch of drama, we recommend our Arabescato Carrara With Black Marble Basket Weave Pattern.

Backsplash Tile

Dark backsplash tile is like the icing on a rich and decadent chocolate cake. Some of our favorite styles include Black Cristezza Club Glass, Montauk Black slate tile, and Metallic Gray Glass subway tile. Of course, you could always go for a dramatic, two-tone, high-contrast look with Bright White Cristezza Club Glass, sparkling Silver Foil, or Glossy White subway tile paired with dark kitchen cabinet finishes and countertops.

Appliances And Decor

When shopping for large appliances like your refrigerator, dishwasher, and range, look for matte black or black stainless steel finishes for a dark twist on modern kitchen design, but don’t stop there. Toasters, blenders, coffee makers, microwaves, and heavy-duty mixers all come in dark and dramatic colors. From there, add area rugs, wall art, table linens, window treatments, furnishings, and other decor to complete your dark and dramatic kitchen redesign.

And don’t forget to shop our Halloween Sale, October 23rd through November 2nd, online at Willow Lane Cabinetry!

5 Ways To Decorate With Fall Fruits And Veggies

The fall season brings a bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables. This delicious seasonal produce adds flavor, depth, and color to hearty cold-weather recipes — but it also makes for great home decor! Read on for a few of our favorite ways to decorate your home with fruits and veggies in true fall fashion.

1. Kitchen island and table centerpieces bring families together at meal time.

Build a seasonal centerpiece to display on your kitchen island or table. You can start with any type of foundation. There’s no need to go out and get something new — you likely already have the perfect piece in your kitchen pantry cabinet. An iron or woven basket, tiered dessert stand, or serving tray are all great options.

Once you know where you’ll build your centerpiece, pick a color scheme that will complement your custom cabinetsand other kitchen furnishings. From there, put together an arrangement of fruits, vegetables, and decorative accents. You can use a mix or real and artificial pieces to ensure your finished project will look stunning for days (or even weeks). Here are a few ideas to inspire your centerpiece:

Green: Granny Smith apples, Bartlett pears, artichokes, acorn squash, white pumpkins, and moss.
Orange: Orange “Jack-Be-Little” pumpkins, butternut squash, cinnamon sticks, dried seed pods, acorns, and leafy foliage.
Yellow: Dried corn, gourds, cranberries, nuts in shells (walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts), burlap and twine.

2. Door wreaths are an easy DIY that can be used year after year.

You can create a festive fall wreath for your front door with the help of seasonal fruits and vegetables. But for outdoor decor, you will want to opt for faux, so that your hard work isn’t destroyed by bad weather or a curious neighborhood pet.

Start with a grapevine wreath, and accent it with different textures and colors to create an eye-catching piece of art. Use hot glue to adhere heavier pieces first, like faux apples, pumpkins, or pears. Then, fill empty spaces with small, seasonal details, like berries, dried maple leaves, acorns, or pine sprigs.

3. Planter boxes make it easy to decorate with fall fruits and veggies.

Planter boxes are an excellent vessel for decorating with fall fruits and veggies. Because they are sturdy enough to hold soil and plants, they can easily manage the weight of your bountiful arrangement.

Fall planter boxers can be placed indoors along the countertop of your custom cabinets or on top of a buffet table in a dining room or hallway. Like with your centerpiece, let a color scheme be your guide, or simply take inspiration from the changing fall leaves.

4. Edible candle holders add an illuminating glow and touch of whimsy to your home.

Apples and mini pumpkins make adorable candle holders that can serve as decoration anywhere in the home. For apples, simply cut off the top, and carve out just enough of the fruit to snuggly fit a tea light candle. To turn a mini pumpkin or gourd into a candle holder, you will want to clean it out as best as possible before adding a tealight or taper candle.

Apple candles are great to use at night for a festive occasion but won’t last much longer than a day. Pumpkins and gourd candle holders have a lifespan of about two weeks.

5. Bring the pumpkin patch home this year.

There are many ways to recreate that overflowing pumpkin patch look at home. From natural heirloom varieties to hand painted pumpkins, this versatile, seasonal fruit is your canvas to design.

Set up your at-home pumpkin patch at your front door or foyer for a welcoming fall display using a mix of real and faux pumpkins. Or artfully arrange pumpkins along your kitchen or dining room table for a simple yet stunning showcase.

5 Pumpkin Spice-Inspired Desserts To Make This Fall

Like the toasty finish on our Regency Spiced Glaze all wood cabinetry, pumpkin spice warms the soul. In fact, it is the quintessential fall flavor, whether it’s a hot Pumpkin Spice Latte whipped up in your very own kitchen or a delectable homemade dessert for your holiday table. Speaking of pumpkin spice-inspired desserts, here are a few of our favorites to try this season!

Mini Pumpkin Spice Latte Cheesecakes

If you’re a PSL lover, these Mini Pumpkin Spice Latte Cheesecakes will be the ultimate sweet treat this fall. But first, you will need to pull out a muffin tin from your tray divider, and pull up your heavy duty mixer. We recommend giving your mini cheesecakes a festive touch with seasonal cupcake liners and piped whipped cream. For the recipe and shopping list from My Food and Family, click here.

Tiered Pumpkin Spice Cake

Move over basic pumpkin pie! This spectacular cake features three tiers topped with Honey and Spice Buttercreamfrosting, and we imagine it would look absolutely stunning atop your kitchen island on Thanksgiving Day. Pumpkin Spice Cake gets its fall flavors from pumpkin pureé, nutmeg, and ground cinnamon from your spice rack. For the recipe from Country Living, click here.

Pumpkin Spice Blondies

What’s better than a brownie? Pumpkin Spice Blondies! Dense and delicious, this dessert bar pairs pumpkin and spice with chocolate chips, for the perfect cool-weather combo. Of course, you’ll need a few more ingredients from your refrigerator and kitchen pantry cabinet, like butter, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour. Click here for the complete recipe from Delish.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Cookies are tasty any time of year, but soft and buttery Pumpkin Spice Cookies steal the show come autumn. Perfect with a hot mug of tea (or PSL), this recipe is a clever twist on the Snickerdoodle, with the addition of fall’s favorite flavors — pumpkin and spice. Simply splendid! For instructions and list of ingredients from Southern Living, click here.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake

Like traditional coffee cake, this sweet and spicy alternative is great for breakfast, dessert, or any time of day! With a moist texture and crunchy streusel topping made from butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice, Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake won’t last long on your kitchen island! Have a slice with a cup of your favorite flavored coffee and enjoy. For the easy-to-follow recipe from The Spruce Eats, click here.

3 Fresh Ways To Fill A Blank Wall In Your TV Room

Like the kitchen, the TV room is a place in the home where family members gather. Therefore, it should be comfortable, stylish, and well-appointed. It should also be a reflection of the unique personalities living in the home. Like sofas and chairs, throw pillows, coffee and end tables, window treatments, and area rugs, the accents you choose for your walls help to create a more inviting and personalized space. Here, we’ll focus on three fresh ways to fill a blank wall in the TV room.

Gallery Wall

A gallery wall is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity and personal style. Whether it’s floating shelves with monochromatic family photographs in matching frames, a collection of antique plates, textiles or hand-woven baskets, or an eclectic mix of decorative items and pictures on the wall, the only limit is your imagination. If you need some inspiration, browse Pinterest for ideas, visit online photo sites like Shutterfly and Vistaprint for custom canvas prints of your special moments, and shop for unique art at local galleries or online. Sites like minted and Etsy offer a wide variety of handmade pieces by up-and-coming artists and makers.

Backsplash Tile

While shiplap and rustic wood paneling are all the rage, consider this fresh and contemporary idea for an accent wall. Backsplash tile is no longer just reserved for kitchens and baths. Today, we’re seeing it gracing the walls of TV rooms and other unconventional areas throughout the home. If you want to make a statement on your blank wall, click hereto see our vast selection of beautiful backsplash tiles, including colorful glass, ceramic options that realistically mimic wood, and creamy marble in eye-catching patterns, such as hexagon, herringbone, pebbled, basketweave, and classic subway.

Custom Cabinets

An entertainment center is a must in any TV room. Regardless of square footage, we say skip the small unit and go big! Take advantage of valuable, vertical real estate by installing custom cabinets to neatly store electronics, board games and puzzles, book collections, and other TV room essentials, either behind closed doors or on open shelves. Cabinetry not only offers necessary storage, but it also allows you to frame your television and fill your wall in a stylish and stunning way. Browse our online selection of customizable TV room cabinetry, and then take advantage of our free room design service to create the perfect entertainment center for your family.

As you can clearly see, when it comes to TV room walls, the options are virtually endless. From custom cabinets and gallery walls, to unexpected ways to use backsplash tile, don’t waste this opportunity to add an extra dose of style (or storage) to an otherwise empty space.

How To Strike The Perfect Design Balance In A Transitional Home

Some people love an ultra modern kitchen design. Others prefer a completely traditional home and color palette. A transitional design aesthetic falls somewhere between contemporary and classic. But how do you successfully blend the past with the present in a fresh and liveable way?

Some of the most on-point interior design styles fall into this category, such as Modern Farmhouse, Coastal Chic, or Rustic Industrial. These trends strike the perfect balance between old and new, and incorporate the key elements needed for a well-appointed transitional home. Read on to learn more.

Cabinets

Contemporary cabinets come in a variety of styles and kitchen cabinet finishes that help to set the foundation for your interior space. Sleek, Euro style doors are a staple of modern kitchen design, while raised panel doors epitomize the traditional look. With that said, Shaker cabinets and recessed panel doors are the perfect compromise, whether in the kitchen, or throughout the home.

Finishes

Transitional kitchen cabinet finishes run the gamut from crisp white and creamy vanilla to gorgeous shades of grey and dark espresso. Opt for a monochromatic look, accessorize with a high-contrast, two-tone kitchen island, or pair clean-lined Shaker cabinets with glass front doors and decorative moldings and corbels. With a transitional aesthetic, it’s okay to have a bit of fun with your room design, and let your unique personality show.

Color

Certain color palettes are unmistakably modern or traditional. A transitional interior takes a more subtle and timeless approach, relying on serene shades of white, grey, taupe, tan, and brown. Starting with a light, neutral color schemeallows you to be playful with your furniture and decor choices, and affords the opportunity to layer in transitional textures and trendy accent colors whenever you desire a change.

Decor

To strike the perfect balance with your decor, take a minimalist approach — and choose wisely. A potted houseplant, a grouping of simple metal frames with family photos, and a natural fiber area rug (wool, sisal, jute) can go a long way without overwhelmingly leaning towards one style or another. Dress your windows simply with clean-lined drapes, bamboo or Roman shades, or louvered shutters. From there, feel free to personalize your space with designer fabrics, wall art, lighting, and other unique touches from yesterday and today.

Furniture

When furnishing your home in a transitional style, there are fewer design rules to follow. Just be sure to balance heirloom antiques and bespoke vintage finds with newer, contemporary pieces to ensure a mix of curved and straight lines. It’s perfectly acceptable to pair an industrial coffee table with Shaker cabinets and an overstuffed, rolled arm sofa in the TV room, as long as the end result is comfortable and cohesive.