Design Trends – Page 2 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

Trends in Natural Wood Cabinets

There’s something to be said for beautifully crafted natural wood cabinets left in their original (or close to it) state. Whether you’re thinking country kitchen, beachside cottage, New England rustic farmhouse or urban city chic, set your home apart with natural wood cabinets. From showcasing a kitchen island to enveloping an entire room, the following trends in natural wood cabinets are sure to make you swoon.

Country Kitchen Natural Wood Cabinets

One of the most eye-catching ideas homeowners love is to renovate your kitchen space with minimalist, unpainted and unfinished natural wood cabinets. Wood cabinets not only add natural warmth to kitchens of every size and style, but they also add a natural and cozy aesthetic to the busiest room in the house. Choose from dark, medium, and light wood kitchen cabinets made from oak, walnut, fir, cherry wood and more. Slab-front, full-overlay natural cabinet doors can give a fresh and clean look to your space.

Beachside Cottage Natural Wood Cabinets

Bathed in calming neutrals, your beachside cottage will spring to life and make a statement with natural wood cabinets. Selecting a neutral color for your cottage’s kitchen cabinetry will soften your space. For that extra beachside feel, create an airy kitchen with a combination of natural wood and white décor to give your room a contemporary yet cozy feel. Woods to consider can include white oak, pecky cypress, maple, ash and reclaimed wood, Another thought… Shaker-style cabinets!

Get more chic ideas for a coastal interior!

New England Rustic Farmhouse Natural Wood Cabinets

Unpretentious, functional, straightforward and down-home cozy. Who doesn’t love a farmhouse kitchen? If it’s time for a renovation and you’re thinking about adding a little cozy farmhouse style to your space, a fun idea to incorporate is natural wood cabinets with a classic white farmhouse sink and natural wood butcher block countertops. Talk about New England rustic! Choose from red oak, poplar, maple, mahogany – or even plywood! Add in a little handcrafted, rustic décor to really go for it!

Urban City Chic Natural Wood Cabinets

There’s no denying that urban city chic style is hot and trendy. From loft apartments to two-story penthouses, city chic is in and just about everyone loves it. When it comes to kitchen design, so many ideas come to mind. One idea – custom cerused oak cabinets surrounded by lots of natural light will bring warmth to your kitchen space – no matter how big or small. Other wood choices we love to see include white ash, bleached mahogany, reclaimed wood and plywood. It’s amazing what you can do with plywood!

From Spare Room to Walk-in Closet and How to Do It on a Budget

Do you need more closet space in your home? If you have a spare room that doesn’t get much use and isn’t serving a purpose, this is the perfect place to create a walk-in closet and give yourself the additional space you need.

Check out our tips below to get some ideas about how to convert a spare room into a walk-in closet on a budget.

Assess the Space

Before anything else, you’ll need to start by assessing your space. Measure your spare room and then gather all of the belongings that you’ll be putting in your new walk-in closet. When you see all of the clothes, shoes and accessories, you can get an idea of the type of cabinets, shelving and/or racks to buy.

With the list of items to store and ways to store them, you can then go about figuring out the best design and layout based on the amount of space you have available.

DIY Design Options

One of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to convert a spare room into a functional walk-in closet is by lining the walls with clothing racks on wheels and with free-standing wire shelving units. This is a great option if you want a purely practical space and don’t care about the aesthetics. Of course, to add more style and personality, you can also incorporate colored or patterned bins and baskets for storing smaller items.

Another DIY budget option is to use a couple of large bureaus (scour flea markets or thrift shops to get unique ones at a good price) for storing clothes and other items that don’t need to be hung. You can use the tops of the bureaus for arranging accessories and displaying jewelry trays.

To have your walk-in closet double as a dressing room, be sure to incorporate a bench, small sofa or an armchair into the design, as well as a full-length mirror.

Consider Investing in a System

If you have more room in your budget, don’t want to DIY, want to ensure your space is maximized and/or want a more finished, cohesive look to your walk-in closet, look into having a professionally customized system installed.

There are a wide variety of options available; some are free-standing, others are anchored to the walls and you can also choose to mix shelves and custom cabinetry. Get started with a free online room design from our experts and see how to create a walk-in closet with high-quality products at reasonable prices.
Transforming a spare room into a walk-in closet is a perfect way to create a purposeful space and improve the overall organization of your home – and you’ll love the peace of mind that comes from minimizing the clutter in your environment!

Inspired Bathrooms: From Architecture to Zen Accents – How to Make the Most of Your Space

Calm. Meditative. Inspired. The bathroom of your dreams. Whether you’re thinking about making small upgrades or delving deep into a full overhaul, a bathroom renovation can make a big difference in how you feel about your home.

From modern and luxurious to fresh and Zen-like, when choosing a brand-new look, it’s important to make the most of your space. Create the bathroom of your dreams with these inspired design ideas.

Think Architecture

If you’re into industrial-chic, vintage farmhouse, Italian Calacatta marble, coastal cozy or another fun style, you can customize every architectural detail to fit your theme. Yes, you can even make your cabinetry Calacatta marble… if that’s your design dream. A bathroom is one room that needs plenty of storage, but often doesn’t have the space for it. If your space is small, make the most out of it with floor-to-ceiling bathroom cabinetry.

Not Quite White

If you’re looking for fresh and modern with a twist of simple and clean, the not so white bathroom may be exactly what you need. Choose your favorite color and bring it down to its lightest (almost white) shade so it is barely there. One of our favorites is an oh-so-soft blue-green hue (like these sage bathroom cabinets) that is just colorful enough to catch attention, and yet not too far off from white. You’ll not only love it for years to come, but you’ll be able to match it with darker accent shades.

Zen Accents

From an abundance of natural light, bamboo and natural wood décor to potted plants, pebble shower flooring and a view of Mother Nature outside, styling your bathroom with Zen accents can be calming, meditative and harmonious. Your bathroom can be the perfect place for a Zen-inspired theme, especially if you’re one to take a long soak in a warm bath. Don’t forget the mixed stone Zen indoor fountain to fully set the mood.

Bohemian Chic

Another fun and fresh theme for your bathroom is to take it full-on bohemian chic. From funky vintage cabinets, a clawfoot tub, heavy brocade curtains and faux oriental rugs, to Moroccan mosaic tiles, oversized plants and an inundation of art, your bathroom will be the room everyone wants to escape to—and talk about every time they visit you. When you mix Bohemian with eclectic touches, you get nothing but inspired bathrooms.

Take a Chance

One of the smallest rooms in your home can be one of your biggest places to take a chance and dare to be a little different. Go elaborate – maybe some ornate wallpaper (yes, wallpaper), bold colors, unconventional hardware, eccentric and bold flooring. Take a chance and have fun with your bathroom. Start small with your half-bath… you can always redo it later.

Best Drink Station Ideas for Your Apartment

Tackle your apartment space in style and create your own unique easy-access drink station by selecting a special space to keep your “drink essentials.” All you need is a small area where everything you need is right there in front of you, from coffee pot to wine decanter and everything in between. In no time at all, you’ll be enjoying your favorite go-to beverage while impressing your guests, too!

You can use your kitchen counter, tables, carts, a cabinet, custom bar, or other station to suit your style. Here are a few tips to help you organize and stylize your very own apartment drink station.

Side Table with Bottom Cabinets

Using a side table is a great drink station idea for a tiny apartment. This allows you to contain your drink station to a specific area that is also interchangeable – coffee bar in the morning and cocktails in the evening. Simply switch them out for the need.

Because of the cabinets, you can also close the station and hide those drinks that aren’t necessary at the moment. This allows for your space to appear less cluttered. Expert tip – a table with cabinets makes everything accessible when you need it, and out of sight when you do not… choose a cabinet that is unique and looks great on its own.

Rolling Drink Station with Shelves

Creating an apartment drink station with a wheeled cart can be the perfect option – especially if you often entertain guests in your space. The rolling cart drink station is ideal if you want to display all of the imbibing options to guests. Load it up with everything you need – important items toward the top and less-used toward the bottom. Dedicate a shelf to drink accessories. Expert tip – a cart with pullout shelves makes this an easy-access option.

Cabinet Slide-Out Station

For those with very little counter space, an increasingly popular idea is the integrated drink station cabinet with slide-out shelf and drawer storage. When the cabinet is closed, everything is tucked away inside and there is plenty of counter space. When drinks are needed, simply open the cabinet, slide out the shelf and voilà – instant drink station! If you have a nearby drawer, stock it with all of the drink accessories you most often use. Expert tip – this beverage center should include an internal power outlet for a coffee machine, blender, etc.

Custom Half-Table Minibar Drink Station

If you’re feeling creative and have a serious DIY project on the mind, here is a fabulous idea: take an old table and have it cut in half (lengthwise or width-wise depending on your wall space), add a fresh coat of paint and bolt the half-table to your chosen wall. But before the bolting begins, take the leftover table top and create an additional shelf below the counter top. The middle shelf is perfect for drink accessories and condiments. Expert tip – underneath the bottom shelf, hang a rack for wine glasses and another one for coffee mugs.

Tips for Creating a Country French Kitchen

If you’re looking to create a kitchen with a cozy, comfortable, welcoming feel and a rustic, old-world look, French country style is the perfect design. This style of décor fits well in both country homes and modern homes and can easily be created by incorporating a few key elements.

Key French Country Style Elements
Below are key elements for creating a French country kitchen that’s elegant and has distinctive character.

Colors
French country style is marked by soft, pale colors taken from a provincial landscape. Muted hues in earthy tones, such as mustard yellow, soft gold, warm reds, mossy green and pale ocean blues are common.

Dark accents like granite countertops, dark wooden floors with wide boards, colored appliances and wrought-iron detailing can provide the perfect contrast to your French country kitchen.

Materials
Natural materials are an important element in pieces used in French country decorating. Rough stained walls, hefty beamed ceilings and delicately carved wood details provide texture and offer a simple look.

Since cabinetry tends to take up the most visual space in a kitchen, using warm surfaces and subdued tones on the kitchen cabinets is a must for an authentic French country feel.

Architectural Features
Materials used in French country décor often have stunning architectural features. For example, crown molding framing the top of kitchen cabinets is a common component of French country kitchens, as they add a beautiful traditional element.

Another common architectural feature is old, charming flooring. To create this look, old wooden boards are often used, as well as rustic flooring made of stone, clay or brick.

Tall, narrow windows with shutters are another distinguishing characteristic of this design style.

Cabinets
Country French kitchen cabinets feature furniture-type details to add to the warmth and comfort of the room. This décor style features kitchen cabinets that are somewhat ornate, with the doors typically featuring raised or inset panels that are arched or square.

Country French kitchen cabinets are similar to a Victorian style; however, they have brighter colors. Skirted cabinetry, particularly under the sink, is also a traditional country style detail that adds an instant rustic look to the kitchen.

A kitchen island is also an important component to a French country kitchen, as it serves to help with food preparation and provides space to bring people together. If you have the space for an island in your kitchen and want to add visual interest, choose an island in a different color than the rest of the kitchen but keep it within the same warm, muted color palette.

Appliances
Stainless steel appliances fit beautifully in any kitchen, including French country style ones, and enable you to create a truly unique space. You don’t have to worry about creating contrast that doesn’t work when you go with stainless steel, as this material complements a wide spectrum of designs and matches well with a variety of cabinet colors.

If you’re not a fan of stainless steel, white appliances also pair well with this décor style. And, since having a few antique touches is essential for an authentic French country kitchen, retro-inspired appliances are another great choice.
Ready to start the exciting process of designing your French country kitchen and customizing your kitchen cabinetry to match this style? Get started with our free online kitchen design today!

Buying Guide for Your New Dining Table

The dining room is a central and meaningful part of your home. It’s where you and your family gather every day to connect with one another over a shared meal. It’s also the place where you entertain close friends and extended family members, whether for holidays and other special occasions or just to enjoy company and good food.

With the dining table holding such significance, it’s important to choose one that fits your personal style and matches your home’s décor, while also helping to foster connection and create the mood you want others to experience when dining with you.

Follow the suggestions in our dining table buying guide below and you’ll choose a dining table that’s the perfect combination of functional and stylish.

Choosing the Right Shape

You’ll first want to choose the right dining table shape, not only based on how it looks, but also for the layout of your space. A table that matches the shape of your room will enhance balance and create harmony.

The most common dining table shapes include:

Rectangular – The most traditional dining table shape, rectangular tables fit well in long, narrow spaces. This is also a good shape to use when you have an open-plan space that you want to create separate functional areas in, such as a dining area and a family room.
Square – This shape is ideal for smaller rooms, especially square rooms, as it enhances an intimate setting.
Round – A cozy, intimate style, a round shape is an excellent choice for a smaller room where you need a good space-saving option. Since it doesn’t have any corners, a round dining table is also ideal for those with small children who can get hurt on the pointy corners on a square or rectangular table.
Oval – This shape is a more space-efficient alternative to a rectangular table.

In addition to space, also consider the primary use for your table when choosing a shape. A round or square dining table helps to create the desired ambience for candlelit meals or intimate gatherings. A long, rectangular table, on the other hand, is perfect for hosting large dinner parties or seating families of more than four people.

Also think about the most common ways you use your table outside of eating. Do you use it as an office and need room for your laptop and paperwork when checking emails, paying bills or performing other tasks? Do your children use the table to do their homework? Do you and your kids use the table as a craft area for art and other creative projects? Your answers to these questions will be important factors in determining the amount of space your table needs to have.

Choosing the Right Material

After deciding on the best table shape for your home and lifestyle, you’ll need to then choose the right material. You’ll want to select a material that blends well with your existing dining room décor and furniture pieces to create a harmonious setting and relaxed atmosphere.

Keep in mind that there’s no “right” or “wrong” choice and allow yourself the fun and freedom to experiment with materials. Having an open mind will enable you to create a space that displays your personality and style and brings your vision to life.

Some of the most common dining table material choices include:

Glass – A glass dining table is the epitome of modern and elegant. This material is best suited for small rooms or apartments where you want to give the space an open feel.
Wood – A timeless option, a wood dining table creates a warm and welcoming look and feel. This is a versatile material, as it beautifully complements a variety of décor styles and is available in numerous colors and finishes.
Stone – Stone tables, such as granite and marble, are luxurious, natural options that are perfect for modern style homes. Due to the heaviness of stone, it’s best suited for smaller tables.
Metal – Metal is a highly durable option and works well with an industrial or contemporary style room.

Before shopping for your new dining table, measure your space and keep the above guidelines in mind. You’ll find that when you take the time choose a table that meets your various practical, social and style needs, gathering at the table will be a truly rewarding experience.

How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Appliances

Choosing the right finish for your appliances can be both fun and nerve-wracking… but mostly fun. It’s definitely the best part of the buying process! Matching appliances will not only help create a put-together look, but if you do it right, it turns into a conversation piece. The trick is ensuring they fit into the color scheme of your space. Let’s break down some of the most popular appliance finishes and where to use them in your home.

When to Use Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances are the envy of the appliance crowd and for good reason. Easy to match, stainless steel blends well with just about any color scheme. It has a high-end look and quality that really can’t be beat. However, when choosing stainless steel items, use caution if your home includes young children as this finish is extremely prone to showing smudges and fingerprints.

However, you can really use stainless steel anywhere – it’s such a versatile finish, lasts forever, is easy to clean (but will need to be cleaned often), is germ resistant with its non-porous durability, and pretty much matches any décor.

When to Use Slate Appliances

Still somewhat new in the world of appliances, slate is a highly-engineered, low-gloss, matte metallic paint finish; it holds magnets, resists fingerprints, doesn’t show dirt or grime and has a stunning and sophisticated appeal. It’s an excellent choice for high traffic areas.

The versatility of slate means you can use it beyond the kitchen. It is very durable and easy to clean and maintain. This tone-inspired finish looks elegant and fits well with any theme in your home.

When to Use Paneled Door Appliances

Sometimes referred to as “disguise appliances,” the appeal of paneled door appliances is just that – they seamlessly meld into the woodwork and integrate into your home. A trend in home design since the 1990s, paneled door appliances can be used throughout your home – not just the kitchen. They are a great alternative to stainless steel as they do not show fingerprints or smudges.

There’s a reason camouflaging appliances is still so on trend – homeowners want them to be extensions of the rooms they are in and therefore, refrigerators, dishwashers, TVs, wine cellars and more are blending into the woodwork. Finishes can even be designed as artwork – paneled door appliances really have no limits to where and how you can use them.

When to Use Black Appliances

Modern and sleek, black appliances are very popular in kitchens – especially urban kitchens. If you’re thinking about redesigning your kitchen with a contemporary, urban theme, you can’t go wrong with black appliances. The trick is making sure they don’t give your kitchen a darker appearance. Black appliances look phenomenal in white kitchens, black and white kitchens, red and white kitchens… you get the idea.

Use caution in choosing black appliances if your walls, floors, countertops or cupboards are dark – this could really be just too much and you won’t get the feel you were dreaming about when you chose black appliances.

When to Use White Appliances

Always in style, white appliances are consistently safe choices for most spaces. They are bright, crisp and clean, and just look fresh. Whether your home décor is modern, traditional, farmhouse, urban or another theme, white tends to blend well with most designs. If you’re on a budget – white is always a great option. White appliances are also very easy to clean.

Beyond the kitchen, white appliances include washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves, ovens, ranges and more! So the reality is that you can really use white appliances anytime, anywhere.

Interior Designs Predicted to Rise in Popularity for 2019

Whether you’re planning a major renovation or are just looking to spruce up your home with some small updates, you’ll want to check out the interior design trends predicted to be in demand for 2019, ranging from sustainable home design to earthy color palettes.

Sustainable Furniture and Décor

United Airlines has banned the use of plastic straws and this is just one example of an increasing number of corporations placing sustainability as a top priority. This focus will also be seen in home design trends in 2019, with sustainable furniture and décor becoming even more popular.

We’ll see leftover materials (such as marble) being recomposed in smart ways, indoor plants (except for succulents) used more for decorating and cleaning indoor air for various rooms, handmade décor elements and more. All of these interior designs serve the purpose of creating a visually appealing environment, while being produced in a way that leaves very little to no impact on the environment.

Earthy Tones

PPG’s color experts have announced their 2019 Color of the Year selection: Night Watch. This color is a rich teal that symbolizes community and nature and allows homeowners to create an environment in their homes that feels protective, beautiful, healthy and calm.

A mixture of beige and grey is also coming back, as these neutral tones are a lovely complement to the on-trend, earthy deep blues and warm greens.

Orange and yellow will also be appearing in a lot of 2019 interior designs, particularly in decorative accents, furnishings and paint.

Bold Backsplashes and Wall Colors

If you’ve been wanting a new backsplash for your kitchen or bathroom, now’s the time to do it. There’s no lack of exciting backsplash options to choose from, whether you prefer a bold patterned backsplash or one with a solid, impactful color such as orange or yellow.

Bold colors will also be popular for walls. Since interior design is moving away from the accent wall trend, you’ll want to choose a color you’ll love to use for an entire room.

Terrazzo and Light Wood Flooring

Terrazzo was a popular material choice for flooring, countertops and backsplashes in 2018 and is predicted to continue to be a trendy interior design option in 2019. Made by mixing marble, granite, quartz, or glass chips into a cement binder, this tiling option offers aesthetic appeal, versatility and durability.

However, terrazzo is expected to quickly become outdated. For this reason, we caution against investing in terrazzo to use as flooring for a large space or in floor-to-ceiling designs if you’re not going to love the look a couple of years from now. Instead, you may want to opt for using it in a smaller area, such as a hallway, mudroom or guest bathroom backsplash.

Light wood floors and wood-look floors will still be on trend in 2019. These flooring options, including our Carolina Timber Beige Wood Look Tile, provide a classic look that will remain in style for many years, offering timeless beauty. The other great quality about light wood flooring is that it complements a wide array of colors and décor styles. This means you can change other aspects of your room without having to invest in a new floor.

Cozy Living Room Ideas for Winter

For many of us, the cold winter months means spending a lot more time at home. Whether that translates into you hosting friends for dinner and cocktails a lot more, having tons of game and movie nights with your kids or snuggling up with a good book and blanket on the couch every night, one thing is certain: Your home needs to feel cozy and inviting, and be a welcome respite from the chilly temperatures outside.

Keep a festive mood beyond the holidays by making your living room a place you’ll look forward to unwinding in throughout the winter months with our ideas below.

Comfy Rugs

While we love the sophisticated, clean look wood look tile and other flooring options create in a living room, they can be cooler on your feet. Rugs are the perfect way to make wood floors warm and welcoming without minimizing their appeal or style.

For the winter months, place a fluffy area rug on your floor to add warmth to your living room. To add even more coziness, toss a sheepskin rug over an ottoman or reading chair.

Cozy Blankets

Cozy throws or blankets are a must for comfort and warmth any time of the year. For the winter months, oversized, woven blankets are the perfect choice.

Soft Lighting

The right lighting can make or break the ambience of a room. To create a cozy atmosphere during the winter, it’s best to maximize natural lighting as much as possible.

When you do need to use artificial lighting, especially as the sun begins to set for the day, go for soft, warm-hued lighting in lieu of bright light bulbs. When possible, leave overhead lights off and use table and floor lamps instead to give your space a warm glow.

Warm Colors

Incorporate pops of warm, cheery colors into your living room with patterned or bright colored pillows. Yellow, orange, turquoise, spring green and other uplifting colors are perfect options. Feel free to get creative with other colorful décor, such as art, framed pictures and flowers.

Make the Fireplace a Focal Point

If you have a fireplace, arrange your furniture so that the fireplace becomes the center of the room. By bringing tables, chairs and sofas closer to the fireplace (and arranging them so they face it), you create a truly inviting and cozy spot, both for entertaining and for spending relaxing time alone.

Of course, going one step further and using your fireplace will make for the ultimate magazine-worthy cozy winter setting!

Seasonal Scents

While décor plays a huge role in creating the look and feel of a room, don’t forget about the impact scents can have. Placing a bowl of potpourri with wintry aromas, such as cinnamon or pine, will instantly give your living room a cozy atmosphere. Scented candles will have a similar effect, while also creating the perfect mood lighting for evenings.

Choose the Right Features for Your Custom Kitchen Cabinet

Cabinetry is an essential part of your kitchen. With the variety of design options, features and materials now available, it’s easy to build custom kitchen cabinets that are highly functional, aesthetically pleasing and tailored to your style and needs.

Below are a few popular features to consider including when designing your custom kitchen cabinets.

Corner Cabinets with Lazy Susan Turntables

The corner area where two cabinet ends meet often creates an ineffective space that’s inconvenient to use and access. Avoid this hassle by installing corner cabinets with Lazy Susan turntables. You’ll be so glad you did when you can easily access items and get better use out of this space.

Filler Pullout Organizers

If your kitchen has one or more extra-narrow spaces, you can make use of the space by getting a filler pullout organizer. This will create a mini pullout pantry, turning what was once an awkward, unusable space into a practical one that you’ll use every day.

Self-Closing Doors and Drawers

Self-closing cabinet doors and drawers close gently and quietly with only a simple, quick push. If you have cabinets that you have to shove to get closed and that make a loud bang every time they’re closed, you’ll want to look into this option.

Special Purpose Drawers

Cabinet drawers are designed for so many different purposes that it’s easy to find a drawer that was especially created for something you need. For example, if you don’t like to keep your microwave on your countertop or above your stove, you can have an under-the-cabinet microwave drawer installed.

Pullout waste containers store your garbage container in your cabinets, rather than on your floor. This saves valuable floor space, keeps the kitchen less cluttered and keeps your garbage concealed, which is a huge bonus!

Drawer Dividers

Internal drawer dividers, such as a cutlery tray or a spice tray, are lifesavers! They are a simple and inexpensive way to get items in your kitchen drawers organized—and easily keep them that way.

Utility Cabinets

Full height utility cabinets are ideal for storing away mops and brooms in a neat, organized way without taking away from the aesthetics of your kitchen. Plus, since they’ll be within arm’s reach always, it will be super easy to do quick kitchen clean ups whenever you need.

You’ll notice that many of the above features, such as drawer dividers and Lazy Susans, work to increase storage and create an accessible kitchen design. When designing your custom kitchen cabinets, select the features that most appeal to you, that you most need and that you’ll get the most use out of, and you’ll end up with functional, stylish cabinets that you’ll love for years to come.