Design Trends – Page 3 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

How to Design a Coastal Kitchen the Right Way

There’s a reason coastal kitchens are appealing to many homeowners, whether they live along the coast or not. The light hues, ample lighting and fun beach or maritime décor add a bright and airy beauty to a kitchen that’s hard not to love.

If you love the serene, relaxed look of coastal kitchens, you can easily bring this style into your own kitchen, whether you live at the beach, in the country or in the city. Follow our tips below for designing a coastal kitchen the right way and your kitchen will have the coastal vibe you dream about all year long!

#1: All-White Cabinetry

One of the best ways to recreate the light, breezy and calm look and feel of the seashore in your kitchen is to begin with all-white kitchen cabinets. Any style of white cabinets will work, however the simplicity that white shaker cabinets provide is ideal.

Not excited about having all-white cabinetry? Not to worry! Even though all-white cabinets are commonly used when designing coastal kitchens, you can opt for a two-toned look. For a contemporary style, consider going with all-white upper cabinets paired with light wood or light painted cabinets for the base or island cabinets. You’ll just want to avoid using any dark colors to keep the atmosphere bright.

#2: Blue and White Elements

One of best ways to incorporate the hues of the ocean is to include various shades of blue in your design. There are several great ways this can be done, so this is the perfect place to use your creativity and show off your personal style.

From blue and white checkerboard ceilings and white tile floors with pops of blue designs, to sparkling blue backsplashes and blue light fixtures, you’ll love all of the fun ways you can add beautiful ocean shades into your kitchen! Of course, if you prefer to not have so much blue, play around with different accent colors to use in addition to blue, such as pale, sandy yellows and sea greens.

#3: Ample Lighting

Let’s face it. A dark coastal kitchen wouldn’t be visually appealing, nor would it have an authentic coastal vibe. For this reason, regardless of how you choose to design your coastal kitchen, getting the lighting right will be key in getting the look and feel you desire.

This means the lighting needs to be bright. Natural lighting is always ideal and, if you have – or can install – tall windows and/or a skylight, you’ll get plenty of natural light coming in to brighten up your kitchen.

However, if you don’t have many windows or don’t get much natural lighting in your kitchen, you can create ample lighting with a combination of task, accent and ambient lighting.

Now that you’re familiar with these main characteristics of coastal kitchens, you’ll be able to create a truly beautiful coastal look – and add your own creative twists to the design!

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.

Tips for Stunning Bath Designs

While bathrooms are primarily functional spaces, that doesn’t mean they should be dull and lacking personality! After all, we spend time in this room every day, so why not combine stunning designs with the necessary practical aspects? Doing so will transform your bathroom into a luxurious and relaxing place you look forward to retreating to for practicing some well-deserved self-care.

Below are 5 ways to create a bathroom that’s as visually appealing as it is functional.

#1: Deluxe Showers

Deluxe showers are gaining popularity over bathtubs because they provide a luxurious, spa-like shower experience and have the added benefit of being water-efficient. They’re also a fantastic way to pamper yourself a bit without taking up too much time.

With numerous design and style options available, you can customize a shower that meets your specific needs, from the walls and floor to the showerheads and faucets.

#2: Organic Materials

Organic materials like natural stone and wood provide a rich, warm, soothing feel and create a beautiful, unique look. These materials bring a bit of nature into the bathroom and add a nice contrast when incorporated with clean, crisp, contemporary designs.

#3: Contrasting Tones

Bathroom walls and floors with darker colors, such as grey hues, brown shades and black, provide a great visual impact and create a stunning look when set against bright white or pastel cabinets and vanities. Similarly, darker bathroom cabinets, such as our Panama Espresso and Essex Mocha Glaze, look gorgeous with lighter toned walls and flooring.

#4: Smart Storage

Having proper storage is essential in any bathroom, but with today’s designs, storage options can provide a practical space that also adds to the beauty of your bathroom. A vanity with concealed storage is a great option that creates a tidy, stylish look.

Our bathroom vanities offer you easy access to all your items, with drawers and cabinets that are spacious and simple to customize to your needs. Not only will they keep everything organized and out of sight, they are simply elegant and become a stunning centerpiece for your bathroom.

#5: Lighting

Lighting can make a huge difference in your bathroom’s overall look and feel. Instead of the typical and archaic bathroom lighting fixtures (i.e. exposed bulb vanity lights that sit above the sink), go with a more modern, visually pleasing and elegant option. Pendant lights, recessed lights and globe lights are all lovely choices to consider.

Bathrooms Designed Just for Her

The ideal woman’s bathroom incorporates a clean, romantic look with a comfortable, spacious feel, resulting in a room that’s as visually welcoming as it is functional. Whether you’re ready to renovate your bathroom now or in the future, you’ll find the following six ideas for a woman-centered bathroom inspirational.

#1: Shower Design

Since a lot of time in the bathroom is spent in the shower, it’s critical to design a custom shower you’ll love being in. Think about what you can add to your shower that will make it welcoming and comfortable. A long shower bench, built-in shelves and a hand-held showerhead are all examples of components that add convenience to the entire shower experience. Also add some extras to make it more spa-like and stylish, such as candles and a gorgeous tile design.

#2: Radiant-Heat Floors

Adding radiant-heat floors to your bathroom is certainly a luxurious wish list item, but one that will pay off for years to come. Not only will you love stepping onto a cozy-feeling floor, especially on cold winter mornings, but in the long run you’ll benefit from heating your bathroom in an energy-efficient manner.

#3: Rainfall Showers

Rainfall showers are available in a wide array of shapes, sizes and colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your bathroom design and personal style preferences. Making you feel as though you’re actually underneath a waterfall, these popular showers will transform your shower experience from humdrum to delightful.

#4: Tub Tray

All women who love unwinding with a peaceful bath will want to get a tub tray. While magazines and movies portray the whole bath experience as deluxe, it can be very difficult to realistically pull off reading a book and sipping a glass of wine without a tub tray. Adding this practical accessory is an easy way to immediately add more joy to your relaxation time in the tub.

#5: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Let’s face it, without a large mirror, it can be difficult to get ready for the day. The mirror should be large enough to reflect ample natural light, while also giving you a good view of yourself from head to shoulder. Choose a mirror that reflects your style and that you love. After all, you’ll be looking at it and using it to pamper yourself every day!

#6: Easy to Maintain Vanity

We’re all busy and, even if we have extra time to spend cleaning a bathroom vanity that has a high-maintenance countertop, most of us would probably choose not to. For this reason, it’s wise to go with a vanity that has a countertop material that resist stains and etchings, keeping its lovely appearance without a whole lot of upkeep required.

5 Design Elements That Beautifully Complement Dark Kitchen Cabinets

Rich shades of espresso and midnight black finishes give kitchen cabinets a sense of drama and elegance. But these statement pieces can also make the rest of your kitchen design a mystery. Finding elements to soften the surrounding space and add a touch of airiness may seem like a difficult feat, but never fear. Here we’ll share five additions that will beautifully complement your dark kitchen cabinets.

Light It Up

Dark kitchen cabinets are not synonymous with a dark room. Dim lights are great for setting the mood, but not appropriate in a kitchen. Keep things bright and open by incorporating as much natural light as possible. Big windows, side doors or a sky light will all help bathe your dark cabinets in sunshine, so the room looks magical not monotonous.

If natural light is limited, compensate with artificial lighting. Beautiful light fixtures can brighten the room and enhance the design.

White For The Win

Contrast is so captivating, especially in a kitchen with dark cabinets. A black and white color scheme is easily one of the hottest kitchen trends of all time, and incorporating white elements such as the walls, countertops, or a kitchen backsplash can create a chic ambiance while also warming up the cabinetry.

These additions will also pick up the natural light and help to illuminate the room.

Go For The Gold

When it comes to fashion, we already know black and gold are best friends. Bring this dynamic duo into the kitchen by installing golden-toned brass hardware on your dark cabinets. This warm metal will soften the shock of your cabinetry’s finish and play off of the different lighting fixtures and décor in the room. If you prefer a less shiny material for your knobs and pulls, bronze is another brilliant choice.

Open Up To The Outdoors

A touch of greenery can do wonders in making the kitchen feel more welcoming. When you have dark cabinets, this becomes even more important. Traditionally, kitchens tend to be bright and light. When you have a kitchen with predominantly dark elements, you need to find other ways to make the room feel approachable — and adding houseplants or a vase of fresh flowers can do the trick. This easy addition will not only complement the room, but put a smile on your face.

Break Things Up

Swap some of your dark cabinet doors for glass fronts. This gives guests a glimpse into your favorite serving ware or sparkling glasses, but also breaks up the darkness. At Willow Lane Cabinetry, you can create your own custom look with our kitchen design tool. Add some glass cabinets to your design, a wine rack, a kitchen island in a contrasting color, or other personalized kitchen trends. The possibilities are endless and the choice is yours!

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

Transitional Kitchens: Where Tradition Meets Trendy

Not sure about what style to implement in your kitchen remodel? Are you stuck between your traditional ways and the urge for something fresh and contemporary? Let us introduce to you the transitional kitchen. This hybrid kitchen design perfectly blends the old and the new to create a balanced and functional look for homeowners with mixed tastes.

What defines this kitchen style?

In a transitional kitchen you will find both classic and contemporary elements. But rather than clash with each other, they are clear complements and create a unique unity. One example would be a kitchen with sleek stainless steel appliances, traditional shaker style kitchen cabinets, granite countertops and hardwood floors. The finished product is fresh but familiar at the same time. This is the magic of transitional kitchen design.

How can I create this design in my home?

Building out your transitional kitchen is easy. Your first step is to focus on the major decisions, like kitchen cabinets, flooring, counter tops and appliances. This it the core of your kitchen, and you want to make sure that while the styles of each may vary, cohesively they make sense side by side. To make this process easier, utilize Willow Lane Cabinetry’s free kitchen design service. You’ll receive photorealistic renderings to see how your kitchen cabinets look in your space. No need to guess when technology can do the work for you!

How do you avoid the possible chaos that could occur?

Think of a transitional kitchen as a friendship or relationship, where two different people each bring something to the table. Separately they may be “missing” something but together they are whole, offering strength to one another’s weaknesses. If each person was exactly the same, they could overwhelm rather than benefit one another. When designing a transitional kitchen, you’ll do well to keep these principles in mind. If you try to make every aspect of your kitchen both traditional and trendy, you’ll achieve nothing but chaos. If you focus your styles in certain areas, such as modern kitchen cabinets and traditional hardwood floors, you’ll see how each part of your kitchen brings a unique value to the room as a whole.

What else can be done to amplify this look?

Kitchen design reaches much further than the basics. Outside of your cabinets, flooring, and counter tops is a whole world of opportunities to exemplify your kitchen style. The furniture in your space — from bar stools to the dining room table — make a huge statement. The lighting, and even the kitchen hood above your range, speaks to theme of the room. The paint on the walls and the backsplash give color and character to your kitchen. And then there are the accessories! Decorating your countertops and walls is the finishing touch on any kitchen design. Make sure yours include a balance of new and old — a fruit basket just like your grandma used to have on the same countertop as your brightly colored KitchenAid mixer.

A transitional kitchen should be a breath of fresh air, as it allows you to encompass all the things you love about home design. Don’t stress yourself about getting this just right! You’re getting the rare opportunity in life to have everything you want, so have fun with it and enjoy the process.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design service. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!

Written by Korrie. Korrie Martinez is a self proclaimed DIY pro with an eye for design and a craft for finding simple solutions to homeowner’s common concerns. Her articles offer tips and trends to help The RTA Store’s customers achieve the home of their dreams on a balanced budget. Follow Korrie on Instagram and Twitter @kokonez or visit her website www.korriemartinez.com.

Solid or Engineered? Choosing The Right Hardwood Floors For Your Home

Hardwood floors have long been the most desired option for the home. Durable and easy to maintain, hardwood floors offer warmth, character, and beauty, and fit any and every style of décor. One hot trend for 2016 is hardwood in the kitchen. Become a savvy shopper, and learn how to choose the best hardwood floors to suite your needs, and your home.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood comes in strips, usually measuring ¾ inches thick and anywhere from one and a half to three inches wide. It can also be found in planks as wide as six inches. This type of flooring is constructed from solid pieces of wood, with tongue and groove sides. Solid hardwood is sensitive to moisture, so it should be nailed and glued down, and should have a quality urethane finish.

Solid wood is a beautiful addition to the home, including the kitchen, but be sure to immediately mop up any spills. The hardness of wood varies with the direction of the wood grain, and The Janka hardness test helps measures the wood’s resistance to denting and wear. Certain woods are naturally more durable than others — so the higher the ranking, the harder the wood. Grade levels tell you about knots, color variations, and imperfections. The higher the grade, the more expensive it will be.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is made from layers of plywood stacked in opposite directions and laminated together. This method makes engineered hardwood more stable and less susceptible to moisture damage, and therefore an excellent choice in in the kitchen. Quality engineered wood generally ranges in thickness from 3/8 to 3/4 inches.

Unlike solid wood, engineered hardwood can be installed anywhere as a floating floor, including over concrete. Other methods of installation include nailing and glue. Engineered hardwood is considered easier to install than solid wood. It is also often more affordable, since the top layer is all you will see. However, these floors can only be refinished a limited number of times. Once installed, a quality engineered wood floor can be difficult to distinguish from solid, though some homeowners still prefer the natural beauty of solid hardwood.

Popular Species Of Wood For Flooring

American Cherry
American Walnut
Ash
Bamboo
Beech
Birch
Brazilian Cherry
Brazilian Teak
Brazilian Walnut
Hickory
Mahogany
Maple
Red Oak
Tigerwood
White Oak
Yellow Pine

Like beautiful, quality kitchen cabinets, both solid and engineered hardwood floors are an investment that will last — and be enjoyed — for many years to come.

Written by Tiffany. Tiffany honed her skills as a writer and editor working in the fast-paced newspaper, magazine, and television industries. Tiffany is also an award winning graphic designer, with extensive experience in the worlds of mass media, publishing, and advertising. As a designer, she also has a strong eye for interior decorating and color. Tiffany has a BA in Communications and a minor in Fine Art. She is a natural cook just like her mother, and rarely uses a recipe. She also enjoys reading, photography, painting—and most of all, spending time with her husband (a skilled DIY’er) and two sons.

Willow Lane Cabinetry’s Top Cabinets For March

Is it the luck of the Irish or just your lucky day? In honor of St. Patrick’s Day we’re counting down our favorite green cabinets from Willow Lane Cabinetry. From pale and pretty to distressed and dapper, all of these cabinets earn five green stars.

Roosevelt Sage

This soft green will uplift your kitchen without causing any distraction. It’s the perfect shade for homeowners looking to add a drop of color, without going too bold. If neutral colors are your jive and you fancy a classic cabinet style, you’ll be green with envy until this sophisticated cabinetry set is installed in your kitchen.

Roosevelt Sage with Chocolate Distress and Honey Highlights

The lads back in The Emerald Isle would surely be fond of these green kitchen cabinets. Slightly distressed and highlighted with warm honey shades, they offer ample Old World charm. The classic raised panel design of the Roosevelt Series has a traditional cabinet style, and is accented by the vintage touches added with this unique finish.

Roosevelt Sage with Chocolate Distress and Walnut Highlights

If you love the antiquated and homey look of distressed wooden cabinets, you’ve just found your pot o’ gold. Similar to the last Roosevelt set but featuring darker, walnut highlights, these kitchen cabinets offer an interesting take on a time-honored design. Rich chocolate peaks out beneath the sage green finish, creating a beautiful contrast that accents hardwood floors and marble countertops.

Society Shaker Sage

The Society Shaker in sage is like treasure at the end of the rainbow. The clean design and crisp color offers endless design possibilities. These kitchen cabinets would look as lovely in a beach house as they would a city loft. Their Shaker recessed door style lets them shine in all homes, from classic to contemporary. And the soft shade of green promises a wave of warmth in any kitchen.

Society Shaker Sage with Brushed Chocolate Glaze

The simple and stylish design of The Society Series gets a twist with sage green paint and brushed chocolate glaze. The result is just the right mix of modesty and welcoming warmth. A lovely combination that works equally well with sleek modern kitchen themes as it does in cozy cottage kitchens. Pour yourself a glass of green beer and cheers to these versatile and eye-catching cabinets!

Sage is a timeless gray-green, that is just a step away from neutral and serves as a reserved but stunning selection as far as colors go. Don’t be afraid to stray away from the basics! Color can be both riveting and refined, as you’ve seen with each of these top cabinets for March. Ready to take the plunge? Shop these green kitchen cabinets and more fabulous finishes online at Willow Lane Cabinetry today.

Shaker Cabinets: the Hottest Kitchen Trend of 2016

Known for its clean lines, minimalist design, and exceptional quality, the Shaker style of design originated centuries ago and has stood the test of time. Not only is the Shaker style still popular in homes today; Shaker kitchen cabinets are one of the hottest kitchen trends of 2016. Find out why!

Shaker History

The Shakers left England in 1774, breaking away from the Quakers to form their own religious society in the American colonies. Largely self-sufficient, they grew their own food, built their own homes, and manufactured their own furniture with a distinct look, based on the guiding Shaker principles of honesty, utility, and simplicity. Each piece was given thoughtful consideration to proportion and functionality, and built with utmost quality.

Shaker Today

Homeowners can rest assured they are making a good choice when it comes to Shaker cabinetry. Home trends come and go, but Shaker design has remained a constant in American homes. With its clean, simple lines, Shaker cabinetry fits just about any taste, from traditional to contemporary and everything in-between. It is one hot trend that’s not going away next year or anytime soon, making Shaker cabinetry a great investment for your home.

Shaker Options

Our Society Shaker cabinet series comes in a variety of colors and glazes. Choose from Society Shaker White, Canvas, Tidewater, Sage, Dove Gray, Khaki, Red, Steel Gray, Black and more, all with the quality and value Willow Lane Cabinetry is known for. We feature plywood box construction, soft close drawer glides, and a full overlay design. If you’re looking for a timeless look to enhance your kitchen then these are the cabinets for you!

Seeing is Believing

Still not sure about Shaker cabinets? We have a wide variety of other styles and finishes on our website. Or speak with one of our knowledgeable designers and take advantage of our free kitchen design service. Our designers will work with you one-on-one to develop a sincere, trusting relationship. We work hard to make sure you are completely satisfied with your design, all your questions are answered, and that you are getting the best price possible.

How It Works

Our designers will work with you via email or phone to bring your kitchen to life. We can work with any space or budget to get you a great kitchen for a fraction of the cost of a big box store. Fill out the form on our website and within 48 hours you will get:

A custom layout that is both functional and looks great
Photorealistic renderings to see how it all looks in your space
An itemized list of what you need and what it all costs

If you are looking to remodel your existing kitchen, or starting from scratch in a new home, shake things up and consider Shaker cabinets. There is a reason this style has stood the test of time, and tops the list of kitchen trends this year. When it comes to form and function, historically speaking, Shaker is it!

Tiffany honed her skills as a writer and editor working in the fast-paced newspaper, magazine, and television industries. Tiffany is also an award winning graphic designer, with extensive experience in the worlds of mass media, publishing, and advertising. As a designer, she also has a strong eye for interior decorating and color. Tiffany has a BA in Communications and a minor in Fine Art. She is a natural cook just like her mother, and rarely uses a recipe. She also enjoys reading, photography, painting—and most of all, spending time with her husband (a skilled DIY’er) and two sons.

Sleek City Style: Minimalist Design For Small Kitchens

Big city, little kitchen. It’s a common complaint of urban dwellers living in cramped quarters — but with a few modern design hacks you can create a comfortable kitchen with any square footage. Here are a few tips to get you there.

Let Function Flourish

It’s natural to want your kitchen to be a lot of things, like a place to do work, a place to relax, and a place to entertain. But if space is limited your best bet is to forego those luxuries in lieu of a kitchen that can serve its purpose — being a place to store and prepare food. Opt for smaller appliances (think two burner ovens and compact dishwashers) so that your kitchen can serve all your needs and not lack in function.

Create Style in the Foundation

The floor plan of a small kitchen is typically very simple. The goal of the designer was to get you a nice row of kitchen cabinets, a little room to walk around and enough space to accommodate appliances. Since small kitchens lack that oomph some larger kitchens offer, your kind of interesting has to come in a different form. Pick a pretty tile and install an eye-catching backsplash or put in flooring that really steals the show. When the foundation of your kitchen is creative and beautiful, that awkward floor plan will be overshadowed by style.

Put Your Eyes on the Portable

Lack of countertop space is a common conundrum with small kitchen designs. The easiest way to crush this problem without putting any more clutter in your kitchen is a portable island or cart. A kitchen island that you can roll out when you need it and hide in a closet when you don’t? I can’t think of a more spot on solution.

Open Your Heart to Open Shelving and Glass Front Doors

With open shelving and cabinets with glass front doors, you see the space where your dinnerware is stored and create a more airy feel to your kitchen. Open shelving and glass front doors offer ways to decorate a small kitchen without drowning it in disarray. I doubt you want to share your limited countertop space with a decorative vase, but placed among your plates? I don’t see why not.

Look Up for Great Guidance

A ceiling is probably the most overlooked storage solution. But install a rack and the wall above your head turns into the perfect place for hanging pots and pans. There are tons of sleek options that let you arrange cookware in an organized fashion that accents your kitchen without making it feel like a hoarder’s paradise.

Let Your Theme Lead the Way

If you’re going for minimalistic and modern, accent lighting is a great way to enhance your contemporary theme and also make your kitchen appear larger. Strategically use incandescent lighting by placing it above and below your upper cabinets. This will create the illusion of more space — and it also just looks really cool and sleek in modern kitchens. You can even put spotlights beneath your base cabinets to create a more dramatic look.