Kitchen – Page 3 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

5 Reasons Why Brown Should Be Your Favorite Neutral

In contemporary kitchens and throughout the home, neutral color palettes reign supreme. Soothing and suitable for both small spaces and seamless open concept floor plans, shades of white and gray are trendy and offer a clean backdrop for furniture and decor.

But what about brown? Earthy and elegant, brown adds warmth and depth to white and gray. Without it, we wouldn’t have Perfect Greige, Agreeable Gray or Accessible Beige — three of the top paint colors recommended by interior designers in our favorite home magazines and on our favorite home improvement shows.

While these colors blend white, gray and brown beautifully, true brown is also a stunning interior color in its own right. If you’re still not convinced, here are five more reasons why brown should be your go-to neutral when decorating or remodeling your home.

A Blank Canvas: Like any neutral, brown can serve as a blank canvas. In other words, it sets the foundation for colors and patterns that can be changed with trends and seasons. In particular, shades of brown serve as a compliment to soft pastels and various vibrant hues, and allow these colors to truly pop — whether it’s on point pale pink throw pillows or navy blue bedding.

Back To Nature: Brown layers beautifully with popular natural fiber accents, such as sisal area rugs, linen window treatments, and woven seagrass baskets. It also pairs well with other organic elements, such as potted houseplants, stone countertops, and hardwood flooring.

Very Versatile: In terms of paint, brown hues runs the gamut from light to dark. Brown is comfortable and cozy on it’s own, but it can also be used as an undertone to add warmth in paint colors that would be otherwise be too cool or sterile for an inviting home.

Traditional Yet Trendy: All wood cabinetry is a classic, from solid birch raised panel cabinets in a rich nutmeg or espresso finish to contemporary kitchens that feature clean-lined shaker cabinets in dark brown. Pair all wood cabinetry with brown backsplash tile and oiled rubbed bronze hardware for a modern, monochromatic look.

Always In Fashion: Brown is one of those classic colors that will never go out of style, so you can feel confident in your decision, whether it’s timeless Middlebury Brown on the walls of your home office, saddle brown leather sofas in the TV room, or all wood cabinetry in the kitchen and bath.

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!

Countertop Options For A Contemporary Bathroom Design

There are many different materials that can be used for the countertops in your contemporary bathroom design. From unique patterns only found in nature to nonporous surfaces that block bacteria and stains, each material has its benefits. With so many possibilities, it’s important to weigh your options before making a final decision. Here are four countertop options from Willow Lane Cabinetry for contemporary bathroom vanities and some key information about each.

1.Quartzite

Quartzite originates as pure sandstone and is a metamorphic rock. Since it is a natural stone, it offers a unique variation in design for a truly one-of-a-kind look. If you love marble but find it to be too much maintenance, opt for quartzite. The swirling white and grey color mimics marble, and is certainly one of its favorite features. It is also scratch, stain, and heat resistant. Since many contemporary bathrooms tend to be predominantly neutral and monochromatic, this material is excellent for complementing those popular white or grey custom cabinets. All of the quartzite countertops from Willow Lane Cabinetry also come pre-sealed, so there is no maintenance sealing required.

2. Acrylic

Acrylic is a solid surface and 100% man-made. It’s great as a countertop (especially in high-traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens) because it is non-porous, which means bacteria and stains cannot penetrate the surface. It is also extremely easy to clean and considerably low maintenance. If you prefer contemporary bathroom vanities that feature an integrated sink, acrylic might be the best countertop option for you. Solid surfaces like acrylic are the only countertop materials that can create that seamless appearance in your custom cabinets.

3. Quartz

Some homeowners consider quartz to be the best of both worlds. It is essentially an engineered stone, made of natural and man-made materials. Quartz countertops are composed of more than 90% quartz, but the addition of polymers, resins, and other types of pigments makes it non-porous and greatly increases its durability. This combination is very appealing to some homeowners, because it combines the beauty of nature with the efficiency of science.

4. Granite

Last but not least, let’s take a look at granite. This breathtaking natural material boasts a brilliant array of speckles and swirls that can truly awe. Each design is unique, and you will find granite in a range of tones from black to white. Granite can be porous and may require more maintenance than some of the other materials. However, with sealing, granite becomes more durable and resistant to scratches, stains and heat. While some granite countertops require routine resealing, granite countertops from Willow Lane Cabinetry come pre-sealed and never have to be resealed!

How To Make Homemade Trail Mix Without Leaving Your Kitchen

Homemade trail mix is one of those great grab and go snack ideas that not only satisfies your hunger, but also satisfies your taste buds! The perfect blend of crunchy, chewy, salty, and sweet ingredients, homemade trail mix is healthy and easy to make — right in your very own kitchen!

As an added bonus, homemade trail mix is easier on the wallet than store-bought varieties. All you need are a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen pantry cabinet. So go ahead, get creative! Once you know how to make homemade trail mix, you can whip up a batch for those marathon holiday shopping trips and another for gifting!

Ingredients

Homemade trail mix is designed to be eaten by the handful, so think small when shopping or raiding your kitchen pantry cabinet. Common ingredients for homemade trail mix include:

Nuts (Walnuts, Almonds, Pecans, Cashews, Pistachios, Macadamia Nuts)
Seeds (Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds)
Peanuts (Spanish, Dry Roasted, Candied)
Breakfast Cereal (Granola, Flakes, O’s)
Chocolate Chips (White, Semi-Sweet, Milk Chocolate)
Carob Chips
Butterscotch Chips
Peanut Butter Chips
Mini Marshmallows
M&Ms
Shredded Coconut
Banana Chips
Raisins and Other Dried Fruit (Apples, Cranberries, Apricots, Blueberries, Papaya, Pineapple)
Crystalized Ginger
Candied Orange Peel
Rye Chips
Cheese Crackers (bite-sized)
Pretzels (mini pretzels, pretzel sticks)
Wasabi Peas
Popcorn

Instructions

Nothing could be easier than making homemade trail mix. Simply spread out the all ingredient packages across your kitchen island countertop, scoop out each individual ingredient into a large mixing bowl, and gently combine all the ingredients with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.

Depending on the ingredients you choose (sweet or savory), you can also season your homemade trail mix with spices from your door mounted spice rack or wood spice tray, like sea salt, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, curry powder, or Cayenne pepper.

Homemade trail mix will keep for up to a month when stored properly in Mason jars (for gifting) or an airtight container (for your enjoyment). If you’re making a large batch, it’s best to keep your trail mix in the refrigerator instead of in the kitchen pantry cabinet. Small batches can be bagged into individual portions for grab and go snacking during the busy holiday season.

5 Wonderful Ways To Fill Your Home With Gratitude

Whether your home has beautiful new kitchen cabinets or you are still adding to your “Dream Kitchens” Pinterest board, you probably have a lot to be thankful for. Here are five wonderful ways to fill your home with gratitude this holiday season and beyond.

Host a party.

‘Tis the season for entertaining, and there is no nicer way to show gratitude for your friends and neighbors than by inviting them into your home. From taking the time to make a delicious, home-cooked meal, to hosting a holiday open house or cocktail party, your guests will surely feel your warm welcome, and in turn, will be grateful for you as well.

Add family photos.

Whether it’s a collection of framed photos on the open shelves of your TV room cabinetry or a gallery wall in your home’s entryway, a home should have pictures of the people (and pets) you love most. Family photos add a personal touch to your space like nothing else can. They tell your story and keep cherished memories close to your heart.

Fill your home with a favorite fragrance.

Scents can instantly lift your spirits and make you nostalgic for treasured moments in your life. From your grandmother’s freshly baked apple pie and your mother’s favorite flowers, to the fresh Christmas tree in your childhood home, you can recapture those aromas with scented candles, reed diffusers, or the real thing.

Keep your home clean and well-organized.

According to Psychology Today, clutter can negatively affect your mood and your well-being. With that said, a clean home is a happier home, so take the time to stay on top of the mess. Consider adding space-saving accessories to your new kitchen cabinets for better organization, and install custom cabinetry for storage that cuts down on the clutter.

Write it down or share what you are thankful for.

Consider keeping a journal on your bedside table to write down what you are grateful for at the end of the day. It could be something big, like the roof over your head, or something small, like having lunch with your best friend or hearing a kind word from a stranger. If you have children, go around the dinner table and take turns sharing what you are thankful for as a family. There is no better way to fill your home with gratitude.

Edible Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas And Inspiration

Before you go out and buy a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, consider creating your own edible creation. Both beautiful and delicious, these personalized designs will be the ultimate conversation starter (or snack) for your holiday guests. From custom cabinets to custom centerpieces, Willow Lane Cabinetry has you covered this season.

Fall Harvest Centerpiece

Seasonal produce is so colorful and full of texture. When arranged the right way, your favorite fall harvest can be transformed into a breathtaking centerpiece for your kitchen or dining room table.

This fall harvest centerpiece from DIY Network is a great example of how easy and beautiful an edible centerpiece can be. To recreate this design, start with a large bowl or crate that can be used as the foundation for your centerpiece, then layer leafy greens like kale or swiss chard. Add seasonal produce that captures the classic fall covers, like pumpkins, turnips, and carrots. Use herbs to fill in any gaps and your edible arrangement is complete.

Simple Kale Bouquet

Kale is more than just a superfood — it is also a beautiful leafy green that makes for a gorgeous fall bouquet. And it’s not just green either! Kale comes in many variegated hues.

As you can see in this edible centerpiece from HGTV, you can find kale in rich purple shades and even white. When combined, these leaves create a beautiful bouquet for Thanksgiving dinner. This variation also uses asparagus to add texture and pops of green, but you can incorporate any fall vegetable or plant of your choosing. This bouquet is so unique, your guests will never believe that no flowers were used!

Colored Pasta Centerpiece

It might come as a bit of a surprise that you have the perfect material for a fall centerpiece right in your kitchen pantry cabinet, but dry pasta can be used to make a beautiful and artistic arrangement. All you’ll need is a few different types of pasta and glass or wire containers.

Home Is Where the Boat Is created this colorful centerpiece using a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors of pasta. You probably already have your standard white or whole wheat pasta in your kitchen pantry cabinet. But you can also find red, green, and purple pasta, which is naturally colored by vegetables. These vibrant shades are perfect for fall and can be combined to create a fun centerpiece for your holiday table.

Apple Centerpiece

Another easy and edible fall centerpiece pairs apple and eucalyptus. This sweet arrangement from Design Improvised takes just a few minutes to throw together, yet still looks professionally designed. It truly is foolproof.

All you’ll need is a small pedestal bowl, different sized apples, and some fresh eucalyptus. The best part about this centerpiece is that you get to enjoy one of fall’s most beloved fruits when dinner is over.

Pumpkin Flower Vase

For a semi-edible centerpiece, turn your pumpkin patch picks into flower vases. By simply scooping out the center, you can create a fall vase that is fun and festive.

Follow these directions from Southern Living, which advises putting florist foam inside your pumpkin and keeping it well watered so that your pumpkin vase will last a full week.

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.

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 Streamline Back To School Meals With A Better Organized Kitchen

If you’re responsible for meal time in your home, you know the dedication it takes to keep your family fed. And when school starts, things only get more hectic. From packing lunches to planning dinners, it can be overwhelming to organize a full week of meals. Save some time and avoid last-minute panic with these tips to streamline back to school meals with a better organized kitchen.

Keep things organized with inside cabinet accessories.

What hides behind closed doors can be the secret to successful meals. Have you ever started a recipe only to realize you don’t have the right spices? Or discovered your favorite casserole dish is still at your mother-in-laws right after you’ve prepped all of your ingredients? These kind of blunders are easy to eliminate with the right inside cabinet accessories.

Organize every kitchen pantry cabinet with spice racks and tray dividers and all of your kitchen essentials can be in plain sight. These handy organize comes in all sizes and cover a multitude of needs so that everything in your kitchen can have a proper place. Because of this diversity, they can also be used in your pantry, cabinets, and even your kitchen island.

Food prep for easy weeknight meals.

Last minute decision making can cause stress and often lead to takeout orders and other unhealthy food decisions. Before you do your weekly grocery shopping, plan out the meals you plan to make. By shopping with purpose, you can eliminate the daily stress of wondering, “What’s for dinner?”

It is also helpful to start prepping for the week ahead before it starts. Cleaning berries, roasting vegetables, and boiling staples like rice ahead of time can cut the time it takes to put together snacks and meals throughout the week. Use food storage containers that are designed to keep food fresher longer to reduce spoilage and keep your prepped food delicious for days.

Set up a breakfast bar for busy mornings.

When your family eats breakfast at the kitchen island, you can get more done while worrying less. Having kids nearby while you pack lunches or get ready for your workday can save you precious minutes in the morning – which are worth their weight in gold.

Set up a quick breakfast bar in the morning with juice, cereal, fruit and milk so kids can help themselves — or whip up a smoothie that the whole family can share. Breakfast is easier when you keep this meal time in the kitchen rather than the dining room so you can multi-task and minimize clean up.

Put afternoon snacks in arm’s reach.

Are your kids gunning for food the minute they walk through the front door? After school snack time can keep kids focused and productive for homework and satisfied until dinner. Make afternoon snacking easy by organizing healthy options in the refrigerator and your kitchen pantry cabinet. Choose a shelf that is in arm’s reach so that younger ones can easily reach for items on their own.

Refrigerated options can include carrots with hummus, celery and peanut butter, yogurt with berries, or hard-boiled eggs. Some pantry staples in our home are nuts, trail mix, popcorn, kale chips and single-serve, low-sugar oatmeal cups.

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 you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

How To Preserve Fresh Summer Herbs For Fall And Winter Cooking

When you think of dream kitchens, do you picture families gathered around the table for home-cooked meals and freshly baked desserts cooling on the kitchen island countertop? With the summer season approaching its end and holiday hosting on the horizon, now is the time to think about preserving your fresh summer herbs for fall and winter cooking and baking. Read on to learn how.

Keeping Herbs Fresh In The Fridge

Keep herbs fresh by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and storing them in a plastic container or re-sealable plastic bag. You can also trim the stems and place your herbs in a glass jar filled with water. Cover the top with a plastic baggie to maintain moisture, and store them in the refrigerator. This method works well for long-stemmed herbs like cilantro, rosemary, thyme, chives, and parsley, but it will not work with basil.

Hang Drying

For this tried and true method, tie a handful of herb stems together at the bottom using a bit of string or yarn. Hang these tidy bundles in a warm place inside your home and let them dry for anywhere from a few days to two weeks, depending on humidity and the type of herb you are drying. This method works well for woody herbs like rosemary, oregano and thyme, as well as chives, dill marjoram, tarragon, and sage (a staple in Thanksgiving stuffing recipes). For more tips on air drying herbs from Better Homes and Gardens, click here.

Freeze Drying

For this simple method, line a large baking tray with freezer paper. Remove the leaves from the stems and neatly arrange the leaves on the baking tray in a single layer. Place the tray of herbs in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the herb. Move your herbs to a re-sealable freezer bag, and store your freeze-dried herbs in the freezer for later use. This method is ideal for basil, chives, dill, mint, oregano, sage, tarragon, thyme, and lemongrass.

Herbs can add unmatched flavor to your fall and winter dishes and desserts. Keep your kitchen pantry cabinet spice rack well stocked by trying one of these simple methods, and join the ranks of dream kitchens filled with food and family.

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 you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

How To Design a Charming and Cozy Eat-In Kitchen

While we often talk about open concept kitchens, many families end up eating in the kitchen despite having a dining room. Dream kitchens need functionality as much as flair, so if meal time often happens in your kitchen, your kitchen should be able to accommodate your preference. Here are some tips to help you design a charming and cozy kitchen perfect for eating in.

Build a breakfast bar.

Whether you have an all wood cabinetry kitchen island that could easily double as a breakfast bar or you need to set up a portable island, this extra seating is great for families that like to grab a quick bite before work and school. All you need is some place settings and comfy stools.

Building a breakfast bar also makes your kitchen better prepared for entertaining. When you have guests over, this seating will provide a more comfortable and expansive area for guests to sip and snack. In smaller homes, this can be a huge asset — especially if you host dinners or parties during the holidays.

Set up a two-person or four-person table in your kitchen.

If your kitchen is larger, you can optimize some corner space into a cozy dining nook. A two or four-person table can offer a secondary seating area when you don’t want to eat in the dining room. Depending on the layout of your kitchen, you could also install a built-in bench so that this secondary dining table is also an inviting spot to sit, socialize or read. A dining nook can offer much more than a standard kitchen table.

Alternatively, for those who don’t have an empty corner to convert, you can extend your kitchen island to serve as a table. This is often a good choice in tight spaces, as it creates additional seating while maintaining the existing flow and layout of the kitchen.

Consider high top seating.

Your all wood cabinetry home bar is a beautiful addition to your home, but it’s not the only place you can have high top seating. While a staple in most bars, this seating option also works great in smaller spaces.

Consider adding bar stool seating to your eat-in kitchen if you want to save space and add a little variety to the room. Because of its vertical design, high top seating can sometimes be the perfect solution in tiny eat-in kitchens.

Double down on storage to create more room for seating in your kitchen.

If you feel like your room can’t accommodate an eating space, you may have to get creative with storage solutions. The best dream kitchens have optimized every inch, so that they are clutter free and have plenty of room to live comfortably. If you do install a bench in your cozy corner, add some built in storage. This allows you to utilize the area underneath the bench to tuck away items. A portable island is another great way to add an eating space while also increasing your storage options.

Keeping storage in mind when designing your eat-in kitchen can help you make the most of your space by keeping clutter under control.

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 you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!