Kitchen – Page 5 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

5 Dad-Approved Home Improvements For Father’s Day

When making your summer home renovation checklist, don’t forget dear old Dad! Whether it’s bar cabinets, a TV room man cave, or a gourmet kitchen, steadfast and dependable Willow Lane Cabinetry is here for you with a huge selection of quality products and our free room design service! In honor of Father’s Day, here are five of our favorite Dad-approved home improvement projects.

Ultimate Grill Station

If your Dad is the “Grill Master” of the house, no doubt he will appreciate a grill upgrade for Father’s Day. First, research the best gas grills and grilling accessories. Then, create the ultimate grill station for Dad with a shiny new grill. Finish your new outdoor kitchen by installing frost and water-resistant tile flooring on the back porch.

TV Room Man Cave

If your Dad is a major movie buff or sports fan, be sure to add a TV room man cave to your home renovation checklist. All you need is a big, comfy sofa, a footrest, and a large-screen television nestled between all wood cabinetry. Don’t forget the remote control! This Dad-approved home improvement project is something everyone can cheer for!

Garage Upgrade

If the garage is your Dad’s domain, he will surely approve of this home improvement project. Garage upgrades include an easy to clean epoxy or tile floor, a fresh coat of paint, and pegboard for hanging all of Dad’s tools. Of course, no garage upgrade would be complete with installing all wood cabinetry for added storage.

Home Bar

If the special man in your life is as solid and reliable as all wood cabinetry, why not give him the gift of home bar cabinets? The perfect place to unwind with a Rusty Nail featuring his favorite scotch or a classic Negroni made with top shelf gin, a home bar is the ultimate way to give a toast to Dad and show him how much you appreciate everything he does for the family.

Gourmet Kitchen

If the #1 guy in your life loves to cook for the family, it’s time to give him the gourmet kitchen he deserves, complete with high-end appliances, natural stone countertops, and all wood cabinetry. Let Willow Lane Cabinetry’s team of designers help you bring Dad’s dream kitchen to life with a custom layout, photorealistic renderings, and an itemized list of what you’ll need and what it will cost. Because nothing is too good for dear old Dad!

Happy Father’s Day from Willow Lane Cabinetry!

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!

Potted Plants: The Greenery You Need Above Your Cabinets

Many kitchens have that awkward space above the cabinets that, let’s face it, many of us just aren’t sure what to do with. Do we leave it alone, go crazy with knick-knacks or use it as storage for things we almost never use? One avenue to consider is filling your above-cabinet space with potted plants. This is a fresh and creative way to add a little color and life to your space. Take a look at a few of our favorite ideas.

For Minimal Space

If the space between your cabinets and the ceiling is short, low-light plants are a great option. Tucked just above the cabinets, these plants add a natural and vibrant accent to any space. If you want to add a little more color, think colored pots! Remember to take measurements before you purchase your plants. Another thing to think about when choosing houseplants for your space: consider their future growth. Plants that grow on a vine are an excellent choice for a short space.

Plants for the Non-Green Thumb

You know the type – every year, you try to keep a plant or two alive, and every year, you succumb to the guilt that you killed another one. We’re here to tell you about great (and foolproof) plants for that space above your cabinet – that anyone can keep alive. And they look good, too! Give these a go: Aloe Vera; Aluminum Plant; Chinese Evergreens; White Jasmine; English Ivy; Cast Iron Plant; Spider Plant, and African Spear.

Plants that Clean the Air

If you’d love to detox and purify the air a little, there are countless plants to get the job done. Since we’re thinking above-the-cabinet potted plants, we’re sharing our favorite plants that are low-light, easy-care and beneficial to the air quality of your home: Areca Palm; Philodendron; Dracaena (unless you have pets – these are poisonous to dogs and cats); Weeping Fig; Peace Lily; Rubber Plant; Bamboo Palm, and Snake Plant, to name a few.

Read our other post about air purifying houseplants.

Mix and Match… or Not

One of the best things about potted plants – the pots! They can add color, shape and texture to your space. Don’t worry about matching the pots – pots in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and textures add interest to your plant display. By livening up your potted plants, you can create a fun and fresh effect in the room.

One Last Thought: We recommend placing waterproof trays under your potted plants to reduce the risk of moisture damage and mold to your cabinets.

Complement Your Kitchen Cabinets with the Perfect Backsplash

Want to upgrade the look of your kitchen without doing a complete remodel or having a huge expense? One of the easiest ways to achieve a designer look on a budget is to install a backsplash that complements your kitchen cabinets. Below are a few top tips on how to choose the perfect backsplash for your cabinets.

Material

One rule of thumb when deciding on a backsplash that’s perfect for your kitchen design is to match the material of the tile to the overall style of your kitchen cabinets.

For example, if your cabinets have a more modern feel, you’ll want to avoid a rustic-looking tile and go with a metallic, shiny backsplash, for example. But if your cabinets have a darker stain and are more rustic, choose a backsplash with more of a worn look, such as brick, natural stone or even one with an antique brass finish.

Color

Another important backsplash choice is color – or lack of color. The two primary options that you can’t go wrong with are:

Choosing a neutral tile that harmonizes well with your cabinets, such as the timeless all-white kitchen look with white cabinets and a white subway tile backsplash.
Choosing a tile that adds a bold and contrasting splash of color or a patterned or mosaic design to add a pop of personality to an otherwise neutral space.

Neutral tiles are always a smart choice because they help any kitchen feel more open, clean and spacious. But don’t be afraid to use your backsplash as an opportunity to add more color to your kitchen in an unobtrusive way! Just make sure the color doesn’t clash with your cabinets and the backsplash will bring a welcome touch of style.

Countertops

In addition to complementing your kitchen cabinets, it’s also important that your backsplash complements your countertops. Typically, the busier your countertops are, the more neutral you want your backsplash to be – and vice-versa.

Have a neutral countertop? Then you can play around more with backsplash options and let your backsplash design be a decorative focal point in your kitchen. If your countertops are the star of the room and have dramatic veining or color variation, opt for a solid-colored backsplash that won’t overwhelm it.

Consider New Kitchen Cabinets

If your cabinets are too old and outdated, you might want to consider getting new cabinets along with a new backsplash. The bonus? When shopping for brand new kitchen cabinets, finding the perfect backsplash will be hassle-free!

Need help finding the right backsplash for your kitchen? Or thinking about getting new cabinets along with a backsplash? We offer customized kitchen cabinetry solutions that will help you design your dream kitchen. Get started today by using our free online kitchen room design tool.

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!

Blue Hue Cabinets: Ideas to Inspire

If you’re looking for cabinets in a color that pops but isn’t overpowering, you’ll want to check out the array of blue hue cabinets that are available. Bolder than traditional white and wood cabinets, but not so showy that they take away from the rest of the kitchen decor, blue cabinets provide the perfect design balance.

You can go bold with a deep navy blue for a sophisticated look, choose a coastal blue for a more soothing, seaside vibe, or opt for something in between. Whatever your style preference is, you’ll find a blue hue that will create the look and feel you want in your kitchen.

Get inspired with these ideas for incorporating blue cabinets into your kitchen.

Blue Shaker Cabinets

Shaker cabinets are a versatile style that works in both traditional and contemporary homes. If you love the look of Shaker, you’ll love how it looks in a light, happy shade of blue. Blue shaker cabinets will transform your kitchen into a space that feels fresh, uplifting and timeless.

Two-Tone Cabinets

Two-tone cabinets provide a modern look and create a unique style. Choose one shade of blue for your top cabinets and another, complementary shade of blue for your bottom cabinets.

One eye-catching combination is minty blue upper cabinets paired with navy blue lower cabinets.

Top or Bottom Blue Cabinets

If you want to incorporate blue hue cabinets into your kitchen but don’t want to go with all blue cabinets, you can opt to use blue for half of your cabinets – either the upper portion or bottom portion – and go with white for the other half.

Aqua blue top cabinets create an artistic vibe that doesn’t take over the kitchen and enables you to maintain a streamlined look. For bottom cabinets, navy is a smart choice that provides an elegant look and feel, especially when paired with marble counters.

Blue Kitchen Island

If you love an all-white kitchen but want to break up the look with a touch of color, consider adding a blue kitchen island. This design option allows you to incorporate just enough blue to make a difference in the overall look and feel of your kitchen, without having to make a huge commitment to the color.

Turquoise Cabinets

If you’re more daring and aren’t afraid to commit to full colored cabinets in a bright blue color, turquoise kitchen cabinets may be a great option for you. Both fun and sophisticated, turquoise cabinets will instantly give new life to your kitchen and create an upbeat, vibrant mood.

No matter which shade of blue cabinets you choose and what type of design you ultimately go with, when you incorporate blue hue cabinets you can be sure your kitchen will have a distinct look and feel that you love.

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.

What You Need to Know to Build a Custom Kitchen

Building a custom kitchen can be overwhelming, especially figuring out which storage and layout options will best meet your vision, lifestyle and budget.

Since the kitchen is one of the most highly used rooms in the home, it’s critical to design a functional layout that maximizes the space you have available and enables you to work as efficiently as possible, helping your day-to-day kitchen activities run smoothly.

Decide How Your Kitchen Will Be Used

Before beginning the design process, you’ll need to identify how your kitchen is going to be used, both daily and on special occasions. Knowing this will save you from having regrets later because it will determine how your kitchen layout needs to flow and what different work areas are essential for you.

Five of the most common work areas in home kitchens are:

• The pantry area (this includes the refrigerator and other food storage spaces)
• Storage for appliances, cookware and utensils
• The cooking area (the stove and oven)
• The prep area
• The sink/cleaning area

The working triangle is a concept that says the refrigerator (part of the pantry area), stove (cooking area) and sink (cleaning area) should all be in a triangle arrangement for the most efficient kitchen set up. Keep this concept in mind when designing your custom kitchen. If possible, it’s best that these areas are neither too close together, nor too far apart.

How to Choose a Kitchen Layout

Once you’ve determined the main purpose your kitchen serves and have identified the work areas you’ll need based on that, you’ll want to figure out which layout option makes the most sense. The layout you end up with will depend on various factors, including how you’ll be using your kitchen, the amount of traffic going through the room on any given day and, of course, the space you have available. Three of the most common types of kitchen layouts are:

• Linear (two parallel lines)
• L-shaped
• U-shaped

You’ll need to assess how the different flows of movement that take place in your kitchen (by you and others) will work in relation to each of these layouts. Go with the layout that allows for the smoothest flow of movement among your kitchen work areas, especially the working triangle.

Importance of Custom Kitchen Cabinets for a New Kitchen

You’ll want to utilize as much space as possible when building your custom kitchen and one of the best ways to do this is to install custom kitchen cabinets. When you invest in custom cabinets, you’ll be able to design the specific type of storage space you need for your kitchen tools, appliances, dishware, bakeware and other items. You’ll also be able to maximize every possible inch of space in your kitchen, eliminating awkward, unused areas.

For example, if you bake frequently and have a lot of cookie sheets, muffin tins, cooling racks and other large items that don’t easily fit (or fit at all) into regular cabinets, you can have a section of your custom cabinets designed to neatly contain these items and enable you to easily access them, too.

Bottom Line: Your Kitchen Needs to Work for You

We know there’s a lot to consider when building a custom kitchen. To avoid getting overwhelmed with the numerous options available and ensure your new kitchen will work for you, start by making a list of what is currently working in your kitchen and what isn’t. This list can then be broken down into must-haves and nice-to-haves for your new kitchen, allowing you to prioritize what’s most important to you.