Kitchen – Page 7 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

Best Pantry Storage Ideas

The pantry is one spot in the home that can go from super organized to a complete mess very quickly if you don’t have the right storage systems and organizational tools in place.

Streamline your pantry organization system with the storage ideas below and it will be easy to keep your pantry neat and tidy at all times. Say goodbye to a cluttered, inefficient pantry for good!

#1: Clear Storage Containers

One of the top recommendations we have for creating an organized pantry that is streamlined and efficient is using clear storage containers. Transferring items like flour, sugar, dried beans, nuts, seeds and small snacks to matching glass jars gives your pantry a visually appealing, uniform look. And it helps you to quickly find and grab exactly what you need without rummaging through various opened boxes and bags! If you want to go the extra mile, label your jars so there’s no chance of mistaking one item for another. It will make it that much quicker for you to find exactly what you need.

For items that you can’t transfer to a container, such as canned goods, nut butters and boxes of crackers, group similar items together and store them in such a way that you can easily see the label on the box to identify what it contains.

#2: Use the Inside of Your Pantry Door

Just like we’re fans of using the inside of your kitchen cabinets for getting extra storage space, we also love using the inside of your pantry door to create additional storage. No matter the size of your pantry, utilizing this space is a great idea. It’s especially useful for storing light items you use daily and need quick, easy access to, such as spices, boxes of aluminum foil and saran wrap and freezer and snack bags. Check out our door mount spice rack and vertical door rack for some options.

#3: Install Open Shelving

Open shelves are always useful and are highly recommended for a small, narrow pantry. To keep your shelves orderly, functional and aesthetically pleasing, use matching jars, baskets and bins to hold your items. When possible, get clear storage containers, as discussed in the first suggestion above.

#4: Portable Kitchen Cart/Island

If you have a very small pantry, a portable kitchen cart/island is a great way to get the extra pantry space you need. Move items that you use most often to the cart and you’ll free up more space in your pantry for less frequently used items.

Don’t have a pantry or any extra space to create a pantry area? No need to be discouraged! A portable kitchen cart/island on its own can hold your most essential pantry items and keep them well-organized to boot.

How to Know When it’s Time for New Kitchen Cabinets

Wondering if you can still get by with your existing kitchen cabinets or if it’s time to say goodbye and replace them? While it’s normal for cabinets to eventually lose their luster and start showing signs of wear and tear, it’s important to know the surefire signs that signal a replacement may be necessary.

Below are the top 3 signs that you need new cabinets and, perhaps surprisingly, only the first one has to do with the physical integrity of the cabinets.

#1: Damage or Compromised Durability

If your cabinets are broken beyond repair, for example, with large cracks or dents, it’s probably time to replace them. Additionally, cabinets with water damage will most likely require replacement. Sometimes water damage can be fixed, but if your cabinets show the following signs of more serious water damage, it’s advisable to replace them:

Wood has begun to warp
Cabinets don’t open or close properly
Cabinets are bubbling up (whether on the inside, outside or both)
Wood has started to darken or change color
There are signs of mold

#2: Outdated Style

We all know that some kitchen design trends can quickly come and go. Although cabinet styles tend to stay “in” longer, if you’ve had your cabinets for several years, there’s a good chance that they’re not in style anymore.

When researching new cabinets, a classic look similar to that offered by Shaker kitchen cabinets is always a great option. Timeless cabinet designs will serve you well for many years and are extremely versatile, complementing a wide array of kitchen décor and design schemes.

#3: Inefficient Functionality

Even if your cabinets are in decent shape and are still in style, if the overall function doesn’t work for you and the layout isn’t efficient, you have a great reason to consider new cabinets.

Too much time is spent in the kitchen to suffer with a frustrating cabinet layout that isn’t conducive to performing kitchen tasks as easily and efficiently as possible. You’ll also want to have cabinets that are designed to optimize storage, which will save you precious time (and your sanity) on a daily basis.

Work with one of our professional kitchen designers to discuss your needs. We’d love to create a free online customized kitchen design that matches your vision for your ideal kitchen cabinets!

7 Lovely Ways To Add Color In The Kitchen

Since the kitchen is heart of the home, shouldn’t it be a cheerful and inviting space? It’s true that neutral hues are always a safe bet, and white kitchen cabinets are eternally popular. But that doesn’t mean you have to live in a beige box to keep things classy. With spring on the horizon, now is the time to start sprucing up your home with tasteful pops of color. Here are a few brilliant ideas to help get you started.

Color Outside The Lines

You can’t help but be happy when surrounded by pretty pastels. Opting for a colorful finish on kitchen cabinets is unexpected, and can offer uniquely stunning results. Think neutral tones like Sage, Tidewater, and shades of gray, for a subtle hint of color without overwhelming or dating your space.

Take A Tip From Mother Nature

The simple act of looking out your window can be all the decorating inspiration you need. Bring a bit of natural beauty into your kitchen by adding earthy elements like reclaimed wood, freshly cut flowers, bowls of bright citrus fruit, pots of fresh culinary herbs, and indoor houseplants.

Make A Splash

Sometimes a small addition can make a huge splash. Kitchen backsplashes are an easy way to complete your kitchen update with style and color. Willow Lane Cabinetry carries Cristezza Club Glass Tile in a rainbow of colors, including Slate and Baby Blue, Teal, Light Olive, Grey, and Red, to name a few.

Wow With Your Walls

Simply painting your walls can elevate your space, and it is by far the most inexpensive way to add color to your kitchen. Choose a hue that compliments your cabinetry, or add a colorful accent wall with wallpaper. No longer stuck in the 1980s, wallpaper is seeing a resurgence as of late, with subtle geometric patterns, botanicals, and faux marble leading the trend in 2018.

Add Artistic Appliances

While stainless steel appliances reign, today’s market also features a fun variety of colorful dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, and ranges for daring homeowners, manufactured by reliable brands. We’re not talking Avocado Green, Harvest Gold, or Bisque from decades past. Instead, color choices include pretty shades of blue, red, orange and yellow.

Don’t Forget The Details

Like their larger cousins, small appliances like toasters, coffee makers, and blenders all come in a wide selection of kitschy colors with retro flare. You can also add hints of color with area rugs, valances, artwork, dishes, and table linens.

Express Yourself

Nobody said your furniture had to be boring. Go bold by pairing colorful, painted wood chairs with a farmhouse table, or enameled barstools with upholstered seats in a matching fabric print that pulls from the colors of the room.

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!

5 Terms To Know When Shopping For A New Kitchen Sink

You’d think buying a new sink would be a simple step in your kitchen renovation, but you’d be surprised. With a lot of unfamiliar terms and measurements you never knew existed, navigating kitchen sinks can be quite the conundrum. Here we share five things that will help clarify your kitchen sink confusion.

#1. Installation Type

There are a few different installations you can do when it comes to kitchen sinks.

Apron front sinks (also known as farmhouse style) require a wider sink cabinet and one that can accommodate its exposed front.

Topmount is a drop in style sink that is installed over the countertop. The edges of the sink will be fully visible, and there will be a clear divide between the sink and countertop.

Undermount refers to installing the sink beneath the countertop to create a straight drop from the countertop to the sink. This is a sleek choice, with little to no reveal.

#2. Single Bowl or Double Bowl

There are pros and cons to both single and double bowl kitchen sinks, so it really comes down to the size of your sink base cabinet and your personal preferences.

Single bowl sinks can accommodate larger items like pots and pans. You will have more options when it comes to sizes and faucet placement, and they are typically less expensive.

Double bowl sinks offer more versatility when it comes to food preparation, and washing and drying dishes — think rinsing veggies in one side and dirty dishes in the other. But it may be more difficult to find the perfect size for your kitchen, and you will have limited options in regards to installing your faucet.

#3. Sink Material

Choose a sink material based on the look you love and the durability you seek.

Stainless steel is a popular choice because it easy to clean and maintain, and provides a durable material for kitchen sinks at an affordable price point. It keeps a consistent look over time, and a brushed satin finish will help hide any scratches. Stainless steel works with any style kitchen, and is especially in sync with contemporary kitchen designs.

Granite composite is another excellent contemporary option with style and durability. Astragranite from Willow Lane Cabinetry is comprised of 80% Quartzite and 20% Acrylic. Silver ions are added to the sink during the manufacturing process and kill 99% of bacteria on contact. It comes in a variety of sizes, styles and colors, is scratch resistant and can resist heat up to 550 degrees.

With copper, you get a unique look that changes over time and nicely complements country, rustic and transitional kitchen designs. It has antibacterial properties, so it provides an ideal environment for washing food and dishes. Copper takes a little more care than other options, but it’s well worth it for that gorgeous natural patina.

#4. Sink Thickness

If shopping for a stainless steel sink, another number you will want to be familiar with is the thickness. You will find 16, 18 and 20-gauge stainless steel sinks. The lower the gauge, the better the stainless steel is — in other words, a 16-gauge sink is thicker than a 20-gauge sink. The most popular thickness is an 18-gauge sink, which is easy to find and considered a good thickness for kitchen use.

#5. Number Of Faucet Holes

If you’re replacing an existing kitchen sink, you can simply look under the sink to see how many holes your mounting plate covers. If it has three, get a new faucet with three holes as well. This will be the easiest option. If you are building new or completely remodeling your kitchen, the choice is yours!

6 Simple Ways To Go Green In The Kitchen

The concept of green living has increasingly grown in popularity over the past few years, and while trends come and go, this one is likely here to stay – and for good reason! Making a few basic changes at home can help save money and energy, which is good for both you and the environment. From kitchen hoods that improve indoor air quality, to Low or No-VOC paint, here are six simple ways to go green in the kitchen.

Improve Air Quality With A Range Hood

Most homeowners spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and proper ventilation is a must. The best way to improve indoor air quality in the kitchen is through the use of a kitchen hood, especially one that vents to the outside.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “The most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place.” About 95 percent of the food we throw away ends up in landfills. But with a little planning and prep work, you can reduce your amount of wasted food.

Make a weekly grocery list with meals in mind, and stick to it. Check your refrigerator and pantry first, to see what you already have. Don’t buy more than you need, prepare perishables in a timely manner, and properly store your grocery items to maintain maximum freshness.

Don’t let leftovers sit around for too long. Instead, immediately freeze them, or repurpose items for a second meal later in the week. Recycle glass, plastic and cardboard packaging in a pullout waste container conveniently located in the kitchen, and consider composting food scraps as well.

Opt For Energy-Saving Appliances

When purchasing new appliances, like refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens, look for the Energy Star label. Most are 10 percent to 50 percent more efficient than standard models, which can help homeowners save money on energy bills.

Choose Your Countertops And Floors Wisely

When remodeling your kitchen, you’ll find a variety of flooring and countertop options made from natural, recycled materials, such as engineered stone, cork, bamboo, or linoleum. These options are durable, easy to clean, and come in a large selection of styles and colors.

Stick With LED Lighting

LED lighting is energy-efficient, and has a longer lifespan than incandescent or florescent bulbs. Save even more by installing dimmer switches, and motion sensors that automatically turn light on and off as needed.

Use Low or No-VOC Paint On Walls

Typical household paints are traditionally filled with potentially harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. When the paint dries, VOCs are released into the air, where they react with other elements to produce ozone. This can lead to air pollution and health issues, such as headaches, respiratory problems, and nausea. Thankfully, Low or No-VOC paint is now widely available at your local paint or hardware store.