Interior Design Tips For Adding Visual Warmth To A Cold Bathroom

It’s the middle of winter and your cozy bathroom suddenly reminds you of the chilly outdoors. Whether it’s a lack of color, cold tile, or an overall yearning for summer, you’ve decided it’s definitely time to heat things up. Read on to discover five interior design tips that will help you add visual warmth to a cold bathroom.

Swap out some of those white and bright elements. When it’s summer, the idea of a monotonously white bathroom seems sunny. Crisp, clean, all-white bathroom cabinets? Yes, please! But when the temperature drops to freezing, your color scheme might start resembling a snowstorm more than a day at the beach.

If your color scheme is giving you icy vibes, switch out some of the white elements, so that your bathroom can transition more seamlessly with the seasons. For instance, white vanities can be replaced with ivory, gray or khaki bathroom cabinets to maintain that neutral look but gain a little warmth.

Welcome in the color.

If your bathroom is lacking color, that could be the cause of its cold demeanor. The easiest way to change that is by adding color to the walls with paint, wallpaper or a backsplash. This quick addition can have a great impact on the overall feel of the room, and help you add some much needed warmth. Click here to learn about the top interior paint colors of 2019.

Add a big, fluffy rug to offset the overwhelming amount of tile.

If your floors aren’t heated, the thought of tile might put a chill down your spine. This time of year, walking barefoot in your bathroom just isn’t an option. To keep feet warm and add some cozy layers to your bathroom, consider adding a large rug to the room. When we think of bathroom carpets, we tend to gravitate towards the standard bathroom mat. While functional when exiting the shower and bath or standing at the sink, they don’t provide much in terms of visual warmth. Replace individual bathroom mats with one larger rug that runs down the center of your bathroom floor.

Incorporate natural accents to melt away any frostiness.

If your bathroom feels icy and distant rather than warm and inviting, Mother Nature can give your bathroom some heart. From solid wood cabinetry with a natural finish to natural stone flooring and countertops, there are plenty of permanent additions you can incorporate into your bathroom.

Greenery can also bring down the chill factor in a cold bathroom. Consider using potted plants as décor, hanging eucalyptus in the shower, or creating a living accent wall. If fresh plants are too high maintenance for you, good artificial alternatives can create the same visual effect without the extra work.

Rethink bathroom lighting.

Bathroom lighting doesn’t have to be over the top and bright as can be. If your bathroom lighting is harsh and drastic, grab inspiration from your living and dining room. In these rooms, we tend to rely on subtler lighting in the form of chandeliers and pendants. These varieties of lighting have a softer effect and can also make the room feel more like home. A few well-placed candles can also help you create a warmer ambiance.

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 solid 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!

Shared Spaces: How To Design A Home Office Built For Two

What could be better than having your own home office space? How about sharing that space with someone you love? When it comes to dual working arrangements, being in close proximity doesn’t have to mean being too close for comfort. Here, we’ll discuss how to design a home office built for two, complete with enough office cabinets and functional features to keep you both productive and organized.

Office Cabinets Galore

When designing a home office to share, having enough storage space is vital. Office cabinets help to cut down on desk clutter, and should allow each of you to stay better organized and on task. Select a solid wood cabinetry style and finish that compliments the rest of your home. And be sure to add functional touches, like open shelving for Wi-Fi routers, paper and printers, and other necessities. If square footage is tight, install wall cabinets that take advantage of the vertical real estate you have.

Dynamic Desk Duos

If you have two open walls, adding a desk to your office cabinet design is a smart way to save space — whether it’s side-by-side in an L shape, or across from each other on opposite walls. Another option would be to purchase a table and place it in the center of the room with facing chairs. Make sure the table is deep enough to accommodate two computers, task lamps, and anything else you both might need to get the job done. Take available space into consideration, as well as work styles, before making a decision. Side by side, or facing desks, encourage interaction and collaboration of ideas, while placing desks on opposite walls allows for more privacy.

A Matching Set

The last thing you and your working partner wants is to fight over who gets the comfortable chair. Mismatched furniture also disrupts the overall aesthetic of the room, creating visual clutter that will only add to the tension. When shopping for chairs, select a comfortable style you can both agree upon and buy two. Here are a few features to look for:

Ergonomical design
Lower back support
Head support
Armrests
Height adjustable (to fit individual proportions)

Working from home has its perks, but it certainly can get lonely. If the thought of spending time working alongside a loved one sounds ideal, sharing a home office may just make the workday a little brighter — as long as you design a comfortable space with both your needs in mind. Take advantage of Willow Lane Cabinetry’s free room design service, and let us help you design a beautiful home office built for two.

5 Winning Ways To Get Your Home Game Day Ready

Any sports fan knows if you can’t be in Atlanta on February 3^rd, the next best place to watch the Super Bowl is in your living room. With no crowds, no one blocking your view, and all of your favorite snacks just a few steps away, the day couldn’t be better except with a big win from your team. Get your home Game Day ready with these tips, and invite family and friends over to cheer alongside you.

Stock your bar cabinets with the staples.

Super Bowl Sunday should be low maintenance, so set your bar up to be a self-serve station by stocking a few staples. Have vodka, rum and whiskey along with the classic mixers like club soda, tonic, coke, orange juice and cranberry juice. Throw champagne in the mix if you want mimosas on the menu—and obviously plenty of beer. You can use a drink calculator if you want to determine how much alcohol you should have in your bar cabinets, or go with the average estimate of three drinks per person every two hours. This guide also helps.

Get creative with your cooler.

Instead of the standard bucket of ice, keep drinks cold in a more creative way. You can order an inflatable football field or goal post cooler for some functional décor. Or for an easy DIY option, simply spruce up the exterior of a metal beverage tub with some football-themed decorations.

Keep the menu filling and bite-sized.

The Super Bowl lasts about four hours—and real sports fans will arrive early—so having plenty of food and snacks is the key to satisfied guests. Instead of light options like chips and dips that never seem to make you full, opt for a fiber and protein packed menu. Think lean meats like chicken, turkey, or fish and lots of veggies. You also want food options that are easy to eat, so finger-foods and bite size appetizers for the win.

Here’s a sample menu that checks all of the boxes:

Chicken wings served with celery and Greek Yogurt Onion Dip
Loaded nachos layered with turkey chili, Cheddar cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and jalapeños
Pigs in a blanket made with sausage or hot dogs
Hummus and crudités
Mozzarella Sticks
Homemade Pizza Poppers
Buffalo Chicken Dip and crackers

Make sure there’s plenty of prime seating.

Good food means your guests won’t get “hangry,” but if they can’t see the screen, a whole other type of fury will rise. Layer seating in front of your TV room cabinets by placing the lowest seating options first, such as beanbag chairs and picnic blankets. Place high bar stools behind the couch to create additional seating that won’t block anyone’s view. If the television sits low on your entertainment center, you might want to add a second TV set in your kitchen or dining room, depending on how many guests you’re hosting.

Keep things light with games.

Some sports fans can get heated when watching their team play, so have some games of your own ready to keep things light. You can find free printables online that are designed around the game itself or commercials. Guests can channel their competitiveness in a friendlier manner, and non-football fans can get involved even if they’re not super familiar with the sport itself.

How To Design A Dreamy, Romantic Kitchen

Is the way to your heart through your stomach? Celebrate your favorite indulgence with a kitchen as dreamy and romantic as your love for food. Filled with inviting elements and heart-warming features, these design tips are sure to make you fall in love on Valentine’s Day or any other day of the year.

And if you need help putting together your dreamy, romantic kitchen, remember we are just a click or call away. Send us your information and we’ll have one of our designers contact you to get started with your free kitchen design.

In the meantime, here are a few of our favorite ways to transform your kitchen into a fairy-tale dream come true.

Hang a Chandelier.

There’s nothing more captivating and charming than a chandelier. Give your kitchen a splash of sparkle and shine by hanging this decorative light fixture in the center of the room. If you have an open concept kitchen, that might be above your dining room table or kitchen island. Find a place where overhead lighting is functional — but also where you want to make a statement. A chandelier is definitely eye-catching, so you want people looking somewhere special.

Add some Old-World charm.

If your idea of romance is that classic, coveted love, add some traditional elements to hone in on that nostalgic vision. Dark espresso cabinets embody that Old-World charm, and can help you create the chivalrous and idyllic image from your favorite love stories.

If your romantic utopia is tender and poetic, a light, airy kitchen may better encompass your dream. Antique white cabinets can perfectly represent the excitement of new love and serve as the foundation for a whimsical design.

Shop all of the options from Willow Lane Cabinetry to find the missing piece to your fairytale renovation.

Choose curves instead of harsh corners.

If the utilitarian vibe of your kitchen is taking away all of the fun and flirt, try to soften the edges. A circular kitchen island countertop or curved light fixture can create a flow in the room that reminds you of welcoming arms.

Stock your kitchen with items that spark a fire inside of you.

Bring joy into the kitchen by including the things you are most passionate about. If you love to cook, make sure you have the tools and appliances you need to express your inner chef. If a glass of wine is what helps you wind down, incorporate a wine rack or cooler into your solid wood cabinetry. Knowing your kitchen is ready for you to create, gather, and enjoy will make it instantly more appealing to you.

Be ravishing in red.

Red is the color of passion and including it in your kitchen is a sure way to turn on the heat. From solid wood cabinetry with warm red undertones to red brick accents, homeowners have many options for adding a splash of romance to their kitchen design.

Fresh flowers for the win.

Nothing says I love you like a bouquet of fresh flowers. Turn this special occasion into a staple in your dream kitchen. Decorate your countertops or dining room table with a beautiful vase that will encourage you to keep flowers in the kitchen all year long.

5 Style Ideas For A Sophisticated TV Room

You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to have a stylish and sophisticated TV room. We tend to think of the TV room as a family room or rec room, an area of the home that lacks cohesiveness and order. That doesn’t have to be so. By implementing a few of these style ideas and organization hacks you can create a space that’s as eye catching as it is comfortable.

Install an entertainment center to bring order to your technological madness.

There’s a lot more in a TV room that just a TV these days. If your home is like most homes, you have more gadgets than you know what to do with. Cable boxes, DVD players, game consoles, Wi-Fi routers… and Alexa. Even the best TV stand would get overwhelmed with the modern madness that is technology. Simplify your clutter by installing a custom entertainment center from Willow Lane Cabinetry. Featuring solid wood cabinetry and the perfect amount of shelves and spaces to accommodate all of your things, you’ll no longer have to apologize for the mess.

Turn your favorite reading material into stylish décor.

If your coffee table is stacked with magazines and books, it’s time to take things to the wall. With a few fashionable bookends, your favorite reading material can transform into stylish décor on your shelves. Balance books with other pieces like picture frames, pottery, plants, signs or word décor, and art. By blending the things you actually use with things that look pretty, you can create stylish shelves that also keep you organized.

Functional furniture can elevate the look of a room and make clean up a breeze.

Place a console table behind your couch or a buffet table along a wall to give the room more structure. Having a few empty drawers on hand also helps when you need to do a quick sweep of the room and there’s more than a few toys on the floor. Ottomans that double as storage are another functional furniture solution that works great in TV rooms.

Add additional seating to accommodate guests and make the room more “grown up.”

It’s incredible what two accent chairs can do for a TV room. It suddenly becomes a place for adults and no longer just a casual spot for kids. Add some accent chairs to your TV room that complement the color scheme but are still comfortable to sit in. Remember, the goal is sophisticated not stuffy, so you never want to add something to the TV room that you don’t see yourself regularly using.

Wall art makes a statement. What do your walls say?

If your TV room has a lot of family photos, wall art could make the space feel a little more refined. Find some pieces that complement the finish of your solid wood cabinetry and help carry the theme of the room. If you like the look of family photos in the TV room, a custom gallery wall could have a similar affect in making the room look more elegant.

Have A Shiny New Year With Shimmering Backsplash Tile

For a truly shiny New Year, why not consider installing a backsplash of frosty, shimmering tile in 2019? Whether it’s an elegant shower surround in a master bath, a fireplace surround in a TV room, or a stunning accent wall in an open concept kitchen, Willow Lane Cabinetry has a large selection of glass and natural stone backsplash tile to compliment our stunning, solid wood cabinetry. Here are just a few of our glistening favorites.

Arctic Ice Glass

Arctic Ice Glass Subway Tile is absolutely elegant, made from crystalline, icy white glass with a slightly transparent background. Sized in the classic 2” x 4” subway tile format, this subtle, sparkling tile is easy to install and easy to keep clean, which makes it an ideal choice for an open concept kitchen or large master bath. As pretty as freshly fallen snow!

Frosted Icicle Glass Subway Tile

Frosted Icicle Glass Subway Tile features a white crackled glass finish with high sheen, creating a stunning, light reflecting backsplash for your kitchen or bath. Suitable for a wide array of design projects including countertops, accent walls, showers, and backsplashes, this 3″ x 9″ glossy glass tile pairs beautifully with our solid wood cabinetry finishes. Best of all, it’s neutral enough to complement a variety of design styles, from traditional to modern.

Metallic Gray Glass Subway Tile

These handcrafted, glazed ceramic tiles have modern flair, thanks to their crystalized, mid-tone gray hue. The glossy, high sheen finish reflects light throughout the room, adding visual interest and providing a soothing backdrop to a contemporary TV room or master bath. Pair 4” x 12” Metallic Gray Glass Subway Tile with brilliant white solid wood cabinetry for the contemporary, high-contrast style that’s trending in 2019.

Metallic Gray

Subtle hints of silver and slight variations in tone compliment the deep gray color of our 3” x 6” Metallic Gray Subway Tile. With a glossy smooth, crystallized finish and a fine metallic shimmer, these versatile glass tiles create a sophisticated backdrop in the home, with understated appeal. At 8 mm thick, they are ideal for any number of residential projects, from the walls in an open concept kitchen to the floors of a modern master bath.

Chapagne Bevel

Our 2” x 6” Champagne Bevel Subway Glass Tile has a warm brown tone and beveled edges that add depth and character. These beautiful, light-reflecting tiles are mesh-backed, allowing for easy installation as a kitchen backsplash, garden tub surround, and even a fireplace wall. They are also completely frost resistant for outdoor applications. Take advantage of our free room design service to see just how lovely they will look in your home.

Have a happy, shiny New Year from Willow Lane Cabinetry!

Holiday Cheers: 4 Festive Punch Ideas

It’s time to spruce up your bar cabinets for the holidays, and punch is always a party favorite. With a signature drink on hand, your party can flow smoothly — no bartender needed.

From seasonal spirits to jolly libations, we’re sharing some of the most festive twists on classic punch. Keep reading to find the perfect variation for your next holiday party and be sure to make extras.

Jingle Juice

This is a truly hands-off holiday punch that takes just five minutes to prepare. Best of all, you’ll find many of the ingredients already in your bar cabinets. It doesn’t hurt that it also looks the part and tastes delicious. Made with tart cranberry juice and sweet Moscato wine, it has the perfect balance of flavors and features all the festive colors. Whip up this bright red beverage in a large bowl and let guests serve themselves with a ladle.

Ingredients (for 10 servings):

4 cups cran-apple juice

2 bottles red Moscato

1 bottle Prosecco

½ Cup Vodka

2 cups frozen cranberries

1/3 cup mint leaves

½ cup sugar (optional for rimming glasses)

2 limes (sliced into rounds)

Full recipe on Delish.

Cinnamon Citrus Punch

This holiday punch is packed with cinnamon, but unlike eggnog and other seasonal drinks, it is light and refreshing. But don’t let the fruity ingredients fool you. Citrus juice pairs with brandy in this festive cocktail that packs a kick. Mix up the ingredients and serve it in a pitcher for a serve-yourself option at any type of holiday function. Combine the orange reduction and punch and spike with Grand Marnier or Cognac. For easy serving, pre-assemble glasses with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.

Ingredients (for 2 quarts):

Orange Reduction

2 ¼ cups fresh orange juice

Strips of zest from 2 navel oranges

3 cinnamon sticks (broken into pieces)

Punch

3 cups fresh orange juice

2 cups fresh red grapefruit juice

1 tablespoon grenadine syrup

2 ½ cups (20 ounces) cold grapefruit soda

Orange slices and cinnamon sticks (optional for garnish)

Full recipe on Food & Wine.

Christmosas

The traditional mimosa gets a holiday makeover with Granny Smith apples and cranberries. With fresh ingredients and your favorite sparkling wine, this bubbly beverage will be a hit from morning to night. Prep this punch for your holiday brunch or New Year’s Eve party — this mimosa can be enjoyed all day long.

Ingredients (for 8 servings):

2 Granny Smith apples (chopped)

1 cup whole fresh cranberries

1 cup green grapes (halved)

1 cup pomegranate seeds

1 cup sparkling grape juice

1 bottle either Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava

Full recipe on Delish.

Red Wine Hot Chocolate

For an after dinner treat, whip up this decadent drink. Made with two of our favorite things (red wine and chocolate) it makes for a delicious beverage to enjoy on a chilly winter night. To make Red Wine Hot Chocolate all you need is milk, red wine, and chocolate chunks. Simply whisk your milk and chocolate chunks over medium heat until you reach a creamy consistency. Then pour in the red wine and heat in the pan until the mixture becomes hot.

Ingredients (for 2 mugs):

1 ½ cup milk

1 cup red wine

1/3 cup dark chocolate chunks

Full recipe on Imma Eat That.

The Top Interior Paint Colors Of 2019

With the New Year comes new interior design trends and stunning paint colors to update any room. If you dream of designing an open concept kitchen, master bath, or home office that’s right on point, read on to see what the paint experts are predicting as the top interior colors for 2019.

Metropolitan by Benjamin Moore

This stylish, serene, soft gray epitomizes modern sophistication, with cool undertones and just a hint of beige. Metropolitan, Benjamin Moore’s 2019 Color of the Year, is neutral enough to compliment any solid wood cabinetry finish, from rich brown Cobblestone in an open concept kitchen to creamy Roosevelt white in a home office. Other color trends for 2019 by Benjamin Moore include a palette of Soft Fern, Kona, Black Pepper, Hale Navy, and Hunter Green.

Cavern Clay by Sherwin Williams

The Sherwin Williams Color of the Year for 2019 is Cavern Clay, a warm terracotta hue that creates a contemporary ascetic in the home. Inspired by both the American Southwest and Mid-Century Modern style, this earthy interior color is warm and inviting, casual yet refined. Use it in the TV room, or pair it with a natural stone backsplash, dark cabinetry, and a copper kitchen sink for an open concept kitchen that wows.

Blueprint by Behr

Perfect for traditional, transitional, and contemporary homes, Behr’s Color of the Year for 2019 is a gorgeous, versatile blue that works equally well in a TV room, bathroom, or bedroom. Soothing and down to earth, Blueprint was inspired and named after the blueprints used by architects when designing homes. The anchor in a trends palette that includes earth tones, pastels, and jewel tones, Blueprint would look stunning paired with medium brown or crisp white solid wood cabinetry.

Metropolis Lilac by Valspar

Why pick one color when you can pick one for each month of the year? Valspar starts off 2019 with Metropolis Lilac in January, an immersive and bold purple tone that is sure to energize any space, from your laundry room to your dining room. Eleven more vibrant and exciting colors follow consecutively, including and Angelic Blue, Spring Squash, Blushing Bride, and Orange Slice.

Garden Patch By Dutch Boy

Dutch Boy’s Color of the Year for 2019 is Garden Patch, a nostalgic green hue inspired by nature. Warm, calming and botanical, Garden Patch an add a pop of soft, neutral color to any room design, and looks lovely with most any solid wood cabinetry or flooring finish from light to dark.

7 Home Trends Of the Past Making A Comeback In 2019

As the year is coming to a close, we’re feeling nostalgic for some of our favorite interior design trends of the past. Thankfully, these seven are back in style and right on point for 2019.

Shag Rugs

No longer a wall-to-wall relic of the 1970s, today’s shag is ideal for area rugs in the dining or TV room. Shag has a deep pile and is named for it’s uniquely shaggy appearance. Thanks to its rising popularity, shag area rugs can be found in a variety of colors and patterns to fit any décor.

Tulip Tables

You will get a sentimental feeling when you see Tulip Tables gracing magazine covers in the New Year. One of the most iconic designs of the Modernist movement of the mid 20^th century, this kitchen classic features a flower-like pedestal base, with a thin, round or oval top. The slim profile makes Tulip Tables a nice choice for small kitchens with a contemporary or transitional aesthetic.

Wet Bars

Once relegated to finished basements, the wet bar is fast becoming a stunning addition to an open concept kitchen designed for entertaining. These gorgeous bar cabinets should coordinate with your kitchen cabinetry, and feature a sink for rinsing out glasses and preparing mixed drinks for guests.

Shearling / Sherpa

Oh so cozy and perfect for the cold winter months, Shearling (along with it’s synthetic counterpart Sherpa) has been seeing a resurgence as of late. Whether you choose faux or the real deal, this soft material can be found in throw blankets and even upholstered furniture pieces.

Wicker / Rattan

Popular in the 1980s and 90s, wicker and rattan furniture is back on the radar and fresher than ever. Rather than the charming county or Victorian-revival set you once owned, wicker can be found in clean-lined, contemporary accent pieces, such as dining chairs or hall tables.

Mirrors

Mirrors have always been a staple of interior décor, but in 2019, expect to see mirrored furniture pop back on the scene, along with unique statement mirrors in retro styles and shapes, such as the sunburst or windowpane.

Gold / Copper

Stainless steel has dominated the open concept kitchen for a long time, but in 2019, warmer metals will be stealing the show. From 1960’s-inspired gold-tone pendant lights and pulls, to copper kitchen sinks, mixing both warm and cool metals will be right on trend, and will give your kitchen an elegant new look for the New Year.

6 Holiday Hosting Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)

Entertaining is definitely an art. It requires poise, planning, and (most importantly) patience. But even the most seasoned host has faltered once or twice — and during the holidays it can be harder than ever to hold it all together. Keep your calm and maintain your Top Host title by avoiding these common holiday hosting mistakes.

Empty Bar Cabinets

How awful, having to have to run to the store in the middle of your party for more wine or mixers. Make sure your holiday party doesn’t go dry by fully stocking your bar cabinets in advance. Aim to have all of the essentials, plus a few back ups. Since liquor, wine, beer, and most mixers are good for months or more, it’s always better to be over prepared and have leftovers than to run out of something.

Crowded Tables

No matter how close your friends and family are, no one wants to sit on top of someone at dinner. Banging elbows with your neighbor? Constantly excusing your reach? A crowded table can kill a dinner party fast. Don’t over seat your dining room table and keep serving plates off of the table. If you have an open concept kitchen, utilize your extra countertop space or kitchen island as a serving station. If not, put a buffet table or portable cart near the dining room and let guests serve themselves.

Warm Drinks and Cold Food

Have plenty of ice on hand to keep your guests’ drinks nice and cold. Ice makers are famous for failing at parties due to overuse, so keep an extra bag of ice in your freezer just in case. And while drinks are meant to be cold, food definitely isn’t. Time out your meal accordingly, so dishes aren’t left sitting out for too long. As soon as something is ready, place it on a warming tray or buffet server, so that it keeps its temperature as long as possible.

Awkward Silence

The mood at your party is as important as the food. Prevent things from get stale or awkward by putting together an amazing playlist. Go with a traditional holiday theme or let guests submit their requests as part of their RSVP. With great songs playing all night long, your party will be anything but dull.

Testing New Recipes

Experimenting in the kitchen is an excellent way to discover new dishes you and your family may love. But volunteering your guests as taste testers for a new recipe is not the best idea. It could turn out delicious — but it could also be the ultimate disaster. Stick to your signature dishes when hosting a party and save the new recipes for another day.

Unfamiliar Faces

They say, the more the merrier, but there’s more to the story. If you have many different friend circles and want to bring everyone together for the holidays, a party can be a great way to introduce your favorite people. However, leaving a bunch of strangers in a room together doesn’t always work out as planned. Make sure you introduce all of your guests to one and another and help them find commonalities. Maybe they have kids the same age or both work in the same industry. Helping your friends become friends will likely require a little effort, but it comes with the territory as host.

Now that you know the six holiday hosting mistakes (and how to avoid them), that Top Host title is yours for the taking. Happy Holidays!