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How To Impress Your Sweetheart With A Home Cooked Meal On Valentine’s Day

While eating dinner at a fancy restaurant is nice, anybody can make a reservation. If you truly want to impress your sweetheart, why not make a home cooked meal? Whether you have a small galley or large open concept kitchen, you can show how much you care with a romantic evening at home. Here are a few tips for planning and preparing the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner — made with love.

Tip 1: Search Your Heart

You know your Valentine better than anyone. Before you begin, search your heart to determine what he or she would love. What are her favorite foods? Even if it’s something as simple as burgers, incorporate that into the menu — with a gourmet twist. Does he love spending quality time with you? If so, plan a meal you can cook together. Does she love surprises? Have a romantic dinner for two waiting when she gets home from work.

Tip 2: Set The Mood

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion; so bring a bit of romantic ambiance to your dining room or open concept kitchen. Now is the perfect time to pull out the good China dishes and crystal wine glasses you received as a wedding gift. Show you care by setting the table properly, complete with cloth napkins, tapered candles, and a vase of fresh flowers. For a detailed guide on table setting etiquette from Emily Post, click here.

Tip 3: Plan The Menu

If you cook dinner on a nightly basis, steer clear of the meals in your regular rotation, and whip up something new and exciting for Valentine’s Day. Start with your significant other’s favorite meal, and make it fancy. For example, simple spaghetti and meatballs can become spicy Pappardelle with Bolognese Sauce, while steak can become surf and turf, with filet mignon and broiled lobster tails. Even a traditional cheeseburger can be made special with unique toppings. Swap raw white onions for pickled red onions, iceberg lettuce for arugula, and American cheese for Gouda or Gorgonzola.

Tip 4: Don’t Forget Dessert

A Valentine’s Day dinner isn’t complete without a decadent dessert for two. Don’t cheat by buying a store-bought confection. Baking a homemade sweet for your sweetheart is the icing on the cake — the perfect happy ending to the lovey meal you have prepared. If you’re not a natural baker, keep things simple. Search online for easy and traditional Valentine’s Day dessert recipes, such as Chocolate Mousse or heart shaped Strawberry Shortcake. You may also want to consider stocking your bar cabinets for a special nightcap cocktail.

Planning and preparing a Valentine’s Day dinner is a thoughtful gesture that takes time and effort. When you follow these helpful tips, your Valentine will surely be impressed — and feel loved.

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!

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.

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.

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.

3 Rules For Designing A Contemporary Rustic Kitchen

It’s wintertime, and the sweet smell of evergreen trees fills the air. So grab a hot cup of cider, sit by the crackling fireplace, and let’s talk about the rules for designing a rustic kitchen with all the contemporary comforts you crave.

Start with a neutral palette.

Just because your kitchen theme is rustic doesn’t mean it needs to be dark. A neutral palette is right on trend, and creates a serene space for cooking and gathering. Contemporary rustic kitchens would look just at home with antique white cabinets as they would with the medium wood tones you traditionally picture in a rustic kitchen. Bathe your walls in creamy off-white, beige or gray paint, and add warmth with simple wood furniture, wood flooring (or wood-look tile), and granite countertops. A natural stone backsplash can help finish the contemporary rustic look.

Incorporate both natural and industrial materials.

While a cabin in the mountains would have lots of wood and other elements taken straight from the great outdoors, a contemporary rustic kitchen should also have industrial touches. Pair hardwood floors and exposed beams with sleek stainless steel appliances and an apron front sink made from hammered copper. Add LED Edison bulbs to oil rubbed bronze light fixtures above your kitchen island, and distressed, rustic pulls to the aforementioned antique white cabinets.

Pull off that lived-in look.

Even though you are designing a new kitchen, you should strive for the comfortable, lived-in look that is the hallmark of a rustic kitchen. Elements like

open shelving and glass front cabinet doors allow you to personalize your kitchen with pottery and other treasured collections you wish to display. The experts at Willow Lane Cabinetry can help you craft the perfect contemporary yet rustic kitchen through our free room design service, complete with a custom layout and 3D renderings that work within your budget.

Here are a few more elements and details you’ll find in a contemporary rustic kitchen:

Galvanized Metal Stools
Caned or Rushed Seating
Upholstery Tacks
Farmhouse Trestle Tables
Reclaimed Wood Paneling
Weathered Brick Accents
Exposed Wood Beams
Minimal Window Coverings
Natural Fiber Rugs
Natural Stone Backsplash
Burlap Table Linens
Unfinished Wood Plank Shelving
L-Shaped Wrought Iron Brackets
Open Light Fixtures
Edison Bulbs
Butcher Block and Granite Countertops

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!

5 Culinary Winter Herbs To Grow Indoors

Winter is a magical time of year, filled with hearty stews, savory soups, roasted meats, fresh baked goods, and other delights. Celebrate the season, and perfectly season your dishes, by growing these culinary winter herbs at home, right in your own kitchen.

Rosemary

This fragrant, evergreen herb can be grown year-round, but it’s particularly wonderful in the winter when paired with rich meats like beef or lamb. Rosemary has a piney aroma and peppery flavor, and can be used fresh or dried. Extremely versatile, Rosemary is also suited for seasoning salad dressings, artisan bread, and even shortbread cookies.

Thyme

Like Rosemary, Thyme is an evergreen perennial that can be used both fresh and dried. It has a lemony flavor that helps to add a bit of brightness to whatever you’re cooking, be it roasted pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes, or Roasted Chestnut Soup. Like Rosemary, Thyme’s fresh scent will fill even the largest open concept kitchen with festive fragrance.

Parsley

This hearty herb has a vibrant flavor that works well in a multitude of recipes, from pasta with Parsley Pesto to holiday appetizers with Garlic Herb Cheese Spread. It is also the main ingredient in Green Goddess dressing, and compliments beef, poultry, seafood, and vegetables. Thanks to it’s ruffled leaves and bright green hue, parsley is also used to pretty up dishes as a garnish.

Mint

Strong and aromatic, mint comes in several varieties, including peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint. Mint pairs nicely with citrus, winter squash, and lamb, and adds a bit of cheer to a hot mug of cocoa. It is also found in cold weather cocktails like this Mistletoe Martini or Moscow Mule made with vodka and spicy ginger beer from your home bar cabinets.

Sage

This leafy, evergreen herb gives holiday stuffing its distinctively earthy flavor. Somewhat sweet, somewhat bitter, sage also enhances vegetables, seafood, steak, poultry, and pork. But use it sparingly — a little sage goes a long way, and packs a powerful punch.

6 Tips For Growing Winter Herbs Indoors

Heating your home during a cold spell can dry out the air indoors. Choose plastic or glazed pots that will retain moisture.

Make sure your pots have proper drainage holes, with a saucer below to catch drips. Herbs can develop root rot if they become too soggy.

Check your plants every few days and water when the soil is dry a half inch below the surface.

Use proper potting soil for indoor herbs and apply fertilizer sparingly in the winter.

Find a sunny, easily accessible spot close to where you’ll be cooking, whether you have a small galley kitchen or large, open concept kitchen.

While they do need sunlight, winter herbs like the warmth of being indoors, so avoid placing your pots too close to drafty windows.