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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.

Kitchen 101: How To Cook With Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs are one of the many delights of spring and summer. Whether you grow them in your backyard or in pots atop your kitchen island, seasonal herbs are a culinary staple. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, there is no fresher way to add flavor to all your dishes.

If your spice rack is filled with dried herbs, but you’re intimidated to try fresh herbs in your cooking, fear no more. Here, we’ll cover the basics of cooking with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, mint, and more!

Learn the Techniques

Fresh herbs perish quickly, so pick only as much as you need. Thoroughly rinse your herbs under running water in the kitchen sink and blot dry. For tiny leaves like rosemary, thyme or oregano, hold on to the stem with one hand and strip the leaves off with the other. For large leaves like basil, parsley or cilantro, snip with kitchen shears, or use a knife and cutting board to chiffonade your herbs. For this technique, start by bunching the stems and then cut the leaves into thin strips.

Do The Math

Fresh herbs can add brightness and fresh flavor to any recipe. But if you’re used to cooking with dried herbs, note that fresh herbs are not as concentrated a flavor. If a recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried, double or triple the amount of fresh herbs when making a substitution. After cooking with herbs from your garden or the pots on your kitchen island, it’s always suitable (and also a nice touch) to add a few fresh sprigs as a garnish.

Know Your Flavors

Basil: Sweet in flavor and aroma, basil is the go-to ingredient for tomato sauce and pesto.

Parsley: Parsley is very versatile and has a light peppery taste. Great for seasoning just about any dish, use flat leaf for cooking and curly leaf as a garnish.

Cilantro: A popular herb for sprinkling over tacos and grilled shrimp, cilantro has a bright flavor and is best added after cooking.

Rosemary: This spiky herb has a pungent flavor that goes well with eggs, chicken and lamb, or in fresh baked goods. Whether dried or fresh, use it sparingly.

Mint: Mint is a great addition to spring and summer salads. For a unique twist, try this watermelon salad with mint for your next picnic.

Thyme: With subtle hints of lemon and mint, this woody herb is used for seasoning fish, poultry, and vegetables like tomatoes and potatoes.

Oregano: Great for Greek salad dressing, lasagna and meatloaf, oregano has a strong, slightly bitter flavor that is hard to miss.

Don’t Be Afraid To Experiment

Now that you know the techniques, ratios and flavor profiles for cooking, branch out and find new ways to use fresh herbs. Not just for seasoning meats and veggies, you’ll find a variety of fresh herbs used in some of your favorite cocktails. From Mojitos and Juleps with fresh mint, to Lemonade for grown-ups with gin and thyme, the possibilities are endless. While stocking your bar cabinets for spring and summer, don’t forget the fresh herbs!

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!

Outdoor Kitchens and Patios: 5 Culinary Herbs That That Naturally Repel Mosquitos

With spring officially here, you’re probably looking forward to warm days spent in the great outdoors. Of all the kitchen trends for spring and summer, an outdoor kitchen or patio is probably pretty high on the popularity list. Many homeowners consider the backyard an extension of the home — the perfect place to create an additional living and dining space. And while relaxing in the yard and enjoying a meal al fresco sounds delightful, mosquito bites are anything but. Keep your patio free of pesky insects by potting these culinary herbs that naturally repel mosquitos.

Lemon Balm

This plant is a powerful insect repellent, and has a lovely lemon scent. Since it is an invasive species, it does well when contained to a large pot on the patio. For culinary purposes, lemon balm has a delicate lemon flavor. You can use it to sweeten iced tea and homemade jam, or add this herb to salads and marinades.

Rosemary

Rosemary thrives in containers, and has a woodsy scent that keeps mosquitos and other insects away. Rosemary can be grown in containers on the patio, and can be pruned to add visual interest. As an added bonus, this herb is a great addition to homemade bread. It can also be used for seasoning meats on the grill.

Lavender

This fragrant herb is quite popular with homeowners for several reasons. Lavender has a pleasant aroma and pretty purple flowers that can add a touch of color to the patio. Best of all, bugs despise its scent. Opt for a culinary variety for your patio pots, and use a dash of lavender to infuse simple syrup for sweetening lemonade and tea. You can also grind Lavender into sugar or butter for baking, or to flavor homemade vanilla ice cream.

Basil

Basil is a handy herb to have in your patio garden, and not just for culinary use. Not only does it repel mosquitos, but it also wards off houseflies too. For the best results, plant basil in large containers by your patio door. Basil can be used to top salads or pizzas on the grill, or use it in a homemade marinara with fresh garden tomatoes.

Peppermint

This herb has a heavenly scent that homeowners love — and mosquitos hate. It is best to contain Peppermint in pots, since it can grow aggressively in a garden. Use the aromatic leaves to flavor iced tea and mojitos — perfect for sipping while relaxing in the backyard on a warm, sunny day.

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, TV 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!

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.

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!