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 Cabinetry Collections That Will Warm Up Your Home This Winter

The holiday season has come and gone, and a new year has just begun. If you’re suddenly feeling the winter chill, perhaps it’s time to make a change for the better? Willow Lane Cabinetry offers a large selection of fully assembled, premium solid wood cabinetry, from bright Aspen White bathroom vanity cabinets to Regency Espresso kitchen cabinets. With that said, here are a few of our favorite cabinetry collections to warm up your home this winter

Legacy Teaberry

The unique finish of our Legacy Teaberry solid wood cabinetry makes this a standout choice, and the ideal addition to any home — from traditional to contemporary. Its deep, dark finish will enhance the beauty of your kitchen, laundry room or bath, and provide that coveted warmth and sophistication you’re craving. These cabinets feature a full overlay design and soft close drawer glides, with solid maple doors and drawers.

Tuscan Walnut

Our Tuscan Walnut cabinetry showcases classic detailing and a rich glazed finish. These cabinets will make an elegant addition to your home while still making it feel warm and cozy — whether it’s your kitchen, home office or TV room. Beautifully crafted with plywood box construction and solid birch, no detail is too small, including dovetailed drawers with full extension glides that can support up to 50 pounds, and recessed panels doors with a stylish beveled doorframe.

Midtown Walnut Shaker

The clean lines of our Midtown Walnut Shaker collection have a contemporary feel, while the warm pecan stain offers a touch of the traditional. Perfect for transitional home designs, the Midtown Walnut Shaker collection is just right —not too dark and not too light, but oh so inviting. Plywood box construction ensures that quality is something you never need to worry about!

Oxford Merlot Glaze

The Oxford Merlot Glaze collection features a rich Sherwin Williams finish and raised door panels in a traditional style. Crafted from solid birch with dovetailed drawers and concealed soft-close hinges, these cabinets are classic choice that will last for generations. Whether it’s a bar room or bathroom, further enhance your space with features like glass doors, decorative moldings and elegant accessories to tie everything together.

Regency Espresso

If you love espresso kitchen cabinets, our Regency Espresso collection offers rich style in an extremely affordable kitchen. Well-crafted with a price that can’t be beat, these cabinets are known for being economical but glamorous at the same time! Let our expert designers help you create a custom layout with 3D renderings that work within your budget.

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!

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

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.