kitchen design – Page 10 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

Designing A Kitchen For Entertaining

The kitchen is a common hub for entertaining guests — and for good reason. It’s as close to the food and drinks as you can get, has tons of countertop space for setting up appetizers, and is typically right next door to the dining and living room. But a kitchen doesn’t become a great place for entertaining on its own. The evolution starts with the floor plan and ends with what you do when your guests arrive.

Create Your Kitchen

A good kitchen design will of course be the foundation of your space and the key indicator to whether or not your kitchen is built for a party. Use Willow Lane Cabinetry’s free kitchen design service to help you create a floor plan that will fulfill your daily needs, and be the ideal design for entertaining your family and friends.

Give Your Guests Somewhere To Sit

While standing and chatting is all well and good, some guests will prefer to take a seat, and you won’t want them to have to leave the room to get comfortable. Tall bar stools are the perfect solution to position on the exterior of your countertop (if you have an open concept floor plan), or around your kitchen island. A breakfast table can also be transformed into a cozy corner with a tablecloth, some candles, and a plate full of treats.

Splurge On Technology

Don’t stop at those stainless steel appliances — there are so many more additions that will make your party the talk of the town. A wine cooler is obviously a must for keeping vino at just the right temperature (anyone who has had a slightly chilled glass of Cabernet knows what we’re talking about). Refrigerator drawers offer extra storage space for keeping food cool, and also help you organize dishes that are ready to be served. Likewise warming drawers make sure no appetizer or entrée is ever served cold again. Stop juggling between what’s in the oven, what’s on the stove, and what’s in the refrigerator. Refrigerator and warming drawers let you take your time organizing every course, and put you at ease knowing everything will be served as it should be.

Fall Back On Portable

You don’t need to have a huge kitchen to have a good party. All you need is a few portable fixtures to extend your countertop space or build a bar area. A portable kitchen island, wine cart or bar, are all great accessories to have on hand when you’re hosting extra guests. They can be stowed away on regular days and brought out when you need them.

Set The Mood

Don’t assume that your guests will automatically have a good time just because you decide to throw a party. Make sure there is entertainment ready, whether it’s a flat screen TV mounted on the wall and playing the big game or a wireless speaker system streaming music. Having games on hand also never hurts, and can be a lifesaver if conversation takes a nasty political turn or two guests clearly aren’t getting along. Part of hosting a party is being a host; so remember to do everything possible to make sure each guest is having a good time.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design service. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your new kitchen. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!

Written by Korrie. Korrie Martinez is a self proclaimed DIY pro with an eye for design and a craft for finding simple solutions to homeowner’s common concerns. Her articles offer tips and trends to help The RTA Store’s customers achieve the home of their dreams on a balanced budget. Follow Korrie on Instagram and Twitter @kokonez or visit her website www.korriemartinez.com.

Willow Lane Cabinetry’s Top Cabinets For March

Is it the luck of the Irish or just your lucky day? In honor of St. Patrick’s Day we’re counting down our favorite green cabinets from Willow Lane Cabinetry. From pale and pretty to distressed and dapper, all of these cabinets earn five green stars.

Roosevelt Sage

This soft green will uplift your kitchen without causing any distraction. It’s the perfect shade for homeowners looking to add a drop of color, without going too bold. If neutral colors are your jive and you fancy a classic cabinet style, you’ll be green with envy until this sophisticated cabinetry set is installed in your kitchen.

Roosevelt Sage with Chocolate Distress and Honey Highlights

The lads back in The Emerald Isle would surely be fond of these green kitchen cabinets. Slightly distressed and highlighted with warm honey shades, they offer ample Old World charm. The classic raised panel design of the Roosevelt Series has a traditional cabinet style, and is accented by the vintage touches added with this unique finish.

Roosevelt Sage with Chocolate Distress and Walnut Highlights

If you love the antiquated and homey look of distressed wooden cabinets, you’ve just found your pot o’ gold. Similar to the last Roosevelt set but featuring darker, walnut highlights, these kitchen cabinets offer an interesting take on a time-honored design. Rich chocolate peaks out beneath the sage green finish, creating a beautiful contrast that accents hardwood floors and marble countertops.

Society Shaker Sage

The Society Shaker in sage is like treasure at the end of the rainbow. The clean design and crisp color offers endless design possibilities. These kitchen cabinets would look as lovely in a beach house as they would a city loft. Their Shaker recessed door style lets them shine in all homes, from classic to contemporary. And the soft shade of green promises a wave of warmth in any kitchen.

Society Shaker Sage with Brushed Chocolate Glaze

The simple and stylish design of The Society Series gets a twist with sage green paint and brushed chocolate glaze. The result is just the right mix of modesty and welcoming warmth. A lovely combination that works equally well with sleek modern kitchen themes as it does in cozy cottage kitchens. Pour yourself a glass of green beer and cheers to these versatile and eye-catching cabinets!

Sage is a timeless gray-green, that is just a step away from neutral and serves as a reserved but stunning selection as far as colors go. Don’t be afraid to stray away from the basics! Color can be both riveting and refined, as you’ve seen with each of these top cabinets for March. Ready to take the plunge? Shop these green kitchen cabinets and more fabulous finishes online at Willow Lane Cabinetry today.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design service. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!

Healthy Spring Slow Cooking

The weather is warming up, but that doesn’t mean you have to pack away the slow cooker. Just swap out those hearty stew and soup recipes for lighter fare! These healthy spring recipes feature fresh seasonal vegetables, and are perfect for an easy, breezy and delicious meal.

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Homemade Coleslaw

Traditionally made with pork shoulder (Boston butt), these sandwiches take a lighter twist with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. In a slow cooker set to high, season a family pack of chicken breasts with two teaspoons of salt, a teaspoon of pepper, a teaspoon of mustard powder, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar. Cook for four to six hours until done (chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°). When thoroughly cooked, your chicken should shred easily using two forks in a crisscross motion.

Serve your pulled chicken on crusty Kaiser rolls cut lengthwise, topped with homemade coleslaw and a dollop of your favorite BBQ sauce. To make homemade coleslaw, finely chop raw carrots and a small head of green cabbage into thin ribbons. In a large bowl, whisk 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of sugar, and toss the dressing with the cabbage ribbons until well coated. Or try slices of fresh, seasonal pineapple instead of coleslaw!

Lasagna Primavera with Tomato Basil Sauce

Spring vegetables like carrots, asparagus, sweet onions, zucchini, spinach, garlic, and peas pair perfectly with noodles, cheese, and a light tomato-based sauce. Start by whipping up a quick and simple tomato basil sauce on the stove top, in a medium saucepan. Melt 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat, and add a small, diced sweet onion. Cook until the onion begins to soften and turn clear, and then add a clove of fresh crushed garlic. Next, add a large can of crushed, organic tomatoes. Chiffonier a handful of fresh basil leaves to finish off your sauce, and simmer for 30 minutes.

In a bowl, combine a large container of ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and one and a half cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. On a cutting board, julienne zucchini, carrots, and asparagus and place in a separate bowl. Add sweet raw peas, and fresh baby spinach leaves.

Set your slow cooker to low, and coat the bottom with a thin drizzle of olive oil, and a large spoonful of homemade tomato basil sauce. Layer dry lasagna noodles (do not use the no-boil variety), your cheese mixture, and your veggie mixture. Add more sauce and repeat the layers until you reach to your desired thickness. Add one last layer of dry noodles and top with tomato basil sauce.

Cover and cook on the low heat setting for four to six hours, or until the noodles are tender. Add ½ cup of shredded mozzarella to the top of your lasagna, and serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

After a busy spring day, it’s nice to come home to a delicious, easy, and healthy dinner the whole family can enjoy!

Tiffany honed her skills as a writer and editor working in the fast-paced newspaper, magazine, and television industries. Tiffany is also an award winning graphic designer, with extensive experience in the worlds of mass media, publishing, and advertising. As a designer, she also has a strong eye for interior decorating and color. Tiffany has a BA in Communications and a minor in Fine Art. She is a natural cook just like her mother, and rarely uses a recipe. She also enjoys reading, photography, painting—and most of all, spending time with her husband (a skilled DIY’er) and two sons.

Comparing Countertops 101

When choosing a countertop for your kitchen you want both spot-on style and killer quality. We’re sure a few materials come to mind, but figuring out which type of kitchen countertop is the best fit for your home and budget can be a bit tricky. Here we’ll evaluate the most popular countertop materials to help you pick the one that’s right for you.

Laminate Kitchen Countertops

If the word laminate alone makes you shudder, it’s time to change your opinion on this inexpensive, durable and versatile countertop material. Yes, laminate is pretty much a piece of plastic glued onto a board, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t look great or last long. That “piece of plastic” is soaked, treated and sealed to make it highly resistant to stains and grease. With proper care and installation, laminate offers a great countertop option at a fraction of the cost.

Granite Kitchen Countertops

Granite offers a level of uniqueness that no other countertop material can provide. Since it is made from natural stone, no two pieces will be the same. For a long time, granite was considered a very high-end material, and was not an affordable option for the majority of homeowners. With more shipping possibilities and advanced technologies, granite has become more accessible, and is now one of the most popular countertop materials. Granite is sold in 9×5 foot slabs, so if your kitchen remodel requires different measurements, you will most likely incur a “waste fee” to cover the unused material. You can avoid these excess charges by keeping these dimensions in mind when planning your kitchen design.

Engineered Stone Kitchen Countertops

A hybrid of crushed down rock and polyester or acrylic resin, engineered stone gives the look of natural stone, but is less fragile. Since it is manufactured, it’s also available in a wider range of colors, making it a likely choice for those trying to match their countertops with a specific kitchen cabinet finish or flooring. The downfall of engineered stone is that it is a bit pricey; you are almost paying as much as you would for natural stone without getting the real thing. It is less likely to scratch than granite, but cracking is still possible.

Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertops

Found in most restaurant kitchens, stainless steel countertops are attractive for their anti-microbial properties and ability to resist heat. They are less common in homes partly because they can be expensive and hard to come by, but also because they are hard to keep as spotless and shiny as you imagine. Stainless steel countertops show water spots more easily, and can be smudged up when touched by greasy hands.

Wood Kitchen Countertops

Wood countertops are beautiful, but can easily be damaged by water, making it difficult to keep their appearance, especially around sinks. On the plus side, wood countertops are considered resistant to bacteria, and won’t dull your knife during food prep. A penetrating oil or finish will need to be applied to protect wood countertops, and will make touching up scratches much easier. Wood is best as an attractive accent countertop, for example, on a kitchen island.

Tile Kitchen Countertops

DIY’ers love tile countertops because they can install them on their own, and tile comes in a wide variety of colors and shapes. The drawback of tile is the grout, which can make keeping that clean appearance a bit more difficult. Some varieties of tile can also be porous (like marble and limestone), meaning they can stain and become discolored over time. Using large tile in a hard, non-porous material (like porcelain) can offer less maintenance while being just as much fun.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design service. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!

Shaker Cabinets: the Hottest Kitchen Trend of 2016

Known for its clean lines, minimalist design, and exceptional quality, the Shaker style of design originated centuries ago and has stood the test of time. Not only is the Shaker style still popular in homes today; Shaker kitchen cabinets are one of the hottest kitchen trends of 2016. Find out why!

Shaker History

The Shakers left England in 1774, breaking away from the Quakers to form their own religious society in the American colonies. Largely self-sufficient, they grew their own food, built their own homes, and manufactured their own furniture with a distinct look, based on the guiding Shaker principles of honesty, utility, and simplicity. Each piece was given thoughtful consideration to proportion and functionality, and built with utmost quality.

Shaker Today

Homeowners can rest assured they are making a good choice when it comes to Shaker cabinetry. Home trends come and go, but Shaker design has remained a constant in American homes. With its clean, simple lines, Shaker cabinetry fits just about any taste, from traditional to contemporary and everything in-between. It is one hot trend that’s not going away next year or anytime soon, making Shaker cabinetry a great investment for your home.

Shaker Options

Our Society Shaker cabinet series comes in a variety of colors and glazes. Choose from Society Shaker White, Canvas, Tidewater, Sage, Dove Gray, Khaki, Red, Steel Gray, Black and more, all with the quality and value Willow Lane Cabinetry is known for. We feature plywood box construction, soft close drawer glides, and a full overlay design. If you’re looking for a timeless look to enhance your kitchen then these are the cabinets for you!

Seeing is Believing

Still not sure about Shaker cabinets? We have a wide variety of other styles and finishes on our website. Or speak with one of our knowledgeable designers and take advantage of our free kitchen design service. Our designers will work with you one-on-one to develop a sincere, trusting relationship. We work hard to make sure you are completely satisfied with your design, all your questions are answered, and that you are getting the best price possible.

How It Works

Our designers will work with you via email or phone to bring your kitchen to life. We can work with any space or budget to get you a great kitchen for a fraction of the cost of a big box store. Fill out the form on our website and within 48 hours you will get:

A custom layout that is both functional and looks great
Photorealistic renderings to see how it all looks in your space
An itemized list of what you need and what it all costs

If you are looking to remodel your existing kitchen, or starting from scratch in a new home, shake things up and consider Shaker cabinets. There is a reason this style has stood the test of time, and tops the list of kitchen trends this year. When it comes to form and function, historically speaking, Shaker is it!

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design service. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!

Sleek City Style: Minimalist Design For Small Kitchens

Big city, little kitchen. It’s a common complaint of urban dwellers living in cramped quarters — but with a few modern design hacks you can create a comfortable kitchen with any square footage. Here are a few tips to get you there.

Let Function Flourish

It’s natural to want your kitchen to be a lot of things, like a place to do work, a place to relax, and a place to entertain. But if space is limited your best bet is to forego those luxuries in lieu of a kitchen that can serve its purpose — being a place to store and prepare food. Opt for smaller appliances (think two burner ovens and compact dishwashers) so that your kitchen can serve all your needs and not lack in function.

Create Style in the Foundation

The floor plan of a small kitchen is typically very simple. The goal of the designer was to get you a nice row of kitchen cabinets, a little room to walk around and enough space to accommodate appliances. Since small kitchens lack that oomph some larger kitchens offer, your kind of interesting has to come in a different form. Pick a pretty tile and install an eye-catching backsplash or put in flooring that really steals the show. When the foundation of your kitchen is creative and beautiful, that awkward floor plan will be overshadowed by style.

Put Your Eyes on the Portable

Lack of countertop space is a common conundrum with small kitchen designs. The easiest way to crush this problem without putting any more clutter in your kitchen is a portable island or cart. A kitchen island that you can roll out when you need it and hide in a closet when you don’t? I can’t think of a more spot on solution.

Open Your Heart to Open Shelving and Glass Front Doors

With open shelving and cabinets with glass front doors, you see the space where your dinnerware is stored and create a more airy feel to your kitchen. Open shelving and glass front doors offer ways to decorate a small kitchen without drowning it in disarray. I doubt you want to share your limited countertop space with a decorative vase, but placed among your plates? I don’t see why not.

Look Up for Great Guidance

A ceiling is probably the most overlooked storage solution. But install a rack and the wall above your head turns into the perfect place for hanging pots and pans. There are tons of sleek options that let you arrange cookware in an organized fashion that accents your kitchen without making it feel like a hoarder’s paradise.

Let Your Theme Lead the Way

If you’re going for minimalistic and modern, accent lighting is a great way to enhance your contemporary theme and also make your kitchen appear larger. Strategically use incandescent lighting by placing it above and below your upper cabinets. This will create the illusion of more space — and it also just looks really cool and sleek in modern kitchens. You can even put spotlights beneath your base cabinets to create a more dramatic look.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design service. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!

Written by Tiffany. Tiffany honed her skills as a writer and editor working in the fast-paced newspaper, magazine, and television industries. Tiffany is also an award winning graphic designer, with extensive experience in the worlds of mass media, publishing, and advertising. As a designer, she also has a strong eye for interior decorating and color. Tiffany has a BA in Communications and a minor in Fine Art. She is a natural cook just like her mother, and rarely uses a recipe. She also enjoys reading, photography, painting—and most of all, spending time with her husband (a skilled DIY’er) and two sons.

5 Clever Ways To Rethink Subway Tile

Subway tile is a classic choice for covering shower walls or adding an interesting backsplash above kitchen countertops. Typically, subway tile is installed following a running bond pattern where the tile is installed horizontally (much like when stacking brick). While this traditional method is certainly simple and equally as stunning, it’s not the only way to add subway tile to your home. Here are a few out of the box designs that will change the way you think about subway tile.

Go Vertical

Arranging subway tile vertically rather than horizontally is definitely out of the ordinary and adds flair to a modern or contemporary kitchen. On top of being eye-catching this formation will also make your ceilings appear higher — and who doesn’t appreciate the illusion of more space? All you have to do to achieve this look is follow the classic running bond layout placing tile vertically rather than horizontally. Voila! Your bigger and more breathtaking room awaits.

Work a Weave

Following a double basket weave layout will complement a vintage themed bathroom or cottage style kitchen. Simple and sweet, this arrangement does wonders by giving walls an artistic appeal while also saving you money and frustration. There’s no need to go with some fancy, complicated tile installation with a bunch of different sized tiles in a palette of colors. You can just as easily create a fashion forward look by choosing the same size and color tile and executing this updated rendition of an old school basket weave.

Fish for Herringbone

Creating a zigzag configuration is easy with subway tile, and results in a unique and stunning herringbone design. For an up and down finish place tile on a 45-degree angle, offsetting the joints. Eyes will move up, down and around as the horizontal motion invites guests to look around. Similarly, placing tile at a 90-degree angle will create a herringbone (or chevron) design. This approach will give you a boxier look that is perfect for framing a mural or accenting a particular area in your kitchen.

Stack ‘Em Up

It’s easy for a home to become cluttered and chaotic, but you can keep things calm by bringing balance to walls with a horizontal stacked tile arrangement. In this design pattern, tile is evenly aligned from side to side and top to bottom. Is it minimalistic? Yes. Will it serve as the perfect backdrop to your kitchen or bathroom? Absolutely.

Steal the Show with Stripes

While the previous tile treatments could all be achieved using the same color tile, this pattern looks best when two complementary shades are utilized. To create a stripe pattern, you will alternate between a row of horizontal tile and a row of vertical tile. While this look can be achieved using the same color and size, your stripes will be much more apparent with the contrast of two colors. Using colored grout (such as a dark grey) rather than white can also help to highlight your design and make your stripes pop.

Willow Lane Cabinetry’s Top 3 Kitchen Styles For February

In honor of Valentine’s Day, this month we are featuring three of our favorite kitchen cabinets in red! Aside from being a symbol of passion and love, red is a classic color choice that can easily add a pop of excitement to any kitchen. From tradition styles to more modern choices, red cabinets complement almost any kitchen theme. Scroll down for our top picks and get ready to experience love at first sight!

Roosevelt Red

From the Roosevelt Series, these bright red kitchen cabinets are as timeless as it gets. Doorframes feature a raised panel design with solid maple construction, and will maintain their relevancy, as well as quality, for years to come. Incorporate a few pieces into your existing set to create dimension and an interesting mix-and-match design, or choose a complete set of cabinets in this finish for an eye catching and creative look.

Society Shaker Red

These shaker style cabinets are part of the Society Series and put a new spin on an old favorite. Shaker style cabinets are simple and timeless, so they gel seamlessly with almost any floor plan, home, or kitchen theme. Shaker style doorframes are recessed and classic, but are given an instant lift with this warm red finish. The striking color gives the understated design a modern twist, creating the perfect balance of old and new. Society Shaker Red cabinets look amazing when used in a cottage or vintage style kitchen.

Society Shaker Red with Brushed Chocolate Glaze

Red is not limited to just one shade, and this cabinet set from the Society Series proves that. The addition of a brushed chocolate glaze softens the red, making it subtle and sweet. Complement your kitchen with this unique finish, which blends the muted essence of brown with the exhilarating qualities of red. Simple Shaker Style kitchen cabinets get a touch of color and pizazz with this beautiful color combination of Society Shaker Red with Brushed Chocolate Glaze.

The Power of Red

In our recent blog, Color And Comfort: 2 Things To Consider When Decorating, we discuss how color can affect your mood. Red is the perfect choice for a kitchen because of its power to stimulate the appetite. Red energizes the mind and body, increases circulation, and encourages lively conversation around the kitchen table.

Fall In Love With Your Kitchen

In addition to red, there are many other possibilities when it comes to cabinet styles and finishes. Once you have an idea of what you want, take advantage of Willow Lane Cabinetry’s free kitchen design service and discover the best kitchen for your home and budget. Just fill out the contact form, and one of our designers will reach out to you and put together your custom kitchen layout within 48 hours. Now that’s love!

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design service. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!

The Recipe For Creating A Gourmet Kitchen

Are you dreaming of a kitchen fit for a foodie? Before you make your dreams a reality, take some time learn about the must-haves of a gourmet kitchen, whether you are a Master Chef, or a homeowner who just really loves to cook!

Start by thinking about the kinds of dishes you like to prepare. Do you dabble in the art of French cooking? Did your Grandmother pass down her famous family recipes to you? Are you a budding pastry chef or cake decorator? Do you like to invite friends over for a home-cooked dinner, or coffee and some freshly baked pie?

Next, consider your new or current floor plan, what you like about it, and what you want to change. If your family likes to help with meal prep, is there enough room for everyone? What tools and appliances do you need and will they fit in your space? Is there ample room for cabinets, or a kitchen island and the extra countertop it affords? Is there plenty of seating options for guests?

Once you review how you use the kitchen, it’s time to make some important decisions. If you are building a new home, or remodeling an existing space, Willow Lane Cabinetry’s Free Kitchen Design Service can help you along the way, but having a clear set of goals will make sure nothing gets left off the plate.

A Taste Of The Gourmet

A Gourmet Kitchen should be both beautiful and functional, with zones for food prep, cooking and baking, serving, and cleaning up when you’re done. Quality kitchen cabinets, high-performance appliances, easy to clean surfaces with plenty of room to work, storage space for cookware, utensils, and other tools of the trade, plus designated areas to keep important ingredients on hand — all these are necessary in a gourmet kitchen. Here are some key features:

A Professional Grade Range: Gourmet cooks prefer gas ranges, or flat induction cooktops that heat quickly and efficiently.

A Double Oven: Because two is better than one when it comes to baking or cooking for a crowd.

A Warming Drawer: A warming drawer allows you keep food warm and fresh until it’s ready to serve with the rest of the meal, so everything is timed perfectly no matter what.

Convection: This option for both ovens and microwaves circulates air around the food to cut down on cook time and ensure an even distribution of heat.

French-Door Refrigerator with Freezer Drawer: The French-door style allows cooks easy access to what’s inside. A freezer drawer offers plenty of space with an ergonomic design.

Dishwasher: A good dishwasher is a must-have for busy kitchens. After all, cooking is way more fun than cleaning.

Countertops: Your countertop is your main workspace. It should be abundant and easy to clean. For durability and stain-resistance, opt for quartz, granite, or stainless steel.

Task Lighting: Both pendant and under cabinet lighting focus on areas where meal prep and cooking happen, so you can see while you work.

Large or Double Sinks: A large sink lets you get all the dirty pots, pans and utensils out of the way while you cook, and simplifies cleanup later.

Tile Backsplash: An easy to clean tile backsplash catches the platters when pan frying, or cooking sauces.

A Kitchen Hood: Functional and attractive, a hood can vent out steam and odors when cooking, and can illuminate the cooktop.

Accessible Spices: Place a spice tray in a drawer near the stove to keep seasonings on hand, or install a door-mounted spice rack for added convenience.

Knife Block: Chefs know knives are their most valuable tools. A trimmable knife block fits in any drawer to store knives nearby for easy access.

Cookware Organizer: Install a hanging pot rack or inside cabinet cookware organizer for all your pots and pans.

Now that you know the recipe for creating a Gourmet Kitchen, let’s get cooking!

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design service. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!

Written by Tiffany Buck. Tiffany honed her skills as a writer and editor working in the fast-paced newspaper, magazine, and television industries. Tiffany is also an award winning graphic designer, with extensive experience in the worlds of mass media, publishing, and advertising. As a designer, she also has a strong eye for interior decorating and color. Tiffany has a BA in Communications and a minor in Fine Art. She is a natural cook just like her mother, and rarely uses a recipe. She also enjoys reading, photography, painting—and most of all, spending time with her husband (a skilled DIY’er) and two sons.

How To Make The Most Of A Galley Kitchen

You say small, we say cozy! The galley kitchen, which earned its name after the tiny quarters where food is prepared on a ship, may have once been a hindrance to a home but today that is no longer the case. Transforming a snug kitchen into a free flowing galley design is a popular and functional way to make the most of skimpy square footage. Follow these tips and find out why homeowners with small kitchens are going for the galley.

Keep Things Straight

A galley kitchen is traditionally narrow and runs vertically. The floor plan consists of two rows of countertop with the walkway in between. Appliances are typically installed following a triangular design so that the range, refrigerator and sink are all centralized. Kitchen cabinets can run on both sides or just one, depending if your kitchen opens up to a living or dining room, or if it is enclosed.

Get Creative to Create Space

Just because your kitchen is small doesn’t mean it has to look that way. There are tons of “design hacks” to make a room feel and appear much larger than it actually is. Start with your color scheme, which should be light and bright. Dark colors can confine a room, while light colors open it up. From the paint on your walls and your cabinet finish to the counter tops and backsplash, choose pale shades to give the illusion of more space. Another easy hack is mirrors. If your kitchen is too crowded to hang mirrors, try a reflective or metallic tile instead. The reflective surface will have a similar effect, and tiles can be placed anywhere — walls, backsplashes, floors and countertops.

Let The Light In

Replace the blinds in your kitchen with semi-sheer curtains to allow more natural light to peak in. If you’re remodeling your entire kitchen, ask your contractor if putting in a skylight is an option. Any way that you can increase the natural light in the room will enhance a galley kitchen design. If a lack of windows or red tape is standing in your way, artificial light will have to suffice. Go with bright white bulbs to mimic sunlight as closely as possible, and consider installing under cabinet lighting for extra glow.

Color Outside The Lines

There’s nothing wrong with straying away from the traditional galley design. Depending on your home, your family and your needs, you may need to make some adjustments to make the galley kitchen work for you. If you can only afford one strip of counter top, a kitchen island might be a close second to achieving the corridor floor plan. Extending to an L-shaped design is okay, too.

Achieve Your Galley Kitchen

Whenever setting out to achieve a specific kitchen style, design is key. Take advantage of Willow Lane Cabinetry’s free kitchen design service, which will get you a custom layout based on your measurements, budget, and style. You will also receive photorealistic renderings so that rather than imagine what your new kitchen will look like, you can see it right before your eyes.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design service. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!