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How To Design A Clean And Contemporary Bathroom

Do you often find yourself flipping through the pages of your favorite home magazine in search of contemporary bathroom ideas? Have you ever been envious of the final result when watching a bathroom remodel on television? Do you sometimes spend hours scrolling through Pinterest and pinning solid wood cabinetry to your “Dream Bathroom” board? Do you look at your dated bathroom and dream about giving your space a modern makeover? If you answered, “Yes” to any of these questions, it’s time to make a change! Here, we’ll teach you how to design a clean and contemporary bathroom in 2019.

Minimalism In Mind

The key to designing a clean and contemporary bathroom is to keep clutter to a minimum. This means eliminating frilly details and fussy décor, and having plenty of storage space in the form of baskets, bins and bathroom cabinets. Speaking of bathroom cabinets, Shaker solid wood cabinetry features clean lines that suit an up-to-date theme, especially when paired with contemporary knobs, pulls, and bath hardware in satin nickel or polished chrome.

Contemporary Colors

A contemporary color scheme is probably more varied than you might think. From deep jewel tones and bright hues to monochromatic neutrals and subdued shades taken straight from nature, it’s really anything goes. For inspiration, all the major paint companies have released their picks for the colors that are on point this year, including soft gray Metropolitan by Benjamin Moore, bold Blueprint by Behr, and warm Cavern Clay by Sherwin Williams.

Earthy Elements

Contemporary design was once considered cold and slick, but not anymore. Current trends strike a welcome balance by adding in warm, earthy elements while still opting for simplicity. Think textural bamboo blinds, woven baskets, jute area rugs, glass shower doors, natural stone countertops, solid wood cabinetry, and tropical houseplants for a pop of green.

Tile Trends

Contemporary design is all about creating visual flow. Tile is the ultimate choice for flooring and backsplash walls in a bathroom. Aesthetically, it helps to create a soothing, seamless space. It also adds modern style, whether you opt for trendy wood look tile, sophisticated marble, or classic subway tile with a current twist. Undoubtedly stunning, tile is also a practical choice. It is easy to clean, and also impervious to water — something you definitely need to consider when updating a bathroom.

If you’re tired of wistfully looking at magazine pages and TV home makeovers while dealing with an outdated bathroom, why not do something about it? Contact Willow Lane Cabinetry and find out how we can help bring your new bathroom to life!

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!

9 Must-Have Spring And Summer Spices To Keep In Your Spice Rack

Spring and summer can be a busy time of the year. Kids are off from school and the warm weather provides many opportunities for fun activities. Sometimes it can be difficult to sacrifice time with your family in order to cook a big meal. At the same time, all that outdoor fun can really work up an appetite.

Spicing up your food is a great way to make cooking quicker while still being delicious and full of flavor. There are literally hundreds of spices to choose from, but if you’re new to the spice world, you may be confused where to start. Thankfully, we are here to help! Here are a few must-have spices for your kitchen cabinets, perfect for spring and summer.

Sea Salt & Whole Peppercorns

You most likely already have these two spices hiding somewhere in your solid wood cabinetry. They are the most commonly used spices and arguably the most versatile. However, try replacing your regular salt and pepper with sea salt and whole peppercorns that you can manually ground. Pre-ground salt and pepper can lose a lot of flavor through processing. It makes a difference to opt for something more high quality and pure, since these are probably your most used spices.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a hot chili spice that has been used in many dishes for thousands of years. Cayenne pepper is great for adding a little heat to your cooking, and it is also believed to have several health benefits, including congestion relief, pain relief, and boosting the metabolism. Use it in Spicy Beef Chili, and BBQ rubs.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another commonly used spice known for its sweet but fiery flavor. Cinnamon is a kitchen staple because it can be used in both sweet and tangy dishes, from French toast to Cinnamon Curry Rice. Cinnamon comes in both stick form and ground.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is an easy addition to savory recipes. Adding a dash of garlic powder to chicken breast, steak, vegetables, or pasta sauce will instantly take your food from plain to delectable. And don’t forget the garlic bread!

Ground Ginger

Ginger has been known to help fight common colds and the flu, and may even aid in curing stomachaches, vomiting and nausea. Use it to flavor soups, stir fry, and even spring and summer desserts like Carrot Cake.

Dried Oregano

Oregano is a must-have if you enjoy Italian dishes like lasagna, homemade pizza, and Parmesan chicken. It’s also the signature spice in Greek salad dressing.

Vanilla Extract

If you do any type of baking, the recipe will usually call for vanilla extract. Muffins, cakes, brownies and pies all share this vital ingredient. For the best flavor, opt for pure vanilla extract over artificial.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a great addition to pies and cookies, but it also can delightfully season chicken and even spinach! Nutmeg adds a touch of warm spice to coffee, tea and other beverages. But be sure to sprinkle it on sparingly — ground nutmeg packs a powerful punch.

Paprika

Paprika is a zesty spice that comes in sweet, smoked, and hot varieties. It can be used in a variety of dishes to add a unique peppery flavor and an appetizing dash of deep red color. It’s especially nice when added to roasted potatoes or fish.

Try to organize your spices in either a tray that is nestled in a drawer near the stove, or in a door-mounted rack in your solid wood cabinetry. These inside cabinet accessories from Willow Lane Cabinetry are the perfect solution for storing all of your spices in an organized and easily accessible manner.

How To Transition Your Home From Winter To Spring

Spring is right around the corner, which means the crisp air; blooming flowers, and warm sunshine that we all missed in the winter months are heading our way. Cold weather is perfect for snuggling up by a warm fire under a chunky blanket, but spring means the world is blossoming into a season of colorful renewal. It’s time to replace the cozy, winter decor with vibrant, fresh pieces perfect for the springtime. Here are some tips to help you transition your home from winter to spring.

Incorporate beautiful and bright spring colors.

Winter is great for shades of deep maroon and rich navy, but spring is the time to break out the light, bright hues and bring life back into your home! Playful pastels such as sunny yellow, robin’s egg blue, and crisp white will eliminate some heaviness and create a cheerful, breezy atmosphere. Changing out kitchen towels, dining room table linens, bedroom sheets, and throw pillows every few months is an easy way to incorporate more seasonally appropriate colors into your home.

Say goodbye to clutter.

Nothing is more refreshing than a tidy home. Try packing up the cinnamon scented candles and wool throws left over from winter to make room for some clean, open space. Too many things can be overwhelming and cramp your home, leaving you feeling trapped. An open concept kitchen is a great way to hold onto spring all year long, because this design provides a fresh, uncluttered environment through any season. But if your home is a bit more closed off, simply cutting down on clutter can help to open up your space.

Bring the outdoors in with fresh flowers.

Many people associate sweet-smelling flowers with the first day spring. Flowers are refreshing to the senses and add an essence of delicacy to your home. Flowers are the perfect detail to add a pop of color and liven up any room for spring. It’s as easy as arranging a few freshly cut spring blooms in a glass vase or placing a potted flowering plant by a sunny window.

Refresh your space.

If you’re renovating your home or just looking to spruce up a bit this season, solid wood cabinetry is a great place to start. Your cabinets are one of the first things people notice about your home, therefore, they are one of the most aesthetically important elements. A rustic design including monochromatic solid wood cabinetry is modern, clean, and perfect for springtime. Neutral, consistent colors create a simple yet classic look and flow that is great this time of year—and every season that follows.

Let the sunshine in.

Spring means the days are getting longer and the sun is shining brighter. Welcome that warmth inside by replacing heavy, dark drapery with sheer, airy curtains. This quick swap will illuminate and energize your home instantly, and allows you to enjoy the long, sunny days of spring, even indoors.

Simple Yet Stunning Details To Include In Your Rustic Bathroom Renovation

We can’t get enough of the rustic bathroom. This theme is luxury spa meets winter cabin retreat, resulting in a tranquil space that feels completely one with nature. If you’re considering this theme for your bathroom renovation, don’t miss these simple yet stunning details you’ll certainly want to include. From a breathtaking bathtub to wooden beams that bring it all together, we’ve got every corner covered.

Use wood or wood-look tiles as a backsplash or accent wall.

Nothing says rustic more than wood and there are so many simple ways to incorporate this natural material into your bathroom. As an alternative to stone or glass tile, wood panels make for a beautiful accent wall. They can also be used to cover a ceiling or frame a doorway. These unexpected touches will really give your guest or master bath that rustic feel. Of course, if you want to keep your bathroom easy to clean and disinfect, opt for wood-look tile as a realistic and water-resistant alternative for both walls and flooring.

Solid wood cabinetry with a natural finish helps you build a solid foundation.

Bathroom vanity cabinets are obviously a huge part of a bathroom renovation and really set the tone for the room’s theme. If wood is a material you definitely want but you’re not keen on paneling, opt for bathroom cabinets in a medium-toned, natural finish or glaze. This will allow you to achieve that rustic wood look in a more conventional way. Browse your options of bathroom vanity cabinets from Willow Lane Cabinetry here.

Opt for a freestanding bathtub for that farmhouse feel.

When you walk into a bathroom and see a freestanding soaking tub, you’re instantly transported back to an earlier time. Choose this bathtub style in your rustic bathroom and achieve that antiquated elegance and farmhouse feel.

Small touches make a big splash in a rustic bathroom.

From rubbed bronze pulls on the doors of your bathroom cabinets to the soft glow of candles placed around the room, the small touches really count when designing your rustic bathroom. Take a minute to focus in on the little details like hardware and décor, so that your renovation doesn’t fall short from a lack of accessories.

Robe hooks will make your bathroom more relaxed.

Rather than your traditional towel bar, a row of robe hooks helps in creating that laid back atmosphere that is essential with a rustic theme. This simple swap will make the room appear more welcoming and relaxed.

Stay warm all year long with a bathroom fireplace.

A bathroom fireplace is a beautiful addition to a rustic bathroom. It reminds you of the warm comfort found in a winter cabin and invites you to stay and unwind. Just imagine dipping into your freestanding bathtub with a fireplace just a few feet away. It certainly melts away the winter blues and frosty windows from your mind.

Exposed wooden ceiling beams bring it all together.

Any time you can add elements to your home design that feel truly authentic to the structure, it’s a win in our book. Exposed ceiling beams are one of those things that achieve this perfect authenticity. To bring your rustic theme all together, add wooden beams to create the illusion of an exposed ceiling. If you want a raw, country vibe that is chic and sophisticated, wooden ceiling beams have you covered quite literally.

5 Healthy And Homemade Grab And Go Snack Ideas

Many of us resolve to eat healthier in the New Year, but our busy schedules sabotage our plans. Let’s face it — when you’re in a rush, it’s just easier to snack on pre-packaged treats that don’t always have the healthiest ingredients. But after a People magazine story started trending last week, highlighting a recent study that linked processed foods to an increased risk of earlier death, you may be second-guessing your snack choices.

Never fear! With some planning and a little preparation ahead of time, you can make healthy, homemade snacks to grab and go the next time hunger strikes. We searched high and low for simple, healthy recipes you can make in your own kitchen. Best of all, many of the ingredients may already be in your refrigerator or solid wood cabinetry. Let’s get started.

No-Bake Granola Bars

We like this healthy recipe for 5-Ingredient Granola Bars from The Minimalist Baker, because it’s as simple as can be. These hearty, satisfying bars contain dates, almonds, rolled oats, peanut butter, and the natural sweetener of your choice (honey, maple syrup or agave nectar) — no baking required! Click here for the recipe.

Healthy Morning Muffins

This easy muffin recipe from Martha Stewart makes the perfect grab and go breakfast or snack. With healthy ingredients like shredded carrots, banana, rolled oats, eggs, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of nutmeg from the spice rack in your solid wood cabinetry, you can feel good about having a sweet treat. Click here for the recipe.

Mango Fruit Roll-Ups

If you are craving something chewy, these Mango Fruit Roll-Ups from Just a Taste are made with real fruit and zero added sugar. They are also super simple to make. All you need are a few mangos, a food processor or blender, rimmed baking sheets lined with parchment paper, and an oven. For complete instructions, click here.

Homemade Cheese Crackers

If you prefer a savory snack, check out this recipe for Homemade Cheese Crackers from Chef in Training. Salty and filled with sharp Cheddar, these bite-sized crackers have a kick, thanks to the addition of crushed red pepper flakes. Click here for the recipe.

Baked Veggie Chips

If you crave crunchy snacks and want a tasty and quick way to add more vegetables to your diet, you are going to love this Baked Veggie Chip recipe from Rachel Ray Everyday. This snack packs a healthy punch with parsnips, sweet potatoes, celery root, beets, and a sprinkle of sea salt. For instructions, click here.

5 Reasons Why We Love Gray Kitchen Cabinets

If you have been following design trends, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with the rising popularity of gray kitchen cabinets. You also may be wondering why this cabinet finish has become a favorite of designers and homeowners alike and if you should incorporate this new fashion into your home. The short answer is, yes! Stunning, versatile, and modern — gray kitchen cabinets are here to stay. We’d love to share all of the reasons why we love them, but for now we’ll start with just five.

Gray is the new neutral.

For some time, our idea of a neutral cabinet finish was pretty limited to some variation of white or beige. With the emergence of this new finish also comes a new neutral. Gray provides an interesting alternative to our classic cabinet options. By being both understated and dynamic, we love its neutrality and ability to be bold.

Gray is versatile, complementing a variety of kitchen themes.

You wouldn’t put slick, black cabinets in a traditional kitchen. Many finishes are very specific and usually work well with only certain styles. Gray is one of the exceptions. Whether you have a contemporary or transitional open concept kitchen, or an ultra quaint country theme, gray can gel itself with your unique style and kitchen design.

Take a look at Willow Lane Cabinetry’s Midtown Light Gray Shaker cabinets to see this modern finish shaking up a classic style perfectly.

Gray is great for mixing and matching cabinets.

One trend we love is mixing and matching cabinets. This design works especially well in an open concept kitchen, where you can do your wall cabinets one color and your island another. You can also do one wall of cabinets in a different finish and create an accent wall. Gray allows you to dive into this trend by mixing well with many other finishes.

See how we unexpectedly mixed and matched the Midtown Painted Grey Shaker here.

Gray kitchen cabinets bring out the beauty of stone.

If you love stone countertops like we do, then you will love how gray cabinets provide the perfect complement to their unique beauty. From natural granite to engineered quartz, the splendid shades of gray found in stone countertops is really brought to life beside cabinets with a gray finish.

Find inspiration for your kitchen design with these examples of our Union Gray cabinets with stone countertops.

Gray and stainless steel are the perfect pair.

Whether you dream of a modern design or a kitchen with an industrial feel, stainless steel appliances deliver that sleek look. The shimmer and shine of stainless steel is made only more appealing next to gray cabinets. From lighter shades to deep dark finishes, there are so many possibilities when pairing gray cabinets and stainless steel.

Browse the brilliance of this perfect pair with our Roosevelt Dove Gray cabinets or the Providence Slate Gray cabinets.

How To Decorate With Red The Right Way

Often, homeowners have a grand vision for the interior of their home but feel hesitant to take the plunge. Decorating with a bold color like red is definitely one of the top concerns. You see some dreamy room on Pinterest or in Better Homes & Gardens and think, “I’d love to bring that look into my home,” but you’re afraid it will be too overwhelming or over the top.

These feelings are understandable — but decorating with a vibrant hue is not an impossible feat. Whether you want to spice things up in your open concept kitchen or add a touch of romance to your master bath, these tips will help you decorate with red the right way.

Add an accent wall.

You might not be fully committed to the idea of a room with red walls — but how about one? Painting an accent wall in a bold color is a great way to incorporate an interesting shade without overpowering the room. In an open concept kitchen, this could also come in the form of a stunning red tile backsplash or a red finish on your solid wood cabinetry. Mixing and matching cabinets to create an accent wall is a modern approach that works well with a variety of kitchen styles.

Don’t underestimate the power of a shade.

Like most colors, red comes in many different shades. When decorating a home, especially with a bold color, it’s important to know that even the slightest variation in shade can facilitate a shift in mood. Before selecting which shade is the best fit for your walls, solid wood cabinetry or décor, take two things into consideration.

The theme of the room. Primary red can add an excellent pop of color to a modern or contemporary room, but it might feel off with a traditional or country theme. The room’s theme and color palette will play a huge role in finding your perfect shade of red.

How the color makes you feel. We encourage homeowners to take a color for a test drive before they sign the papers. Whether it’s a throw blanket on your couch or a fabric sample pinned to the wall, be sure to invite the color inside before making any final decisions. You might find that cherry red brings you joy while crimson induces anger or rage.

Let red highlight the room’s greatest attributes.

Red is an eye-catching color, so it is often the first thing guests will see when they enter the room. Use décor like lamps, picture frames, or pottery to highlight the elements of the room that deserve the most attention. In your home, that might be your beautiful TV room cabinetry or the natural stone countertop on your kitchen island.

While red can help you highlight the room’s greatest attributes, it can also help you hide your not so favorite aspects. Use red décor to create a distraction from that old coffee table you’re eager to replace or the slew of small appliances you have lined up in your kitchen. If you’re still not ready to take the plunge, start small by adding a pop of red with throw pillows, art, or or an accent chair.

How To Build A Better Home Bar

Is your bar sitting in a dark corner, collecting dust? It might be time for a makeover. From sleek bar cabinets to integrated technology, here are a few ways you can build a better bar in your home.

Step 1: Seek some assistance.

Build a bar that you and your guests will love by working with one of Willow Lane Cabinetry’s complimentary designers. From choosing which bar cabinets will look best in your open concept kitchen to sending you photorealistic renderings of your finished design, our team will be by your side every step of the way. To get started, just fill out this form.

Step 2: Make it your own.

One of our customers was a huge a wine lover — but you would’ve never known it by her home bar. It lacked the features and functionality to enhance her wine drinking experience, so it went completely unused. When remodeling her kitchen, she was concerned this would happen again. We recommended installing a wine cooler and hanging a few wall-mounted wine glass racks. Her abandoned home bar is now her favorite part of her open concept kitchen. A few small touches can turn a basic home bar into something truly special.

Step 3: Step outside of the kitchen.

Your kitchen isn’t the only place to install a bar. The TV room, dining room, and backyard are just a few other options. Sometimes the place that makes the most sense isn’t the most common. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and step outside of the kitchen with your bar design.

Step 4: Add some seating.

One reason a home bar gets banished is lack of seating. If you find yourself making a drink in the kitchen and heading straight for the couch or dining room table, it might be time to expand the area around your home bar. From a simple high-top table to a comfy side chair, the possibilities are really endless. See if some seating can increase the foot traffic to your home bar. Not only will this make your bar more appealing to you — but your guests as well. A home bar can be a great asset when entertaining. Seating can make this part of your home more welcoming and will increase your hosting clout.

Step 5: Make your home bar more like your favorite bar.

What’s your favorite bar like? Some may describe a quaint hotel lounge where the seats are made of velvet and the whiskey is served over ice. Others may rave about the sports memorabilia hung from the walls in their hometown pub where they played darts in college. Rather than just build a basic bar, think of memories and establishments that have personal meaning to you. It is so easy to bring parts of your favorite bar into your home and create something that has true meaning and character.

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.

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.