The Top 4 Kitchen Cabinetry Trends For Summer

Unlike home decorating fads that fade out of fashion with the seasons, these summer-inspired kitchen trends stand the test of time. Here, we’ll look at popular cabinet choices for a timeless kitchen with spectacular summer appeal.

Summery Shades of White

White cabinets feel right at home all year long, but especially in the warner months. Keeping a light, neutral color palette looks fresh, and epitomizes summer. We’re not just talking about crisp White and creamy Ivory. Shades of Almond, Oatmeal, Canvas, Khaki, and even Gray all fit the bill. If you prefer a pop of color, opt for pastel hues like Sage (green) and Tidewater (blue) for a touch of summer.

Simple Lines And Shaker Cabinetry

Summer is all about simplicity. When choosing cabinets for a kitchen remodel with summer style, look for clean lines and no-fuss details. Shaker cabinetry has a relaxed, easy-going vibe that works well in any style home, from traditional to contemporary. Thanks to their natural beauty and simplicity, Shaker cabinetry has been, and will remain, one of the top kitchen trends.

Stress-Free Storage Solutions

Summer should be stress-free. Equip your cabinets with smart storage solutions for smooth sailing in the kitchen. Accessories like pullout shelving, cookware organizers, and a well-placed Lazy Susan can make cooking a breeze. Other functional options include door mounted spice racks, cutlery trays, and even a pullout wastebasket (so unsightly trash and recyclables can be hidden behind closed cabinet doors).

Efficient Design

For a more efficient kitchen design, take advantage of wasted vertical space by installing floor to ceiling cabinetry. One of the latest kitchen trends, this feature affords extra storage solutions for often overlooked items like table linens, fine china, stemware, and even those small appliances that tend to clutter countertops. From an aesthetic standpoint, floor to ceiling cabinetry is often accompanied by details like open shelving, built-in wine racks, and glass-front cabinet doors to add a bit of visual interest. Glass-front doors are particularly nice for summer, since they add a touch of light and airiness to the room.

Other Details For A Summer Kitchen Remodel:

Glass Tile Backsplash
Apron-Front Sinks
Cup Pulls
Porcelain Flooring
Solid Surface or Natural Stone Countertops
Large Kitchen Islands
Mix and Match Cabinetry Finishes
Portable Islands and Carts

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, bar room, laundry room, TV room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!

How To Design A Home Bar That Matches Your Entertaining Style

Deciding on a design and choosing cabinets for a home bar can be overwhelming. Every home is different and every homeowner plans a party in their own unique way. With these creative ideas, you’ll be able to create the perfect bar for your home that matches your entertaining style. Let’s get the party started!

Wine And Cheese Night

For the wine connoisseur who loves a good cheese pairing, no home bar is complete without a wine rack cabinet and cooler. Put your favorite bottles on display and keep a few chilled to perfection. When choosing cabinets, don’t forget the inside cabinet accessories. Tray dividers will keep your cheese boards and serving platters organized and scratch free.

Literary Libations

If your favorite way to celebrate is with a good book and a good drink, consider this crafty way to bring your books and bar together. Either build a bar around your bookshelf or add a bookshelf to your bar. When choosing cabinets, incorporate some open shelving for your favorite fiction (or non-fiction)! If you plan to invite your book club over, make serving seamless by adding glass cabinet doors that allow guests to find exactly what they’re looking for without interrupting the discussion.

Secret Cigar Bar

The next time the boys have something to celebrate, surprise them with what’s hiding behind bar cabinet doors. Adding a humidor offers a level of sophistication and excitement to the standard home bar. Keep it stocked with your favorite cigars and make every celebration one for the books.

Closet Conversion

Not all homes have space for a bar, but that doesn’t mean a bar cart is your only option. If you’re willing to think outside of the box, you’ll probably find plenty of nooks and crannies that would work perfectly for a home bar. Converting a closet is one way to transform an already carved out space into a fun and entertaining addition to your home. Beneath a staircase is another!

Keep It Chill

If game day is usually at your place, find ways to make your home bar extra special for your favorite fans. Freezer drawers let you serve your beer in chilled glasses for that awe-factor and a mini fridge means more cold drinks and less complaints. Rather than leave extra cabinets empty, fill them with your snacks of choice, so there’s no need to run to the kitchen for more chips and salsa.

The Kitchen Crowd

If your guests tend to gather around your kitchen island rather than linger in your living or dining room, build your home bar right in the center of the party. When choosing cabinets, you might want to select the same style in a different finish (or the same finish in a different style) to keep consistency but highlight the difference. This will help your bar stand out, and lets guests know they are welcome to help themselves. While touching your grill might be out of the question, pouring a drink is more than okay.

5 Easy Ways To Add Character To A New Home

While building a home has some major pluses, there is a downside. Often, new construction lacks the character of an older house, thanks to cookie-cutter elements and a lack of personal details. Thankfully, your new home is a blank slate with lots of design potential. You just need to know where to start. Here, we’ll discuss five easy ways to add character to a new home, from finding the perfect lighting fixtures to choosing cabinets with charm.

Lighting

The right lighting fixture can add a touch of style and ambiance to your space. Whether it’s a chandelier in the dining room, a pair of table lamps in the TV room, or pendant lights over a kitchen island, don’t let this golden opportunity go to waste. Lighting sets the tone in a room, so swap out basic, builder fixtures for something special. And consider the simple addition of puck lights under kitchen cabinets to highlight your countertops!

Windows

Naked windows are boring, and lack privacy. And while some new homes include blinds, they tend to be lackluster. If you want to add character to your new home, why not dress your windows up with beautiful drapes or valances? Hang draperies higher than the tops of your windows to give the illusion of a taller ceiling. Plantation shutters and Roman shades are also classic choices for their unique beauty and simplicity, and are great alternatives to basic blinds.

Architectural Details

It’s the little things that count, so accent your new home with architectural details such as hardwood floors, crown molding, cornices, and custom wainscoting or wall treatments. One of the benefits of building a home from scratch is the ability to have a choice in flooring, cabinetry, and other important elements. When choosing cabinets, opt for accessories like posts, corbels and columns, or glass panel doors, for extra charm.

Furniture

While your home may be new, your furniture doesn’t have to be. Instead of buying out the local furniture store, fill your home with furniture finds that have meaning to you personally — for example, the antique table with Queen Anne legs passed down from you Grandmother, or the vintage, mid-century modern chair you purchased from a boutique while on vacation. Filling a home with character takes time so don’t rush it.

Curb Appeal

Older homes haves mature trees and landscaping that is difficult to replicate in a new neighborhood. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Spend a few more pennies on larger plants with more growth. It’s well worth the added expense for the curb appeal your garden will offer. Choose a tasteful color and wreath for your front door, and lovely additions to your porch, like potted plants, a metal bench or swing, and outdoor pillows. And don’t forget the welcome mat!

4 Tips For Decorating With Bold Colors

Bold colors can be beautiful, but they can also be overwhelming if not done right. When decorating any room in your home with strong hues, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Here are a few tips to consider before incorporating bold colors into the kitchen, living room, guest room, or bath.

Kitchen

Many of today’s top kitchen trends involve bringing bold color into the heart of the home. From tiny splashes to huge waves, there are many stylish shades to make your kitchen a little or a lot more vibrant.

If a kitchen remodel is in the works, consider adding one big dose of color with your cabinetry. This creates an eye-catching focal point, and let’s you center the room around your favorite hue. When going with a painted finish like blue or green, it is important that the rest of the room remain mostly neutral, with only specks of color that accent your cabinets here and there. It’s up to you to show restraint when decorating a kitchen with colored cabinets — or you could end up drowning in a sea of clashing colors.

Of course, you don’t need colorful cabinets to keep up with kitchen trends. If you prefer white or wood tone cabinetry, pops of bold color could be incorporated in other ways. For example, you could paint your pantry door, install a bright backsplash, accessorize your open shelving, or lay down a runner along your kitchen floor. When opting for small doses of color, it’s important to tell a story with your colors, and make sure each one used is complementary of the other.

Living Room

The modern living room is a place for the family to gather — whether it’s watching TV, playing video games, or just hanging out on the sofa. That means a lot is going on in the living room a lot of the time. Rather then compete with the high energy, quell it by using bold colors that set a mellower mood. Most shades of blue or aqua put people at ease; so let this color conduct some peace and quiet in your home.

Though relaxing, blue is still a bold color, so use it in moderation. For example, pick your favorite shade and paint an accent wall behind your TV room cabinetry. Then, complement it with matching throw pillows, décor, or an area rug.

Bathroom

The bathroom offers plenty of opportunities to incorporate bold colors — even if the space is small. Add your favorite flashy color without drowning the room by incorporating a backsplash, wallpaper, towels, or drapery in an interesting pattern.

In the bathroom, it is more necessary than ever to consider the size of the space you are in, and balance your bold colors appropriately. One trick is to take your chosen hue and imagine it as an ombre rainbow. From your original pick to a lighter shade, play in this family of colors rather than focusing only on your color of choice. This is a more reserved approach to decorating your bathroom with color.

Guest Room

The goal with a guest room is to create a welcoming space that makes your visitors feel like your home is theirs. Usually, keeping things warm and friendly accomplishes that, but if you prefer a more dramatic theme, it’s still possible to decorate with bold colors in a guest bedroom.

When choosing colors, keep it gender neutral. While a surprising color can be impressive when done right, a guest room isn’t the right place to fulfill a fuchsia fantasy or rose gold dream. It’s also important to not overdo the décor. Your visitor shouldn’t feel hesitant to get in bed and mess up your perfect display of seven accent pillows. When adding color, keep in mind that your design should never sacrifice comfort.

Backyard Getaway: 7 Ideas For Better Outdoor Living

You don’t have to go on a vacation to get away. In fact, you don’t even have to leave your home. With these seven outdoor kitchen trends and inspiring ideas, you can transform your backyard into your very own outdoor oasis. Add good weather and good company, and your next great escape is just a few feet away.

Design the ultimate outdoor kitchen for spring and summer days.

Go beyond your traditional barbeque with an outdoor kitchen that will make dining outdoors a culinary experience. From fully functional appliances to cabinetry for your serving ware, all you need to bring out with you is the food and drinks.

Invest in a kitchen cart that makes entertaining easy.

If an outdoor kitchen is out of the question, a kitchen cart is your next best option. One of our favorite kitchen trends, this portable party brings the drinks and snacks wherever you go. You’ll find designs in all styles and finishes at Willow Lane Cabinetry, but the Marston Butcher Block Kitchen Cart steals the show in our eyes. Put a bottle of wine on ice, and serve up some fresh salsa and chips on this natural finish kitchen cart.

Good lighting is key to keep the party going.

Don’t cut your evening short due to bad lighting. Illuminate all areas of your backyard that matter, including the dining table, pool or hot tub, and seating area. If you have space for a fire pit, this is another popular way to light things up.

Bring the indoors outside.

What makes your favorite part of the home so appealing? Is it the comfy pillows on your living room couch or the colorful artwork that hangs in your bedroom? Replicate the most-loved elements of your house outside to make your backyard feel more like home.

Build a pergola for shelter, shade, and stunning visuals.

If your home doesn’t have an overhang or awning, there are other ways to enhance your outdoor living. A pergola is the perfect combination of function and allure. While its main purpose is to provide shade and shelter, it is also a lovely addition to any backyard and makes an ideal dining area. Add some climbing plants and hanging sconces for a romantic touch that will make your backyard look like a dream.

Don’t let the last days of summer stop your soirees.

If chilly air is the only thing standing in between you and outdoor living, then outdoor heating will be your new best friend. The same way restaurants keep their patios warm when the temperature drops, you can heat up the seating area of your backyard so that you can continue to enjoy your outdoor space after summer.

Privacy guaranteed.

Create an intimate environment by building walls around your backyard. As part of your outdoor kitchen, walls can be appropriate. But if it seems cold or awkward with your layout, a fence or plants can work as well. The goal is to feel that the space is separate from your neighbors, so that you can truly relax or let loose.

3 Remodeling Projects That Add Value To Your Home

Do you dream of a complete kitchen remodel? Could your master bathroom use an overhaul? What about adding built-in cabinetry to your TV room? Here, well cover which projects are worth tackling if you want to add value to your home.

In The Kitchen

A kitchen remodel is by far the best investment you could make in a home for resale value. Granite, quartz or solid surface countertops are extremely desirable in the kitchen. Other must-haves include a kitchen island, modern appliances, plenty of quality cabinetry and countertop space, and a design with an easy traffic flow. Storage solutions, a large kitchen sink, and a beautiful backsplash are icing on the cake!

In the Bathroom

Almost as important as the kitchen, a bathroom remodel can also add value to a home, when done properly. Whether it’s a powder room or the master bath, there should be good lighting and adequate ventilation. Bathroom vanities play an important role, so choose wisely. Not only will your cabinetry provide much-needed storage solutions in the bathroom, but it will also anchor the room from a design standpoint. A soaking tub and/or large walk-in shower are also important features to consider when planning a bathroom remodel.

In The TV Room

Like the kitchen, the TV room (also known as a living room) is a place for gathering and entertaining. Put wasted space to work by installing custom cabinetry in the TV room. Not only will it add storage solutions to cut down on the clutter, but it will also make an attractive focal point in the room. When designing your TV room, take advantage of a large and empty wall space by thinking both horizontally and vertically. Then, add visual interest with a mixture of closed cabinetry and open shelving.

Other Home Remodeling Projects To Consider

If you live in an older home, consider replacing drafty, single-pane windows with energy efficient units. Windows with an Energy Star rating can help to considerably cut the cost of utility bills, and as an added bonus, some even tilt in for easy cleaning.
Make your laundry room more attractive and functional by adding a new, front-loading washer and dryer, and lovely laundry room cabinetry to stow detergent, stain removers, fabric softeners, and even your ironing board, out of sight.
When it comes to flooring, hardwood floors are immensely popular. Options include both solid and engineered wood. Or get the look without the big price tag by opting for laminate, vinyl, or tile flooring that is made to look like the real deal, but for a fraction of the cost.

While these are just a few updates that can add value to your home, hopefully they will inspire you to tackle that project you’ve been dreaming of. When you look at your house as a whole, any improvements should be worthwhile, whether you are planning to sell in the near future or not.

3 Hacks For A Pet-Friendlier Home

If it feels like you’re living in your dog’s house and not the other way around, it may be time to add some smart storage solutions to your home. Many homeowners initially neglect creating designated destinations for their pet’s belongings, but this approach can quickly cause serious clutter. You may not have predicted the amount of things your pet would need, but now that you know, it’s time to do something about it.

Just like you organize each room based on its function, you’ll want to put in place a set spot for your pet wherever they eat, sleep and bathe.

Separate pet food and human food for easy feedings morning and night.

Most pets have one or two types of food and a few varieties of treats. Rather than have them mixed in with your food in the pantry, create a designated drawer or basket to keep their food and snacks separate from your human food.

But storage solutions aren’t the only issue in the kitchen. When pets eat, it can get messy! To keep food and water spills from dirtying your kitchen floors, place their serving bowls on top of a tray to trap any messes before they spread.

Make bath time more blissful with a designated washing station or portable caddy.

Keeping your pet clean can be a full-time job, which is why many of us choose to drop our fur baby off at the groomer! But if you’re up for the task, the best way to tackle bath time is by having a wash station stocked with all of their shampoos, treatments, and grooming tools. If your laundry room can accommodate a wash station, this is really the best place to build one. Willow Lane Cabinetry can help you design a custom laundry room that includes a wash station for your furry friend, and cabinetry for storage.

If your home doesn’t have the room for a washing station, or your pet prefers to be bathed outdoors, repurposing a shower caddy for a portable grooming station is an easy alternative. Stock it up with all of the necessities so you’re never looking for a nail clipper or brush in the middle of grooming again.

Since they can’t have their own room, set up a nice nook that they’d be happy to call their own.

If your pet has stolen your side of the bed or has been sleeping on top of your shoes, you might want to consider creating a nice little nook for them to rest and relax. From pet beds to caves, there are plenty of comfortable options that your dog or cat would be just as happy to call home. Find a location in the home that they already are drawn to, for example, that sunny spot in the corner of your bedroom or living room. Set up their bed, any pet furniture, and a small bin with their favorite toys. The goal is to provide their own cozy place to go back to when it’s time for bed — or if they just some alone time.

4 Breakfast In Bed Ideas For Mom

They say a Mother’s job never ends — and it’s true. This Mother’s Day, give Mom the break she deserves with a special breakfast in bed, made with love! Here are some delicious ideas and inspiration from some of the most famous Celebrity Chef Moms.

Getting the kids cooking is one of the best kitchen trends. But Mom deserves more than scrambled eggs and toast with jam on her special day. These recipes are easy to make, and are sure to impress, so wake up the family and get cooking — while Mom sleeps in, of course!

Paula Deen’s Hash Brown Quiche

You may know Paula Deen from her TV shows and cookbooks (or her turn on Dancing with the Stars), but did you know she also owns and operates a number of restaurants with her sons, Jamie and Bobby? This southern lady knows her way around a kitchen, and her comfort-food recipes are famous for their decadence and a healthy dollop of butter. This Hash Brown Quiche is easy to make and undeniably tasty, with shredded hash browns, eggs, diced ham, green onions and cheddar cheese. Click here for the recipe.

Giada De Laurentiis’s Breakfast Pizza

Giada De Laurentiis is mother to ten-year-old daughter, Jade, and is famous for her Food Network daytime cooking show, Everyday Italian. Her recipe for Breakfast Pizza is perfect for eating in bed — no silverware required! Best of all, you can use store-bought pizza dough to make this sweet treat. You’ll also need mascarpone cheese, mixed berries, lemons, heavy cream, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla bean. So good, you may want to make two! Click here for the recipe.

Cat Cora’s Banana Chocolate Spring Rolls

Cat Cora is a super mom. After all, she’s a Food Network Iron Chef and has four sons! Her Banana Chocolate Spring Rolls are fun to make and fun to eat, thanks for store-bought wonton wrappers. Just fill them with banana, semi-sweet chocolate, and a sprinkling of sugar, and fry until golden brown (with the help of a grown-up). Place them on a paper towel to soak up any excess oil until ready to serve (on a pretty plate, of course). Click here for the recipe.

Alex Guarnaschelli’s Deluxe Coffee Cake

Alex Guarnaschelli is an amazing Executive Chef and can often be seen on TV, judging the Food Network Challenge and Chopped. She is also a Mom to daughter, Ava. We think her Deluxe Coffee Cake would work perfectly for breakfast in bed. The cake itself is scrumptiously moist; thanks to the addition of whole milk yogurt, while walnuts and pecans give the topping an irresistible crunch. Best of all, you can bake this cake up to three days before Mother’s Day, and store it tightly covered and out of sight (so as not to spoil the surprise). Click here for the recipe.

Moms deserve only the best things in life — and that includes breakfast in bed. For an extra special touch, add a vase of freshly picked flowers, and don’t forget the coffee! Happy Mother’s Day from Willow Lane Cabinetry!

How To Design The Ultimate Kitchen For Spring And Summer Entertaining

If you’re ready to dive into warmer weather with spring flings and summer soirees, you’ll need a kitchen that is prime for entertaining. Being a great host falls short if your kitchen design can’t keep up. Here’s what you’ll want to include in your kitchen remodel if you want a kitchen that can entertain as well as you can.

Create extra space to sit down.

Kitchen islands may be one of the most desired kitchen trends lately, but they aren’t the only way to add some extra seating to your kitchen. It’s more important to keep your floor plan functional, so be mindful of the square footage and other non-negotiable elements. One way to give guests a place to sit down without adding a large island is to simply raise your countertops. This second level separates your countertops to include a breakfast bar. Adding this to your kitchen remodel also creates some privacy for the cook, if you’d prefer your meal prep wasn’t on display.

Keep food and drinks the right temperature with specialty units.

Being able to serve a glass of wine just-slightly-chilled, and have all of your sides perfectly warm, can take a lovely party to the next level. Guests always appreciate the little details, and point-of-service refrigeration and warming drawers can help you achieve that je ne sais quoi. When designing your new kitchen, consider adding these extra units to your design.

Add a side bar.

Give your party more pizzazz by installing a side bar. Guests will gush over the serve-yourself station where they can grab a cocktail without bothering the hosts. And this luxe addition is a breeze to add-on to your kitchen remodel. With Willow Lane Cabinetry’s easy to design bar rom cabinetry, you can customize your bar to be the right size and shape for your home. With our free room design, one of our designers will even help you find just the right look and style of cabinetry to suit your home, with a custom layout, photorealistic renderings and an itemized shopping list.

Count on comfort.

One thing that is often overlooked in a kitchen remodel is comfort. Homeowners spend so much time on the function and aesthetics that they forget to consider something as simple as their own well-being. A key amenity in the kitchen, especially when entertaining, is good flooring. Some materials offer more give than others, making standing for long hours much more endurable. Recent green kitchen trends have also popularized sustainable flooring materials like cork and linoleum. Surprisingly, cork makes great kitchen flooring, as it is waterproof (however, it does require resealing every few years). As far as comfort, cork has a wonderfully soft texture, making it much more enjoyable to walk on than tile. Linoleum is another eco-friendly option that’s resilience and durability make it appropriate for the kitchen. If you have a specific color or style in mind for your flooring, linoleum also offers many options to choose from.

5 Tips For Designing A Better, More Functional Kitchen

In the movies, chefs glide seamlessly through the kitchen like ballerinas on a stage. But in your home, it may feel more like football practice — dodging left; ducking right and hoping you don’t drop the ball (or casserole) in between. While it’s easy to feel like you’re just “not good in the kitchen,” you may be less to blame than you think. In fact, successfully cooking at home is mostly dependent on the functionality of your kitchen. Let’s take a look at how a kitchen remodel could even the playing field and give you that home team advantage.

Design Bigger Walkways

You need space to shine in the kitchen, so how much is the right amount? The right size of the cooking zone depends on how many chefs live under your roof. If you usually cook solo, you’ll want your cooking zone to be at least 42” wide. If you have a sous chef, expand that to 48”. Keep this in mind when designing the layout for your kitchen remodel. A tight cooking zone makes cooking uncomfortable and less functional.

Organize Your Cabinets And Pantry Based On Your Layout

When thinking about which kitchen cabinets should go where and what you should store in them, think about how you naturally use the kitchen. For example, if you keep cereal in your pantry, it would be natural to have the nearest cabinets storing your cereal bowls. By eliminating “extra steps,” you will start to feel like a pro when navigating the kitchen.

Covet Your Countertops

One of the biggest complaints when cooking is not having enough countertop space, so definitely don’t skimp in this area. In fact, if you think you need more countertop space than the average cook, consider installing a kitchen island. This addition will give you more prep space and increase your storage capabilities at the same time. Islands are not bad to look at either, adding an interesting element to your kitchen design.

More Is More

A double oven, a mini refrigerator in your wet bar, or a second microwave can really make all of the difference. Have you ever had a holiday dinner where you were juggling to heat up multiple dishes at the same time? Or hosting game day and couldn’t get drinks cold fast enough? If your current kitchen is lacking, consider adding some extra appliances to your kitchen remodel.

Design For Your Family

Kitchen designs aren’t one size fits all, so when figuring out the blueprint for your new kitchen, keep your family in mind. For example, if you have young children that like to help themselves to breakfast or snacks after school, you will want to be sure what they need is in arm’s reach. This might mean a more expansive pantry, or installing your microwave a few inches lower. These kind of little details can make a huge difference in the functionality of your kitchen. When mapping out your new kitchen, make sure you are thinking about your everyday needs as much as your wants.