kitchen – Page 4 – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

5 Dad-Approved Home Improvements For Father’s Day

When making your summer home renovation checklist, don’t forget dear old Dad! Whether it’s bar cabinets, a TV room man cave, or a gourmet kitchen, steadfast and dependable Willow Lane Cabinetry is here for you with a huge selection of quality products and our free room design service! In honor of Father’s Day, here are five of our favorite Dad-approved home improvement projects.

Ultimate Grill Station

If your Dad is the “Grill Master” of the house, no doubt he will appreciate a grill upgrade for Father’s Day. First, research the best gas grills and grilling accessories. Then, create the ultimate grill station for Dad with a shiny new grill. Finish your new outdoor kitchen by installing frost and water-resistant tile flooring on the back porch.

TV Room Man Cave

If your Dad is a major movie buff or sports fan, be sure to add a TV room man cave to your home renovation checklist. All you need is a big, comfy sofa, a footrest, and a large-screen television nestled between all wood cabinetry. Don’t forget the remote control! This Dad-approved home improvement project is something everyone can cheer for!

Garage Upgrade

If the garage is your Dad’s domain, he will surely approve of this home improvement project. Garage upgrades include an easy to clean epoxy or tile floor, a fresh coat of paint, and pegboard for hanging all of Dad’s tools. Of course, no garage upgrade would be complete with installing all wood cabinetry for added storage.

Home Bar

If the special man in your life is as solid and reliable as all wood cabinetry, why not give him the gift of home bar cabinets? The perfect place to unwind with a Rusty Nail featuring his favorite scotch or a classic Negroni made with top shelf gin, a home bar is the ultimate way to give a toast to Dad and show him how much you appreciate everything he does for the family.

Gourmet Kitchen

If the #1 guy in your life loves to cook for the family, it’s time to give him the gourmet kitchen he deserves, complete with high-end appliances, natural stone countertops, and all wood cabinetry. Let Willow Lane Cabinetry’s team of designers help you bring Dad’s dream kitchen to life with a custom layout, photorealistic renderings, and an itemized list of what you’ll need and what it will cost. Because nothing is too good for dear old Dad!

Happy Father’s Day from Willow Lane Cabinetry!

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

5 Must-Have Elements of Modern Kitchen Design

Modern kitchen design can be described in many ways. Not every expert will agree on every detail. Design is a form of art so it will always be open to interpretation. That being said, there are a few general rules of thumb within each theme from traditional to contemporary kitchens that most designers will agree on. Here is our list of five must-have elements of modern kitchen design.

Slab cabinets with frameless construction.

In modern and contemporary kitchens, slab or flat-panel cabinetry is pretty standard. This cabinet style features a flat door with no frame. Frameless construction is popular in modern and newly built kitchens because this evolved design ensures full access and maximum storage space. Not only are these cabinets sleek but they are also incredibly functional.

The Urban White Cabinets from Willow Lane Cabinetry are the perfect example of slab cabinets with frameless construction. Take a peak online or order a sample and see for yourself!

Sleek hardware that lacks ornamentation or detail.

Another telltale sign of a modern kitchen is a lack of ornamentation and detail. We notice this with the selection of cabinet doors but also in the hardware used. Rather than decorative pulls and knobs, modern kitchen design features sleek hardware that doesn’t demand any attention.

A few finds from Willow Lane Cabinetry that fit this mold are Elements’ Brenton Collection Knobs and Verona Collection Pulls.

When planning your kitchen design, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Whether you need help picking the perfect modern kitchen island or can’t decide between two backsplashes, our designers are here to help from the initial layout to delivery.

Countertops and flooring designed with natural materials.

Whether it be a marble countertop or wood floors, you will often find natural materials used in the construction of a modern kitchen. This reliance on nature comes from a desire to add character, color, and details in an organic way. It also helps to offset what might come across as a “cold” or “uninviting” ambiance. While the goal of a modern kitchen is to create a sleek, clean design it is not meant to take away for the welcoming vibe that will always be at a kitchen’s core.

Industrial features that ground contemporary elements.

You’ll likely come across one or more industrial elements in a modern kitchen. This addition helps to ground an overwhelmingly contemporary kitchen much in the way that natural materials do. When you see a concrete countertop or exposed ceiling beams, think of it as an open invitation to make yourself at home.

Open storage that leaves little to the imagination.

It’s not uncommon to find open shelving or glass door cabinets in a modern kitchen. Rather than keep storage hidden, modern kitchens rely on visually appealing ways to incorporate their essentials into their design.

This approach to storage creates a more open space and also ties into the idea of organic décor. Rather than add clutter to countertops, you can put your favorite dinnerware on display. Minimalism comes to light in many ways in the modern kitchen and this is one of the signature approaches.

Potted Plants: The Greenery You Need Above Your Cabinets

Many kitchens have that awkward space above the cabinets that, let’s face it, many of us just aren’t sure what to do with. Do we leave it alone, go crazy with knick-knacks or use it as storage for things we almost never use? One avenue to consider is filling your above-cabinet space with potted plants. This is a fresh and creative way to add a little color and life to your space. Take a look at a few of our favorite ideas.

For Minimal Space

If the space between your cabinets and the ceiling is short, low-light plants are a great option. Tucked just above the cabinets, these plants add a natural and vibrant accent to any space. If you want to add a little more color, think colored pots! Remember to take measurements before you purchase your plants. Another thing to think about when choosing houseplants for your space: consider their future growth. Plants that grow on a vine are an excellent choice for a short space.

Plants for the Non-Green Thumb

You know the type – every year, you try to keep a plant or two alive, and every year, you succumb to the guilt that you killed another one. We’re here to tell you about great (and foolproof) plants for that space above your cabinet – that anyone can keep alive. And they look good, too! Give these a go: Aloe Vera; Aluminum Plant; Chinese Evergreens; White Jasmine; English Ivy; Cast Iron Plant; Spider Plant, and African Spear.

Plants that Clean the Air

If you’d love to detox and purify the air a little, there are countless plants to get the job done. Since we’re thinking above-the-cabinet potted plants, we’re sharing our favorite plants that are low-light, easy-care and beneficial to the air quality of your home: Areca Palm; Philodendron; Dracaena (unless you have pets – these are poisonous to dogs and cats); Weeping Fig; Peace Lily; Rubber Plant; Bamboo Palm, and Snake Plant, to name a few.

Read our other post about air purifying houseplants.

Mix and Match… or Not

One of the best things about potted plants – the pots! They can add color, shape and texture to your space. Don’t worry about matching the pots – pots in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and textures add interest to your plant display. By livening up your potted plants, you can create a fun and fresh effect in the room.

One Last Thought: We recommend placing waterproof trays under your potted plants to reduce the risk of moisture damage and mold to your cabinets.

The Key to Designing A Traditional Kitchen

A traditional kitchen celebrates the past and is made up of timeless pieces that never go out of style. If you want to recreate this forever-in-fashion look in your home, focus on these three things.

Choose a soft, welcoming color scheme.

Traditional kitchens are typically composed of warm, welcoming colors. When choosing the color scheme for your traditional kitchen, stick to neutrals like cream, white, and grey or soft shades of brown and green.

There is often confusion between a “traditional kitchen” and an “Old World kitchen” and color is one of their defining differences. Old World kitchens typically feature blues and gold, two hues that are rarely present in a traditional kitchen. Let your color scheme set the tone for your traditional theme.

Incorporate pieces that feel hand-crafted.

There’s no sleek lines or modern materials in a traditional kitchen. This time period was all about the custom touch and featured handmade pieces with plenty of details. Opt for all wood cabinetry, preferably in one of the more natural kitchen cabinet finishes.

Countertops and flooring should also be made with organic materials, so try to avoid synthetic or man-made options if possible. You will actually see a lot of wood countertops in traditional kitchens, but you could also go with quartzite or granite.

Hardwood is obviously the flooring of choice here but if your countertops and kitchen cabinet finishes are natural wood, you’ll want to select stone for your flooring to avoid an all-wood look. Limestone and slate are two popular options, and they can even be mixed and matched to create an interesting pattern. Remember that with traditional kitchens it’s all about the tiny touches and custom feel. Any way you can add an awe factor, such as with a unique flooring pattern, will help to elevate and authenticate your theme.

Find faucet fixtures and hardware that is also time-period appropriate.

A common mistake when designing a kitchen is to overlook the tiny details. Doing so can completely dismantle your design so be conscious of the style of your faucet fixtures and hardware. With a traditional theme, you’ll want to avoid anything sleek, streamlined or stainless steel. These elements are all very modern and contemporary.

Instead select pieces that have detail, shape, and a more antiquated feel. Brushed oil rubbed bronze and antique brushed satin brass are two finishes that will go better with your traditional kitchen.

Now that you know the key to designing a traditional kitchen, let’s put our knowledge to work.

If you’re ready to put your kitchen remodel in motion, contact our team for free a kitchen design and layout. We’ll send you photorealistic renderings so you can see how your all wood cabinetry will look in your new traditional kitchen and provide you with an itemized list so you know exactly what pieces you need to create your perfect design. Our name might be Willow Lane Cabinetry, but we also specialize in kitchen countertops, flooring, and hardware. Let us find custom solutions to your unique space and bring your dream kitchen to your real home.

How To Design An Open Concept Kitchen With Mid-Century Modern Style

The distinctive characteristics of the 1930s to 1960s have become a popular design choice for homeowners. The functional and organic elements from this time period have found their way into the 21^st century. Do you love clean lines, soft curves, and minimalism? If so, consider designing your open concept kitchen with mid-century modern style. Here’s the inspiration you need to bring this style to life in your home.

Choose contemporary kitchen cabinets with natural or rustic elements.

The right contemporary kitchen cabinets for your mid-century inspiration should be sleek and modern, but also have natural or rustic elements. This balance is true to the time period and will help set the tone in your open concept kitchen.

When it comes to kitchen cabinet finishes, you could easily go with dark or light depending on the color scheme you decide on. For a white and light finish, Willow Lane Cabinetry’s Urban White is the perfect pick with its high gloss finish and frameless design. If you prefer the look of dark cabinets, another great style from Willow Lane Cabinetry is the Salem Cobblestone. This cabinetry collection features a rich, dark grey stain and recessed door style that is both timeless and modern.

Mix in some antique elements to bring the theme together.

You will find new furniture designed in similar style to the 1930s and 1960s, but if you can get your hands on some antique pieces, it can really authenticate your open concept kitchen’s theme. From retro breakfast bar stools to light fixtures, there are plenty of ways to bring a bit of the past into your modern home. Find a nearby estate sale or hit up your local thrift shop to browse for some antique décor or furnishings for your kitchen remodel.

Warm things up with some strategically placed color.

With its minimalistic vibe and functional foundation, mid-century style tends to feature more neutral color schemes with predominately white or woodsy elements. But color is an important part of a mid-century kitchen, as one of its greatest appeals is its ability to warm up a sleeker and modern aesthetic. Whether it’s colored cabinets or a bright backsplash, pick a color to add some welcoming warmth to your open concept kitchen.

Keep clutter under control to maintain minimalism in your mid-century modern kitchen.

A mid-century modern kitchen is not the place for knick-knacks or tchotchkes. Countertops should be kept clear and any kitchen supplies should be tucked away behind cabinet doors. Storage is always a priority in a minimalistic or modern home. Make sure your kitchen is prepared to keep clutter under control by installing inside cabinet accessories. If you have a lofty pantry space, it can serve as the perfect storage solution, but for those relying solely on kitchen cabinets, don’t worry. It is possible to have a clutter free kitchen by optimizing the space in both your base and wall cabinets. Just give every item an assigned space and stay committed to a cleanup routine.

The 3 Benefits of Having a Home Office

Studies have shown working from home leads to greater productivity and job satisfaction. Not only does it increase morale, but it also reduces stress—imagine not having to dress up or commute back and forth everyday—and improves job retention rates. And it’s not only good for employees. Companies that allow people to work from home can save thousands of dollars each month per employee. Obviously, there are less office expenses, but did you know remote workers statistically take fewer vacation and sick days? It’s true!

Sounds like a great situation, doesn’t it? But first, you need a home office. And no, your kitchen island won’t cut it. Without a designated home office, you wont even have the possibility of working from home, and the above-mentioned perks that come along with it. Here are just a few more of the many benefits of having a home office.

Finding Balance Between Home And Office

We mentioned productivity earlier, and the luxury of being able to jump right into your workday rather than wasting time on travel. And while it’s nice to stay in your PJs all day, you do need to strike a balance between work and home to be successful. Having a designated “home office” is the perfect compromise, as the name implies. Sure, you can stroll down to the kitchen island for a cup of coffee or to throw a load of laundry in the washer, but when you’re in your home office, it’s all business.

A Quiet Place To Work While The Kids Are Home For Summer

When the kids are at school, it’s easy to be productive. But when the kids are home on summer break, things can get a lot more challenging. The house isn’t as quiet as it used to be, and there are many more distractions that can pull you away from your deadlines. Having a home office gives you a quiet place to call your own. When the door is shut, the family knows you’re on work time and should not be disturbed. Of course, working from home also gives you a bit more freedom to set your own hours and enjoy some family fun in the sun!

An Atmosphere That Sparks Creativity And Inspires Ideas

Most large offices are packed with wall-to-wall cubicles and feature generic décor that does little to inspire. On the other hand, a home office is your own personal space, where you are free to design a room that sparks creativity and inspiration. Imagine energetic orange or soothing blue walls paired with espresso cabinets, and not a single cubicle in sight. What could be better?

Trends in Natural Wood Cabinets

There’s something to be said for beautifully crafted natural wood cabinets left in their original (or close to it) state. Whether you’re thinking country kitchen, beachside cottage, New England rustic farmhouse or urban city chic, set your home apart with natural wood cabinets. From showcasing a kitchen island to enveloping an entire room, the following trends in natural wood cabinets are sure to make you swoon.

Country Kitchen Natural Wood Cabinets

One of the most eye-catching ideas homeowners love is to renovate your kitchen space with minimalist, unpainted and unfinished natural wood cabinets. Wood cabinets not only add natural warmth to kitchens of every size and style, but they also add a natural and cozy aesthetic to the busiest room in the house. Choose from dark, medium, and light wood kitchen cabinets made from oak, walnut, fir, cherry wood and more. Slab-front, full-overlay natural cabinet doors can give a fresh and clean look to your space.

Beachside Cottage Natural Wood Cabinets

Bathed in calming neutrals, your beachside cottage will spring to life and make a statement with natural wood cabinets. Selecting a neutral color for your cottage’s kitchen cabinetry will soften your space. For that extra beachside feel, create an airy kitchen with a combination of natural wood and white décor to give your room a contemporary yet cozy feel. Woods to consider can include white oak, pecky cypress, maple, ash and reclaimed wood, Another thought… Shaker-style cabinets!

Get more chic ideas for a coastal interior!

New England Rustic Farmhouse Natural Wood Cabinets

Unpretentious, functional, straightforward and down-home cozy. Who doesn’t love a farmhouse kitchen? If it’s time for a renovation and you’re thinking about adding a little cozy farmhouse style to your space, a fun idea to incorporate is natural wood cabinets with a classic white farmhouse sink and natural wood butcher block countertops. Talk about New England rustic! Choose from red oak, poplar, maple, mahogany – or even plywood! Add in a little handcrafted, rustic décor to really go for it!

Urban City Chic Natural Wood Cabinets

There’s no denying that urban city chic style is hot and trendy. From loft apartments to two-story penthouses, city chic is in and just about everyone loves it. When it comes to kitchen design, so many ideas come to mind. One idea – custom cerused oak cabinets surrounded by lots of natural light will bring warmth to your kitchen space – no matter how big or small. Other wood choices we love to see include white ash, bleached mahogany, reclaimed wood and plywood. It’s amazing what you can do with plywood!

5 Fruity Spring Cocktails To Make At Home

Spring has sprung! Along with the blooming flowers and beautiful weather comes outdoor parties and fruity cocktails. Stock up your bar cabinets and say cheers in spring style with one (or more) of these juicy cocktails inspired by the season.

Vodka Lemonade

What’s better than a glass of ice cold, homemade lemonade on a spring day? Spiking it with some vodka! All joking aside, this classic warm-weather drink really does pair well with a splash of your favorite vodka. Swap in a citrus variety for extra flavor and serve it with fresh thyme or mint leaves for a twist. Everyone has vodka in their bar cabinets, and the added garnishes give this adult beverage the perfect boost.

Paloma

Another citrus infused cocktail that you’re going to love this spring is the Paloma. This Mexican favorite features tequila and is the prettiest shade of pink. Mix one-part tequila, three-parts grapefruit soda, and add a lime wedge — or whip up a version with fresh grapefruit juice. If going this route, follow Drizzle & Dip’s lead by mixing tequila with the juice of half of a grapefruit, agave or sugar syrup, club soda, and lime. It’s Paloma time!

Apricot + Mint Cocktail

Why not take advantage of seasonal produce when whipping up your spring cocktails? Apricots are in season during the spring months, and their vibrant color and sweet flavor make them a great ingredient in drinks. This recipe from Serious Eats combines muddled apricots, mint, lemon juice, and gin for a refreshing treat. Apricots aren’t used in a cocktail often, which makes this drink unexpected but no less delicious. Offer this fruit forward libation at your next backyard gathering.

Strawberry Kiwi Sangria

A slushy strawberry daiquiri will always have a place in our hearts, but there are plenty of other ways to showcase strawberries on your spring drink menu. Strawberries pack plenty of flavor and pair nicely with a variety of different liquors. They do especially well with a white wine, which is why we had to include this white sangria recipe from Kitchen Treaty. Both strawberries and kiwis are in season in spring, so this tropical twist on traditional sangria is extra sweet and juicy. Use a dry wine like sauvignon blanc, which also has citrusy notes.

Jala-piña Margarita

We couldn’t wrap this list up without a margarita, and since we were missing something spicy, this Jala-piña Margarita from Food & Wine was an obvious choice. Made with pineapple, limejuice, tequila and (of course) jalapenos, this margarita will definitely put a little pep in your step. Sweet pineapple and sugar balance the fiery notes in this spring cocktail that is easy to make at home, and it’s as fun to serve as it is to drink. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and mix a little cayenne pepper in your salt before rimming the glass. The bright red cayenne will give this cocktail a little color — and an extra kick!

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

How To Design A Stylish Yet Functional Kitchen For Foodies

If you’re like most of us, you love to eat! But do you have what it takes to call yourself a Foodie? Merriam-Webster defines a Foodie as, “a person having an avid interest in the latest food fads.” It’s not enough just to enjoy eating good food. A true Foodie also enjoys cooking and isn’t afraid to try something new, whether it’s the latest dessert trend on Pinterest or a challenging gourmet classic like Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon. If you consider yourself a Foodie, you need a contemporary kitchen that can accommodate your passion and drive as a home chef. Here, well show you how to design a stylish yet functional kitchen for a true Foodie like you!

First, design a stylish, comfortable space that flows. As a home chef, you need a clear path from the refrigerator to the sink, stove, and your kitchen island countertop. Instead of a closed room with a traditional work triangle layout, many contemporary homes feature an open concept kitchen with several zones for meal prep. Before you begin your kitchen remodel, consider the type of space you have and the way you like to work in the kitchen. Do you prefer to be alone or do you like to delegate tasks to your spouse and a handful of little sous-chefs? Make sure you have plenty of room to spread out with limited obstructions, and try to incorporate as much countertop space and solid wood cabinetry as your room will allow. Willow Lane Cabinetry offers a free online kitchen and room design service to help with your stylish yet functional new kitchen layout.

Here are a few dream features you may want to include in a kitchen fit for a Foodie:

Durable, easy to clean countertops
A large refrigerator and freezer
A convection oven
A gas range or electric cooktop
A large kitchen island
Solid wood cabinetry
A beautiful tile backsplash
A deep kitchen sink
Water-resistant flooring
A kitchen hood
A walk-in pantry

Next, add those custom details that take your kitchen to the next level. Inside cabinet accessories help to create a functional, organized kitchen that any Foodie would crave. Keep cookware at the ready with a two-tiered chrome organizer that fits neatly within a base cabinet. Make sure your spices are easily accessible near the stove by installing a door-mounted spice rack in your solid wood cabinetry. Keep a chef’s most important tools safely tucked away in a drawer with a trimmable knife block made from maple hardwood. Make baking a breeze with a heavy-duty mixer lift. Install these and other inside cabinet accessories from Willow Lane Cabinetry, and enjoy your Foodie status in your dream kitchen.

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

Tips For Choosing A Wall Color That Complements Your Solid Wood Cabinetry And Flooring

Wall color is an extremely powerful aspect of any room design. It sets the tone and fills the space with a unique style and ambience — depending on the shades you choose. Color can also have a profound impact on your mood. That is why it is so important to choose wisely when settling on a wall shade that will complement your solid wood cabinetry, flooring, furniture and decor. To ensure you make a fantastic decision for your home, here are some tips to consider when picking out a paint color.

Choose a color scheme inspired by your existing décor.

If your flooring and furnishings are somewhat neutral, you may be able to add some brighter colors to your walls. For example, white cabinetry paired with cheerful yellow or blue walls. However, if you already have a strong color scheme going, including your rugs, throw pillows, lamps or other décor, it is smart to maintain this color scheme.

But beware — too much of one color can create an overpowering, monochromatic look that can quickly become exhausting to live with. If you want to continue with your color palette but don’t want it to be too overwhelming, utilizing a lighter shade of the same hue might be a better alternative.

Opt for white.

When in doubt, pick out a nice eggshell white shade. This neutral will go with almost anything and is easy to paint over when you find a shade you’re truly excited about. If white is too bland for your tastes, pale gray or creamy beige will also do the trick. Neutral walls create a serene, soothing space, and are the ideal choice for creating a seamless look in open concept kitchens.

Match undertones.

Try examining your solid wood cabinetry, flooring, and furniture for underlying tones. Similar materials often contain similar neutral undertones. Painting your walls with one of these neutrals will tie all aspects together. It also allows you to get creative with your decorating by adding vibrant pops of color that can be easily changed with the seasons.

Use dark colors cautiously.

Deep hues can be beautiful on paper and offer an elegant timeless look. However, once these dark shades are on your walls, it might feel like you’ve moved into a small, underground hideaway. Dark shades and jewel tones can be stunning — but they are usually much too overpowering for an entire room and can make a space feel cramped. Instead, use dark shades in larger rooms or for an accent wall.

Be consistent.

Once you’ve chosen a color you like that’s suitable for the room you’re painting, try to stick to similar colors when you paint other rooms in your house. It’s fun to give each room its own character, but your whole home will flow better if your rooms are somewhat cohesive and complimentary in tone. For a lesson on basic color theory, click here.

Continue with the theme.

If you have a home focused around a specific theme, such as farmhouse chic or tropical oasis, you should opt for colors that embrace your current atmosphere. It’s likely your furniture, cabinetry, flooring and existing decor coincide with this theme, so it’s important to continue with colors that you believe will flatter your current style.

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!