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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.

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!

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.

The Best Flooring Choices For Winter Weather

What could be more cozy than enjoying a mug of hot cocoa while watching snowflakes fall from the windows of your open concept kitchen? Winter is uniquely beautiful, as freshly fallen snow blankets the lawn and glistening icicles form on the trees in your backyard. And while you’d love to stay forever, all warm and toasty inside, occasionally you’ll have to venture out into the cold.

You bundle up in your winter coat and boots, grab your hat and gloves, and head out the front door. When you finally arrive back at home a few hours later, the same snow that looked so beautiful through the window has been tracked indoors, and is now a slushy, wet mess. There are dirty footprints and puddles dotting the hallway, and instead of feeling happy to be warm and toasty again, you’re worried about the damage all this water is doing to your beautiful hardwood floors.

If this scenario happens all too often, it may be time to consider replacing those hardwood floors with a better option for winter weather. Even if you live in a region that hardly ever sees snow, these flooring choices are also ideal for rainy spring and autumn days, and trips to the beach and pool come summer.

Wood-Look Tile

If you adore the look of hardwood floors but hate the maintenance, you don’t have to compromise style for practicality. It’s hard to distinguish Willow Lane Cabinetry’s wood-look tile from the real thing, and while both are beautiful, only once is impervious to water. Wood-look tile is durable and easy to clean, and is the perfect flooring choice for open concept kitchens and high traffic areas.

Ceramic wood-look tile comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Color options include Carolina Timber Gray, Carolina Timber White, Carolina Timber Beige, and Sonoma Driftwood. Or select frost-resistant porcelain wood-look tile for both indoor and outdoor applications. Porcelain options include Wheat, Espresso, Cottage Brown, White Oak, Sand Dune, Barnwood Gray, and Walnut wood-look tile.

Porcelain Tile

In addition to wood-look tile, there are many other porcelain tile options offered at Willow Lane Cabinetry. Many mimic the beauty of natural stone, like our Eden Statuary porcelain tile, and come in a wide range of sizes and colors to compliment your solid wood cabinetry. As we mentioned earlier, porcelain is waterproof and completely frost-resistant, making it an ideal choice year-round, but especially for winter weather

Vinyl Plank

This luxurious tile is not the same vinyl flooring of yesteryear. These rigid core vinyl planks offer the beauty of hardwood and the low-maintenance durability of ceramic and porcelain tile, all at a great price point. Vinyl plank flooring from Willow Lane Cabinetry features realistic texturing and a ten-year residential warranty. Perfect for wet areas of the home, like the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, this easy to install floating floor will pleasantly surprise even the most discerning homeowner.

Carrara Marble

If you’re looking for a uniquely beautiful flooring option, Carrara marble tile comes in a variety of patterns, from herringbone and basketweave, to hexagon and the classic subway style. This natural stone tile flooring is water-resistant, and features the trademark delicate veins that make marble such an elegant choice for the home.

5 Cabinetry Collections That Will Warm Up Your Home This Winter

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

Legacy Teaberry

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

Tuscan Walnut

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

Midtown Walnut Shaker

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

Oxford Merlot Glaze

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

Regency Espresso

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

The Top Interior Paint Colors Of 2019

With the New Year comes new interior design trends and stunning paint colors to update any room. If you dream of designing an open concept kitchen, master bath, or home office that’s right on point, read on to see what the paint experts are predicting as the top interior colors for 2019.

Metropolitan by Benjamin Moore

This stylish, serene, soft gray epitomizes modern sophistication, with cool undertones and just a hint of beige. Metropolitan, Benjamin Moore’s 2019 Color of the Year, is neutral enough to compliment any solid wood cabinetry finish, from rich brown Cobblestone in an open concept kitchen to creamy Roosevelt white in a home office. Other color trends for 2019 by Benjamin Moore include a palette of Soft Fern, Kona, Black Pepper, Hale Navy, and Hunter Green.

Cavern Clay by Sherwin Williams

The Sherwin Williams Color of the Year for 2019 is Cavern Clay, a warm terracotta hue that creates a contemporary ascetic in the home. Inspired by both the American Southwest and Mid-Century Modern style, this earthy interior color is warm and inviting, casual yet refined. Use it in the TV room, or pair it with a natural stone backsplash, dark cabinetry, and a copper kitchen sink for an open concept kitchen that wows.

Blueprint by Behr

Perfect for traditional, transitional, and contemporary homes, Behr’s Color of the Year for 2019 is a gorgeous, versatile blue that works equally well in a TV room, bathroom, or bedroom. Soothing and down to earth, Blueprint was inspired and named after the blueprints used by architects when designing homes. The anchor in a trends palette that includes earth tones, pastels, and jewel tones, Blueprint would look stunning paired with medium brown or crisp white solid wood cabinetry.

Metropolis Lilac by Valspar

Why pick one color when you can pick one for each month of the year? Valspar starts off 2019 with Metropolis Lilac in January, an immersive and bold purple tone that is sure to energize any space, from your laundry room to your dining room. Eleven more vibrant and exciting colors follow consecutively, including and Angelic Blue, Spring Squash, Blushing Bride, and Orange Slice.

Garden Patch By Dutch Boy

Dutch Boy’s Color of the Year for 2019 is Garden Patch, a nostalgic green hue inspired by nature. Warm, calming and botanical, Garden Patch an add a pop of soft, neutral color to any room design, and looks lovely with most any solid wood cabinetry or flooring finish from light to dark.

How To Host A Fabulous Fondue Party

Whether as part of an appetizer spread, main course, or dessert, fondue can be a delicious addition to a dinner party. It also creates a fun atmosphere and encourages your guests to interact and socialize. For your next holiday party or New Year’s Eve celebration, choose fondue for a night of food, fun and festivities.

Here are some tips for hosting your first fondue party.

Set up a buffet style or traditional fondue serving area.

If you have an open concept kitchen, you can use your kitchen island or extra countertop space to create a fabulous fondue station. Larger kitchen carts with bar cabinets, portable islands, or a buffet table will also work. This is the ideal set up if you want guests to be able to grab, dip, and go. Take this approach for cocktail parties where you’ll only serve appetizers, or for a dessert station.

For smaller guest lists, you can set your fondue pot on your dining room or coffee table for a more intimate setting.

Find the perfect pot for your fondue party.

There are a variety of fondue sets and pots out there, so purchase the style that suits your needs. You’ll find larger models with ten or more pieces, as well as simple sets that mostly just consist of one average sized pot. The main factor in your decision will be how many fondue courses you plan to offer and how many guests will be in attendance.

Which set you select will also have to do with where you’ll be serving your fondue. There are electric styles that need to be plugged in as well as wireless varieties that use a tea light candle. This is why it’s best to designate your serving station before purchasing your equipment.

Put together your menu.

There are so many possibilities with fondue. For an appetizer, indulge guests with a decadent cheese dip. As the main course, sliced meat, shrimp, or vegetables can be cooked in seasoned water. And for dessert, a warm bowl of chocolate smells as good as it tastes.

Decide if fondue will be one course or three and then plan your menu from there.

Everyone loves cheese as a starter and this is definitely the most well known way to fondue. The traditional combination of Emmentaler and Gruyère cheese is a classic that everyone can enjoy. Serve with bread, soft pretzels, or raw vegetables. For a twist, make a beer and cheese mixture that creates a decadent and delicious appetizer.

For your main course, heat up some water, oil and seasonings that will complement your protein choice, or use a flavorful vegetable broth. Guests can cook their favorites exactly how they like it. Just be sure to include a guide with the recommended cooking time for each option on display.

When it’s time for dessert, chocolate is the way to go. You can do either milk or dark chocolate and pair with anything from pound cake to fresh fruit. For an upgrade to a childhood favorite, let guests dip marshmallows into the chocolate and sandwich their creation between two pieces of grahams cracker. This adult version of the S’more is sure to be a hit that your guests will remember.

7 Home Trends Of the Past Making A Comeback In 2019

As the year is coming to a close, we’re feeling nostalgic for some of our favorite interior design trends of the past. Thankfully, these seven are back in style and right on point for 2019.

Shag Rugs

No longer a wall-to-wall relic of the 1970s, today’s shag is ideal for area rugs in the dining or TV room. Shag has a deep pile and is named for it’s uniquely shaggy appearance. Thanks to its rising popularity, shag area rugs can be found in a variety of colors and patterns to fit any décor.

Tulip Tables

You will get a sentimental feeling when you see Tulip Tables gracing magazine covers in the New Year. One of the most iconic designs of the Modernist movement of the mid 20^th century, this kitchen classic features a flower-like pedestal base, with a thin, round or oval top. The slim profile makes Tulip Tables a nice choice for small kitchens with a contemporary or transitional aesthetic.

Wet Bars

Once relegated to finished basements, the wet bar is fast becoming a stunning addition to an open concept kitchen designed for entertaining. These gorgeous bar cabinets should coordinate with your kitchen cabinetry, and feature a sink for rinsing out glasses and preparing mixed drinks for guests.

Shearling / Sherpa

Oh so cozy and perfect for the cold winter months, Shearling (along with it’s synthetic counterpart Sherpa) has been seeing a resurgence as of late. Whether you choose faux or the real deal, this soft material can be found in throw blankets and even upholstered furniture pieces.

Wicker / Rattan

Popular in the 1980s and 90s, wicker and rattan furniture is back on the radar and fresher than ever. Rather than the charming county or Victorian-revival set you once owned, wicker can be found in clean-lined, contemporary accent pieces, such as dining chairs or hall tables.

Mirrors

Mirrors have always been a staple of interior décor, but in 2019, expect to see mirrored furniture pop back on the scene, along with unique statement mirrors in retro styles and shapes, such as the sunburst or windowpane.

Gold / Copper

Stainless steel has dominated the open concept kitchen for a long time, but in 2019, warmer metals will be stealing the show. From 1960’s-inspired gold-tone pendant lights and pulls, to copper kitchen sinks, mixing both warm and cool metals will be right on trend, and will give your kitchen an elegant new look for the New Year.

4 Festive Twists On Classic Eggnog

Traditional eggnog is a holiday classic. This sweet drink made of eggs, nutmeg, milk, and sugar is spiked with bourbon, cognac, and rum for a winter cocktail that will warm your soul. While the original version is hands-down delicious, there are many eggnog variations that are equally as appetizing. Welcome some new traditions to your home bar this holiday season and stock your bar cabinets with ingredients to make these four festive twists on classic eggnog.

Spiced Chocolate Eggnog

Adding chocolate is always a good idea — this eggnog variation incorporates both bittersweet and milk chocolate. It gets its kick from cayenne pepper, but if you can’t handle the heat, just leave out this spicy ingredient. If your bar cabinets are already stocked for winter with brandy, and you’ve got plenty of spices in your kitchen, you may already have all of the ingredients for this chocolate eggnog recipe from Martha Stewart.

2 quarts whole milk

2 cups heavy cream

1 ¾ cups sugar

1 ¼ cups brandy

12 egg yolks

5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted

3 ounces milk chocolate, melted

4 cinnamon sticks

1 vanilla bean (seeds scraped and pods reserved)

whole nutmeg (optional garnish)

½ teaspoon coarse salt

sprinkle of cayenne pepper

For directions, click here.

Peppermint Eggnog Punch

Peppermint is pretty much synonymous with the holidays, so we couldn’t resist this peppermint infused eggnog variety. Made with thick and creamy peppermint ice cream, this decadent drink from Better Homes & Gardens is the perfect dessert cocktail for your next party. Add an extra scoop of ice cream to your cup and make this a peppermint eggnog float.

1 quart peppermint ice cream

1 quart eggnog

1 cup rum

1 ¼ to 2 ½ cups ginger ale

additional peppermint ice cream or peppermint sticks (optional garnish)

For directions, click here.

Eggnog Latte

If your guests are in need of an after dinner pick-me-up, this eggnog latte is the perfect solution. Made with classic eggnog and a double shot of espresso, you get the familiar taste of “milk punch” plus a rich jolt of java. Simply warm your eggnog in a saucepan by whisking it over medium heat and then pour over your espresso.

4 cups milk

12 large egg yolks

1 cup sugar

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup bourbon

nutmeg

espresso (2 shots per 1 cup of eggnog)

Find the full eggnog recipe here and eggnog latte recipe here.

Italian Eggnog Martini

This recipe makes our favorite cozy cocktail dinner-party appropriate by adding some extra spices and serving it in a martini glass. Rather than the traditional bourbon, cognac, and rum, this eggnog variation uses amaretto and vodka. Garnishes of caramel syrup and a peppermint stick add some extra holiday flair. This Italian eggnog recipe from Betty Crocker might be our new favorite after-dinner drink for the holidays.

1 ounce amaretto

1 ounce vodka

2 ounces eggnog

maraschino cherries

cinnamon

brown sugar

caramel syrup

candy cane and cinnamon stick (optional garnish)

For directions, click here.

How To Stock Your Home Bar Cabinets For Winter

Just a few short months ago; we talked about How To Stock Your Bar Room Cabinetry For Summer. And while classic Margaritas and chilled, sparkling white wine are refreshing, with temperatures dropping and December fast approaching, it is time to stock your home bar cabinets for winter. Warm up your spirits and spread holiday cheer with these seasonal suggestions.

Bourbon

This barrel-aged, American spirit has warm and wintery vanilla and honey notes. Perfect for spiking hot chocolate, bourbon can also be used for mixing up a Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail or Alpine Manhattan. You can also serve it on the rocks (with ice) — or neat (room temperature) if you’re a true Bourbon aficionado.

Whisky

You’ll often find this aromatic, distilled spirit in hot beverages, such as a Hot Toddy or Irish coffee. There are several types of Whisky, made from a variety of grains, and each has a uniquely complex flavor with hints of toffee, caramel, and sometimes even mint.

Vodka

This clear spirit is ideal for classic winter cocktails, like a creamy White Russian or a spicy Moscow Mule. It’s also necessary for making a big batch of Holiday Glögg (mulled wine) for your Christmas or New Year’s Eve party. On it’s own, Vodka doesn’t have a lot of flavor, but it’s a must have for mixed drinks.

Rum

Rum made our summer list for being the main ingredient in a frozen Daquiri, but you should also add Rum to your bar cabinets during the winter months. Not only is this sweet as molasses distilled spirit used in cold-weather cocktails like Eggnog (alongside the aforementioned Bourbon) and Hot Buttered Rum, but also it’s needed for baking Rum Cake, a classic holiday dessert!

Brandy

Produced by distilling wine, Brandy is typically used as an after-dinner digestif, especially after a heavy holiday meal. It’s also found in favorite cocktails like the Brandy Alexander (essentially grown-up chocolate milk), the Sidecar, and the Metropolitan.

Champagne

New Year’s Eve isn’t quite the same without a celebratory glass of Champagne. For an extra bit of sparkle, impress your holiday guests with a classic and festive Champagne Cocktail, or perhaps Champagne Mojitos with fresh springs of mint.