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2019 Home Design Trends We Love For Spring

The spring of 2019 has officially sprung, and most homeowners are going over their home renovation checklist in anticipation of sunnier days ahead. Whether you’re considering a big remodel or just a little sprucing, here are the design trends we love for this splendid season.

Tile Backsplash Accent Walls
While shiplap was all the rage last spring, this year, tile accent walls are popping up in fashion-forward homes. From stunning patterns like floor to ceiling herringbone marble, to quirky and colorful glass subway tile, backsplash tile is an affordable and eye-catching way to bring big style to an otherwise bland wall.

Wood-Look Flooring

Harwood floors are a staple of modern kitchen design. While aesthetically charming and a classic choice, wood flooring is susceptible to dents, scratches, and water damage. Wood-look tile flooring, on the other hand, offers the warmth and beauty of hardwood without the hassle. Durable and impervious to water, it’s the smart and trendy choice for contemporary kitchens and bathrooms this year.

Gray and Cream Cabinets
According to the Houzz Kitchen Report, white is still the top choice for all wood cabinetry. With that said, there are many different shades of white, and this spring, homeowners are opting for softer, creamier hues and gray tones along with bright white in the kitchen. Gray and cream-colored cabinets look lovely when paired with warm wood cabinetry on a kitchen island and natural stone countertops.

Quartzite Countertops
Speaking of natural stone countertops, Quartzite is a unique alternative to ever-popular granite countertops. Featuring a natural variation in color and pattern, this highly durable, natural stone looks like marble but won’t etch like marble. It’s also scratch, heat and stain resistant.

Custom Drawer Inserts

Modern kitchen design is all about form and function. Inside cabinet accessories can help you create a more organized kitchen this spring. This includes a variety of custom drawer inserts, from wood spice trays and trimmable knife blocks, to a wood drawer peg system for instant storage.

All Wood Bath Cabinetry
When in comes to bath vanities, all wood cabinetry is the ultimate choice this spring. From solid maple to birch, warm wood finishes set the tone for an inviting guest bathroom or soothing master bath. Add oil rubbed bronze, shiny chrome, or satin nickel bath hardware to complete the contemporary look.

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!

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

Chic Details For A Contemporary Coastal Interior

Coastal living is all about sun, sand, salt water, and those cool ocean breezes. So why are so many beach houses oh so dated and dreary? Forget that kitschy nautical décor, cliché Navy blue paint, and ominously dark wood paneling, and take a decorating tip from modern Mother Nature. Here, we’ll offer up some inspiration for designing a contemporary coastal interior that’s serene and simply beautiful — just like the sea.

If your home by the ocean isn’t quite in ship shape, now is the time for a stylish update. Get a jump on the summer season with solid wood cabinetry and chic coastal details. If you aren’t sure how to navigate a home remodeling project, contact Willow Lane Cabinetry and take advantage of our free room design service. The rest is smooth sailing!

Here are some charming details to consider for your coastal interior.

Wood-Look Tile

When living by the ocean, you are sure to track saltwater and sandy footprints indoors. That is why it’s wise to stick with water-resistant, easy to clean tile flooring. While hardwood floors are the epitome of coastal chic, they require a lot of care and maintenance. Get the look without the headache by installing wood-look tile in your open concept kitchen and throughout the home. Click here to browse our beautiful selection of wood-look tile and other flooring options from Willow Lane Cabinetry.

White Kitchen Cabinets

When designing the quintessential contemporary beach house interior, white kitchen cabinets are a must. The clean and simple lines of Shaker cabinet doors look stunning in a crisp white finish, with charming touches like glass front doors, a built-in wine rack, and traditional cup pulls. Pair white kitchen cabinets with a kitchen island in a gray or dark finish for added contrast and a trendy two-tone look.

Natural Stone

A contemporary coastal kitchen brings natural elements from the outdoors in. There is no better way to do this than by installing a natural stone backsplash or countertops in your bath or open concept kitchen. Natural materials for countertops include Quartz, Quartzite and Granite. Featuring unique colors and patterns, natural stone is durable, low-maintenance, and uniquely beautiful. Click here to learn more and to compare our countertop materials.

Coastal-Inspired Colors

Contemporary coastal interiors have a light and airy vibe, with serene and vibrant colors taken straight from the sea. Living Coral, Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year, is fresh and lively, and evokes the unique beauty of the ocean. It pairs nicely with other coastal-inspired hues like Sea Glass by Benjamin Moore, Interesting Aqua by Sherwin Williams, Sand Pearl by Behr, Seashell Gray by Valspar, and other beachy shades.

Pair painted walls with a well-placed accent wall made from natural stone tile or wood. Charming coastal options include shiplap, board and batten wainscoting, and bead board. Add the finishing touches with sea grass baskets, natural fiber linens and area rugs, canvas or linen widow treatments, plantation shutters, and tasteful beach house décor.

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 Impress Your Sweetheart With A Home Cooked Meal On Valentine’s Day

While eating dinner at a fancy restaurant is nice, anybody can make a reservation. If you truly want to impress your sweetheart, why not make a home cooked meal? Whether you have a small galley or large open concept kitchen, you can show how much you care with a romantic evening at home. Here are a few tips for planning and preparing the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner — made with love.

Tip 1: Search Your Heart

You know your Valentine better than anyone. Before you begin, search your heart to determine what he or she would love. What are her favorite foods? Even if it’s something as simple as burgers, incorporate that into the menu — with a gourmet twist. Does he love spending quality time with you? If so, plan a meal you can cook together. Does she love surprises? Have a romantic dinner for two waiting when she gets home from work.

Tip 2: Set The Mood

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion; so bring a bit of romantic ambiance to your dining room or open concept kitchen. Now is the perfect time to pull out the good China dishes and crystal wine glasses you received as a wedding gift. Show you care by setting the table properly, complete with cloth napkins, tapered candles, and a vase of fresh flowers. For a detailed guide on table setting etiquette from Emily Post, click here.

Tip 3: Plan The Menu

If you cook dinner on a nightly basis, steer clear of the meals in your regular rotation, and whip up something new and exciting for Valentine’s Day. Start with your significant other’s favorite meal, and make it fancy. For example, simple spaghetti and meatballs can become spicy Pappardelle with Bolognese Sauce, while steak can become surf and turf, with filet mignon and broiled lobster tails. Even a traditional cheeseburger can be made special with unique toppings. Swap raw white onions for pickled red onions, iceberg lettuce for arugula, and American cheese for Gouda or Gorgonzola.

Tip 4: Don’t Forget Dessert

A Valentine’s Day dinner isn’t complete without a decadent dessert for two. Don’t cheat by buying a store-bought confection. Baking a homemade sweet for your sweetheart is the icing on the cake — the perfect happy ending to the lovey meal you have prepared. If you’re not a natural baker, keep things simple. Search online for easy and traditional Valentine’s Day dessert recipes, such as Chocolate Mousse or heart shaped Strawberry Shortcake. You may also want to consider stocking your bar cabinets for a special nightcap cocktail.

Planning and preparing a Valentine’s Day dinner is a thoughtful gesture that takes time and effort. When you follow these helpful tips, your Valentine will surely be impressed — and feel loved.

5 Culinary Winter Herbs To Grow Indoors

Winter is a magical time of year, filled with hearty stews, savory soups, roasted meats, fresh baked goods, and other delights. Celebrate the season, and perfectly season your dishes, by growing these culinary winter herbs at home, right in your own kitchen.

Rosemary

This fragrant, evergreen herb can be grown year-round, but it’s particularly wonderful in the winter when paired with rich meats like beef or lamb. Rosemary has a piney aroma and peppery flavor, and can be used fresh or dried. Extremely versatile, Rosemary is also suited for seasoning salad dressings, artisan bread, and even shortbread cookies.

Thyme

Like Rosemary, Thyme is an evergreen perennial that can be used both fresh and dried. It has a lemony flavor that helps to add a bit of brightness to whatever you’re cooking, be it roasted pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes, or Roasted Chestnut Soup. Like Rosemary, Thyme’s fresh scent will fill even the largest open concept kitchen with festive fragrance.

Parsley

This hearty herb has a vibrant flavor that works well in a multitude of recipes, from pasta with Parsley Pesto to holiday appetizers with Garlic Herb Cheese Spread. It is also the main ingredient in Green Goddess dressing, and compliments beef, poultry, seafood, and vegetables. Thanks to it’s ruffled leaves and bright green hue, parsley is also used to pretty up dishes as a garnish.

Mint

Strong and aromatic, mint comes in several varieties, including peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint. Mint pairs nicely with citrus, winter squash, and lamb, and adds a bit of cheer to a hot mug of cocoa. It is also found in cold weather cocktails like this Mistletoe Martini or Moscow Mule made with vodka and spicy ginger beer from your home bar cabinets.

Sage

This leafy, evergreen herb gives holiday stuffing its distinctively earthy flavor. Somewhat sweet, somewhat bitter, sage also enhances vegetables, seafood, steak, poultry, and pork. But use it sparingly — a little sage goes a long way, and packs a powerful punch.

6 Tips For Growing Winter Herbs Indoors

Heating your home during a cold spell can dry out the air indoors. Choose plastic or glazed pots that will retain moisture.

Make sure your pots have proper drainage holes, with a saucer below to catch drips. Herbs can develop root rot if they become too soggy.

Check your plants every few days and water when the soil is dry a half inch below the surface.

Use proper potting soil for indoor herbs and apply fertilizer sparingly in the winter.

Find a sunny, easily accessible spot close to where you’ll be cooking, whether you have a small galley kitchen or large, open concept kitchen.

While they do need sunlight, winter herbs like the warmth of being indoors, so avoid placing your pots too close to drafty windows.

How To Host A Swanky Summer Soiree At Home

A house party allows you to enjoy all of the luxuries of your home plus the fun company of your friends and family. But most summer get-togethers tend to be limited to pool parties and barbeques. We want your next celebration to be incredible and one of a kind — so we’re showing you exactly how to host a swanky summer soiree at home. Get those invitations ready because this summer will be sizzling with the hottest house parties around.

Bar room kitchen trends make your home the perfect place to host a party.

It’s time to take the party away from the kitchen island. While this extra countertop space makes a great makeshift bar and serving station for your hors d’oeuvres, it’s not always the most convenient location with a larger guest list. Add a bar room off your kitchen or living room and liven up any event.

When choosing cabinets, consider what type of amenities you and your guests will benefit from the most. Would a built-in wine rack be life changing? Could you finally accommodate everyone’s favorite beer with an extra fridge? Think about what makes you and your guests the happiest and try to incorporate these elements into your bar room cabinetry.

A seasonal menu highlights the best produce the summer has to offer.

Steer clear of the typical salsa, pigs in a blanket, and chicken wings and put together a party menu that is rich in seasonal goodness. Incorporate summer fruits and vegetables into your appetizers, main course, and dessert. Here are a few ideas:

Corn – Don’t forget this summer favorite at your soiree. Elote (better known as Mexican street corn) is a flavorful, grilled finger food that is much more exciting than your traditional corn on the cob. You could also whip up a delicious succotash to serve alongside a chicken or fish entrée.

Stone Fruits – Grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream are a simple but mouthwatering dessert. You could also cut up some fresh peaches to serve alongside a cheese plate with other summer fruits, such as cherries and figs.

Melons – Prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe will instantly give your menu a little something extra. You could also create an easy watermelon and feta salad that will be as tasty as it is colorful.

An outdoor space gives guests room to wander and a way to enjoy the warm weather.

There are so many kitchen trends that break down the backdoor and extend the heart of the home outdoors. Whether your home already has an outdoor kitchen or you’re considering one, adding an outdoor space is a great way to give your summer parties more punch. Other than a traditional outdoor kitchen, there are other fun ways to bring the fiesta into the fresh air. We’ve seen backyards with pizza ovens, fire pits, guacamole carts, Croquet, and Cornhole boards. You know your friends and family better than anyone. Find an awe-factor that will take your backyard to the next level and make your party a memory that lasts forever.

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!

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

Outdoor Kitchens and Patios: 5 Culinary Herbs That That Naturally Repel Mosquitos

With spring officially here, you’re probably looking forward to warm days spent in the great outdoors. Of all the kitchen trends for spring and summer, an outdoor kitchen or patio is probably pretty high on the popularity list. Many homeowners consider the backyard an extension of the home — the perfect place to create an additional living and dining space. And while relaxing in the yard and enjoying a meal al fresco sounds delightful, mosquito bites are anything but. Keep your patio free of pesky insects by potting these culinary herbs that naturally repel mosquitos.

Lemon Balm

This plant is a powerful insect repellent, and has a lovely lemon scent. Since it is an invasive species, it does well when contained to a large pot on the patio. For culinary purposes, lemon balm has a delicate lemon flavor. You can use it to sweeten iced tea and homemade jam, or add this herb to salads and marinades.

Rosemary

Rosemary thrives in containers, and has a woodsy scent that keeps mosquitos and other insects away. Rosemary can be grown in containers on the patio, and can be pruned to add visual interest. As an added bonus, this herb is a great addition to homemade bread. It can also be used for seasoning meats on the grill.

Lavender

This fragrant herb is quite popular with homeowners for several reasons. Lavender has a pleasant aroma and pretty purple flowers that can add a touch of color to the patio. Best of all, bugs despise its scent. Opt for a culinary variety for your patio pots, and use a dash of lavender to infuse simple syrup for sweetening lemonade and tea. You can also grind Lavender into sugar or butter for baking, or to flavor homemade vanilla ice cream.

Basil

Basil is a handy herb to have in your patio garden, and not just for culinary use. Not only does it repel mosquitos, but it also wards off houseflies too. For the best results, plant basil in large containers by your patio door. Basil can be used to top salads or pizzas on the grill, or use it in a homemade marinara with fresh garden tomatoes.

Peppermint

This herb has a heavenly scent that homeowners love — and mosquitos hate. It is best to contain Peppermint in pots, since it can grow aggressively in a garden. Use the aromatic leaves to flavor iced tea and mojitos — perfect for sipping while relaxing in the backyard on a warm, sunny day.