retro design – Fully Assembled Premium Cabinetry

3 Fresh Ways To Fill A Blank Wall In Your TV Room

Like the kitchen, the TV room is a place in the home where family members gather. Therefore, it should be comfortable, stylish, and well-appointed. It should also be a reflection of the unique personalities living in the home. Like sofas and chairs, throw pillows, coffee and end tables, window treatments, and area rugs, the accents you choose for your walls help to create a more inviting and personalized space. Here, we’ll focus on three fresh ways to fill a blank wall in the TV room.

Gallery Wall

A gallery wall is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity and personal style. Whether it’s floating shelves with monochromatic family photographs in matching frames, a collection of antique plates, textiles or hand-woven baskets, or an eclectic mix of decorative items and pictures on the wall, the only limit is your imagination. If you need some inspiration, browse Pinterest for ideas, visit online photo sites like Shutterfly and Vistaprint for custom canvas prints of your special moments, and shop for unique art at local galleries or online. Sites like minted and Etsy offer a wide variety of handmade pieces by up-and-coming artists and makers.

Backsplash Tile

While shiplap and rustic wood paneling are all the rage, consider this fresh and contemporary idea for an accent wall. Backsplash tile is no longer just reserved for kitchens and baths. Today, we’re seeing it gracing the walls of TV rooms and other unconventional areas throughout the home. If you want to make a statement on your blank wall, click hereto see our vast selection of beautiful backsplash tiles, including colorful glass, ceramic options that realistically mimic wood, and creamy marble in eye-catching patterns, such as hexagon, herringbone, pebbled, basketweave, and classic subway.

Custom Cabinets

An entertainment center is a must in any TV room. Regardless of square footage, we say skip the small unit and go big! Take advantage of valuable, vertical real estate by installing custom cabinets to neatly store electronics, board games and puzzles, book collections, and other TV room essentials, either behind closed doors or on open shelves. Cabinetry not only offers necessary storage, but it also allows you to frame your television and fill your wall in a stylish and stunning way. Browse our online selection of customizable TV room cabinetry, and then take advantage of our free room design service to create the perfect entertainment center for your family.

As you can clearly see, when it comes to TV room walls, the options are virtually endless. From custom cabinets and gallery walls, to unexpected ways to use backsplash tile, don’t waste this opportunity to add an extra dose of style (or storage) to an otherwise empty space.

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, closet, 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 needed 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.

Colorful Inspiration For Your Kitchen Renovation

If you dream of kitchen cabinet finishes in soft shades of green or blue, or bold backsplash walls of bright red or teal tile, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll offer up colorful inspiration and ideas for your kitchen renovation project.

Colorful Custom Cabinets

Some homeowners prefer crisp white cabinetry. Some homeowners prefer dark espresso kitchen cabinet finishes. And some, like you, prefer a pretty pop of color! Willow Lane Cabinetry offers a wide variety of custom cabinets, including Shaker and raised panel cabinetry in soft hues like Tidewater Blue and Sage Green — the same colors you see on magazine covers and in dream kitchens on Pinterest!

Colorful Backsplash Tile

In addition to custom cabinets, Willow Lane Cabinetry also has a huge selection of backsplash tile. Our Cristezza Club Glass collection comes in vibrant shades of teal and ruby red, or subtle shades of slate, light olive, and baby blue. Other colorful options include mint green glass or Donna teal subway tile, for a unique look in your kitchen that compliments your custom cabinets.

Colorful Kitchen Appliances

If you think black and white appliances are basic, and stainless steel is too conventional, why not opt for a more colorful choice? Colorful kitchen appliances are growing in popularity, and you can find a good selection of both large and small appliances on the market. From bright blue ranges and sunny yellow refrigerators, to sweet pink stand mixers and warm orange toasters, there is a rainbow of options to choose from.

Colorful Walls

Dream kitchens often have colorful walls that compliment their kitchen cabinet finishes. According to Elle Décor, the top interior paint color trends for 2019 include deep green hues, rich purple, optimistic yellow, misty, moody blues, serene aqua, and energizing coral, such as Pantone’s Color of the Year. When painting a bold color, test a patch on the wall first to make sure it’s livable in the kitchen and compliments the rest of the home.

Other Ways To Add Color In Your Kitchen

Mix and Match Island and Kitchen Cabinet Finishes

Warm Copper Kitchen Sink

Unique Natural Stone Countertops

Painted furniture (metal bar stools, wood kitchen chairs)

Colorful pendant Light Fixtures

Wallpaper

Colorful Ceiling

Colorful Dishes and Pottery

Colorful Area Rugs

Colorful Table Linens

Colorful Window Treatments

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 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?

Kitchen 101: How To Cook With Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs are one of the many delights of spring and summer. Whether you grow them in your backyard or in pots atop your kitchen island, seasonal herbs are a culinary staple. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, there is no fresher way to add flavor to all your dishes.

If your spice rack is filled with dried herbs, but you’re intimidated to try fresh herbs in your cooking, fear no more. Here, we’ll cover the basics of cooking with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, mint, and more!

Learn the Techniques

Fresh herbs perish quickly, so pick only as much as you need. Thoroughly rinse your herbs under running water in the kitchen sink and blot dry. For tiny leaves like rosemary, thyme or oregano, hold on to the stem with one hand and strip the leaves off with the other. For large leaves like basil, parsley or cilantro, snip with kitchen shears, or use a knife and cutting board to chiffonade your herbs. For this technique, start by bunching the stems and then cut the leaves into thin strips.

Do The Math

Fresh herbs can add brightness and fresh flavor to any recipe. But if you’re used to cooking with dried herbs, note that fresh herbs are not as concentrated a flavor. If a recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried, double or triple the amount of fresh herbs when making a substitution. After cooking with herbs from your garden or the pots on your kitchen island, it’s always suitable (and also a nice touch) to add a few fresh sprigs as a garnish.

Know Your Flavors

Basil: Sweet in flavor and aroma, basil is the go-to ingredient for tomato sauce and pesto.

Parsley: Parsley is very versatile and has a light peppery taste. Great for seasoning just about any dish, use flat leaf for cooking and curly leaf as a garnish.

Cilantro: A popular herb for sprinkling over tacos and grilled shrimp, cilantro has a bright flavor and is best added after cooking.

Rosemary: This spiky herb has a pungent flavor that goes well with eggs, chicken and lamb, or in fresh baked goods. Whether dried or fresh, use it sparingly.

Mint: Mint is a great addition to spring and summer salads. For a unique twist, try this watermelon salad with mint for your next picnic.

Thyme: With subtle hints of lemon and mint, this woody herb is used for seasoning fish, poultry, and vegetables like tomatoes and potatoes.

Oregano: Great for Greek salad dressing, lasagna and meatloaf, oregano has a strong, slightly bitter flavor that is hard to miss.

Don’t Be Afraid To Experiment

Now that you know the techniques, ratios and flavor profiles for cooking, branch out and find new ways to use fresh herbs. Not just for seasoning meats and veggies, you’ll find a variety of fresh herbs used in some of your favorite cocktails. From Mojitos and Juleps with fresh mint, to Lemonade for grown-ups with gin and thyme, the possibilities are endless. While stocking your bar cabinets for spring and summer, don’t forget the fresh herbs!

Earth Day Everyday: Easy Ways To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Most of us want to stop wasting money. We also want to save the environment. When your home becomes more energy efficient, everyone wins. In celebration of Earth Day, take a look at these ways to make your home more energy efficient and try implementing at least one by the end of the month. You’ll be surprised how a simple swap or integration of technology can transform the way you consume energy in your home.

Switch outdated appliances for new, energy-efficient models.

Whether it’s the mini-fridge in your home bar or your washer and dryer, older appliances could be hiking up your electricity bill and wasting energy. When you replace these machines with newer models, you get better functionality, sleeker features, and energy-saving options. That old double wall oven cabinet may be your favorite appliance, but it could also be the cause of your over-the-top electricity bill.

Small appliances can also be to blame, so look out for slow cookers, microwaves and other small appliances that have adopted smart technology. By using less and doing more, the appliances of the future check all of the boxes

Let the apps take control of your home.

Even with great intention, humans make mistakes. So it’s only natural that you leave the lights on sometimes or forget to turn the air up when you go out of town for the weekend. Smart homes eliminate room for human error by relying on technology to take control. Whether it’s turning off your lights or adjusting your air conditioner, you can now power your home through your phone thanks to apps and smart home technology.

Light can lead the way.

One of the easiest swaps you can make on the journey to a more energy-efficient home is your lighting. Rather than opting for traditional incandescent blubs, consider better lighting choices that last longer and use alternative energy to illuminate your home. These should be your bulb of choice whenever possible. Also be cognizant of lights in your wine storage cabinet or under wall cabinets. We sometimes forget about these “background” lights and leave them on unintentionally.

You may even want to consider lights that are triggered by motion. They can detect when someone has walked into the room, which is a nice welcome, and can also eliminate lights being left on unnecessarily.

One final way to save energy with lighting is finding out how to install a dimmer switch. Doing so allows you to control the amount of light and energy used to illuminate one room from the other.

Monitor your usage and adjust accordingly.

If you already have the new appliances and think your home has a green stamp of approval, you can find out for sure with the right energy-monitoring tool. Some utility companies can now provide you with insights on your monthly bill, so definitely take advantage of these features if they are offered. As an alternative, you can also invest in one of the tech tools that monitor energy usage by appliance. It never hurts to give your home a check up, even if you’re pretty sure that your energy levels are good.

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!

5 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has experienced the ultimate glow up since its inception in the 1930s. Now featuring depth and texture that gives it a much more natural look, luxury vinyl also boasts a newfound resilience that can’t be beat.

Whether you’re looking for a modern flooring material that will complement your contemporary cabinets or something that will stand strong against the little humans in your life, luxury vinyl flooring might be your match.

Forget what you think you know about luxury vinyl flooring, and learn a few surprising facts about LVF.

Most people can’t tell the difference between luxury vinyl flooring and their natural counterparts.

The vinyl that our grandparents had in their kitchens back in the 1960s and 70s were, without doubt, vinyl. Let’s just say the kitchen wall cabinets were not the first things you noticed when you walked in the front door. You could spot that vinyl from a mile away.

But today’s luxury vinyl flooring is so aesthetically similar to natural wood or tile, that you could walk right on them without ever being the wiser.

LVF is very affordable.

People are shocked when comparing the price of LVF to natural hardwood flooring or ceramic tile. For such a similar product, it is really amazing how cost effective this selection is. Better more, quality is not compromised with this price drop.

This flooring material is extremely durable.

It is often thought that a less expensive product is inferior. With luxury vinyl flooring, that is not the case. This material is more affordable but offers the same kind of quality you would expect from the real deal. In some cases, it is even superior. Natural hardwood flooring and ceramic tile have their weaknesses, like being susceptible to scratches and chips. Since LVF is powered by man-made technology, it eliminates those nuisances and others.

LVF is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms because it is especially water-resistant.

We know that people pick LVF for its looks, price, and durability — but did you know that it is also highly water-resistant? This characteristic is what catapults it from a good flooring option to a great one, especially when choosing flooring for a kitchen or bathroom where spills and splashes are the norm.

LVF comes in three different styles.

When shopping for LVF, you will find three varieties: sheet vinyl, vinyl tiles, and vinyl planks. Sheet vinyl comes in rolls and is the easiest to install. Vinyl tiles offer more freedom, so you can install them in any way you prefer, such as horizontal or diagonal. Some varieties can even be grouted for a more realistic look. Then lastly, you have vinyl planks, which are meant to mimic wood. Wood-look vinyl is a popular choice for those who love the look of hardwood but want something more durable and affordable for their home.

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!

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