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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.

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 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.

3 Rules For Designing A Contemporary Rustic Kitchen

It’s wintertime, and the sweet smell of evergreen trees fills the air. So grab a hot cup of cider, sit by the crackling fireplace, and let’s talk about the rules for designing a rustic kitchen with all the contemporary comforts you crave.

Start with a neutral palette.

Just because your kitchen theme is rustic doesn’t mean it needs to be dark. A neutral palette is right on trend, and creates a serene space for cooking and gathering. Contemporary rustic kitchens would look just at home with antique white cabinets as they would with the medium wood tones you traditionally picture in a rustic kitchen. Bathe your walls in creamy off-white, beige or gray paint, and add warmth with simple wood furniture, wood flooring (or wood-look tile), and granite countertops. A natural stone backsplash can help finish the contemporary rustic look.

Incorporate both natural and industrial materials.

While a cabin in the mountains would have lots of wood and other elements taken straight from the great outdoors, a contemporary rustic kitchen should also have industrial touches. Pair hardwood floors and exposed beams with sleek stainless steel appliances and an apron front sink made from hammered copper. Add LED Edison bulbs to oil rubbed bronze light fixtures above your kitchen island, and distressed, rustic pulls to the aforementioned antique white cabinets.

Pull off that lived-in look.

Even though you are designing a new kitchen, you should strive for the comfortable, lived-in look that is the hallmark of a rustic kitchen. Elements like

open shelving and glass front cabinet doors allow you to personalize your kitchen with pottery and other treasured collections you wish to display. The experts at Willow Lane Cabinetry can help you craft the perfect contemporary yet rustic kitchen through our free room design service, complete with a custom layout and 3D renderings that work within your budget.

Here are a few more elements and details you’ll find in a contemporary rustic kitchen:

Galvanized Metal Stools
Caned or Rushed Seating
Upholstery Tacks
Farmhouse Trestle Tables
Reclaimed Wood Paneling
Weathered Brick Accents
Exposed Wood Beams
Minimal Window Coverings
Natural Fiber Rugs
Natural Stone Backsplash
Burlap Table Linens
Unfinished Wood Plank Shelving
L-Shaped Wrought Iron Brackets
Open Light Fixtures
Edison Bulbs
Butcher Block and Granite Countertops

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.

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.

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.

Silver And Gold: Mixing And Matching Modern Metallics In The Kitchen

While wearing silver and gold at the same time may be a fashion faux pas, mixing and matching metallics in the kitchen is actually encouraged. When done right, incorporating both silver and gold in your kitchen design can be chic and modern. Learn how to bring your favorite metals into the kitchen and see how they can complement each other despite their difference.

Kitchen Cabinets

If you’re not sure where to start with your metallic inspired kitchen design, first decide on your cabinets. White and gray kitchen cabinets both make excellent foundations for metallic tones, as they provide a clean, modern base. In the main image, you see Willow Lane Cabinetry’s Providence Slate Gray cabinets beautifully incorporate brass and nickel. Let’s use this design for inspiration, and walk through the different elements of the room where you can add silver and gold touches.

Decorative Light Fixtures

Metal is magical when hanging from the ceiling in the form of a chandelier or other light fixture. Like stars in the sky, these luminous accents can brighten up your kitchen and emphasize other metallic elements. Since they float above, they also create a good balance when mixing gold and silver. You might be hesitant to put gold directly next to silver tones, but with one metal cascading in the air, mixing and matching becomes much easier.

Knobs and Pulls

Accent your cabinets and drawers with metal knobs and pulls. From polished brass with a high shine to satin nickel with a more matte look, you’ll find knobs and pulls in a wide range of metals at Willow Lane Cabinetry. Use this hardware to tie your metallic theme together and give your cabinets a little gleam and glimmer.

Backsplash Tile

A simple and chic way to incorporate metallics into the kitchen is with a silver or gold toned backsplash. Subtle but striking, a backsplash with a touch of shimmer adds interest to an otherwise average wall. At Willow Lane Cabinetry, you’ll find a variety of metallic backsplashes such as the Venetian Glass and Aluminum Tile, Cristezza Club Glass Tile in Silver Foil, and Silver Travertine Tumbled. These styles are sure to stand out, and will beautifully complement either white or gray kitchen cabinets.

Hoods, Sinks, and Appliances

Another easy way to incorporate metal into the kitchen is with your hood, kitchen sink, and appliances. This is undoubtedly the most natural way to get your metal fix, as most appliances are available in stainless steel, and hoods and sinks are typically available with silver or copper finishes. Don’t feel the need to have all of your appliances in the same finish. Silver and copper are a chic combination, and pair nicely in a modern kitchen theme.

Ready to design your very own metallic kitchen with Willow Lane Cabinetry?

We’re happy to assist you in your kitchen remodel, and can help you create a beautiful, custom design like shown above. Just contact us through our free room design form and one of our professional designers will be in touch shortly to kick off your kitchen remodel.

TV Room Tips For Decorating Around A Fireplace

When you have both your television and fireplace in the same space, you have to get a little creative with your décor and design. You want the room to be a relaxing place where you can cuddle up and gather around the fire, but also allow for family-friendly fun and entertainment. Here, we’re sharing some of our top tips for decorating around a fireplace in a TV room.

Install TV room cabinetry to frame both your fireplace and television.

On its own, a television may look out of place when hung above or beside a fireplace. Installing solid wood cabinetry around these two focal points can frame the space and create a more cohesive look overall. Take this design using Willow Lane Cabinetry’s Urban White cabinets for example. The cabinets form columns on both sides, transforming the wall into an entertainment center that incorporates both the television and fireplace perfectly.

Use recessed shelving to create dimension and balance with a fireplace.

A fireplace is a recessed structure, so when a television is placed on the same wall, it can make the wall seem off balanced or top heavy. Adding recessed shelving, either alone or as part of a solid wood cabinetry set, can counteract this imbalance and create harmony throughout the wall.

Open shelving or glass door cabinets can establish symmetry on a wall with a fireplace and television.

Another way to establish symmetry is with open shelving or glass door cabinets. When you have a wall with a fireplace, the most natural place to put the TV is directly above the fireplace. This creates a clean, vertical line but it also can make the wall feel unsymmetrical.

When you have open shelving or glass door cabinets within your TV room cabinetry, you can then arrange items on the shelves to complement the fireplace and television. The example pictured above features the Midtown Walnut Shaker cabinets and shows how you can use glass door cabinets to create additional focal points around the fireplace.

A floating wall shelf can create a clear divide between the television and fireplace.

Another great takeaway from the photo above is the floating shelf that has been installed below the television. This simple addition creates a clear divide between the the television and the fireplace and allows them to each shine individually.

A floating shelf also gives you another opportunity to decorate, and can help you carry a theme from your TV room cabinetry over to the fireplace. Whether it’s a cherished collection or seasonal items, whatever is on display in your cabinets can now be complemented by the décor above your fireplace.

Out of sight out of mind means hide the television behind cabinet doors.

Despite all of your decorating attempts, if you just don’t love the look of a television above your fireplace, that’s completely understandable. Luckily, you can customize your solid wood cabinetry to include a space for your TV. When the television is off or you have guests over, simply close the cabinet doors and no one will ever be the wiser.

How To Plan A Fun Family Movie Night During The Holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The house is getting decked for the festivities, Thanksgiving feasts are being planned, and soon the kids will be home on holiday with visions of sugarplums (and presents) dancing in their heads! Make the most of the fall and winter breaks from school by starting a new holiday tradition — Family Movie Night!

Set the scene.

Set the scene for Family Movie Night by stocking your TV Room Cabinetry with holiday classics and new favorites on Blue-Ray or DVD. Helpful sites like Common Sense Media offer reviews and age recommendations, so you can make an informed decision as to what would be appropriate for your children. With that said, here are a few of our favorites:

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
A Christmas Story (1983)
A Rugrats Chanukah (1996)
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Elf (2003)
Free Birds (2013)
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Home Alone (1990)
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934)
Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)
Miracle on 34^th Street (1947)
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town (1970)
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The Polar Express (2004)
The Santa Clause (1994)
The Year Without A Santa Clause (1974)

Load the sofa with cozy throw blankets and pillows for cuddling, and keep the lights low for an authentic movie theatre at home experience. For a holiday glow, light a fire in the fireplace or turn on those fun and festive twinkling lights. And make sure everyone is wearing their comfy holiday pajamas!

Don’t forget the snacks.

No movie is complete without something to munch on. Create a snack station on a coffee table or using a portable cart. Load it up with bowls of popcorn and Reindeer Food, trays of holiday cookies, chocolate nonpareils, and peppermint candy canes. Or create a buffet on the countertop of your open concept kitchen island with festive, kid-friendly finger food like homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls or mini hotdogs wrapped in crescent dough. And don’t forget the hot chocolate with marshmallows!

How To Make An Easy Homemade Holiday Piecrust With A Stand Mixer

Impress your guests this holiday season by baking a truly homemade pie with a flaky crust made from scratch! Making a homemade piecrust is a bit more time consuming than purchasing a pre-made, refrigerated or frozen piecrust at the grocery store, but it is well worth the extra effort. Best of all, you probably have many of the necessary ingredients and tools already inside your refrigerator and kitchen cabinets. While it may sound like a lot of work, it’s easy when you ditch the hand-held pastry blender and use an electric stand mixer instead. So pull up your heavy-duty mixer lift from Willow Lane Cabinetry and let’s get started!

The Tools You Will Need To Make Your Easy Homemade Pie Crust

A Set of Dry Measuring Cups
A Set of Liquid Measuring Cups
A Set of Measuring Spoons
A Baking Spatula
An Electric Stand Mixer with a Paddle Attachment
A Baker’s Bench Knife
Parchment Paper
A Rolling Pin
A Countertop or Cutting Board
A Pie Dish or Tart Pan
An Oven
Oven Mitts
Pie Weights (Optional)
Piecrust Shield or Foil (Optional but Recommended for Even Baking)

The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Your Easy Homemade Pie Crust

There are many wonderful recipes out there for making a homemade piecrust using an electric stand mixer, but here are a few of our favorites. In addition to a stand mixer and the other aforementioned tools, all of these recipes call for a short list of basic ingredients that can be found in your refrigerator and kitchen cabinets, such as all-purpose flour, salt, shortening and butter, plus water from your kitchen sink. Most importantly, when you follow any one of these recipes, you’ll wind up with a flaky, delicious, homemade piecrust that was easy to make!

Classic Double Piecrust from King Arthur Flour

Basic Pie Dough from Williams Sonoma

Quick and Easy All Butter Pie Dough from Fine Cooking

Pie Crust from Epicurious

Whether it’s scrumptious Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Salted Caramel Pecan Pie, or all three, rest assured your made-from-scratch piecrust will take your holiday desserts from simply sweet to simply spectacular!