4 Breakfast In Bed Ideas For Mom

They say a Mother’s job never ends — and it’s true. This Mother’s Day, give Mom the break she deserves with a special breakfast in bed, made with love! Here are some delicious ideas and inspiration from some of the most famous Celebrity Chef Moms.

Getting the kids cooking is one of the best kitchen trends. But Mom deserves more than scrambled eggs and toast with jam on her special day. These recipes are easy to make, and are sure to impress, so wake up the family and get cooking — while Mom sleeps in, of course!

Paula Deen’s Hash Brown Quiche

You may know Paula Deen from her TV shows and cookbooks (or her turn on Dancing with the Stars), but did you know she also owns and operates a number of restaurants with her sons, Jamie and Bobby? This southern lady knows her way around a kitchen, and her comfort-food recipes are famous for their decadence and a healthy dollop of butter. This Hash Brown Quiche is easy to make and undeniably tasty, with shredded hash browns, eggs, diced ham, green onions and cheddar cheese. Click here for the recipe.

Giada De Laurentiis’s Breakfast Pizza

Giada De Laurentiis is mother to ten-year-old daughter, Jade, and is famous for her Food Network daytime cooking show, Everyday Italian. Her recipe for Breakfast Pizza is perfect for eating in bed — no silverware required! Best of all, you can use store-bought pizza dough to make this sweet treat. You’ll also need mascarpone cheese, mixed berries, lemons, heavy cream, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla bean. So good, you may want to make two! Click here for the recipe.

Cat Cora’s Banana Chocolate Spring Rolls

Cat Cora is a super mom. After all, she’s a Food Network Iron Chef and has four sons! Her Banana Chocolate Spring Rolls are fun to make and fun to eat, thanks for store-bought wonton wrappers. Just fill them with banana, semi-sweet chocolate, and a sprinkling of sugar, and fry until golden brown (with the help of a grown-up). Place them on a paper towel to soak up any excess oil until ready to serve (on a pretty plate, of course). Click here for the recipe.

Alex Guarnaschelli’s Deluxe Coffee Cake

Alex Guarnaschelli is an amazing Executive Chef and can often be seen on TV, judging the Food Network Challenge and Chopped. She is also a Mom to daughter, Ava. We think her Deluxe Coffee Cake would work perfectly for breakfast in bed. The cake itself is scrumptiously moist; thanks to the addition of whole milk yogurt, while walnuts and pecans give the topping an irresistible crunch. Best of all, you can bake this cake up to three days before Mother’s Day, and store it tightly covered and out of sight (so as not to spoil the surprise). Click here for the recipe.

Moms deserve only the best things in life — and that includes breakfast in bed. For an extra special touch, add a vase of freshly picked flowers, and don’t forget the coffee! Happy Mother’s Day from Willow Lane Cabinetry!

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, 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!

How To Start A Vegetable Garden In Your Own Backyard

If you’ve ever considered starting a vegetable garden, now is the time to test out your green thumb and get in on one of the most popular outdoor kitchen trends today. Step into spring and enjoy a taste of Mother Nature from the convenience of home! Adding a vegetable garden can be a welcome addition to a backyard of any size, and is something the entire family can enjoy. Bring your DIY vegetable garden to life with these helpful tips.

Picture The Possibilities

First, figure out what you want to accomplish with your vegetable garden. Is it for aesthetic beauty, for culinary purposes, or both? Do you want it to be located towards the middle, back, or front of the yard? Will it work best as one large garden, or divided into small sub sections? Once you decide what type of vegetable garden will work best in your yard, you can move on to the planning stage.

Foundation First

Whether you plan to plant directly in the ground or use raised planting beds, there are important factors to consider that could impact the health of your vegetable garden in the long run. Your best bet is to keep the beds between 12 to 18 inches above the path. Allow enough space to fill the beds with a good amount of soil (suitable for growing vegetables), and room for future growth. Keep beds no longer than four or five feet, so you have space to reach every inch without stepping into the garden and crushing delicate greens.

A Heavenly Harvest

When your vegetable garden is properly planted and cared for, you can look forward to a bounty of fresh seasonal veggies — but first, you need to decide what you want to plant, and what is feasible in your climate and time frame. There are many types of vegetables to consider, with many different colors, textures, sizes, and flavors. Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, research when those vegetables are in season, how long they take to grow, how much sunlight do they need, and what is the required water and maintenance for each.

Try Adding A Trellis

If you long for a vegetable garden but your yard has a limited amount of space, think vertical. You can easily take your garden to new heights with support from a simple structure, such as a trellis, tepee, gazebo, or garden cages. These helpful accessories can even help you grow a successful potted vegetable garden on a patio or deck.

Pointers To Ponder

Reach Beyond The Rectangle: When designing your vegetable garden, you can reach beyond the traditional rectangular shape, either out of necessity or to add visual interest. Create a garden to custom fit your backyard – your personal design choices will bloom into a beautiful focal point, and will maximize the space you have for planting.

Frame Fabulously: If not using raised planting beds; keep in mind that gardens need to be at least slightly raised from the flat ground. Choose complimentary materials and colors to frame your space, such as stone and brick (for a traditional charm), or rot-resistant wood (for an earthy, contemporary or rustic look).

Plan In Patterns: Bring dimension to your garden by arranging each item in a pattern. Alternating different types of vegetables and herbs can add a lovely patchwork of color and texture to your garden, and the end result will be a more attractive presentation in the yard.

Don’t Be Afraid To Mix + Match: It’s okay to have a backyard landscape made up of different types of plantings, including vegetables, flowers, herbs, trees, and shrubs. Research what goes well together, and arrange them how you see fit. Add in complimentary accessories like birdbaths, sundials, stones, fountains, garden flags, and sculptures for a personal, decorative touch. Remember that you can always change and rearrange.

5 Retro Colors That Are Making A Comeback

Everything old is new again! The colors of your childhood are back, and better than ever — with fresh takes on vintage favorites. Here are five retro colors that are making a comeback in home design.

Harvest Gold

This autumnal hue was the color of choice for refrigerator doors and other large appliances back in the 1970s. According to Etsy, 70’s-inspired style is becoming increasingly popular in home décor, and this includes the use of Harvest Gold — with a twist. Today, this trendy color is often called Marigold, and is a subtle, slightly softer version of the Harvest Gold we once knew and loved. No longer relegated to large appliances, this shade looks lovely on bathroom towels, bedroom linens, and kitchen walls. In fact, it’s one of the most popular kitchen trends today!

Dusty Rose

First popular in the 1950’s and again in the 1980’s, Dusty Rose is back in the spotlight for a third time — and the third time’s the charm! This muted pink was often seen in bathrooms and in the bedrooms of little girls, but today’s Dusty Rose is all grown up. In the TV room, this color works well with gray or dark cabinetry, for a sophisticated, modern look that’s anything but babyish.

Colonial Blue

This stunning blue has gray undertones, and looks especially lovely in the kitchen, laundry room or bath, when paired with white cabinetry. Like the name implies, this cool and classic hue has been around since the Colonial-era (think George Washington), and had a huge comeback in the 1980s alongside Dusty Rose. It’s just one of those timeless colors that will never go out of style. According to a recent Time Magazine article, blue-gray tones in the kitchen are associated with an increase in a home’s value of around $1,800, and soft blue hues in general appear to boost home value in other rooms, as well.

Mint Green

This cool pastel color is currently hot again in home décor. Mint Green was a popular kitchen color in the 1930s and 40s, replacing the sterile white kitchen trends of the 1920s with a playful pop of color. Today, you’ll see Mint Green popping up all over the home, from bathrooms to bedrooms, and everything in between — including the kitchen! Light, bright and cheerful, mint compliments a wide variety of colors and cabinet finishes, especially when paired with brass or chrome hardware and accessories.

Olive Green

This color was big in the 1960’s, and is seeing resurgence as a neutral alternative to gray or beige. Elegant and refined, today’s Olive Green is ideal for a bar room or home office. It pairs nicely with off-white, dark, or black cabinetry and furniture, and bronze or brushed nickel hardware.

No need to travel back in time to get a blast from the past! Add a touch of nostalgia to your home, and still stay right on trend, with these five retro colors.

5 Home Decorating Trends For Spring And Summer 2018

Some trends are fleeting, like last year’s metallic madness, and others linger for ages, like grey paint. This year’s home and kitchen trends celebrate nature with rich colors, earthy elements, and homemade additions.

Take a look at the five trends we expect to see dominating this spring and summer.

Tropical And Botanical Prints

We watched nautical win theme of the year as it appeared in more and more bathrooms than we could count. Now, we’re seeing the stripes and anchors disperse as tropical and botanical prints steal the show.

From palm patterns to pineapples galore, this warm-weather theme is best balanced with chic elements, like gold hardware and all white furniture, to create the ultimate escape that’s not overdone.

While this trend is winning in bathrooms, it’s also one of the kitchen trends we can’t get enough of. Tropical and botanical prints are also popping up on plates and window treatments, bringing a splash of the tropics into the heart of the home.

Shaker Cabinetry

We are pleased to welcome the fresh and classic look of Shaker Cabinetry in all homes this year. Shaker cabinets are one of those kitchen trends that have been able to stand the test of time, and this year they are standing stronger than ever.

Offering a clean, simplistic style that still demands attention, Shaker Cabinetry is a timeless choice that complements both traditional and modern designs.

Vibrant Paint Colors

While neutrals like grey are still thriving, we are predicting that color takes the lead for paint colors this year. 2018’s Pantone Color of the Year is Ultra Violet and a good indication that we are leaning towards lively, vibrant shades for now.

Rich hues like violet, navy and emerald green are going to be the paint colors of choice, and can look gorgeous in any room. Dive into deep shades and give your walls a coat of excitement.

From The World, With Love

Inspiration from lands near and far are being brought home this year. From the furniture we sit on to the carpets we walk on, adding some international flair to your home design is trending up.

Follow the well-traveled path by importing some beauty into your home design or décor. Not sure where to start? Take inspiration from your own travels or feature a culture you’ve loved from a distance. While you don’t have to have a personal connection to incorporate global-inspired elements in your home, having a story behind a piece of furniture or décor is always alluring.

Outdoor Voices

Earthy interiors are connecting us with nature, even behind closed doors. We’re seeing a greater preference towards houseplants on our countertops, and indoor vines draping our shelves. This ode to the outdoors can come in many different forms, like homemade ceramics for serving dinner, natural stone countertops, or terracotta tiles.

The important thing to remember with any trend is it is yours to make your own. Adding new elements to your home can be exciting and refreshing when planned right and executed properly. Will you be trying one of these 2018 trends come spring or summer?

How To Entertain With Ease By Adding A Wet Bar To Your Kitchen

One of our favorite kitchen trends is an open concept design. It makes the home feel brighter and more welcoming — and creates a seamless flow of space to entertain.

If hosting friends and family is one of your most adored pastimes, you will love an open concept design and all of the great add-ons you can incorporate. One of our personal favorites is a wet bar. Having a designated space for mixing cocktails and pouring drinks will radically change the way you entertain.

Depending on the design of your home, you can install a wet bar in the kitchen, living room or dining room. But “where” is not the only question that needs to be answered. From logistics to choosing cabinets, here are a few things to consider so that you can entertain with ease with your new wet bar:

Plumbing: You will want your wet bar to have a sink, so be sure to check with a plumber before starting your wet bar installation.

Electricity: If you’re considering adding a wine cooler, ice maker or mini fridge to your wet bar, make sure you can run electricity to the installation area.

Cabinets: When choosing cabinets for your wet bar, make sure you are selecting a design that complements those in your kitchen. While mixing and matching cabinets is one of our favorite kitchen trends, you don’t want to choose a style that clashes with what’s in your kitchen. Choose a similar style in a different finish, or a different style that falls within the same design theme (for example, modern or traditional).

Noise: Try to avoid installing your wet bar right next to another high traffic area. People tend to congregate around the bar, so if yours is right next to the television, breakfast bar, or anywhere else guests gather, you’re likely to have a noise issue. Try to spread out these party “hot spots,” so your guests can enjoy each other’s company (or the TV, if it’s game day) without too much shouting.

Size: Your wet bar can be restricted to a small corner in your kitchen or an expansive space in your living room. The size is completely dependent on your preferences, and how much of your home you can dedicate to a bar.

If you are going with a larger design, you might want to add an island or other dividing element. This will help maintain cohesiveness in the room while also creating clear distinction between the bar and the adhering room.

Storage: From traditional cabinets, to glass doors and open shelves, there are many different ways to store your barware. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box so that your final design is as interesting and eye-catching as the rest of your home.

Inclusiveness: While a kitchen island helps to create clear lines around your wet bar, it can also encourage conversations and create inclusiveness. Making guests feel comfortable is key to throwing a successful event. But not all wet bars will have space for an island. As an alternative, install mirrors along the back wall of your wet bar (for example, where a kitchen backsplash traditionally goes). The mirrors will make the bar area feel more inclusive, even if it is in a lonely corner.

Trending Now: How To Wallpaper Like A Professional

Of today’s bathroom and kitchen trends, wallpaper has become one of the most highly sought after looks. By adding interest to the room and complementing the surrounding elements, wallpaper is taking precedence over paint in many homes. If you’re on board and ready to add wallpaper to your kitchen or bathroom remodel, read on to learn the ins and outs of wallpapering like a pro.

Don’t skip the little steps.

Have you ever seen wallpaper that has been poorly applied? From ripples and bumps, to areas missing paper all together, there is a lot that can go wrong. If your wallpaper isn’t applied properly, it won’t matter how beautiful the design is or how perfectly the pattern enhances the room. When doing any DIY project, it can be tempting to skip a step that seems insignificant, but often the most miniscule steps have the biggest impact on the finished product.

Prep is as important as the paper.

You would think selecting the right wallpaper for your kitchen or bathroom remodel is the most important step – but prep actually takes the gold.

Instead of rushing into wallpapering, take the time to prep your walls before starting your project. Proper prep starts at least a day before wallpaper ever touches the wall. First, you want to clean the walls using a sponge and warm water. After they have dried, it is time to sand them down and buff away any imperfections that could cause bumps. If you encounter any dips or uneven areas, these will need to be filled in with drywall. When drywall is used, you need to let it fully dry for 24 hours before moving on to the next step.

Once dry, you will sand the wall again to smooth out the drywall application. Some dust can occur when sanding, so wipe the wall again with a sponge and warm water to remove any particles. When the wall is clean, even, and dry, you can apply primer. Primer takes a few hours to set, but you don’t have to wait idly while it does. You can take this time to mark and cut your paper.

These preliminary steps are the foundation to wallpapering and should be taken seriously!

Start your application in the right spot for your kitchen or bathroom.

With all bathroom and kitchen trends, it is important to remember that your project won’t look exactly like the picture you saw on Pinterest or in that magazine. The placement of wallpaper plays a big role in how it appears — so where is the right spot to start your application?

If the room has an obvious focal point, such as a large kitchen hood, you can put the first piece of wallpaper in line with it. Otherwise, just start in a corner.

Your hands are okay, but a wallpaper brush is better.

Air bubbles and ripples can really take away from the beauty of your wallpaper. Instinctively, we want to smooth out the paper with our hands, but this is not the best approach. Specially made wallpaper brushes are used by professionals and provide you with a soft, even tool that will effectively remove any inconsistencies in your wallpaper application.

Wallpapering like a pro really comes down to a few small things that are often overlooked, but make a big difference. Be patient, follow the rules, and your kitchen or bathroom remodel will look beautiful with its flawless wallpaper application.

Give Your Home A Mod Makeover With Euro Slab Cabinets

When undertaking a long-overdue kitchen remodel, why not embrace your modern sensibilities and design a dream custom kitchen anchored by Euro Slab cabinetry? Of all the current kitchen trends, there is none quite so sleek and sophisticated as flat panel cabinet doors. With a frameless face frame, Euro Slab cabinetry allows you to craft a seamless kitchen that is perfect for the modern homeowner. Here are our favorite cabinetry styles that feature Euro Slab doors for your mod kitchen makeover, and why you should choose them!

Urban White

The Urban White collection lends a modern look to any kitchen (or bathroom)! The white, high gloss finish will brighten up your space, while the frameless design ensures full access and maximum storage space. These cabinets also feature soft close hinges and full extension, soft closing drawer glides. Made from 3/4″ MDF, they are equally strong and stunning. Add aluminum frosted glass doors to your design for an extra mod touch.

Vero Espresso

If you love contemporary design, look no further! The Vero Espresso collection features Euro Slab doors made of ¾” birch, with a 14-step finish process for rich color. The epitome of mod simplicity and design, the espresso finish allows the birch wood grain to show through, for a unique and elegant look. The frameless doors feature 6-way, adjustable, concealed, soft-close hinges. The 5/8″ solid wood dovetailed drawer boxes feature steel, under mount, full extension, soft close glides.

If your design tastes lean towards contemporary, you’re not alone. With simple lines and a clean aesthetic, many homeowners find the minimalist, mod look appealing, especially in the kitchen. Modern cabinetry is one of the top kitchen trends today, and will likely continue to be on point into the future.

With a no-frills approach to kitchen design, you can create a stunning space that adds style and value to your home. Euro Slab cabinetry works perfectly in the modern home, complementing other components, such as the countertop, backsplash, and lighting fixtures. It’s like a blank slate that lets your own personal style shine! Just remember — when opting for Euro Slab cabinetry, it’s best to stick with contemporary hardware and accessories for a cohesive look.

5 Trendy, Contemporary Wallpaper Ideas For The Kitchen And Bath

If you consider wallpaper something that should stay in the past, your vision might be incredibly dated. Do you imagine an entire room covered in tacky prints, the paper pealing at the edges, and the colors faded with age? That’s no longer the norm.

It’s time to discover today’s wallpaper options, which are surprisingly modern and much more versatile. From patterns that appear to have texture and dimension to wallpaper that you can actually wash; let’s take a look at five trendy, contemporary wallpaper ideas for the kitchen and bath.

Wallpaper? Just a drop.

Let’s begin by eliminating the notion that wallpaper must cover all of the walls in the room. As part of a kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel, many designers are choosing to use wallpaper strategically. Some bathroom and kitchen trends include using wallpaper to create an accent wall. You can also make a large room feel more intimate by dividing the walls with a chair rail and wallpapering only the top or bottom half. This allows wallpaper to be purposeful, and adds an interesting element to the room without appearing overwhelming.

It’s the digital age.

When it comes to wallpaper, we are no longer restricted to what can be painted by hand. With all of the advancements in printing, the wallpaper patterns available are so intricate and diverse that there is something for everyone — and every room. If you’re embarking on a kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel, consider using wallpaper in a tile-inspired pattern, or one that features a really interesting and unexpected design. Printing offers so many possibilities, there’s no reason to limit your creativity.

Add some texture.

It’s incredible how dimensional modern wallpaper can appear. When shopping styles, you’ll find woven grass, wood grain, cork, and more. Each of these unique materials is able to create a stunning, textured look. There are wallpapers that so closely mimic wood paneling, stone and other natural materials that it is almost impossible to detect any difference compared to the real thing.

Keep it clean.

When you have wallpaper in a room like the kitchen, there is a good chance it will be splattered with food at some point. This used to be a wallpaper tragedy, because cleaning the delicate fabric was anything but easy. Today, you’ll find a vast selection of wallpaper in washable materials that are perfect for applying in the kitchen.

Consider metallics.

We’ve already learned that modern wallpaper offers more options when it comes to prints and patterns, is much more durable, and can even appear textured and dimensional. Even more exciting are the color options, which now include shimmering metallics.

Replicating the beauty of gold, silver, and bronze, this beautiful wallpaper can really bring life to a contemporary kitchen or bathroom. If including metallic wallpaper in your kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel, remember to add some task lighting to highlight each glimmering detail. Bonus: this light reflecting wallpaper can also brighten up the room and make a smaller space feel much larger.

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, 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!

6 Efficient Tips For Properly Loading A Dishwasher

Household chores don’t have to be a bore — improve your dishwasher’s performance (and cut back on your cleaning time) by loading your dishwasher in the best possible way. For utensils, glassware and dishes that truly sparkle, you can’t just pile it all in and hope for the best. Instead, think outside the box and be methodical with your placement, just as you would with your kitchen design. With a little strategic know-how, you can help your dishwasher reach its full potential in no time.

Compartmentalize

Most dishwashers have three separate compartments to safely hold items — the top rack, bottom rack, and utensil basket. The top rack holds glasses, mugs, bowls, dishwasher-safe plastic, and other delicate items. Larger and heavier items have a home on the bottom rack, such as dinner plates, bakeware, serving bowls, platters, and pots and pans. Like the name implies, utensils go in the utensil basket.

Keep It Together

Stay organized by grouping like utensils together. This allows for easy sorting later, when putting clean knives, forks, and spoons back in the cutlery tray drawer. When loading the dishwasher, rotate pointing spoons and forks down and up to prevent sticking, and keep knife handles up for safety.

Check Your Filter

Filters are very important and usually are overlooked. Many modern dishwashers have filters to trap food particles, helping to keep the main compartment clean. It’s best to regularly clean out any filters, to keep your dishwasher running smoothly.

Skip The Pre-Rinse

Although this has long been a controversial cleaning debate, and a matter of preference, pre-rinsing is not necessary. Most modern dishwashers are equipped with sensors that measure how dirty your dishes are, and adjust the cleaning process accordingly, saving you time and water usage. With that said, a quick rinse is okay — you should make sure large food pieces are gone before loading the dishwater.

5. Don’t Be Scared Of Stemware

You wouldn’t want to put your fine crystal stemware in the dishwasher, but everyday wine glasses should be perfectly safe. Keep them tilted inside the holders on the upper rack to get a thorough clean. Just beware of the bottom rack, since the water temperature is hotter there, and the cleaning detergents are thicker.

Don’t Over-Use The Detergent

Too much of anything is bad; so don’t go heavy on the detergent. Instead of leaving your dishes clean, too much detergent wastes money and leads to slimy dishes. Read the product label on the back and stick to the recommended amount, or opt for pods instead.

Think of your dishwasher like you would a good kitchen design, with thoughtful consideration for placement and practicality, and then put your newfound knowledge to the test. By incorporating these easy and efficient tips for loading your dishwasher properly, you can help to achieve organization from the inside out.

How To Give Your Kitchen A Healthy Makeover

Come January first, most people are all about eating healthier. But when February rolls around, those plans go right out the window. If you want to stick to your resolutions this year, it’s time to take a good look at your kitchen.

The Best Laid Plans

Get Smart

Start by ridding your kitchen of anything high in sodium, sugar, and trans fats, or anything overly processed. Food labels list the ingredients (the less, the better), plus helpful information on calories, number of servings, total carbs, fiber, fat, and nutrient content in the packaged foods you buy. Look at the food labels to determine what is a healthy choice — and what isn’t.

Make A List

Create a grocery list to replenish your kitchen with healthier food staples, such as whole grain pasta, brown rice, high-fiber cereals and beans, frozen vegetables, low-sodium chicken broth, lean meats, and high-protein yogurt, eggs and cheese. Also have fresh fruits and vegetables on hand, prepped and ready to eat when looking for a snack. Fresh, whole foods are always a smart choice.

Take It Easy

If you have a family, you should ease into this process slowly, especially if you have picky eaters in the house. To change your family’s eating habits for the better, you will need to determine what types of meals they enjoy the most, and swap out unhealthy ingredients with healthy alternatives that still taste great. Don’t scare them off by introducing a new way of eating all at once.

Get Creative

To add flavor to your meals (without all the salt), install a door mounted spice rack in a cabinet near the stove for easy access when cooking. A slow cooker can be a lifesaver for busy families, so put it to good use to avoid the temptation of take-out after a busy day. Browse the Internet for favorite recipes made healthier, like Healthy Slow Cooker Chili, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, or Slow Cooker Lo Mein.

Embrace Change

While it’s important to eat healthy, don’t deprive yourself of the foods you love. Strict diets can set you up for failure. After all, food was meant to be enjoyed! With just a little planning, a touch of creativity, and a few simple swaps, you’ll be on your way to a healthier kitchen!