Author: Dee Funk

With a house’s entryway serving as the main thoroughfare, it’s no wonder that it can get messy—fast. Everything from coats and shoes to wallets and keys tend to be tossed all over if they don’t have a dedicated, accessible storage spot. Creating a clutter free entryway can seem like a daunting task, but thankfully it’s not as hard as you may think. Here are some simple tips for creating a clutter free entryway that will be easy to keep beautiful and organized.

Extra White Painted Mudroom

Mudroom Farmington, CT

 

  1. Declutter

Be selective with the things you store in the entryway. Everyday items like keys, wallets, purses, and backpacks should have a home in your new, organized entryway. The same can be said for coats and shoes, but be strict with identifying which ones are everyday items. Less used items can be stored elsewhere in the home.

Wydian Kitchens Storage ideas

Design by Wydian Kitchens

 

  1. Establish Zones

Group like items together and establish dedicated storage zones. Coats go in one spot, backpacks in another. This way, everyone can easily grab the items on their way out of the house and (more importantly) return them to their spots upon arriving home.

Mudroom storage cabinets and kitchen with island in background Short Hills, NJ

Mudroom Storage Cabinets Short Hills, NJ

 

  1. Shoe Storage

Shoes are a big contributor to entryway clutter, even with the “everyday” rule. This is especially true in households with more people. That’s why it’s important to incorporate some kind of shoe storage in your entryway, preferably concealed. Built-in cabinets offer any number of solutions from pull-out shelves to hidden cabinets to cubbies. Other options include a stand-alone shoe cabinet or a simple box. Encourage family members to remove their shoes and place them in their designated spot right when they walk in the door.

white entryway features custom closets and cabinetry

Entryway Cabinets Madison, NJ

 

  1. Coat Storage

There are two options for coat storage: hangers and hooks. Built-in cabinets can provide hidden hanger storage if your entryway wasn’t built with a coat closet. But for busy families on the go? My recommendation is hooks. Hooks are easier for children (and parents!) to hang their coats on which means they’re more likely to use them. Encourage family members to hang their coats up right when they get home so they don’t get thrown on a chair or couch.    

 

Gray Wolf Mudroom Cabinets with coat hooks and storage units for entryway in Sinking Spring, PA

Transitional Gray Mudroom Sinking Spring, PA

 

  1. Backpack Storage

Say goodbye to rushing around in the mornings trying to hunt down the kids’ backpacks. Incorporate a hook or cubby in the entryway where backpacks are housed and get your children in the routine of leaving them there when they get home from school. Backpacks can be retrieved when it’s time to do homework and returned to their spot afterwards, ready to go for the next morning.

 

 

Bird on branch

  1. Seasonal Maintenance

Some of your everyday items will change throughout the year. For example, make sure you switch out your winter coat and boots at the start of spring instead of just adding more items to the entryway. Also take some time to make sure unnecessary things haven’t accumulated by mistake. If they have, return them to their proper place in the house.

 

Need Help Creating a Clutter Free Entryway?

Kountry Kraft is proud to offer custom cabinetry for all of your entryway storage needs. Contact one of our cabinet experts today to get started!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The top 2024 kitchen design trends are all about infusing personality into your kitchen. From earthly palettes featuring lush greens and warm woods to statement-making islands and fixtures, we’re unveiling the key takeaways of the 2024 Kitchen Trends Report released by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Get ready to be wowed by stunning visuals and design tips from hundreds of industry professionals that will make your kitchen the envy of the neighborhood.

 

 

Cooking Apple Green color

2024 Kitchen Design Trends—Organic Palettes

One of the biggest kitchen trends in 2024 will be creating a connection to nature. What does this mean? Natural colors will dominate palettes, especially various shades of lush green. Whether a tranquil sage or rich emerald, green will be seen everywhere from wall paint to cabinet finishes to backsplashes.

 

country-farmhouse-kitchen

Another way this trend will manifest is through natural material selections. Warm natural wood tones are making a comeback in a BIG way, and not just for butcher block counters. Keep your eye on warm woods with natural textures and patterns to be a leading kitchen cabinet trend. Stunning stone elements will also add to an organic design. Quartz countertops are beautiful on their own, but a matching slab backsplash is breathtaking.     

 

Light and Dark Kitchen Cabinets Cheshire, CT

2024 Kitchen Design Trends—Communal & Combination Islands

Islands have functioned as the heart of the kitchen for quite a while now. What’s changing for 2024 is how homeowners use them. We’re seeing a shift towards communal islands where seating is placed on two or even three sides. This setup fosters better communication and more conversation among those seated at the island, whereas the traditional “bar seating” along one island side makes it difficult.

 

This is a picture of a custom made white kitchen with dark wood floors and cabinetry made by Kountry Kraft Cabinetry.

The second part of this trend is that islands are not just for seating. A majority of homeowners are opting for combination islands which feature closed storage in addition to seating. This extra storage can make a big impact in terms of kitchen organization, especially when paired with custom organization solutions like drawer inserts and dividers.

 

White paint and cabinetry

2024 Kitchen Design Trends—Statement Fixtures

The biggest statements can be made with the smallest details. For example, glitzy gold beat out matte black as homeowners’ go-to choice for cabinet hardware, sink faucets, and lighting. Speaking of lighting, expect to see an uptick in bold fixtures, especially above kitchen islands. Finally, do not overlook the impact of a decorative range hood. We anticipate range hoods will make major waves in 2024 designs thanks to their ability to inject a high-end feel to any kitchen. 

 

More 2024 Kitchen Design Ideas

Kountry Kraft is committed to staying on top of these 2024 kitchen design trends. Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook page to see how they play out!

 

Is a kitchen renovation on your 2024 New Year Resolution List? Contact one of our design experts today to learn how we can help you achieve it!

 

Discover the captivating hues that PANTONE, Sherwin-Williams, and Benjamin Moore have selected as their 2024 Color of the Year. From walls and cabinets to decor and accessories, these stunning shades are set to take center stage as we head into the New Year! 

 

PANTONE 2024 Color of-the Year Peach Fuzz

PANTONE 2024 Color of the Year—Peach Fuzz

PANTONE has revealed Peach Fuzz (PANTONE 13-1023) as their 2024 Color of the Year. Perfectly nestled between pink and orange, this soft peach fosters a sense of calmness, tranquility, and rejuvenation. Whether enjoying the closeness of family and friends or basking in a moment of solitary stillness, Peach Fuzz creates a nurturing sanctuary that invites you to slow down and simply feel. With references in both vintage and modern design, Peach Fuzz embodies the oh-so-sought-after timelessness that makes it an instant classic.

 

Sherwin Williams 2024 Color of the Year Upward

Sherwin-Williams 2024 Color of the Year—Upward

Sherwin-Williams has announced Upward (SW 6239 (224-C1)) as their 2024 Color of the Year. A blissful blue-gray, Upward is like taking a breath of fresh air on a sunlit day. Symbolizing forward momentum and growth, this color creates a serene atmosphere that fosters a sense of calmness and clarity. Aptly named, Upward is a visual invitation to reach for the sky and embrace transformation.

 

Benjamin Moore 2024 Color of the Year Blue Nova

Benjamin Moore 2024 Color of the Year—Blue Nova

Benjamin Moore has chosen Blue Nova (825) as their 2024 Color of the Year. Hovering between blue and violet, Blue Nova exudes a luxuriousness reminiscent of a bygone era. Its deep, opulent tones channel a sense of regality and sophistication, transporting you into a space filled with allure and intrigue. A color that transcends time, Blue Nova is perfectly poised to transform any space into one of modern elegance. 

 

Your Color of the Year

Kountry Kraft offers custom paint matches for the 2024 Colors of the Year. Or, explore more paint options with Kountry Kraft’s Color Studio. Contact one of our design experts for guidance in choosing your own personal Color!

Looking for something beyond the standard white or gray stock cabinets? Custom cabinet paint colors by Kountry Kraft are the answer! We custom match paint colors from Sherwin Williams, Farrow & Ball, and Benjamin Moore to create your perfect timeless custom cabinet color. Here’s a look at our top choices:

 

Muddled Basil Kitchen Island Cabinets and White Kitchen Cabinets for a home located in Arlington, Virginia

Timeless Custom Cabinet Colors—Shades of White

White is arguably the top timeless paint choice for cabinets because it’s classic and versatile. It suits a wide array of design aesthetics and creates a clean foundation that pairs nicely with almost any countertop, backsplash, flooring, and fixture choice. This cleanness is the key to its timeless nature. Not only is it versatile now, but it will be in the future too. If you decide to make some updates later on, you can replace one or two elements and have a brand new design without touching the cabinets. 

 

The perimeter cabinets of this Arlington, VA kitchen were custom color matched to Dover White by Sherwin Williams. This shade is a beautiful warm white that complements the bronze fixtures and Top Knobs hardware. Visit this project’s photo gallery for more design details.

 

Country Kitchen Design Branford, CT

Timeless Custom Cabinet Colors—Light Neutrals

Light neutral colors like grays, beiges, and taupes are also timeless custom cabinet colors. They offer much of the same versatility as white cabinets but help add a touch of color to the space. Neutral color palettes exude a sense of sophistication and elegance that have yet to go out of style, making them perfect custom cabinet paint colors.

 

The inset cabinets of this Branford, CT kitchen are custom finished with Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball. Finding its origin in 19th century skim (plaster), this warm light gray/taupe perfectly channels the design’s inspiration—the English countryside. Visit this project’s photo gallery or read our blog post for more design details.

 

Navy Kitchen Avon, CT

Timeless Custom Cabinet Colors—Bold Jewel Tones

Timeless custom cabinet colors can still be bold. For those looking to make a statement, consider deep colors like navy blue or emerald green. Made popular during the Victorian era for their luxuriousness and dramatic flair, these colors feel equally at home in both traditional and contemporary designs.

 

The inset shaker cabinets of this Avon, CT kitchen are custom painted with Mysterious by Benjamin Moore. A navy so deep it verges on black, this rich color adds an air of refined elegance to the otherwise contemporary design. Visit this project’s photo gallery for more design details.

 

Create Your Own Custom Cabinet Paint Colors!

Contact one of our design experts to start searching for your perfect custom cabinet paint color today!

light and dark kitchen cabinet design

 

Congratulations to Martha Gargano of A Matter of Style (AMS Kitchens & Interiors) for having several Kountry Kraft Kitchens featured in Design + Decor Magazine! In honor of her achievement, here’s a look at Martha and what makes each of these Kountry Kraft Kitchens so newsworthy. 

Painted kitchen island design features soft white inset cabinets offset by large dark island.

Prattling Pond Design by A Matter of Style

 

Prattling Pond Kitchen Design

This painted kitchen island design features soft white inset cabinets that are offset by a large dark island. Custom panels were built to conceal the fridge and match the surrounding cabinetry. The kitchen feels open and airy with a clean white backsplash and an abundance of natural light from all of the windows. Finally, lustrous gold hardware and fixtures were chosen to shine in the sunlight and accentuate the subtle warm veining of the stone countertops. 

Tamarack Kitchen Design by A Matter of Style with monochromatic color palette

Tamarack Kitchen Design by A Matter of Style

 

Tamarack Kitchen Design

This timeless white kitchen is a masterclass of incorporating different materials and details to create visual interest in a (mostly) monochromatic color palette. All of the main design elements—cabinets, countertop, and backsplash—are white. And yet, all of the detailing combined with the mix of textures that reflect light differently prevents the space from feeling like a wall of white. The two small pops of color—brass hardware/fixtures and walnut accent countertops—add just the right amount of warmth and sophistication to the design. 

light and dark kitchen cabinet design

Jennifer Drive Kitchen Design by A Matter of Style

 

Jennifer Drive Kitchen Design

This light and dark kitchen cabinet design represents a perfect marriage of modern amenities and classic charm. The soft white of the perimeter cabinets beautifully complements the soft natural light from the arched window, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. In contrast, the large dark-stained island—complete with stunning craftsman details—grounds the design and serves as a stunning focal point. Time-honored elements like the inset cabinet construction, glass front display doors, and touches of ornamental woodwork ensure that this culinary haven will remain in style for decades to come.  

 

Martha Gargano of A Matter of Style

About Martha & A Matter of Style

Martha is the award-winning lead designer of A Matter of Style, a high-end interior design company located in Cheshire, CT. Both Martha and the company handle a wide array of projects ranging from new construction to renovation. Visit their website to learn more about their design services.

 

Kountry Kraft Kitchens

Kountry Kraft is routinely blown away by the designs our partners create with our cabinetry. Congratulations to Martha and A Matter of Style on being featured in Design + Decor’s July issue, Amazing Transformations!

 

If you’d like your own Kountry Kraft kitchen, please contact one of our experts to get started. We will be here for you every step of the way!

White Subway Tile backsplash

Transitional kitchen designs have become exceedingly popular in recent years because they bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary aesthetics, striking a beautiful balance that appeals to a wide range of tastes. This Malvern custom kitchen remodel near Philadelphia, PA by Jean M. Buchen, CKD of KT Highland offers the perfect case study to explore the staples of transitional kitchen design. 

 

two tones

Neutral Color Palette

Transitional kitchens tend to feature neutral color palettes centered around various shades of white, gray, and beige. These chic and timeless colors imbue the space with elegance and sophistication while also serving as a versatile backdrop for other elements.

 

This Malvern custom kitchen remodel features a striking two-tone cabinet design. Lamp Room Gray paint gives the wall cabinets a fresh look while the richly stained Natural Walnut peninsula offers a subtle nod to more traditional design. Combined, the two tones create a beautiful contrast that immediately captures the eye and brings this custom kitchen to life.

 

Two-Tone Kitchen Design Malvern, PA

Simple, Clean Lines

Transitional kitchens often showcase simple, clean lines and avoid excessive ornamentation. This minimalist approach helps create a streamlined look that’s easy on the eye. For example, this Malvern custom kitchen remodel features shaker cabinets and a white subway tile backsplash. The lines created by both of these elements—effortlessly beautiful in their simplicity—naturally encourage the eye to progress through the room, drawing you into the kitchen. They also allow you to focus on the granite countertops, a true showstopper element that would be overwhelmed by more ornate pairings.  

 

two-tone kitchen design

State-of-the-Art Appliances

Appliances are one area that transitional kitchens do NOT reference the past. Many opt for sleek stainless-steel appliances that are as modern in function as they are in look. That’s exactly the route that the homeowners of this Malvern custom kitchen remodel decided to go, incorporating stainless-steel appliances from both LG and Viking. Complementary nickel cabinet hardware provides the seamless link that ties the appliances into the rest of the design.   

 

 

Kountry Kraft Custom Kitchens

Kountry Kraft is proud to work with a wide array of partners to bring you beautiful custom kitchen remodels wherever you are! Find a dealer near you to get started!

 

For a deeper dive into this Malvern Custom Kitchen Remodel by KT Highland, check out our project photo gallery.

Country Kitchen Design Branford, CT

When it comes to kitchen design, few styles are as inviting and enduring as the classic English country kitchen. Rooted in tradition and characterized by its timeless charm, this style captures the idyllic beauty found amid the countryside’s rolling hills and picturesque villages.

 

That’s precisely why the homeowners of this kitchen remodel in Connecticut asked Martha Gargano of AMS Kitchens to create a classic Cotswolds-inspired design for their family home. Here’s Martha’s blueprint for creating the perfect English country kitchen.

 

Skimming Stone

Traditional Inset Cabinets

Simple inset cabinets are a hallmark of this design aesthetic. Used widely throughout the 1800s, the cabinet style’s historic roots play a large part in creating the timeless charm sought after in an English country kitchen. The construction method requires more skill from the cabinetmaker than other modern styles, and Kountry Kraft is proud to have provided these beautiful inset cabinets with shaker-style doors for this kitchen remodel in Connecticut.

 

Cooking Apple Green color

A Soft Color Palette

Classic English kitchens often feature soft color palettes that create a sense of calm and sophistication. Consider neutrals like creams and pale grays, but also don’t be afraid of soft shades of green and blue that subtly reference the English landscape. This kitchen remodel in Connecticut features both—Skimming Stone, a gray/taupe shade, finishes the main cabinets while Cooking Apple Green adorns the bar. Both paint colors are by Farrow and Ball.

 

rustic Schaub hardware

Natural Materials

Truly bring the English countryside into the kitchen design by using natural materials like wood and stone for the flooring and countertops. Live-edge or reclaimed wood open shelves are also a great way to incorporate a little bit of that rustic charm. This kitchen remodel in Connecticut features wood floors and an absolutely stunning soapstone countertop/backsplash combo. 

 

Smeg vintage-inspired gas range

Vintage Hardware & Accessories

Vintage hardware and accessories will ensure your English country kitchen feels authentic and timeless. Schaub provided the perfect rustic hardware for this kitchen remodel in Connecticut that beautifully compliments the show-stopping faucets. The vintage-inspired design of the Smeg gas range and Big Chill fridge maintains the design aesthetic while still offering the homeowners the convenience of modern appliances.     

 

Kitchen Remodel in Connecticut & Beyond

Kountry Kraft is proud to work with a wide array of partners to bring you beautiful kitchen remodels wherever you are! Find a dealer near you to get started!  

 

 

 

Discover Your Dream Kitchen in Avalon, New Jersey

Welcome to your dream kitchen in beautiful Avalon, New Jersey. Seamlessly blending tradition and modernity, this masterpiece epitomizes the very essence of a transitional kitchen. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this space the epitome of comfort and luxury.

Wood Beams and Countertop: A Touch of Tradition

One of the first elements that catch your eye is the architectural detail of wooden beam mirrored in the shelving and range hood trim. These rustic touches add warmth and character, making the space inviting for both cooking and socializing. Complementing the wood beams is a stunning wood countertop that marries function and aesthetic in one beautiful sweep.

 

Appliances: The Pinnacle of Modernity

For those who are passionate about cooking, the kitchen is equipped with a state-of-the-art LG Professional Range that provides an array of customizable options. This culinary powerhouse is perfectly complemented by an equally efficient LG Dishwasher, ensuring that clean-up is as effortless as the cooking process itself.

Flooring: A Class Apart

The luxurious wood flooring from Sea Shore Floors lends another layer of sophistication to this already stunning kitchen. The premium wood chosen for the flooring is not just beautiful to look at but is also designed for durability, standing up to the high traffic that is often a hallmark of the heart of the home.

Lighting and Color: Atmosphere Defined

To illuminate this delightful culinary paradise, special attention has been paid to the lighting by incorporating fixtures from Andrew Johnson Lighting. Each piece has been carefully selected to bring out the various textures and colors in the room. Speaking of colors, the walls are adorned with Sherwin Williams paint in the serene shade of Samovar Silver, which adds an open and airy feel. This aesthetic was continued into the bedroom with a custom closet featuring wood floating shelves. 

a picture of a bedroom with custom closet and shelving by Kountry Kraft Custom Cabinetry

 

In essence, this Avalon-based kitchen brings together the best of both worlds, creating a space that is both functional and beautiful. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this kitchen is designed to meet all your needs.

Check out our color studio to find the perfect paint color combination for your kitchen.

 

This timeless white kitchen in New England by Martha Gargano of A Matter of Style is truly a dream. Here are all of the features that make this design so special!

White paint and cabinetry

Photographed by Allie Fackler Photography

 

Timeless White Kitchen Cabinets

The beautiful inset cabinets by Kountry Kraft are the foundation for this timeless white kitchen in New England. The inset construction method was widely used throughout the Victorian Era and requires skilled-craftsmanship from the cabinet maker. Pair this timeless style with classic white Benjamin Moore paint and you get this stunning result that sets the tone for the rest of the design.

White Kitchen Cabinets New England

Photographed by Allie Fackler Photography

 

Continuing the White Theme

These New England homeowners wanted their kitchen to feel clean and light, as if they were taking a breath of fresh air every time they entered the space. Cue white countertops and a white backsplash. The main countertops are white marble with a hint of soft veining. Meanwhile, the backsplash consists of two different white tiles—simple subway tile as the main choice with arabesque detailing over the range and bar.

marble and walnut countertops

Photographed by Allie Fackler Photography

 

Touches of Warmth

This timeless white kitchen in New England incorporates two touches of color and warmth. The first touch is all of the brass elements: the lantern-esque lighting above the island, the sink faucets, and the cabinet hardware from Schaub. The second touch is the walnut accent countertops used for the bar and end of the island. Both of these details add just the right amount of warmth and character to the otherwise white color palette. Plus, the richness of the materials adds to the sense of sophistication and luxury given by the finely-crafted cabinets.

glass front cabinets

Photographed by Allie Fackler Photography

 

Details Matter

Working with an almost all-white color palette isn’t as easy as you might think. Without the contrasts of color, visual interest needs to be created in the design through other methods.

Beyond the two-tiled backsplash and touches of warmth, there are a number of other details that play a crucial part in creating this timeless white kitchen. Take note of the ornate hood, molding around the ceiling, the waterfall edge of the marble countertops, and the decorative cabinets above the bar. All of these details give the kitchen a sense of character and make it truly special.

 

Create Your Own Timeless White Kitchen

Whether you want to create your own timeless white kitchen in New England or anywhere else, our dedicated experts are here to help! Find a Kountry Kraft dealer near you and contact us to get started!

These gray island cabinets in Pawleys Island, SC provide both contrast and cohesion in this timeless design by Prodigy Kitchens & Bath. Keep reading to learn how the design team used the gray island cabinets to tie the entire design together. blue kitchen cabinets

 Benjamin Moore Paint Colors

The refined palette of Benjamin Moore paint colors in this Pawleys Island, SC kitchen creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The perimeter cabinets feature Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65, a classic white that evokes visions of fresh cotton and pure silk. In contrast, the gray island cabinets are finished with Benjamin Moore Brewster Gray HC-162, a blue-gray shade that recalls storied stone buildings. These time-honored colors paired with the beautiful wood elements combine to create one overwhelming feeling when you enter the space—home.

Gray Island Cabinets & Matching Wet Bar

When the homeowners requested a built-in wet bar across from the kitchen, Prodigy Kitchens & Baths knew it posed the perfect opportunity to tie both spaces together. The bar was constructed using the same style of custom cabinetry featured in the kitchen, complete with the same custom molding. From there, it was an obvious choice to match the paint color to the Brewster Gray island cabinets. Finally, glass doors were installed on the upper cabinets to reflect the glass display doors in the kitchen.

Hidden Elements

Not everything is as it seems in this Pawleys Island, SC kitchen. The refrigerator and door to the walk-in pantry are both disguised by custom panels, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the surrounding cabinetry. These two hidden elements create a clean look along that wall and allow the beauty of the custom cabinets to shine. (Plus, the hidden door is bringing all of my old-mansion, secret room dreams to life!)

kitchen with fireplace in foreground

Love this Kitchen?

If this Gray Island Cabinets in Pawleys Island, SC design has given you any ideas, don’t be shy! Contact one of our design experts today to learn how we can turn those ideas into a reality!

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