Ideas for a Small Kitchen Remodel Near Me — Big Style for Small Spaces
By / May 6, 2025 May 6, 2025If you’re searching for “ideas for a small kitchen remodel near me,” you’re likely hoping for inspiration that maximizes space without sacrificing style. When square footage is limited, creativity becomes your most valuable asset. You need ideas that make every inch of your kitchen work smarter, look better, and feel more open. And that’s exactly what our design experts delivered. Keep reading to discover our best ideas for a small kitchen remodel.
Start with a Light & Bright Foundation
Color plays a powerful role in shaping perception. Lighter hues such as soft whites, pale grays, or warm taupes reflect more light and visually expand the space. Consider pairing neutral cabinetry with a matching backsplash and light-toned flooring to create a cohesive, airy feel. High-gloss finishes or glass accents can further amplify the effect, bouncing natural light around the room and making it feel open and inviting.
Choose a Curved Island for Softer Flow
Traditional islands often introduce sharp corners that disrupt the flow in compact kitchens. A curved island offers a more fluid design, easing navigation and enhancing ergonomics. Even a small-radius curve on one side can soften the look and improve functionality. To maximize utility, include closed storage within the island—deep drawers or cabinet compartments can tuck away cookware, small appliances, or pantry items, keeping your counters blissfully clear.
Disguise Storage
One of the smartest solutions in a small kitchen remodel is disguised storage, offering smart solutions like toe-kick drawers, pull-out spice racks, and panel-front appliances to keep essentials hidden yet accessible. Deep drawers, pull-out organizers, and appliance garages reduce visual clutter and preserve clean lines. Hidden compartments in islands or beneath countertops add functionality without compromising style, making even the smallest kitchen feel more spacious, efficient, and effortlessly streamlined.
Eliminate Upper Cabinets if Layout Allows
For those who can manage it, removing upper cabinetry can dramatically open up a small kitchen. If your lower cabinets and island provide enough storage, consider opting for open shelving, a minimalist backsplash, or wall-mounted lighting in their place. This approach lightens the visual load and makes the ceiling appear higher, which instantly enhances the sense of space. Keep shelves styled with essentials or decor to prevent them from becoming chaotic.
Plan for Clutter-Free Counters
A thoughtful small kitchen remodel anticipates daily use. Think beyond the initial look and design with maintenance and tidiness in mind. Integrate built-in trash and recycling bins. Choose under-cabinet lighting to brighten work zones without taking up space. Include dividers, tiered shelves, and drawer inserts to keep every item in its place. When your kitchen is designed to support a clutter-free lifestyle, it’s easier to keep it looking clean and functional every day.
Conclusion
If you’re inspired to start your own renovation, a quick search for a small kitchen remodel near me can connect you with one of our award-winning designers who understand how to tailor ideas to your exact space and style. Find a Kountry Kraft dealer near me to get started.
Custom Pantry Solutions
By / April 1, 2025 May 6, 2025Custom pantry solutions are an integral part of any well-organized kitchen. Tailoring them to your unique cooking habits and storage needs ensures efficient and stress-free meal prep, even on the busiest of nights. Let’s take a look at several custom pantry solutions that will help enhance functionality, maximize space, and elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
Assessing Storage Needs
Before diving into design choices, it’s essential to evaluate what the pantry will house. Dry goods, canned foods, baking essentials, small appliances, and specialty items all demand dedicated spaces. An effective approach involves grouping items based on frequency of use. Everyday staples should remain within arm’s reach, while rarely used seasonal items can occupy higher or concealed shelves.
Choosing a Pantry Layout
The layout of a pantry is heavily influenced by available space and user preferences. A walk-in pantry provides ample room for expansive shelving and categorized sections, making it ideal for large households or avid cooks. Butler’s pantries bridge the gap between storage and prep areas, often incorporating countertops and secondary sinks for added functionality. Cabinet pantries, on the other hand, maximize vertical space, seamlessly integrating with kitchen cabinetry to create a streamlined aesthetic.
Maximize Space with Adjustable Shelving
Static shelving often leads to wasted space and impractical arrangements. Adjustable shelving allows for customization based on changing needs, whether accommodating bulk purchases or varying container sizes. Pull-out racks provide easy access to deep shelves, while Lazy Susans eliminate the frustration of forgotten items tucked away in corners, making every product easily retrievable.
Organization Strategies
A chaotic pantry can lead to food waste and frustration. Strategic categorization prevents this by designating specific zones for baking supplies, snacks, grains, and cooking essentials. Clear, labeled containers reduce visual clutter while making it easy to track inventory. Vertical storage solutions, such as hanging racks or tiered shelving, prevent small items from getting lost in the mix.
Custom Pantry Solutions
Customization extends beyond shelves and compartments. Dedicated spice drawers ensure easy access to seasonings without the hassle of searching through cluttered shelves. Built-in wine racks offer elegant storage for collectors, while appliance garages provide concealed storage for bulky kitchen gadgets, maintaining a sleek and uncluttered aesthetic.
Conclusion
Custom pantry solutions create a more organized, efficient, and visually appealing kitchen by tailoring storage to individual needs. Investing in a well-designed pantry enhances daily convenience and adds long-term value to your home.
Kountry Kraft offers a wide range of custom pantry solutions. Contact one of our design experts today to begin crafting your custom pantry!
The History of Shaker Cabinetry
By / March 1, 2025 February 12, 2025
Shaker cabinetry has been a design favorite for centuries—and for good reason. Its clean lines, superior craftsmanship, and timeless versatility have made it a staple in homes across generations. But where did this iconic cabinetry style come from, and how has it evolved into one of the most sought-after designs today? Let’s take a look at the fascinating history of Shaker cabinetry and why it continues to be a top choice for homeowners and designers alike.
The Origins of Shaker Cabinets: A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Shaker cabinetry traces its roots back to the late 18th century, when a religious community known as the Shakers arrived in America, bringing with them a deep commitment to simplicity, function, and quality craftsmanship. Their belief that work should be done with purpose and integrity shaped every aspect of their lives—including their approach to furniture making.
Unlike the ornate and decorative styles of the time, Shaker cabinetry was designed to be both beautiful and practical with clean lines, inset panels, and a focus on durability. The Shakers used locally sourced hardwoods like maple and cherry, crafting each piece by hand with expert joinery techniques that ensured longevity. Their approach was straightforward: if something was built well, it didn’t need embellishment. And that principle has held strong ever since.
Shaker Cabinetry Through the Years: A Style That Never Fades
From its early beginnings in self-sufficient Shaker villages to its widespread influence in modern kitchens, Shaker cabinetry has never gone out of style. In the 19th century, as the Shaker communities expanded, so did the appreciation for their furniture. Word spread about the quality and practicality of Shaker craftsmanship, and their designs began to inspire woodworkers outside of their settlements.
By the early 20th century, as industrialization introduced mass-produced furniture, Shaker cabinetry stood apart as a gold standard of timeless design. The Arts and Crafts movement embraced its simple, handcrafted aesthetic; later, mid-century modern designers took inspiration from its balanced proportions and seamless functionality. Today, Shaker cabinetry is synonymous with versatility, seamlessly blending into traditional, transitional, and contemporary kitchens alike.
Why Homeowners Love Shaker Cabinetry
One of the biggest reasons Shaker cabinets remains a favorite is its ability to fit into virtually any home style. Whether you love the warmth of a classic wood finish or the crisp elegance of a painted look, Shaker cabinets offer endless customization options. Their clean, structured design allows them to adapt effortlessly—pair them with brass hardware for a vintage touch or opt for sleek, matte black handles for a more modern feel.
Beyond aesthetics, Shaker cabinetry is built to last. With high-quality craftsmanship and durable materials, these cabinets stand the test of time, making them an investment that homeowners can enjoy for years to come.
Bringing the Beauty of Shaker Cabinetry Into Your Home
If you’re looking for a cabinetry style that combines classic beauty, expert craftsmanship, and everyday functionality, custom Shaker cabinetry is the perfect choice. Whether you’re designing a brand-new kitchen, updating your bathroom storage, or refreshing your laundry room, this timeless style brings warmth, character, and lasting value to any space.
Interested in bringing the beauty of shaker cabinetry into your home? Contact one of our design experts today to get started!
High Gloss & Super Matte Cabinetry at Kountry Kraft
By / February 1, 2025 May 7, 2025When considering custom cabinetry, finish is just as important as form. In this third and final installment of our showcase series, we’re shining a spotlight on high gloss and super matte cabinets from Conestoga’s Synchronicity Collection. Keep reading to learn how these alternative surface doors can elevate your design to something truly extraordinary.
Super Matte Cabinetry
Super matte cabinetry is a timeless choice that injects both retro and modern designs with the perfect amount of understated elegance. The finish softly absorbs light to create a warm, intimate atmosphere in your home. Pleasing to the touch as well as the eye, these matte cabinets resist fingerprints and conceal wear well with very little maintenance.
Luxury Gloss Cabinetry
On the opposite end of the spectrum is high gloss cabinetry. Two layers of high gloss coatings combine to form a magnificent sheen that brightly reflects light, making it a great choice for homeowners looking to make a small space feel larger. These layers also make the luxury gloss cabinetry very durable and easy to wipe clean.
25 Finishes for High Gloss & Super Matte Cabinetry
Conestoga’s Synchronicity Collection boasts 25 finishes in various colors and woodgrains for high gloss and super matte cabinetry. Whether you’re seeking high gloss wood cabinets, earthy colored super matte cabinetry, or anything in between, the Synchronicity Collection is sure to have your perfect match.
High Gloss & Super Matte Cabinetry at Kountry Kraft
Kountry Kraft is proud to offer high gloss and super matte cabinets from Conestoga’s Synchronicity Collection. Stop by our showroom to see various door samples on display or contact one of our design experts for more information!
This post concludes our three-part showcase series on standout features to consider when designing your custom cabinetry. If you’d like to revisit the entire series, check out our blog archive where you’ll find “Custom Pivot Slide-In Cabinetry Doors” and “Metal Cabinetry Accents.”
Follow Kountry Kraft on Instagram and like our Facebook page for even more kitchen inspiration!
Metal Cabinetry Accents at Kountry Kraft
By / January 15, 2025 January 26, 2025
When it comes to custom cabinetry, adding the right details can elevate a design from beautiful to extraordinary. In this second installment of our showcase series, we’re exploring Hafele’s metal cabinetry accents and how they can bring a new level of style and sophistication to your home.
Metal Cabinetry Accents by Hafele
Metal cabinetry accents by Hafele offer a simple way to add a distinctive, eye-catching touch to any space. Available in aluminum, brass, bronze, black, steel, and chrome finishes, these accents allow you to create a custom look infused with visually-appealing contrast and character. Hafele’s range includes bar, strapping, and angle options, making them ideal for enhancing cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
Metal Cabinetry Accents to Suit Any Style
Hafele’s metal cabinetry accents are as versatile as they are beautiful, making them a great addition to any room for an added touch of style. Whether you choose sleek black accents to create a bold, modern look or opt for brass cabinet accents to add a touch of warmth and art-deco glamor, these details can elevate any aesthetic. A versatile design that helps make it make it easy to personalize your custom cabinetry, and make them truly one of a kind—just like you.
Durability Meets Beauty
Durability matters, especially for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Hafele’s metal cabinetry accents are not only beautiful, but are also built to withstand daily use with added durability over a longer period of time. That means you can sleep soundly knowing your custom cabinets will be just as beautiful in the years to come as they are on the day they’re installed making them a great investment into your home.
Add Metal Cabinetry Accents to Your Custom Cabinetry
Ready to add a little shine to your custom cabinetry? Contact one of our design experts to explore Hafele’s range of metal cabinetry accents and discover how these striking details can be incorporated into your next project.
Stay tuned next month for the final installment in our three-part showcase series, where we’ll explore high gloss and super matte cabinetry. Missed the first one? Get caught up with our showcase of custom pivot slide-in cabinetry doors. Follow Kountry Kraft on Instagram and like our Facebook page for more custom cabinetry inspiration!
Custom Pivot Slide-In Cabinetry Doors at Kountry Kraft
By / December 5, 2024 December 7, 2024
When it comes to custom cabinetry, the range of options can feel overwhelming. To make choices easier, we’re introducing a three-part showcase series to highlight some standout selections for custom cabinet doors. Our first spotlight lands on the Hawa Concepta III custom pivot slide-in cabinetry doors.
What are Slide-In Cabinetry Doors?
Slide-in cabinetry doors pivot 90° and slide into pockets within the cabinetry or wall niches, completely disappearing when open. This innovative design allows work spaces that would be obstructed with traditional doors to remain accessible, thereby improving functionality. When closed, pivot cabinet doors create a flush, seamless surface that easily conceals the storage area. Overall, they are an elegant way to maximize space and achieve a clean, modern look throughout the entire home.
The Best Slide-In Cabinetry Doors
We searched far and wide to bring you the very best, and are proud to say the Hawa Concepta III were the clear winner. The patented design ensures smooth, ergonomic movement and allows the doors to be closed with just a gentle tap. This system also offers flexible installation options, from different height configurations to both handle and handle-free designs. Tested for over 40,000 cycles (the equivalent of approximately 25 years of standard use), these custom doors are maintenance-free and built to last. The Hawa Concepta III combines practical engineering with a sleek aesthetic, making it one of our favorite custom cabinetry options.
Custom Pivot Slide-In Cabinetry Doors at Kountry Kraft
To learn more about the Hawa Concepta III custom pivot slide-in cabinetry doors, contact one of our experts who will be happy to answer your questions and provide ideas for how they can be incorporated into your home. Stay tuned next month for our second installment showcasing Hafele metal cabinetry accents!
Follow Kountry Kraft on Instagram and like our Facebook Page for more custom cabinetry ideas!
Highlights from Our 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention
By / November 9, 2024 November 9, 2024
Kountry Kraft recently held its 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention to celebrate the company’s journey to becoming a leader in custom cabinetry. This milestone event brought together industry experts, partners, and visionaries for two days full of education, collaboration, and inspiration. Here are a few of the most memorable moments.
Keynote Speaker Greg Rohl: The Corporateneur Plan
One highlight from the 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention was a keynote presentation by Greg Rohl, co-author of The Corporateneur Plan: Your Roadmap from Mid-Career Professional to Entrepreneur. Drawing on insights from his decades of experience, Rohl offered advice for professionals looking to transition into the role of entrepreneur. His emphasis on strategic leadership, relationship-building, and innovation—all key lessons in his book—resonated deeply with attendees, making this session one of the most impactful moments of the celebration.
Hands-On Learning Sessions
Throughout the 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention, attendees had the chance to engage in hands-on learning through a series of interactive kiosks. These sessions, led by experts from Sherwin Williams, Hafele, and Blum, covered topics such as stain finishing, color matching, and installation techniques. One particularly exciting demonstration was Blum’s AgeExplorer® suit, which simulates the physical challenges of aging. By experiencing the limitations of the suit, designers gained new insight into how to create kitchens that better accommodate all ages.
Industry Challenges Addressed in Panel Discussions
The 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention also featured a discussion panel moderated by Kountry Kraft’s Roger Yiengst. The panel—comprised of industry leaders Jeff Boico (Kitchen & Bath Designs), Janice Page CKBD (PK Surroundings), Jeff Eichenseer (Conestoga), and Julie Vicente (Eastern Lebanon County School District)—addressed challenges the kitchen and bath industry currently faces, such as labor shortages and the closure of sawmills. This open discussion encouraged collaborative solutions and provided practical guidance for industry professionals to navigate these pressing issues.
Perfect Six Marketing: Leveraging Social Media for Dealers
Dealers who attended the 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention leveled up their marketing strategy during Perfect Six Marketing (P6M)’s session, which provided effective strategies for organic social media growth using P6M’s signature Power Hour principles. Attendees left with actionable insights taken directly from P6M’s college-accredited Social Media Mastery course.
Reflecting on Our 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention
As the 65th Anniversary Dealer Convention came to a close, Kountry Kraft reflected on the strong partnerships and innovations that have defined the company over the years. With a focus on both honoring the past and looking forward toward the future, the event reaffirmed the company’s commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and customer service. This wasn’t just a celebration—it was a testament to Kountry Kraft’s enduring legacy and its bright future ahead.
Woodpreneur Network Podcast Hosts Elvin Hurst Sr.
By / October 5, 2024 December 21, 2024
Woodpreneur Network Podcast host Steve Larosiliere recently interviewed Elvin Hurst Sr.— founder of Kountry Kraft—about how he built a kitchen cabinet business that’s still thriving 65 years later. Follow along as Elvin takes you through his journey and learn the five tips for success he shares with Woodpreneur Network Podcast.
Helen Hurst’s Gift of a Sears Craftsman Saw
Kountry Kraft’s story begins in 1958 with Helen Hurst’s gift of a Sears Craftsman Saw to her husband. This gift ignited a passion for woodworking in Elvin, who used the saw to begin making cabinets for family and friends. As word spread and demand grew, Elvin and Helen realized they could transform what had started as a hobby into a real business. With the help of his parents, the couple founded Kountry Kraft.
A Kitchen Company
Elvin considers his first big business milestone as gaining name recognition for Kountry Kraft and having it become known as a kitchen company. From the very start, Kountry Kraft touted quality work, on time delivery, and fair prices. With each kitchen sold, Kountry Kraft became known for these core values.
Expanding to 45 Kitchen Dealers
As the business grew and production capabilities increased, Kountry Kraft began partnering with kitchen dealers that would use the cabinets in their own designs. This network now includes 45 kitchen dealers that span from Maine to Florida and are known for producing award-winning designs that feature Kountry Kraft cabinetry.
Five Tips for Success
When asked what advice he would give for others to create a successful and long-lived business, Elvin listed the following five tips for success:
- Have vision and ambition.
- Be willing to take the hard times with the good times.
- Be committed.
- Put your customers and employees first. Put yourself last.
- Be willing to give others an opportunity.
About Woodpreneur Network Podcast
Woodpreneur Network Podcast seeks to empower wood businesses by providing insights, strategies, and techniques to scale sustainably and deliver great products. Watch Elvin’s full interview on episode “65 Years of Cabinet Making Excellence” of the Woodpreneur Network Podcast and check out other episodes on the Woodpreneur Network.
New Leather Panel Inserts by Kountry Kraft
By / September 13, 2024 September 13, 2024
Incorporating leather panel inserts into your custom cabinetry is a sophisticated way to elevate your interior design. This unique feature adds warmth, texture, and a touch of luxury. Whether your aesthetic is modern or traditional chic, it effortlessly complements wood frames to create an organic and inviting space.
Why Leather Panel Inserts?
Leather panel inserts have the distinctive ability to blend the natural elements of wood and leather, resulting in cabinetry that feels both cozy and refined. The soft, tactile surface contrasts beautifully with the hardness of the wood cabinets, creating a balanced and visually appealing look. They can transform ordinary cabinets into statement pieces, making them the focal point of any room.
Leather Door Panels—A Sustainable Design Choice
The leather door panels offered by Kountry Kraft are made from recycled leather veneer (RLV™), a material crafted from reprocessed leather remnants. The remnants are treated and finished with a protective resin layer, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. For the environmentally conscious homeowner, leather door panels are both a stunning and sustainable design choice.
How to Use Leather Panel Inserts
At ¼” thick and double-sided, our leather panel inserts can be used in a variety of ways. As we’ve already discussed, they create beautiful custom leather cabinets when used as door and drawer panel inserts. They can also be used to elevate Wainscot detailing, providing an elegant backdrop for any room in the house. Or, for those looking to make a statement, they can even be incorporated into a custom hood design for the kitchen. They highly versatile and customizable, meaning the only limit to their use is your imagination!
Custom Leather Cabinets at Kountry Kraft
Kountry Kraft is thrilled to add this amazing product as a new option for our custom cabinetry. Contact us today to learn more about this exciting new product!
New Custom Cabinetry Brochure
By / August 3, 2024 August 3, 2024
Kountry Kraft’s new custom cabinetry brochure is officially here! From kitchens to bathrooms and everything in between, this brochure has tons of inspiration for every room in your house. Here’s a sneak peak of what you can find inside our custom cabinetry brochure:
Design by PK Surroundings
Endless Custom Paint & Stain Possibilities
With custom cabinets, you’ll have more color options than just white and gray. Quite a few more, actually. Whether you’re looking for wood tones, the perfect shade of paint, or a combination of both, our custom cabinetry can bring your exact vision to life! Peruse an assortment of vibrant stains on page 56 and see what paint colors are trending on page 62 of our custom cabinetry brochure. Test out different color combinations with our Color Studio tool.
Custom Interior Cabinet Organization
More than just a facelift, new custom cabinetry offers the chance to make your space more functional and efficient. From pull out drawers to inserts to lighting, we devise a storage solution tailored to every one of your needs. Rest assured, you’ll never be fumbling around in the back of a dark cabinet or rummaging through a junk drawer again (that’s not a promise that stock cabinets can make). Turn to page 22 of our custom cabinetry brochure to explore more options for interior cabinet organization.
Design by The Cabinet Co.
Pet Friendly Designs
When browsing our custom cabinetry brochure for ideas on how to create the perfect set up for your family, don’t forget about your furry friends! From custom integrated feeding stations complete with food and treat storage to cozy nooks that act as a safe space, there’s endless pet friendly designs that will help make your daily routine more practical. Check out page 50 of our custom cabinetry brochure for pet friendly design ideas!
Featuring Our Authorized Dealers
We focus on creating award winning cabinetry. Our authorized dealers focus on creating award winning designs. If a particular design captures your eye while browsing our custom cabinetry brochure, flip to page 70 to learn which one of our authorized dealers created it. Or, if you’re interested in viewing more of a specific dealer’s work, use the directory to locate all of their designs featured in the custom cabinetry brochure.
Design by Cabry Designs
Kountry Kraft’s New Custom Cabinetry Brochure
Looking for more than a sneak peak? View Kountry Kraft’s entire custom cabinetry brochure online or visit your local dealer to see it in person. Once you have some ideas, contact us to learn how we can bring them to life!