Author: Dee Funk

Kitchen office spaces are rising in popularity, as the number of those working from home has increased this year. Some homes do not have space to support a full separate office, however there may be room within your kitchen for a dedicated workspace. Some parents may want to be able to get work done, while staying centrally located near their children. Another great use is for children who are attending school virtually. A built-in, customized kitchen desk is the perfect solution.

Kitchen Office Spaces

Built-In Kitchen Office Space with a Desk
Allie Fackler Photography

With any kitchen desk area, it is best to use cabinets that match or complement what’s in the kitchen so the space blends in seamlessly.  Kitchens & Baths by A Matter of Style designed a built-in desk for a kitchen located in Cheshire, Connecticut. This desk is built with the same style cabinets as the rest of the kitchen. The design of this desk cleverly utilizes open shelving and closed storage space for form and function.

White Kitchen with a Built-In Kitchen Desk Area
Photography by Chris Veith Interiors

Alpine White cabinets connect this workstation with the rest of the kitchen designed by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs. The space next to the block of cabinets was thought to be unusable, but a desk served as a perfect, practical addition. It’s a handy spot for handling messages, mail, and bills.

Kitchen with a Built-In Desk Office Area
Rob Karosis Photography

Using the same materials as the rest of the kitchen, this office blends seamlessly into a previously unused space. Generous floor to ceiling cabinet storage makes it easy to stash mail, homework, cookbooks, and important documents. Design by Dovetailed Kitchens, Inc. in collaboration with Lisa Teague of Upcoast Design.

Interested in seeing more kitchen designs with built-in desks? Visit our Inspiration Gallery.

#KountryKraft #CustomCabinets #CustomCabinetry #KitchenDesks #KitchenOfficeSpace

As the growing demand for taller cabinetry increases, Kountry Kraft adds new options for bigger cabinet panels to its custom cabinetry offerings with the installation of a new CNC Point-to-Point Router and a Case Clamp from Stiles Machinery. As the industry’s leading provider of advanced manufacturing solutions, Stiles has been helping manufacturers nationwide increase their efficiency and productivity for over 50 years.

The new additions have positioned Kountry Kraft to easily absorb the growing demand to produce bigger panels up to ten feet in height, in framed or frameless construction. It improves the speed of shop production to 150 boxes per day and helps to maintain the current eight-week production lead time.

Kountry Kraft has worked with Stiles Machinery for over 30 years. So, when the COVID-19 restrictions went into place, the Stiles team got creative to not only install the new machines but educate the operators and programmers as well. They packed up the Stiles classroom in Northeast Philadelphia and brought the education center to the Kountry Kraft shop in Newmanstown, Pennsylvania.

Kountry Kraft Adds New Options for Bigger Panels to its Custom Cabinetry Offerings thanks to Stiles Machinery
Packing up the Stiles classroom computers with Stiles District Team Leader, Vince Micciolo
Kountry Kraft Adds New Options for Bigger Panels to its Custom Cabinetry Offerings
Unpacking the computers at Kountry Kraft
Program and operation instruction training in the shop and conference room
Program and operation instruction training in the shop with Stiles CNC Ground Leader Robert Gallagan
Program and operation instruction training in the shop and conference room
Program and operation instruction training in the conference room with Stiles CNC Ground Leader Robert Gallagan
A crane was used to unload the machinery
A crane was used to unload the machinery
A skid loader was also used to unload the machinery
A skid loader was also used to unload
New case clamp in use
New case clamp in use
New CNC in use
New CNC in use

“We are overwhelmingly grateful for the innovative remote training solutions and installation provided by Stiles, and for the ability to offer new design options to the industry,” stated Elvin Hurst, Jr., President of Kountry Kraft. Stay up to date with Kountry Kraft innovations and news by following @kountrykraftcabinetry on Instagram.

#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #CustomCabinets #Cabinetry #Cabinets #StilesMachinery

If there was one design trend that defined the past decade, it was the all-white kitchen. The look is timeless, cohesive, and clean, and has a miraculous way of making even the tiniest kitchen look airy and spacious. But the new decade brings with new trends, and designers say there’s a new color in the kitchen that you should try: black.

Kitchen Designs with Black Cabinets Custom by Kountry Kraft

Whether you want to dip your toes into the black cabinets trend with just a few features or want to go all in, you are bound to gain some inspiration from our round up of a few of our favorite designs.

Kitchens with Black Cabinets

Modern Kitchen Design with Black Cabinets

Jessica McAllister of Kountry Kraft designed this modern kitchen to feature black cabinetry along the perimeter. The cabinetry features a sleek, simple door design. The wood grain shines through the black finish, giving it a unique textural appeal.

Transitional Kitchen with Black Kitchen Island Cabinets

Black can be used in transitional kitchens, too. One of the easiest ways to incorporate black cabinets is to pair them with white. Stonington Cabinetry & Designs featured a black kitchen island among the white perimeter cabinetry in this transitional style design.

Other Rooms

Black cabinetry designs are trending for rooms in the home beyond the kitchen.

Transitional Style Laundry Room with Black Cabinetry
KRR Photography

Architectural Kitchens of Annapolis designed black cabinetry for this laundry room design. Paired with the gold hardware, laundry is no longer a chore but a luxurious escape.

Living Room with Black Cabinetry

Stonington Cabinetry & Designs added a black wet bar into this living room design, with storage for glasses, wine bottles and more.

Visit our website, kountrykraft.com, to see more rooms and designs that use custom black cabinetry. Do you want black cabinets for a room in your own home? Click here to find a Kountry Kraft dealer near you!

#KountryKraft #BlackCabinets #BlackCabinetry #DesignTrends

A current trend hitting kitchens everywhere is the use of neutral countertops. Available in various materials, a neutral countertop will compliment any cabinet color and tie together your ideal kitchen. When saying “neutral countertops”, we are specifically speaking of whites, blacks, and wood colors.

White Countertops

Neutral Countertops are a current kitchen trend, especially white countertops
Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | Photography by Chris Veith Interiors

When talking about countertops, the go-to for many are stone finishes, such as granite or quartz. When you go with these choices, specifically granite, you will tend to get flecks of grey creating more of an off-white shade. This is ideal for a more traditional kitchens and compliment well with a traditional or shaker style cabinetry. On the flipside, a pure white countertop provides a modern style and can be achieved with using quartz or an engineered stone. The pure white allows for a bright pop in a kitchen that might have more modern, flat-faced or dark wood grained cabinets.

Dark Countertops

Dark countertops are part of the neutral countertop kitchen trend for luxury designs in 2020
Design by Nelson Schneider of Kitchen & Bath Connections in collaboration with Pat of RK Development, Southampton, NY

Many people are hesitant towards black or darker countertops as they might dull down the space. However, if you have darker cabinets, floors, or other darker finishes the addition of a dark countertop will create a sleek space that will be drool-worthy.  If going for a black countertop is too much, going with charcoal will not drown out the color, but is also a bit softer. This look can be achieved through using either granite (with dark flecks), quartz, or even tarnished bronze or brass.

Wood Countertops

Wood countertops are part of the neutral countertop kitchen design trend for spaces remodeled in 2020
Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | Photography by Chris Veith Interiors

To create a warm space that accents the natural tones in your kitchen, wood countertops are the way to go. When choosing wood countertops the choice becomes darker or lighter wood. When you choose darker wood, it warms a completely white kitchen and creates a more transitional kitchen vibe. Choosing a light wood creates more of a rustic and causal feel inside your kitchen.

Ultimately, the choice in color of your countertops is dependent on the style kitchen you are going for. It is also important to take into consideration the durability, upkeep, and type of material available to get the look you want. Visit the Kitchen Gallery on our website for more kitchen design inspiration.

#KountryKraft #Granite #QuartzCountertops #WoodCountertops #NeutralCountertops

Are you struggling with getting dressed in the morning? Jealous of that coworker who always looks put together? Maybe your closet is the problem! Giving your walk-in closet a face lift will not only refresh its look, but it can help you become the trendsetter of the office, too.

Give Your Walk-In Closet A Face Lift

Clothing Storage

First and foremost, let’s talk about clothing storage solutions for your walk-in closet. One way to make the most of your closet space is incorporating a wardrobe lift. A wardrobe lift allows for vertical clothing storage, especially of pieces you might not use all the time. Simply pull down the bar, add your pieces, and then push the bar back up. Hafele offers a variety of sizes with different weight limits to fit all of your needs.

Ever struggle with finding the right color clothing piece because your hanging space is just too dark? Incorporating a lighted closet rod into your hanging space will make selecting the perfect piece much simpler. With LED lights built into the bottom of the rod, you are able to find the perfect top without any trouble.

Wardrobe Lift for Closet Organization Walk-in Closet Design with LED Lighted Closet Rods

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shoe Storage

Now that we have talked about clothing storage options, let’s discuss shoes. Most walk-in closets have lack-luster shoe storage. These two options will make all your friends envious. First, is a pull out shoe organizer, which is ideal for flats, sandals, and flip flops. Easily slip your shoes onto the metal loops so you can easily see and access them. The best part? This organizer is on a rack system that can easily pull in and out! The next upgrade is a shoe fence, designed to be placed on the front of shelves, these simple additions keep all your heels or men’s dress shoes in their place while giving a clean look!

Walk-In Closet Design with Pull Out Shoe Organizer

Walk-In Closet Design with a Shoe Fence

Accessory Storage

To wrap up your closet face lift, we cannot forget about accessory storage. A simple “fork” design allows for tie storage, while a series of circular loops gives all your scarves a home! You can also incorporate belt hooks along the wall that can double as storage for long necklaces. Nothing beats a product with multiple uses!

Walk-In Closet Design with Storage for Accessories and Jewelry Walk-In Closet Design with Storage for Belts

Not only will these upgrades give the ideal face lift to your walk-in closet, it will also help you become more organized and your outfits will show! Check out more designs in our gallery!

#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #walkinclosets #accessorystorage #clothingstorage #shoestorage

Islands in kitchens are still on trend for 2020. Besides the obvious reason to add an island in a kitchen renovation, such as extra counter space and storage, a kitchen island can become a unique centerpiece while still being highly functional. This kitchen design by Dovetailed Kitchens Inc. in collaboration with Lisa Teague of Upcoast Design incorporates an island with a plethora of clever design details that create a functional and beautiful space.

2020 Kitchen Island Trends Using Two Different Colors for Cabinetry
Rob Karosis Photography

One of the rising kitchen island trends is to create contrast with the island being a different color than the rest of the cabinetry in the kitchen. Here, the kitchen cabinets themselves are #239 Wimborne White by Farrow and Ball while the island is painted with #1536 Northern Cliffs by Benjamin Moore to create a contrast that still accents the entire theme of the kitchen. Wimborne White is one shade off from traditional white, with a small amount of yellow to create warm undertones. Northern Cliffs is a gray color that will make the island a focal point for all who enter.

Add a butcher block to a kitchen island to create a workspace
Rob Karosis Photography

Another rising trend is adding functional pieces to the island to not only make it an extra area for seating, but can be a workspace as well. The inclusion of a butcher block is perfect for those who like to cook. The butcher block allows for additional workspace that can easily be cleaned. Incorporated into the butcher block is storage for knives, a lip to catch any liquid run off, and a scrap bin that allows for easy clean up. Underneath this area in the island can be the storage for trash and recycling so when the scrap bin is used it goes right into the trash instead of needing to be emptied. Also the addition of a small wet bar sink gives a place for cleaning fruits and vegetables or even filling pots for cooking.

Functional kitchen island design is the most important trend in 2020
Rob Karosis Photography

Finally, the overall design of the island is a one of the biggest trends. For many, a kitchen island serves as additional seating, however, that can be a problem when other appliances might be in the way. Here, the addition of the smaller wet bar sink allowed for the space of the island in front of the fridge to be functional. The remainder of the space on that side is used for seating and has a small overhang to accommodate the seating. Each end of the island is different, one having an overhang for additional seating, while the other is flush with the island base because of the oven and stove being on that end.  Read more about this kitchen design by clicking here.

Want to learn more about the 2020 kitchen island trends? Follow us on Instagram @kountrykraftcabinetry. Interested in cabinetry for your home? Find a dealer near you by clicking here.

#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #2020KitchenIslandTrends #KitchenIsland #KitchenTrends

Kitchen designs are leaning towards a pared-back, minimalist look with a strong feature of elements that remind us of nature. Some of the most popular 2020 kitchen cabinet trends include pops of natural elements, pops of color, minimalist hardware, glass cabinet doors and two kitchen islands.

2020 Kitchen Cabinet Trends by Kountry Kraft
Design by Jessica McAllister of Kountry Kraft, Inc.

Pops of Color

Although a big trend for the new year is natural elements, designers will be adding pops of color in their spaces. Colors that remind of us nature will be the most popular, as shades of blue and green continue to grow in popularity.

Speaking of color, or lack thereof, black cabinets are making a huge comeback this year. Black is now a livable, luxe and inviting color. Black cabinets with a matte finish are trending higher than those with a gloss finish, coinciding with the natural elements theme of the year.

2020 Kitchen Cabinet Trends Black Kitchen Cabinets
Design by Jessica McAllister of Kountry Kraft, Inc.

Two-Tone Cabinets

Tying into the pops of color trend, the two-tone cabinet trend is growing stronger as we move into 2020. Unified cabinetry is a thing of the past. Homeowners want diversity, even if it’s the slightest bit of change, like a dark gray and a lighter shade gray.

 

Minimalist Hardware

One of the biggest trends in the new year when it comes to hardware on your cabinets, less is more. With advancing technology, like push-open doors and soft-close doors, means that handles are not a necessity. Designs are all about multi-tasking, free-flowing design with a pared-back, streamlined natural look.

2020 Kitchen Cabinet Trends Minimalist Cabinet Hardware
Design by Jessica McAllister of Kountry Kraft, Inc.

Glass Cabinet Doors

Making a comeback from the 90s in the new year are glass cabinet doors. Again, as part of the trend toward simplicity and organization, glass cabinet doors make it easy to know what you’re grabbing for and where to get it. This trend will be especially popular for upper cabinets.

 

Two Kitchen Islands

Larger kitchens in an open concept design has led the island to become an essential kitchen feature. A design trend that we’ll be seeing this new year is taking an island and doubling it, to feature double islands in one kitchen. It is an expansive, luxe addition when space is no object.

 

Want to learn more about the kitchen cabinet trends in 2020? Follow us on Instagram @kountrykraftcabinetry. Interested in cabinetry for your home? Find a dealer near you by clicking here.

#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #2020KitchenCabinetTrends #KitchenCabinetTrends #KitchenTrends

On today’s blog, we are revealing the components that create the perfect kitchen islands for holiday entertaining!

The Perfect Kitchen Islands for Holiday Entertaining
Design by Samantha Petzrick Chinn of Petzrick Chinn Designs, LLC

Seating

As so many holidays revolve around big meals, plenty of seating is the top holiday-hosting must-have. Kitchen islands are typically where everyone gathers to mingle with those who are cooking.

Easily Accessible Outlets

It is a great idea to design easily accessible outlets into your kitchen if you plan to host holiday meals. Why? Because islands are often used as a serving station for holiday dishes, so you’ll want to be able to keep your warming dishes and slow cookers plugged in.

Food Serving Space

In addition to having accessible outlets, you also need to have space to place your warming dishes, slow cookers, and other serving trays. When designed with serving space in mind, islands are easy to set up to create the perfect traffic flow for guests to navigate through the kitchen without getting in each other’s way.

Storage Space

In order to keep counters free of clutter, it is important to have well designed storage space as the foundation of your island. One of the best parts about custom cabinets is that the storage area can be crafted completely custom to fit your needs. If you need a place to fit all your pots, pans and lids, special drawers and shelves can be designed for your island.

Custom Kitchen Islands Designed for Holiday Entertaining
Design by Samantha Petzrick Chinn of Petzrick Chinn Designs, LLC

By designing a kitchen island with these in mind, everyone will love coming to your home for the holidays! Interested in learning more? Find a Kountry Kraft dealer near you by clicking here, or give us a call at 610.589.4575.

Follow @kountrykraftcabinetry on Instagram for cabinet design inspiration!

#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #KitchenIslands #HolidayEntertaining

Kountry Kraft is thrilled to introduce a new product selection, REHAU Unlimited Polymer Surface Solutions for Cabinet Designs. Each surface is meticulously chosen, to give you an edge in quality, composition and scheme. Present a new angle in design with complimenting collections that can define a space.

REHAU Unlimited Polymer Surface Solutions

REHAU Polymer Surface Solutions for Cabinet Designs
Photography Courtesy of REHAU

Matte Cabinet Design: Fenix NTM

Fenix NTM is a Nanotech Matte Material. Become a trend setter by incorporating matte cabinets in your next project.

Textured Wood Grain Cabinet Design: Rauvisio Terra

Rauvisio Terra is a soft, textured HPL surface that is extremely durable. It is a deeply textured wood grain surface made from HPL rather than melamine paper.

Mirror High-Gloss Cabinet Design: Rauvisio Brilliant

Rauvisio Brilliant, a mirror high-gloss acrylic surface, is considered the next generation in high-gloss surfaces. It surpasses high-quality lacquered boards with a brilliant depth effect.

Back-Painted Glass Cabinet Design: Rauvisio Crystal

Rauvisio Crystal Polymer is a back-painted glass surface that encompasses the sleek shine of glass in a lighter-weight, durable polymer. The UV-resistant, fully customizable boards feature colorfastness with much lower production costs and the convenience of cutting and drilling during installation.

REHAU at Kountry Kraft

For more product information, visit www.na.rehau.com/surfaces or contact your Kountry Kraft Representative. We can help you create a one-of-a-kind space with Polymer Surface Solutions for cabinet designs in your next project!

#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry

On September 26th and 27th, dealers from across the nation, near and far, came to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Kountry Kraft, a custom cabinet manufacturer located in Newmanstown, Pennsylvania. Kountry Kraft was founded in 1959 by Elvin Hurst, Sr. and Helen Hurst, after Helen gave him the gift of a Sears Craftsman table saw for Christmas in 1958. 60 years and three generations later, the company celebrated their diamond anniversary with a diamond dealer conference.

Kountry Kraft 60th Anniversary Diamond Dealer Conference

The conference consisted of two fun-filled days of activities. The designers took a tour of the 96,000 square foot facility and were able to see where and how their cabinet designs come to life. They also made some of the products themselves – metal fusion finish, banded a door front, dovetailed a drawer box, paint colors and more.

The different activities awarded the dealers “diamonds” that could be used to enter to win different prizes. Prizes ranged from cabinet door samples, to cabinet displays, to the grand prize which was an option of a diamond with a $6,000 value, $6,000 net off one cabinet order of choice, $6,000 net co-op dollars or 60% off one display. The lucky grand prize winners were Janice Page, CKD, and Debbie Karpiak of PKsurroundings.

Grand Prize Winners at the Kountry Kraft Diamond Dealer Conference

Two special guest speakers presented – Richard T. Anuszkiewicz and Matthew Ferrarini – renowned leaders of the kitchen and bath design industry.

Richard T. Anuszkiewicz presented at the Kountry Kraft Diamond Dealer Conference

Richard T. Anuszkiewicz, also known as Richard A2Z, presented about Fashion Forward Thinking.

Matthew Ferrarini presented at the Kountry Kraft Diamond Dealer Conference

Matthew Ferrarini presented about the flow, function and feeling of a space.

Discussion Forum Panel at the Kountry Kraft Diamond Dealer Conference

Other kitchen and bath design leaders participated in a discussion forum leaded by Denise Grothouse, discussing major topics of the industry, including how to successfully brand your company and how to qualify leads. The leaders on the panel include Richard T. Anuszkiewicz, Justin Sachs of Stonington Cabinetry & Designs, Beth Veillette of Hanford Cabinet & Woodworking, August Reichert of Sunnyfields Cabinetry, and Janice Page of PKsurroundings.

Kountry Kraft is honored to have such great partnerships and employees. It is thanks to them that we can celebrate 60 years. Visit our Facebook page to see more photos from the diamond dealer conference!

#KountryKraft #KKTurns60 #CustomCabinetry #60thAnniversary #DiamondAnniversary