Category: Custom Cabinets

Why are custom cabinets better than stock cabinets? In short, they offer personalized design and are built with superior materials and construction techniques.

Too short? Here’s an in-depth explanation of the differences between custom and stock cabinets and why custom cabinets are better.

Custom vs Stock Cabinets

Custom Cabinets vs Stock Cabinets
(left) Design by True North Cabinets Using Kountry Kraft Custom Cabinetry

What Are Custom Cabinets?

Custom cabinets are built to your home’s exact measurements instead of a standard size. They also offer greater opportunity for personalization with more styles, shapes, and finishes to choose from. Skilled craftsmen build them to your specifications using superior techniques and materials that can’t be replicated on an assembly line.

What Are Stock Cabinets?

Stock cabinets are manufactured to standard sizes in a select number of styles and finishes that cannot be altered. They are already built at the time of order. This allows for a quick turnaround time but also means they may not fit your kitchen’s exact dimensions, creating awkward gaps or ‘dead space.’

Benefits of Custom Cabinets

So why are our cabinets better than stock cabinets? Let’s explore the three main pros of having custom cabinetry:

Personalized-Style--Design
Design by Wydian Kitchen & Bath

Personalized Style & Design

The sky’s the limit when it comes to style and design choices for Kountry Kraft cabinets. If you already have an idea in mind, a custom design allows an experienced professional to translate it from a dream into a reality. They are also incredibly useful when attempting to create a design that’s cohesive with the rest of the house. Or, maybe you’re just looking for something that’s unique to your home. Whatever your motivation, the main takeaway is that you won’t have to compromise your vision.

Optimized Storage in Custom Cabinetry
Design by Brian J. McGarry Interiors

Optimized Storage

Custom cabinets optimize storage by using all available space and offering organization solutions. We’ve already discussed how the cabinets eliminate so-called ‘dead space.’ This isn’t just an aesthetically pleasing benefit. Custom cabinets transform that otherwise wasted space into functional storage. They also allow you to incorporate organization solutions like a pull-out spice rack, plate holders, or specialty shelving for cookbooks and knickknacks.

Lifetime Construction

Lifetime Construction

Kountry Kraft cabinets are built to last. Skilled craftsmen use quality construction methods, like dovetail joints, that are long-lasting and cannot be replicated on an assembly line. In contrast, stock cabinets are held together with staples, nails, or screws and are not given the same individual attention that our cabinets receive.

Our cabinets are also generally built with higher-grade materials, increasing their lifespan. With the investment of the craftsmen’s time and skill, an investment in the best material will be made as well.

Budget Considerations

Are Custom Cabinets More Expensive?

Yes, custom cabinets are more expensive than stock cabinets. The increased cost is a result of the craftsmen’s time and skill needed to build them and the upgrade in construction materials.

Are Custom Kitchen Cabinets Worth It?

Knowing custom cabinets cost more than stock cabinets, just one question remains: Are they worth it? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding YES!

As we just learned, the increased expense results from an increase of quality craftsmanship and materials. The upfront investment will save you the expense (and headache) of replacing cabinets down the road. Paired with their virtually unlimited style and design options? The verdict is clear—custom cabinets are well worth it.

Kountry Kraft Cabinetry

Kountry Kraft is a family-owned business that has specialized in cabinet manufacturing since the mid-1900s. We would love the opportunity to bring your cabinet dreams to life! Please contact one of our design experts today to get started.

Follow us on Instagram and like our Facebook page for more inspiration!

 

Built In Vanity Bathroom Design
Designed by D&B Elite Construction Group

Built in bathroom vanities come with the dual benefit of fitting your exact space and offering storage customized to your specific needs. So what do you need to consider when planning out a built in vanity bathroom design? Let’s take a look.

One Sink, or Two?

Almost every homeowner prefers two sinks if possible. However, the size of the bathroom usually answers this question. Some smaller bathrooms can’t accommodate a vanity wider than 60 inches, limiting them to one sink. On the other hand, some larger bathrooms need two sinks (and possibly two vanities) so the space doesn’t feel empty. Identifying how many sinks you need is crucial to the next step—determining layout.

Two Sink Built In Bathroom Vanity
Design by TRK Design Company

Vanity Placement

If you only need one sink, determining the layout is as simple as deciding where the one vanity will go and how wide it should be. If you need two sinks, there are more options. Consider one wider vanity that can house two sinks if the bathroom isn’t excessively large. If it is, you’ll probably want two large vanities that house one sink each. Common layouts for two vanities are the galley—where the vanities are on opposite walls and separated by a walkway—and the L shape—where, you guessed it, the vanities form an L against two adjacent walls.

Vanity Placement
Designed by Roger Yiengst of Kountry Kraft Inc.

Storage

Vanities can have drawers, cabinets, or a combination of both. Everyone has different storage needs, so think about which option would work best for you. If the bathroom lacks a linen closet, cabinets with shelving for towels could be beneficial. Or, if you have lots of beauty products and styling tools, drawers might be the way to go.

Style

Now that the big things are out of the way, you can move on to the fun part—style. If your tastes trend towards modern, you can’t go wrong with slab doors on a floating vanity (aka, wall mounted with open space underneath). If you prefer traditional, I’d recommend a stained wood finish with more detailed doors. For a transitional design, try combining your favorite elements of each style, such as the modern slab door with a more traditional wood finish.

Bathroom Design Style
Designed by True North Cabinets

Let Us Help!

Crafting and installing a built in bathroom vanity is a project best left to the pros. Contact one of our design experts today to get started! Follow us on Instagram and like our Facebook page for more bathroom design inspiration.

Custom-Walk-in-Closet-Design

Do you want to design the walk-in closet you dreamed about as a little girl? It can be a bit overwhelming if you’re starting with four bare walls, but never fear! Let’s take a look at the top things you should consider when creating a custom walk-in closet design.

Creating a Focal Point

You want your walk-in closet to be pretty and functional. Create a focal point on the wall opposite the entry by centering built-in drawers and flanking them with two symmetrical hanging areas. Or, if you need more drawers than hanging space, reverse the design. It’s a simple detail that might not seem like much, but I promise this layout is much more eye-pleasing than a mishmash of random storage units. And it’ll be the first thing you see when you step into the closet.

Hanging Areas

To make the most effective use of space, include a combination of mid and large-size hanging areas in your design. Mid-size areas will store items like shirts and pants while large-size areas will hold longer items like dresses, skirts, and robes. This will eliminate the dead space created by hanging mid-size items in large-size spaces.

To figure out how many mid and large-size hanging spaces you’ll need, take inventory of all the items you’ll want to hang and go from there. Bonus tip: use adjustable rods so your closet can adapt to any changes in your wardrobe.

Clothes-lever-full-down

Shoe Storage

A lot of people—myself included—have tried various shoe organizers and, despite good intentions, ended up with a pile of shoes on the floor. The trick I’ve found? Place shallow shelving near your closet door so it’s easy to grab a pair on the go and (crucially) put them back at the end of the day. The shallow unit ensures all of your shoes will be visible and easily accessible in single-depth rows and will make the entryway feel more open and spacious.

Mens-shoe-guardrail

Use the Whole Wall

Don’t discount high shelving because it’s difficult to reach. Make sure everything you frequently wear, or use is easily accessible, of course. But use those top shelves for things like seasonal items, extra bedding, luggage, etc. Simply keep a step stool tucked away so you can access them when needed.

3-Way-Mirror in a Custom Walk-In Closet

What Custom Features Do You Want?

A pull-out laundry hamper? Organization inserts for drawers? Display storage for your favorite items? Our design experts can make any closet wish come true. Contact us to get started on your custom walk-in closet design and follow us on Instagram and like our Facebook page for more design inspiration!

Kitchen designs with full overlay cabinets in white and gray

It’s no secret that choosing cabinetry is one of the biggest decisions to consider when making selections for a kitchen design. Many homeowners are unaware of just how many options there are available with custom cabinetry, including the cabinet door and cabinet style. In today’s blog, let’s explore kitchen designs with full overlay cabinets – what they are, the benefits of incorporating them, and the design effects they have.

A Quick Definition

Full overlay cabinets represent one of three cabinet styles when it comes to installation (the other two being inset and partial overlay). Full overlay means that the doors are made extra-large so that they sit on top of the cabinet frame, hiding it completely.

The Benefits

Full overlay is one of the cheaper installation options because it requires less skill, but by no means does it skimp on beauty. It also gives you the most storage space because the door sits on top of the frame instead of inside it. (I know we’re talking a matter of inches here, but sometimes they can make all the difference.)

 

Kitchen cabinets that sit on top of the cabinet frame for a seamless look.
Design by Prodigy Kitchens & Baths

Design Effects 

Full overlay cabinets are the most popular style for modern kitchen designs. They achieve a smooth, clean look that you just can’t get with partial overlay cabinets. How modern you want to take that look is totally up to you. Go ultra-modern with a minimalist slab door or recall a touch of tradition with more ornamental doors. Check out our wide selection of full overlay kitchen cabinet door styles here. 

Feeling Inspired? 

Check out our gallery of kitchen designs featuring full overlay cabinets. If this piece has indeed left you feeling inspired, find a Kountry Kraft dealer near you to start the design process with one of our experts! Follow @kountrykraftcabinetry for more kitchen design inspiration. 

Dee Hurst-Funk, CFO, and Elvin Jr. Hurst, CEO, of Kountry Kraft, are proactively preserving the Kountry Kraft legacy by welcoming Dave Riebe as President.

In his role as President, Dave will preserve the longevity of Kountry Kraft by running the company on a daily basis under the guidance of Dee and Elvin Jr. Dave has immersed himself in Kountry Kraft by working with every employee in every department. From delivering a kitchen in Annapolis, to assisting in finishing and order processing, he rolled up his sleeves to become familiar with every part of the company.

“We’re excited about the fresh vision Dave brings to the business. He comes with knowledge and experience in manufacturing that will enrich the legacy and longevity of Kountry Kraft.” – Dee Hurst-Funk, CFO

About Dave

Dave brings a fresh vision to the business with over 25 years of experience leading organizations and developing teams in diversified manufacturing companies. He is recognized as an executive whose personal leadership style effectively balances a pragmatic management approach with strong creative and innovative abilities.

Prior to Kountry Kraft, Dave worked at Carlisle Construction Materials as Director of five different businesses, he was President of Pennex Aluminum Company, and he held various positions at Danaher Corporation (Kollmorgen) with increasing responsibility; most recently he was Vice President and General Manager, and he also served in general management, product marketing, and manufacturing roles.  Mr. Riebe has also provided management consulting to senior business leaders, and he spent the first five years of his career in engineering positions at General Motors Corporation.

Dave Riebe President of Kountry Kraft

Dave has a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University, a Master of Science in Mechanics from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.

“We sell an experience… the experience of feeling at home in the kitchen. The experience of being together. That to me is what the business is about – providing that experience for families, for generations, for life.” – Dave Riebe

Custom Double Vanity Design Features

Would you like to transform your master bathroom into a whole new space with a brand-new aesthetic? A custom double vanity might be just the thing you’re looking for. Let’s explore some custom Bathroom Double Vanity Ideas so you can get a sense of what’s right for you. 

Size Matters 

Especially in design. Proportions need to be taken into account so that the space doesn’t feel too empty or too crowded. With our custom bathroom vanity designs, we can create a double vanity that fits perfectly in your bathroom – no matter how big or how small. 

Sharing Isn’t Always Caring 

While sharing is a virtue, it can also cause a lot of headaches if it’s part of you and your partner’s morning routine. Forget the careful coordinating of schedules and waiting for your turn in the bathroom. With a double vanity, you can both get ready at the same time without elbowing the other out of the way to rinse your mouth or look in the mirror.  

And how does separate storage space sound? With a double vanity, you’ll not only have your own counter space but your own drawer space as well. Again, it’s not that you can’t share. It’s just that, well, sometimes it’s nice to not have to. 

Make It Yours 

One of the most popular custom bathroom vanity features we see is the built-in makeup station. Ladies love the comfortable seating, good lighting, and organized storage with easy access. Men love that they don’t have to navigate a countertop strewn with makeup, and some have even been known to use the station themselves for beard trimming. 

Your options don’t stop there. We can personalize your storage by including built-in drawers of all shapes and sizes to help you manage clutter and stay organized.  

Beyond Function 

Bathroom vanity designs are as diverse as each homeowner and their tastes. To create a relaxing oasis, consider choosing a calming paint color such as a warm cream, peaceful green, or tranquil blue. Or, if bold is more your vibe, go with a bright, vibrant color to make your vanity a focal point of the bathroom.

 

Bold bathroom color to make your custom double vanity design pop
Designed by KT Highland

Tell Us Your Needs 

The beauty of custom is that it’s all about you! Find a Kountry Kraft dealer near you to start designing your custom double vanity with the support of our experts. Follow @kountrykraftcabinetry for more bathroom vanity design inspiration.

Custom Closet Design Features

Maybe it says something about me that when I watch Sex and the City, I admire Carrie Bradshaw’s walk-in closet instead of her man. But then again, as Carrie said: “I like my money right where I can see it… hanging in my closet.”

Whether you’re working with a walk-in that could be its own room or with a space that’s a bit more modest, every girl deserves a closet that beautifully displays her wardrobe with organization that makes finding that perfect outfit a breeze. And with custom closet design features, you can bring that Hollywood dream to life. Let’s take a look at some of my favorites.

Closing cabinet doors to hide shelving and hanging racks.

Display Storage

The most important thing for an organized closet is for every item to have its own dedicated spot. And for accessories like shoes and handbags, I want that spot to be visible so I can see all of my options (and revel in their beauty tbh). Cubby shelving is a great way to achieve this goal for both shoes and handbags. If you lack the space for cubby shelving, consider installing a revolving lazy-susan rack to hang your shoes.

Open display with storage for accessories, shoes, and more.

Let Your Jewelry Shine

We all know the headache of trying to untangle a knot of jewelry that got jumbled around in the drawer. Using a jewelry organizer drawer insert will eliminate this nightmare, but I want to take it a step further. I’m in love with the idea of installing a standing jewelry armoire cabinet with a glass top that displays all of your jewelry. It gives me major princess-picking-out-her-tiara vibes.

Custom jewelry organizer with open glass display

Hidden Features

Custom pullout options are a fantastic storage solution that help hide the mess and keep your closet looking pretty. My personal favorite is the pullout hamper that hides all my dirty laundry. Another great choice is the pullout ironing board that has built-in storage and requires no setup; just pull it in and out of the drawer!

Pullout hamper for a custom closet design

What Custom Design Features Do You Want?

The custom features I’ve listed are appealing across many demographics, but the beauty of custom is that it’s all about you! Come talk to our Kountry Kraft experts to learn about how we can meet your closet needs. Click here to find a Kountry Kraft dealer near you!

A Case for Green Kitchen Cabinets

With more and more people looking to bring the relaxing feel of nature indoors, green kitchen cabinets
are skyrocketing in popularity. It makes us feel like we’re surrounded by lush greenery, even if we don’t
have the green thumb to keep houseplants alive. Bonus: it’s super easy to design with because it goes
with other natural elements like wood, stone, and metal.

A Case for Green Kitchen Cabinets
Allie Fackler Photography

Green in the Kitchen

A lot of people will jump on board to paint their kitchen walls green, but many will balk at the idea of green
kitchen cabinets. Why? If you love the color, why not paint the most prominent feature of the kitchen
green? If we’re using green, I say use it to its full potential. I say, go with green cabinets.

Green or Green?

Deciding on green kitchen cabinets is only step one. Step two: picking a shade.

Painted Kitchen Cabinets to match Farrow and Ball Cooking Apple Green
Allie Fackler Photography

With Kountry Kraft’s completely custom cabinets, every shade of green under the sun is available for you
to choose from. If you’re going for a softer, subtler look, consider something like a washed-out sage or
light mint color. That’s what we did for this AMS Kitchen, using Farrow & Ball’s “Cooking Apple Green.”

Or, make a statement and go bold with a deep forest green or warm olive. If you’re drawn to light and
dark shades, have the best of both worlds by going with dark green bottom cabinets and light green upper
cabinets.

I Can’t Decide!

A great tip for choosing a paint shade is to display large paint swatches against your existing cabinets so
you can get a feel for what the color will look like in that space with that lighting.

And, as always, our Kountry Kraft experts would be happy to help you find the perfect shade, whether it
be green or otherwise. Our custom cabinets offer every shade, but also every shape and size to give you
exactly what you’re looking for. Click here to find a Kountry Kraft dealer near you!

Cloffice with Custom Cabinets Designs and Ideas

Meet the #Cloffice

With so many of us working (and schooling) from home this past year, the demand for home offices has skyrocketed. But what if you don’t have an extra room to transform? You don’t have to resign yourself to working from the kitchen table. Allow me to introduce you to a growing trend called the #Cloffice.

What is a Cloffice? Any spare space in your home turned into an office
Design by Thomas R. Kelly of the TRK Design Company

What Is a Cloffice?

A cloffice is any spare space in your home that has been transformed into an office. Think closets, a bare corner, space under the stairs – any nook or cranny that isn’t being used to its full potential.

A nook of a kitchen turned into a cloffice
Design by Kitchens & Baths by A Matter of Style | Allie Fackler Photography

Why Do I Want One?

I don’t think I have to convince anyone who’s been working/schooling from home of the benefits of a designed work space. But, if you want some more reasons…

  1. Adds home value.
  2. Facilitates work/school life and home life boundaries.
  3. Eliminates distractions while working, raising productivity.
  4. Creates a designated space for office supplies, eliminating mess around the house and helping to keep everything organized.
  5. Utilizes unused or underused space, meaning you don’t have to rearrange your house or sacrifice space.
Custom cabinets create a cloffice area in this kitchen
Design by Thomas R. Kelly of the TRK Design Company

How Do I Make One?

The most important aspect of any cloffice is shelving, both for decorative and functional storage purposes. (PS. We can help with that! Check out our custom office cabinets here.) Your cloffice desk probably won’t be huge, so keeping everything neatly stored away is a must.

 

Next, add a comfy chair and partition. You can decide for yourself the necessity of the partition, but I find it crucial to creating a separate space and eliminating distractions.

 

Those are the basics; now have fun decorating! There are so many ways you can style your cloffice, but it all comes down to your personal tastes and needs. I’d recommend searching #Cloffice on Pinterest to see what you like! Find a Kountry Kraft dealer near you to design a cloffice in your home.

Floor to Ceiling Kitchen Cabinets Benefits and Information
Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | Photography by Chris Veith Interiors

Why I’d Choose Floor to Ceiling Kitchen Cabinets

I’ve decided it’s time to weigh in on the debate surrounding whether kitchen cabinets should fully extend to the ceiling or not. In truth, neither option is “wrong,” but I will always recommend considering floor to ceiling cabinetry to my customers. Here are my reasons why:

 

Increase Storage

Extending your cabinets to the ceiling turns otherwise wasted space into additional storage. I know some people will argue that it’s difficult to reach, but so what? Put your seasonal items, like the Thanksgiving gravy bowl and Christmas cookie platter, up there so you only have to take them down once a year. I, personally, will take all the extra storage I can get.  Install a library ladder or a pull out stool by Hafele to access the uppermost items.

And, if you like to display things like vases on top of your cabinets, you don’t have to sacrifice that decoration. Instead of making the upper cabinets extra storage space, use glass paneled doors to create a dust-free display.

 

Aesthetically Pleasing

They look gorgeous, period. Floor to ceiling cabinets draw the eye all the way to the ceiling, making the space look larger, whereas shorter cabinets create a visual break and make the room appear smaller. They also help create a luxurious, clean, high-end look. Don’t feel all the cabinetry must be floor to ceiling. Your kitchen may lend itself to having one wall floor to ceiling, and additional walls with shelving, standard height cabinetry or none at all.

 

Eliminate Dust

Be honest — how often do you dust the top of your kitchen cabinets? With floor to ceiling cabinets, there’s nothing to clean. Eliminating that dust will do wonders for people with allergies and will create a healthier environment for everyone else.

 

Do You Agree?

If my argument has persuaded you (or at least peaked your interest), contact us for more information or use our dealer locator to find a Kountry Kraft dealer near you!