The Perfect Kitchen Islands for Holiday Entertaining
By / December 4, 2019 November 19, 2019 Custom Cabinets, Dream kitchen, kitchen cabinet ideas, Kitchen Cabinets, kitchen storage, Luxury Kitchens, storage ideasOn today’s blog, we are revealing the components that create the perfect kitchen islands for holiday entertaining!
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.
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
Current Bathroom Storage Trends
By / September 4, 2019 August 20, 2019 Custom Cabinets, Custom Kitchen Designers, Dream kitchen, storage ideasNot just for hygiene and the call of nature, bathrooms are now spaces to relax, refresh and recharge. Current Bathroom Storage Trends include floating vanities, integrated storage with power access, technology features, modern design themes and a wide range of finishing options.
Current Bathroom Storage Trends
Floating vanities are gaining popularity in bathroom design. In this vanity designed by Jessica McAllister of Kountry Kraft, Inc., both the vanity and a tall side cabinet are floating.
It’s also becoming more common to see multiple counter heights that incorporate the sink on one level and base cabinet tops extending below it on another.
Reclaimed wood adds an old world feel and organic charm to any space. Galen Clemmer of Kountry Kraft, Inc. designed this bathroom to feature a reclaimed wood vanity that matches the reclaimed wood barn door.
Designers are going bold with color. Pure Design Works designed this bright green vanity and matching medicine cabinet.
Other current trends include incorporating waste bins into the cabinetry and off the floor, optimizing under-sink space for storage, and open shelving. To stay in touch with current bathroom storage trends, follow @KountryKraftCabinetry on Instagram!
#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #CurrentBathroomStorageTrends
Kitchen Desk Cabinets
By / July 10, 2019 July 25, 2019 Custom Cabinets, Dream kitchen, kitchen cabinet ideas, Kitchen Cabinets, kitchen storage, Luxury Kitchens, storage ideasKitchens are the center of activity in the home – from cooking dinner to paying bills to sorting mail and more. Integrating kitchen desk cabinets into your design creates a centralized place for all of these activities. Getting your storage just right can help you stay on top of your busy schedule, as it can reduce time wasted finding items.
Including a desk into your kitchen isn’t just about finding the space for it. It’s also about finding a way to make the desk seamlessly blend into your kitchen design. With any kitchen office, use cabinets that match or complement the kitchen cabinets. Kitchen desks are also great for using otherwise wasted space in the kitchen.
Designs with Kitchen Desk Cabinets
Whether you want to put the home office in the kitchen or just set up a small desk area, find inspiration from these hardworking kitchen desk cabinets.
A custom-built desk area anchors one end of this white kitchen. Mounted cabinetry blends the office in with the rest of the kitchen, providing bountiful storage space that easily accommodates filing, schoolwork, and other needs.
Crisp white cabinetry connects this workstation with the rest of the kitchen. The space next to the block of kitchen cabinets was thought to be unusable, but a desk served as a perfect and practical addition.
Using the same style cabinetry as the rest of the kitchen, this office blends seamlessly into a previously unused space. Generous storage makes it easy to stash mail, homework, cookbooks, and important documents.
Wall-mounted cabinets hold office supplies, while drawers on either side of the built-in desk cabinets stash files and important documents.
Want more inspiration? Visit our website to see more designs with kitchen desk cabinets!
#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #KitchenDeskCabinets #KitchenOffice #KitchenDesk #DeskCabinets
Navy Colored Cabinets
By / May 8, 2019 April 8, 2019 Cabinetry Paint, Custom Cabinets, Dream kitchen, kitchen cabinet ideas, Kitchen Cabinets, Luxury Kitchens, Paint MatchAccording to Jennifer Ott of Houzz, the new ‘it’ color for kitchens is navy, and we couldn’t agree more. Navy Colored Cabinets are like dark denim jeans — dark denim blue never really goes out of style. In fact, after white, wood and gray, blue is often the top color that homeowners choose for their cabinets. Navy is an elegant color choice that pairs well with any color hardware, from silver to copper to gold.
Though the color itself sounds simple, there are many different shades of navy blue. From Benjamin Moore to Sherwin Williams and other national brand paint manufacturers, there is a plethora of shades to choose from. The beauty of designing custom cabinets is that you can select any shade you like and Kountry Kraft can custom paint match your cabinets to that shade. Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore, for example, is a deeply saturated shade of navy. Naval SW 6244 by Sherwin Williams is very similar to Hale Navy, but appears darker and bolder.
Designs with Navy Colored Cabinets
Integrated Kitchens LLC designed this modern kitchen for a home in Walnut Creek, California. A cross between darkest gray and navy, these cabinets were custom painted to match Benjamin Moore’s French Beret color.
Modern farmhouse meets glam in this kitchen designed by Aly Glavin and Dara Barber of Pure Design Works. Navy blue cabinetry was custom crafted to fit this u-shaped kitchen design, complemented by silver hardware and stainless appliances.
Ken Pascal of True North Cabinets, LLC designed this butler’s pantry for a home located in Darien, Connecticut. The beautiful blue cabinets were custom painted to match Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy color. Creating a crisp design, the blue pops against the white backsplash and countertops. The silver hardware and beverage fridge complement the saturated navy shade.
This transitional kitchen was designed by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs for a home in Bay Head, New Jersey. The cabinets were custom painted to match Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy color. By designing blue cabinetry for the kitchen and dining room, this open floor plan feels cohesive and elegant. Open shelves painted to match the cabinetry add an extra touch on either side of the back wall in the kitchen.
Visit our website to see more kitchen designs with navy colored cabinets!
#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #NavyColoredCabinets #KitchenDesignTrends #KitchenCabinetTrends
Sprucing up Kitchen Islands with Kountry Kraft Cabinetry
By / March 13, 2019 March 7, 2019 Custom Cabinets, custom kitchen cabinet drawers, Custom Kitchen Designers, Dream kitchen, handcraftsmanship, kitchen cabinet ideas, Kitchen Cabinets, kitchen storage, Luxury Kitchens, storage ideasKitchen islands can provide many advantages to your kitchen if utilized properly. By simply adding customizable cabinetry you can create different storage options while also adding character to your kitchen!
Kitchen Islands with Kountry Kraft Cabinetry
Design by PK Surroundings Photography by Rob Karosis
This large kitchen island features a mini fridge on the side. Perfect for freeing up space in the bigger fridge and having all your drinks easily on hand while sitting at the island.
Design by Kountry Kraft, Inc.
This kitchen island is all about function and adjustability. The sliding cabinet doors allow for easy accessibility to the open cabinet while displaying the dishware. That’s not all, the shelving is able to be adjusted to any height depending on what needs to be stored!
Design by Jessica McAllister of Kountry Kraft, Inc.
You can take advantage of unused space at the end of your island by creating a bookshelf! Even if you don’t have cookbooks, this is a great place to showcase collectibles to give the kitchen character.
Design by Dee Maher of Kountry Kraft, Inc.
Even the tiniest of kitchens can have an ample amount of storage space by taking advantage of every nook and cranny. By adding base pull-outs into your kitchen island, you can do just that!
No matter the size or shape of your kitchen island there is always a way to create the perfect storage solution, tailored just for you! Visit our website to view all the custom storage options we have crafted or check out our Houzz page to see some of our recently completed designs!
#CustomCabinetry #KitchenIslandStorage #KountryKraft #KitchenIslandCabinetry
2019 Kitchen Cabinet Trends
By / February 25, 2019 October 17, 2019 Cabinetry Paint, Cabinetry Terms, Custom Cabinets, custom kitchen cabinet drawers, Custom Kitchen Designers, Dream kitchen, handcraftsmanship, kitchen cabinet ideas, Kitchen Cabinets, kitchen storageNew year means new kitchen cabinet trends. Kountry Kraft is always staying up to date with the latest and greatest trends to provide our customers with exclusive kitchen design ideas.
2019 Kitchen Cabinet Trends
Wood on Wood
Design by Marina Rubina, Architect Photography by Todd Mason, Halkin Photography
When you think of using wood in a kitchen your mind automatically goes to hardwood flooring. But the versatility of wood allows for it to be used in many more ways. Featured above are custom cabinet boxes showcasing wooden shelves inside as well. The custom walnut cabinetry is finished with a natural 25° stain, creating a warming and welcoming environment.
Storage Walls
Design by Integrated Kitchens LLC
In 2019 were not letting any space go to waste. Storage walls are on the rise due to their functionality and ample amount of storage. Add pantry pull outs to incorporate easy accessibility, as shown above.
Shelving
Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs Photography by Chris Veith
Open shelving has been a popular trend since 2018 and continues to rise in 2019. But this year glass shelving is on the rise as well. Glass shelving creates a new dimension while allowing your exquisite dishware to be portrayed. We can see why glass and open shelving are becoming more popular due to the similarity between the two.
Dark Dramatic Colors
Design by Samantha Petzrick Chinn of Petzrick Chinn Designs, LLC
This year is all about dark and dramatic colors. By incorporating dark cabinetry, you can add some flare to an all-white kitchen. Adding depth and personality to your space.
Natural Touches
Design by PKsurroundings Photography by Mike Barron, Tech Simple, LLC
Adding natural touches in a kitchen is becoming more popular due to the unique and unfinished look it creates. Featured above is Kountry Kraft’s weathered grain cabinets that bring a warm and rustic feel into this kitchen.
Kountry Kraft wants the best for your home, which is why we are constantly keeping up with the current kitchen cabinet trends. Visit our website to gain kitchen inspiration on how to incorporate these trends during your next kitchen remodel! You can also check out our Houzz page to view our recently completed designs!
#CustomCabinetry #2019CabinetTrends #KountryKraft #KitchenCabinetTrends
Sources: Decoraid, Elle Decor
Reasons Clients Remodel their Kitchen
By / February 11, 2019 February 11, 2019 Cabinetry Paint, Custom Cabinets, custom kitchen cabinet drawers, Dream kitchen, handcraftsmanship, kitchen cabinet ideas, Kitchen Cabinets, kitchen storage, Luxury Kitchens, storage ideasEver wonder the reasons clients remodel their kitchen? It could be for a majority of reasons, but we narrowed it down to a few.
Top Reasons Clients Remodel
Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs Photography by Chris Veith
To Improve Function and Layout
When it comes to designing the layout of the kitchen you need to think about how many people will be cooking in the kitchen. If it will be one single chef, then you can create the traditional work triangle. This will ensure the kitchen has the best work flow and functionality. If you have more than one chef, you will need to create a larger work space which may mean moving one of the appliances out of the typical work triangle. This will create an easier passage way for more than one chef to move around. You will need to think about how many cooks will be prepping in the kitchen at a time to create the ultimate work space. When a kitchen does not function properly it can create a messy and unorganized area.
The kitchen is the main area where everyone gathers, and if your someone who always entertains then you may want a larger space. By adding a kitchen island into the mix, you will not only be adding functionality, but more seating space for guests as well. Kitchen islands can be used for so much more than storage and prep space.
Design by Kountry Kraft, Inc.
To Change the Color Scheme
After looking at the same kitchen every day, the color scheme can tend to feel old and dated. You may want to change the appliances, wall or cabinetry color. The benefit of cabinetry is having the ability to use more than one color in a single space. Two-toned cabinets are constantly trending and can be great for an updated color scheme. The kitchen featured above showcases Winter White and Gauntlet Gray cabinetry color, creating a perfect balance between the colors.
Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs Photography by Chris Veith
To Incorporate More Storage and Organization
Another reason clients remodel their kitchen is due to a lack of storage space. Custom cabinetry innovations continue to improve, as there are endless ways to customize them to fit your storage needs. Your kitchen may contain a small space that currently has no use, but with custom cabinetry, you can incorporate an accessory like a spice rack or pull out shelf.
Design by PK Surroundings Photography by Rob Karosis
To Update the Design Style
Wanting to upgrade your space could have you thinking about changing the entire design style of your kitchen. Maybe you’re tired of your farmhouse kitchen and would like to go more contemporary.
The beauty of remodeling a space is you can change the whole value or look of a home by simply upgrading one room or area. The kitchen is the heart of the home where many gather, which makes it important that you love your space. Whatever the reasons clients remodel may be, get started on creating your dream kitchen today!
Check out our website for storage, color and kitchen layout inspiration! Or check out our Houzz page for our recently completed designs.
#KountryKraft #ReasonsClientsRemodel #CustomCabinetry #KitchenRemodel
Sources: Harvey Remodeling, Masters Touch
Using the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year
By / January 24, 2019 January 24, 2019 Cabinetry Paint, Cabinetry Terms, Custom Cabinets, Custom Kitchen Designers, Dream kitchen, handcraftsmanship, Paint MatchLiving Coral was chosen as the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year. For the past 20 years Pantone has been choosing one color that is influential in all industries.
Pantone Color of the Year – Living Coral
Pantone is known for its color matching system, a tool to allow consistent and accurate color everywhere. This means you can make sure any color matches without having to lay them out next to each other, all you need is the numerical color value. To go further in depth with color, Pantone created the Pantone Color Institute to identify global color trends.
The Pantone Color Institute goes through a selection process every year with their color experts. Looking for a specific shade that is on trend in the entertainment industry, films in production, fashion, design and many more. This year they chose Living Coral, a vibrant yet mellow shade.
Using the Pantone Color of the Year
Sherwin Williams Paint Match – Animated Coral
Our designers decided to make our own unique color based on the color of the year. We created a paint match to Sherwin Williams Animated Coral and created this beautiful coral shade shown above. This shade will create a refreshing pop of color, creating a luminous glow to any space. This piece was later placed in a beautiful beach house bathroom.
Design by Pure Design Works Photography by Jenny Melick Imagery
Pure Design Works kept this beach bathroom light and bright with pineapple wallpaper and coral cabinetry. The same cabinetry that was previously shown above! The impact of the lighting can change the whole look of this color. Previously this color showed a bright pale pink whereas here it showcases a darker hue.
Pantone Living Coral is a unique shade that can be used in all types of spaces. Whether it is in a beach house or your everyday kitchen. Knowing how to correspond this shade with your surroundings will result in a beautiful design.
Kountry Kraft offers a wide variety of custom pain match formulas. Allowing you to get the exact color you want for your home. Visit our website to view all the current custom paint matches to gain inspiration. Contact us to incorporate the Pantone color of the year into your space!
#KountryKraft #PantoneColorOfTheYear #CustomCabinetry #LivingCoral #2019PantoneColorOfTheYear #PaintMatch
Determining the Correct Kitchen Layout
By / January 9, 2019 January 2, 2019 Custom Kitchen Designers, Dream kitchen, handcraftsmanship, kitchen cabinet ideas, Kitchen Cabinets, kitchen storage, Luxury KitchensA kitchen layout is vital when it comes to remodeling your space. We cover the most common kitchen layouts below.
Common Kitchen Layouts
Design by Thomas R. Kelly of the TRK Design Company
U-Shaped Layout
A U-shaped kitchen layout is characterized by three walls that create a U shape. This design is best for large kitchens because it allows for a kitchen island to fit in the middle. Providing more seating and storage. This style layout also creates the most effective work triangle.
Design by Dee Maher for Kountry Kraft, Inc.
L-Shaped Layout
An L-shaped layout is characterized by two adjoining counters that create an angle in a kitchen. This type of layout is one of the most popular due to its ability to work in small and large kitchens. Add a kitchen island to provide more seating and an extra space to prep food.
Design by Aly Glavin and Dara Barber of Pure Design Works
G-Shaped Layout
A G-shaped layout is very similar to a U-shaped layout, but it includes extra counter space. This type of layout only works with large kitchens. Adding a peninsula can create a seating area that acts as a kitchen island and provide extra surface space.
Design by Marina Rubina, Architect
Galley Layout
A galley layout is two walls or parallel countertops that oppose each other. This layout is best used for smaller kitchens that don’t have the extra space. The kitchen shown above features a galley layout that creates an efficient work space for this small area.
Design by Tyler Hurst of Kountry Kraft, Inc.
Single Wall Layout
A single wall layout will open the rest of the house providing extra spacing for kitchen islands and dining areas. Characterized by a single wall of appliances and work space, this layout works best in a small kitchen to utilize space in an efficient way.
Whether you have a small or large kitchen, there is a layout that will work best for you. Kountry Kraft has the ability to create custom cabinetry and accessories to fit any size space to maximize storage to the fullest. Visit our website to see kitchens we have completed featuring all different types of layouts.
Sources: Types of kitchen layouts
Best Time of the Year for a Kitchen Remodel
By / December 26, 2018 December 17, 2018 Custom Kitchen Designers, Dream kitchen, Environmentally Friendly, handcraftsmanship, Luxury KitchensChoosing the perfect time for a kitchen remodel can be stressful. But with a few tips you will be on your way to a brand-new kitchen in no time.
Best Time for a Kitchen Remodel
Deciding the correct time to remodel your kitchen shouldn’t be based on what worked best for others. Every process is different depending on the client. Take a look at what describes your situation.
Design by April Spagnolo of Evalia Design, LLC
Remodeling in the Summer
It seems the summer is when our clients tend to remodel their kitchen the most. Below are the most common reasons why:
- Able to cook elsewhere while kitchen is under construction
- Cook on the grill/eat outside on deck or table
- Kitchen remodel will be completed before the holidays
- Plan a summer vacation around the remodel
- Come home to a brand-new kitchen
- Ability to open windows to let any dust/odors outside
- Longer days – natural lighting
- More time to work on the project/completed faster
Since clients remodel the most during the summer it causes the summer months to be busier. This can result in a higher cost or the chance your project will not be completed at the preferred time.
Design by Marina Rubina, Architect
Remodeling in the Winter
Clients typically stay away from home remodels during the winter months due to upcoming holidays. Below are the reasons why it can be a good idea for a kitchen remodel in the winter:
- During contractors’ slow season
- Availability to get your remodel scheduled faster
- Possibility of your kitchen being under construction during the holidays
- If your traveling during the holidays you can avoid the construction
- Get the remodel finished before the busy season where price increases take place
Deciding on whether summer or winter is the right time for you comes down to your flexibility, availability and when you would like the project completed. Though the summer may be the perfect time for others, it may not be the right time for you. Plan your kitchen remodel from start to finish to ensure a smooth and stress-free process.
Visit our website to see some kitchen inspiration or check out our Houzz page to view some recently completed designs. Still have questions on when to remodel? Contact us!
#CustomCabinetry #BestTimeToRemodel #KitchenRemodel #KountryKraft
Sources: Best Time of Year to Remodel, Reasons Summer is the Best Time to Remodel and Planning Tips