Category: handcraftsmanship

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

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

With custom cabinetry, dining room storage cabinets don’t have to look like typical storage spaces. They can take the form of anything, from hutches to built-in banquette seating, sideboards to buffets, servers to bars and so much more.

Incorporating special accessories into dining room storage cabinets can increase the functionality and make them perfect for storing specialty china and dishware that you may not use for everyday meals. Your antique silverware, for example, can have a special drawer with a utensil insert for neat organization.

Cabinets for dining rooms can work well for any space, no matter how small the apartment or how large the mansion is. They can fit in with the style of the rest of your house, or to have a style of their own, creating a unique space to gather. At times, depending on the design, the dining room may share the same space as the kitchen, and as a result the cabinetry doubles in use.

Designs featuring Dining Room Storage Cabinets

Dining Room Storage Cabinets take the form of a wet bar with a wine fridge and prep sink
Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | Photography by Chris Veith

This kitchen is long, narrow and open to the dining room area. Cabinets were designed for the dining room area to match the cabinetry in the kitchen. By doing this, the space feels like it all belongs together. Taking the form of a wet bar, the cabinets in this dining room also provide plenty of additional cabinets. Glass front cabinet doors allow the glassware and other special dishware to be on display.

Dining Room Storage Cabinets in the form of banquette seating with bench storage
Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | Photography by Chris Veith

A built-in banquette with seating around a round table was designed for this dining area. The drawers cleverly designed for the banquette bench seating double as additional storage. The ceiling-high cabinet next to the banquette has room for just about anything you would want to keep away, like cleaning supplies for example.

Dining Room Storage Cabinets are an extension from the kitchen in this transitional home
Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | Photography by Chris Veith

Overall, the cabinets in this dining room are an extension from the kitchen in this home. Due to the layout of the home, they double in function as they provide storage but also additional counter space for serving food or displaying items.

Visit our website to see more designs of dining room storage cabinets!

#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #DiningRoomStorageCabinets #StorageCabinets #DiningRoom

As our company, quality and selections evolved over time, so did our Kountry Kraft logo. In order to keep current, our brand was reflected in various logo styles throughout the years.

Kountry Kraft Logo Throughout the Years

Kountry Kraft Logo in 1959 which was Kountry Kraft Kitchens at the Time

Kountry Kraft was launched 60 years ago in April of 1959. What you may not have known was Kountry Kraft was originally called Kountry Kraft Kitchens! In the early years of Kountry Kraft their specialty was kitchens, but throughout the years they evolved and became experts in so much more.

 

Kountry Kraft Logo was Changed to Kountry Kraft, Excellence in Custom-Made Cabinetry

Since Kountry Kraft specialized in more than just kitchens, “Kountry Kraft” added the tagline “Excellence in Custom-made Cabinetry” with “Since 1959”. This logo was used for years to come and is still used on the sign outside their location and throughout the shop in Newmanstown, PA. The simple tagline “excellence in custom-made cabinetry” says so much with so little words. It truly characterizes the four guiding principles on which the company was founded: craft the highest quality custom cabinetry products; deliver on schedule every time; price it fairly; and be honest, genuine and friendly.

 

The New Kountry Kraft Logo on a Kountry Kraft Installation Truck

Through the years Kountry Kraft always kept current and updated their logo design to the one featured above. Keeping the tagline the same while showcasing “Kountry Kraft” in a more simplistic way.

 

The Kountry Kraft Logo was Updated in January of 2017 to their Current Logo

Fast forward to January of 2017, the Kountry Kraft logo design and brand was given new life. This new logo represents the classical and timeless quality that Kountry Kraft has to offer, while also representing their ability to be current with a simple font for their tagline. This logo was special to Kountry Kraft as it is a part of the ongoing evolution of their brand. The update of this logo came along with many other new introductions as well! Kountry Kraft launched a brand-new website and catalog, all showcasing the new logo in 2017.

 

Kountry Kraft Logo Created for their 60th Anniversary for April of 2019

To celebrate and distinguish Kountry Kraft’s accomplishment of being in business 60 years, this special logo was created! This diamond anniversary portrays the growth, responsibility, values and security that Kountry Kraft has preserved and honored throughout the years. For the duration of 2019 you will see this custom logo throughout our social media as we walk through memory lane to showcase how Kountry Kraft all started.

 

Visit our website to learn more about Kountry Kraft’s history or follow us on Facebook! To view our recently completed designs, visit our Houzz page.

#KountryKraft #KountryKraftLogo #KKTurns60 #CustomCabinetry #60YearAnniversary

Kountry Kraft is proud to be celebrating 60 years in business! This diamond anniversary signifies growth, responsibility, values and security which are all characteristics that Kountry Kraft has honored throughout the years.

Throughout the 60 Years

Kountry Kraft Celebrates 60 Years in Business in April of 2019

It all started in 1958, Elvin Hurst was a farmer raising a family of his own with this wife, Helen Hurst. In addition to farming, Elvin worked as a cabinet maker. He enjoyed woodworking so much that Helen saved $10 a month to buy Elvin a $110 Craftsman Table Saw for Christmas that year. This gift brought so many opportunities for Elvin that he did not see coming. The demand for his creations exceeded his ability to supply. So, with the help of his parents, Reuben and Mary Hurst, Elvin launched Kountry Kraft in April of 1959. Without Helen, there would be no Kountry Kraft!

 

Because of Elvin’s commitment to quality woodworking, Kountry Kraft became widely known for top level craftsmanship and impeccable service, and their popularity soared. Elvin continued to use the saw for 18 years as the company rapidly expanded from their four-car garage to a 96,000 square foot facility with a staff of over 100 skilled craftsmen.

 

Kountry Kraft Celebrate 60 Years in Business and Three Generations

In 2000, Elvin became chairman of the board after serving as president of the company for 40 years. This move represented the change from him being active in the daily management of the company. Elvin and Helen realized that it was a necessity for both the company and the industry to prepare for the next generation. It was with great pride that they gave managerial control of Kountry Kraft to two of their four children in 2003, Elvin Hurst Jr. and Dee Hurst-Funk, who spent their entire lives working in every facet of the business.

 

Over the past 60 years the office and manufacturing facility remains on the Hurst family farm in the beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch countryside. The third generation of Hurst family members are now being groomed to manage the company in the future. We are so excited to be celebrating 60 years in business and look forward to many more!

To view all the exquisite projects Kountry Kraft has created over the past 60 years, visit our website or Houzz page!

#DiamondAnniversary #KKTurns60 #KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #60YearAnniversary

 

Kitchen 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

Large Kitchen Islands Featuring Ample Amount of Seating and a Mini Fridge

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.

 

Kitchen Islands Featuring Adjustable Shelves and Sliding Cabinet Doors for Easy Accessibility Kitchen Islands Featuring Shelves that are Easily Adjustable to Fit any Size Products or Dishware

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!

 

Kitchen Islands Featuring Unused Space that was Turned into a Creative Bookshelf

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.

 

Kitchen Islands with a Filler Base Pull Out Create Maximum Storage for all Size Products Kitchen Islands with a Base Pull Out Create Maximum Storage for all Size Products

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

New 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

Using Wood all Over your Kitchen is Popular with Kitchen Cabinet Trends Wooden Cabinetry paired with Wooden Countertops Perfect for Kitchen Cabinet Trends

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

Current Kitchen Cabinet Trends are Storage Walls that Provides an Ample Amount of Storage Current Kitchen Cabinet Trends is Incorporating a Storage Wall into a Kitchen

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

Current Kitchen Cabinet Trends Featured in this Kitchen is Open Shelving  Current Kitchen Cabinet Trends Feature Glass Shelving which is Featured in this Kitchen

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

Current Kitchen Cabinet Trends in 2019 are Known for Incorporating Dark Kitchen Cabinetry

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

Weathered Grain Cabinets Create a Natural Touch for Current Kitchen Cabinet Trends Weathered Grain Cabinets Create a Rustic Environment for Great Kitchen Cabinet Trends

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

 

Ever wonder the Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen? It could be for a majority of reasons, but we narrowed it down to a few.

Top Reasons Clients Remodel

Reasons Clients Remodel is Due to the Function and Layout of a Kitchen

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.

 

Reasons Clients Remodel is due to them Wanting a New Color Scheme

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.

 

Reasons Clients Remodel is Due to Wanting more Storage and Organization in their Kitchen  Reasons Clients Remodel is Due to them Wanting more Storage and Organization in their Kitchen

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.

 

Reasons Clients Remodel is Due to Wanting to Change the Design Style of their Kitchen

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

Living 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 of the Year is Living Coral which is a Vibrant Yet Mellow Shade

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

Kountry Kraft Custom Cabinetry Crafted in the Shop featuring 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.

 

Custom Cabinetry Featuring the Pantone Color of the Year Designed by Pure Design Works

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

A kitchen layout is vital when it comes to remodeling your space. We cover the most common kitchen layouts below.

Common Kitchen Layouts

U Shaped Kitchen Layout Creating an Effective Work Triangle in a Transitional Farmhouse Kitchen

Design by Thomas R. Kelly of the TRK Design Company

U-Shaped

A U-shaped kitchen 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.

 

This kitchen features an L Shaped Kitchen Layout that Provides Extra Seating and Storage

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.

 

This Kitchen Features a G Shaped Kitchen Layout that Provides Extra Surface Space and Seating

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 only works with large kitchens. Adding a peninsula can create a seating area that acts as a kitchen island and provide extra surface space.

 

This Small Kitchen Features a Galley Layout that Provides an Efficient Work Space

Design by Marina Rubina, Architect

Galley Layout

A galley layout is two walls or parallel countertops that oppose each other. This 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.

 

This Kitchen Features a Single Wall Kitchen Layout that Creates an Open Space for this Home

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 islands and dining areas. Characterized by a single wall of appliances and work space, this works best in a small kitchen to utilize space in an efficient way.

Whether you have a small or large kitchen, there is a design 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