Custom Pantry Solutions
By / April 1, 2025 September 23, 2025Custom pantry solutions are an integral part of any well-organized kitchen. Tailoring them to your unique cooking habits and storage needs ensures efficient and stress-free meal prep, even on the busiest of nights. Let’s take a look at several custom pantry solutions that will help enhance functionality, maximize space, and elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
Assessing Storage Needs
Before diving into design choices, it’s essential to evaluate what the pantry will house. Dry goods, canned foods, baking essentials, small appliances, and specialty items all demand dedicated spaces. An effective approach involves grouping items based on frequency of use. Everyday staples should remain within arm’s reach, while rarely used seasonal items can occupy higher or concealed shelves.
Choosing a Pantry Layout
The layout of a pantry is heavily influenced by available space and user preferences. A walk-in pantry provides ample room for expansive shelving and categorized sections, making it ideal for large households or avid cooks. Butler’s pantries bridge the gap between storage and prep areas, often incorporating countertops and secondary sinks for added functionality. Cabinet pantries, on the other hand, maximize vertical space, seamlessly integrating with kitchen cabinetry to create a streamlined aesthetic.
Maximize Space with Adjustable Shelving
Static shelving often leads to wasted space and impractical arrangements. Adjustable shelving allows for customization based on changing needs, whether accommodating bulk purchases or varying container sizes. Pull-out racks provide easy access to deep shelves, while Lazy Susans eliminate the frustration of forgotten items tucked away in corners, making every product easily retrievable.
Organization Strategies
A chaotic pantry can lead to food waste and frustration. Strategic categorization prevents this by designating specific zones for baking supplies, snacks, grains, and cooking essentials. Clear, labeled containers reduce visual clutter while making it easy to track inventory. Vertical storage solutions, such as hanging racks or tiered shelving, prevent small items from getting lost in the mix.
Custom Pantry Solutions
Customization extends beyond shelves and compartments. Dedicated spice drawers ensure easy access to seasonings without the hassle of searching through cluttered shelves. Built-in wine racks offer elegant storage for collectors, while appliance garages provide concealed storage for bulky kitchen gadgets, maintaining a sleek and uncluttered aesthetic.
Conclusion
Custom pantry solutions create a more organized, efficient, and visually appealing kitchen by tailoring storage to individual needs. Investing in a well-designed pantry enhances daily convenience and adds long-term value to your home.
Kountry Kraft offers a wide range of custom pantry solutions. Contact one of our design experts today to begin crafting your custom pantry!
High Gloss & Super Matte Cabinetry at Kountry Kraft
By / February 1, 2025 September 23, 2025When considering custom cabinetry, finish is just as important as form. In this third and final installment of our showcase series, we’re shining a spotlight on high gloss and super matte cabinets from Conestoga’s Synchronicity Collection. Keep reading to learn how these alternative surface doors can elevate your design to something truly extraordinary.
Super Matte Cabinetry
Super matte cabinetry is a timeless choice that injects both retro and modern designs with the perfect amount of understated elegance. The finish softly absorbs light to create a warm, intimate atmosphere in your home. Pleasing to the touch as well as the eye, these matte cabinets resist fingerprints and conceal wear well with very little maintenance.
Luxury Gloss Cabinetry
On the opposite end of the spectrum is high gloss cabinetry. Two layers of high gloss coatings combine to form a magnificent sheen that brightly reflects light, making it a great choice for homeowners looking to make a small space feel larger. These layers also make the luxury gloss cabinetry very durable and easy to wipe clean.
25 Finishes for High Gloss & Super Matte Cabinetry
Conestoga’s Synchronicity Collection boasts 25 finishes in various colors and woodgrains for high gloss and super matte cabinetry. Whether you’re seeking high gloss wood cabinets, earthy colored super matte cabinetry, or anything in between, the Synchronicity Collection is sure to have your perfect match.
High Gloss & Super Matte Cabinetry at Kountry Kraft
Kountry Kraft is proud to offer high gloss and super matte cabinets from Conestoga’s Synchronicity Collection. Stop by our showroom to see various door samples on display or contact one of our design experts for more information!
This post concludes our three-part showcase series on standout features to consider when designing your custom cabinetry. If you’d like to revisit the entire series, check out our blog archive where you’ll find “Custom Pivot Slide-In Cabinetry Doors” and “Metal Cabinetry Accents.”
Follow Kountry Kraft on Instagram and like our Facebook page for even more kitchen inspiration!
Design + Decor Features Kountry Kraft Kitchens by A Matter of Style
By / December 6, 2023 December 9, 2023
Congratulations to Martha Gargano of A Matter of Style (AMS Kitchens & Interiors) for having several Kountry Kraft Kitchens featured in Design + Decor Magazine! In honor of her achievement, here’s a look at Martha and what makes each of these Kountry Kraft Kitchens so newsworthy.
Prattling Pond Design by A Matter of Style
Prattling Pond Kitchen Design
This painted kitchen island design features soft white inset cabinets that are offset by a large dark island. Custom panels were built to conceal the fridge and match the surrounding cabinetry. The kitchen feels open and airy with a clean white backsplash and an abundance of natural light from all of the windows. Finally, lustrous gold hardware and fixtures were chosen to shine in the sunlight and accentuate the subtle warm veining of the stone countertops.
Tamarack Kitchen Design by A Matter of Style
Tamarack Kitchen Design
This timeless white kitchen is a masterclass of incorporating different materials and details to create visual interest in a (mostly) monochromatic color palette. All of the main design elements—cabinets, countertop, and backsplash—are white. And yet, all of the detailing combined with the mix of textures that reflect light differently prevents the space from feeling like a wall of white. The two small pops of color—brass hardware/fixtures and walnut accent countertops—add just the right amount of warmth and sophistication to the design.
Jennifer Drive Kitchen Design by A Matter of Style
Jennifer Drive Kitchen Design
This light and dark kitchen cabinet design represents a perfect marriage of modern amenities and classic charm. The soft white of the perimeter cabinets beautifully complements the soft natural light from the arched window, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. In contrast, the large dark-stained island—complete with stunning craftsman details—grounds the design and serves as a stunning focal point. Time-honored elements like the inset cabinet construction, glass front display doors, and touches of ornamental woodwork ensure that this culinary haven will remain in style for decades to come.
About Martha & A Matter of Style
Martha is the award-winning lead designer of A Matter of Style, a high-end interior design company located in Cheshire, CT. Both Martha and the company handle a wide array of projects ranging from new construction to renovation. Visit their website to learn more about their design services.
Kountry Kraft Kitchens
Kountry Kraft is routinely blown away by the designs our partners create with our cabinetry. Congratulations to Martha and A Matter of Style on being featured in Design + Decor’s July issue, Amazing Transformations!
If you’d like your own Kountry Kraft kitchen, please contact one of our experts to get started. We will be here for you every step of the way!
An English Country Kitchen Remodel in Connecticut
By / October 2, 2023 October 2, 2023
When it comes to kitchen design, few styles are as inviting and enduring as the classic English country kitchen. Rooted in tradition and characterized by its timeless charm, this style captures the idyllic beauty found amid the countryside’s rolling hills and picturesque villages.
That’s precisely why the homeowners of this kitchen remodel in Connecticut asked Martha Gargano of AMS Kitchens to create a classic Cotswolds-inspired design for their family home. Here’s Martha’s blueprint for creating the perfect English country kitchen.
Traditional Inset Cabinets
Simple inset cabinets are a hallmark of this design aesthetic. Used widely throughout the 1800s, the cabinet style’s historic roots play a large part in creating the timeless charm sought after in an English country kitchen. The construction method requires more skill from the cabinetmaker than other modern styles, and Kountry Kraft is proud to have provided these beautiful inset cabinets with shaker-style doors for this kitchen remodel in Connecticut.
A Soft Color Palette
Classic English kitchens often feature soft color palettes that create a sense of calm and sophistication. Consider neutrals like creams and pale grays, but also don’t be afraid of soft shades of green and blue that subtly reference the English landscape. This kitchen remodel in Connecticut features both—Skimming Stone, a gray/taupe shade, finishes the main cabinets while Cooking Apple Green adorns the bar. Both paint colors are by Farrow and Ball.
Natural Materials
Truly bring the English countryside into the kitchen design by using natural materials like wood and stone for the flooring and countertops. Live-edge or reclaimed wood open shelves are also a great way to incorporate a little bit of that rustic charm. This kitchen remodel in Connecticut features wood floors and an absolutely stunning soapstone countertop/backsplash combo.
Vintage Hardware & Accessories
Vintage hardware and accessories will ensure your English country kitchen feels authentic and timeless. Schaub provided the perfect rustic hardware for this kitchen remodel in Connecticut that beautifully compliments the show-stopping faucets. The vintage-inspired design of the Smeg gas range and Big Chill fridge maintains the design aesthetic while still offering the homeowners the convenience of modern appliances.
Kitchen Remodel in Connecticut & Beyond
Kountry Kraft is proud to work with a wide array of partners to bring you beautiful kitchen remodels wherever you are! Find a dealer near you to get started!
White and Gray Kitchen in Orange County CA
By / July 3, 2023 July 3, 2023This white and gray kitchen in Orange County, CA is the stunning result of a full remodel by Le Gourmet Kitchen and Bruce Colucci, CKD. Check out how they transformed this 1950s kitchen with a new floor plan and custom inset cabinetry by Kountry Kraft.
Tackling the Layout
The first major step of this Orange County, CA kitchen remodel was tackling the outdated, closed off floor plan. As shown in the “before” photo, the original kitchen used to be much smaller and separate from the dining and living rooms. The removal of several walls completely changed all of these spaces, creating a “great room” for the homeowners to entertain in.
Plus, the kitchen doesn’t just feel larger; it actually is! Opening up the floor plan allowed Le Gourmet Kitchen to expand the size of the kitchen and include the beautiful island that sits front and center in the design.
Designing Custom Cabinetry
While the layout change was certainly transformative, it’s impossible to understate the impact of the custom white and gray inset cabinets by Kountry Kraft. The white perimeter cabinets emphasize the kitchen’s newfound openness while the gray island cabinets play spectacularly off of the stainless steel appliances and chrome fixtures. Not to mention, the inset style brings a touch of timeless elegance to the otherwise modern design.
Committing to Quality
Le Gourmet Kitchen knows that it’s never a good idea to skimp on quality to save a buck upfront because it’ll end up costing more down the road. That’s why they’re committed to only working with trusted, reliable brands. Kountry Kraft is proud to be Le Gourmet Kitchen’s preferred cabinet partner for the last 30 years and to stand alongside their other trusted brands—Sub Zero, Wolf, and Cove; Create Good Sinks; and Vent-A-Hood.
Love this White and Gray Orange County Kitchen?
Create your own version with custom inset cabinets by Kountry Kraft! Contact one of our design experts today to learn how we can tailor them to your exact space. Follow Kountry Kraft on Instagram and like our Facebook page for more kitchen remodel inspiration!
Two Island Kitchen Madison, NJ by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs
By / March 28, 2023 May 1, 2023This Two Island Kitchen Madison, NJ by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs features custom cabinetry, marble countertops, and so much more. But—as its name suggests—the double kitchen islands are the undisputed showstoppers. Keep reading to learn why this Madison, NJ homeowner decided to go with a two island kitchen layout.
Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | photographed by Chris Veith
Separation of Spaces
Having two kitchen islands is anything but redundant. In fact, it actually allows you to better define the stations of your kitchen. In this Madison, NJ home, the first island located near the stove is used for food prep/serving while the second island is reserved for seating/congregating. This way, everyone can gather in the kitchen without stepping on the cook’s toes!
Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | photographed by Chris Veith
Dedicated Prep Island
Since you don’t have to leave room for legs at your prep island, it can be loaded full of appliances that will maximize the efficiency of your work space. For example, this Madison, NJ kitchen included Sub-Zero and Wolf 24-inch stainless steel refrigerator doors and a 24-inch micro drawer by Sharp in its prep island. However, you could easily swap those out for a dishwasher or wine cooler—whatever makes the most sense for your family!
Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | photographed by Chris Veith
Dedicated Seating Island
With one island kitchen designs, homeowners almost always leave at least one side of the island without seating so that there’s room to cook. But as we just touched on with the dedicated prep island, two island kitchen designs allow you to dedicate an entire island just to seating. This means that stools (and room for legs) can be on all four sides of the island to allow for maximum seating.
Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | photographed by Chris Veith
Two Island Kitchen Madison, NJ
Hopefully you’re no longer wondering, “Why have a double island kitchen?” But, if you find yourself wanting to discuss two kitchen islands a bit further, please contact one of our design experts. They would love to speak with you!
To view more pictures and details of this Two Island Kitchen in Madison, NJ, visit our photo gallery. Follow us on Instagram and like our Facebook page for more kitchen design inspiration!
Why Choose Custom Cabinetry?
By / October 3, 2022 October 5, 2022
Photography by Hudson Creative Productions, LLC | Kitchen Design by Joan Bigg Design, LLC
Even though custom cabinetry comes with a bigger price tag than stock cabinets, a lot of homeowners decide that it’s worth the investment. Let me help you answer the question – why choose custom cabinetry?
Complete Control
For my fellow control freaks and perfectionists out there, custom cabinetry gives you exactly what you want. No compromises. No nagging little imperfections. Nothing but exactly what you envisioned. Gain complete control over layout, materials, style, finishes, hardware—everything.
Photography by Third Shift Photography | Kitchen Design by Evalia Design, LLC
Superior Quality
Custom cabinets are hand-built by master craftsmen using superior techniques that just can’t be replicated with mass production. Whereas you’ll find glue, screws, and nails in stock cabinets, craftsmen will use dowel, dovetail, or mortise and tenon joints. Aka, they’ll skillfully fit wood grooves together for a construction that’s both sturdier and more beautiful.
And, with all the effort that goes into custom builds, you’ll receive top-notch quality materials too. Instead of cheap particle board that will wear in a few years, custom cabinets will be built with quality wood that will last a lifetime.
Avoid Dead Space
Stock cabinets are designed for stock spaces. If your room has any kind of unique characteristic (most do, especially older homes), you’ll probably end up with some dead space if you try to use stock cabinetry. Custom cabinets are built to your exact specifications, so you won’t end up with this so-called dead space. Instead, you’ll be able to make every part of your room useful and functional.
Kitchen Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Design
Takeaways
Yes, custom cabinetry is an investment, but they are the better value for money in the long run. What’s most impressive to me is that people I talk to still stand by their decision that custom was worth the investment, even years later. Did I help you answer the question – why choose custom cabinetry?
If you’re interested in learning more about custom cabinetry, please contact us and one of our design experts would be happy to discuss how to translate your vision and needs into reality. Follow us on Instagram and like our Facebook page for more design inspiration!
Cabinet Upgrades During Renovation
By / July 6, 2022 May 23, 2022
Did the halfway marker for 2022 sneak up on anyone else? I feel like the year has flown by! On the bright side, we now have enough dataㅡgraciously collected and reported by the 2022 US Houzz Kitchen Trends Studyㅡto discern the year’s hottest kitchen trends. The big takeaway? 65% of renovating homeowners replaced all their kitchen cabinets. Let’s explore these cabinet upgrades during renovation.
Replace Kitchen Cabinets
About two in three homeowners replaced all of their kitchen cabinets. Compound that with 29% of homeowners choosing various degrees of partial cabinet replacement and the result is that 94% chose to upgrade their cabinets as part of their kitchen renovation.
That’s a staggering number, but not wholly unexpected. Kitchen cabinets are one of the biggest visual elements of a kitchen design, and arguably the most important functional element too. It makes sense that homeowners gave them their due attention.
Going Custom
With so many homeowners deciding that replacing kitchen cabinets was worth the investment, it makes sense that they made sure they got exactly what they wanted. 43% of homeowners chose custom cabinetry, with an additional 35% selecting semi-custom cabinets so that they fit each unique space perfectly. Only 21% chose stock or ready-to-assemble cabinets.
Replacement Styles & Color
Trends in style and color didn’t change much in 2022. Shaker style doors dominated again with 64% of homeowners selecting this style. White was also clearly the favorite cabinet color again, bringing in 41% of the vote. An interesting note though: if you combine the wood tones, they make up 19% of the vote, meaning nearly 1 in 5 homeowners opted for wood cabinets.
2022 Isn’t Over Yet
There’s still time to start your 2022 kitchen renovation and get in on these trends! Replacing kitchen cabinets and countertops is a big deal, so visit a Kountry Kraft dealer near you and our experts will help walk you through the design process. Follow @kountrykraftcabinetry for more kitchen design inspiration.
Kitchen Designs with Full Overlay Cabinets
By / May 4, 2022 March 1, 2022
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.)
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.
Proactively Preserving the Kountry Kraft Legacy
By / April 13, 2022 April 11, 2022Dee 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 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