A Current Kitchen Trend: Neutral Countertops
By / April 1, 2020 March 11, 2020 Custom Kitchen Designers, Dream kitchen, Luxury KitchensA current trend hitting kitchens everywhere is the use of neutral countertops. Available in various materials, a neutral countertop will compliment any cabinet color and tie together your ideal kitchen. When saying “neutral countertops”, we are specifically speaking of whites, blacks, and wood colors.
White Countertops
When talking about countertops, the go-to for many are stone finishes, such as granite or quartz. When you go with these choices, specifically granite, you will tend to get flecks of grey creating more of an off-white shade. This is ideal for a more traditional kitchens and compliment well with a traditional or shaker style cabinetry. On the flipside, a pure white countertop provides a modern style and can be achieved with using quartz or an engineered stone. The pure white allows for a bright pop in a kitchen that might have more modern, flat-faced or dark wood grained cabinets.
Dark Countertops
Many people are hesitant towards black or darker countertops as they might dull down the space. However, if you have darker cabinets, floors, or other darker finishes the addition of a dark countertop will create a sleek space that will be drool-worthy. If going for a black countertop is too much, going with charcoal will not drown out the color, but is also a bit softer. This look can be achieved through using either granite (with dark flecks), quartz, or even tarnished bronze or brass.
Wood Countertops
To create a warm space that accents the natural tones in your kitchen, wood countertops are the way to go. When choosing wood countertops the choice becomes darker or lighter wood. When you choose darker wood, it warms a completely white kitchen and creates a more transitional kitchen vibe. Choosing a light wood creates more of a rustic and causal feel inside your kitchen.
Ultimately, the choice in color of your countertops is dependent on the style kitchen you are going for. It is also important to take into consideration the durability, upkeep, and type of material available to get the look you want. Visit the Kitchen Gallery on our website for more kitchen design inspiration.
#KountryKraft #Granite #QuartzCountertops #WoodCountertops #NeutralCountertops
2020 Kitchen Cabinet Trends
By / January 8, 2020 December 19, 2019 Custom Cabinets, Custom Kitchen Designers, kitchen cabinet ideas, Kitchen Cabinets, Luxury KitchensKitchen designs are leaning towards a pared-back, minimalist look with a strong feature of elements that remind us of nature. Some of the most popular 2020 kitchen cabinet trends include pops of natural elements, pops of color, minimalist hardware, glass cabinet doors and two kitchen islands.
Pops of Color
Although a big trend for the new year is natural elements, designers will be adding pops of color in their spaces. Colors that remind of us nature will be the most popular, as shades of blue and green continue to grow in popularity.
Speaking of color, or lack thereof, black cabinets are making a huge comeback this year. Black is now a livable, luxe and inviting color. Black cabinets with a matte finish are trending higher than those with a gloss finish, coinciding with the natural elements theme of the year.
Two-Tone Cabinets
Tying into the pops of color trend, the two-tone cabinet trend is growing stronger as we move into 2020. Unified cabinetry is a thing of the past. Homeowners want diversity, even if it’s the slightest bit of change, like a dark gray and a lighter shade gray.
Minimalist Hardware
One of the biggest trends in the new year when it comes to hardware on your cabinets, less is more. With advancing technology, like push-open doors and soft-close doors, means that handles are not a necessity. Designs are all about multi-tasking, free-flowing design with a pared-back, streamlined natural look.
Glass Cabinet Doors
Making a comeback from the 90s in the new year are glass cabinet doors. Again, as part of the trend toward simplicity and organization, glass cabinet doors make it easy to know what you’re grabbing for and where to get it. This trend will be especially popular for upper cabinets.
Two Kitchen Islands
Larger kitchens in an open concept design has led the island to become an essential kitchen feature. A design trend that we’ll be seeing this new year is taking an island and doubling it, to feature double islands in one kitchen. It is an expansive, luxe addition when space is no object.
Want to learn more about the kitchen cabinet trends in 2020? Follow us on Instagram @kountrykraftcabinetry. Interested in cabinetry for your home? Find a dealer near you by clicking here.
#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #2020KitchenCabinetTrends #KitchenCabinetTrends #KitchenTrends
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
Introducing Polymer Surface Solutions for Cabinet Designs
By / November 6, 2019 October 24, 2019 Custom Cabinets, kitchen cabinet ideas, Kitchen Cabinets, Luxury KitchensKountry Kraft is thrilled to introduce a new product selection, REHAU Unlimited Polymer Surface Solutions for Cabinet Designs. Each surface is meticulously chosen, to give you an edge in quality, composition and scheme. Present a new angle in design with complimenting collections that can define a space.
REHAU Unlimited Polymer Surface Solutions
Matte Cabinet Design: Fenix NTM
Fenix NTM is a Nanotech Matte Material. Become a trend setter by incorporating matte cabinets in your next project.
Textured Wood Grain Cabinet Design: Rauvisio Terra
Rauvisio Terra is a soft, textured HPL surface that is extremely durable. It is a deeply textured wood grain surface made from HPL rather than melamine paper.
Mirror High-Gloss Cabinet Design: Rauvisio Brilliant
Rauvisio Brilliant, a mirror high-gloss acrylic surface, is considered the next generation in high-gloss surfaces. It surpasses high-quality lacquered boards with a brilliant depth effect.
Back-Painted Glass Cabinet Design: Rauvisio Crystal
Rauvisio Crystal Polymer is a back-painted glass surface that encompasses the sleek shine of glass in a lighter-weight, durable polymer. The UV-resistant, fully customizable boards feature colorfastness with much lower production costs and the convenience of cutting and drilling during installation.
For more product information, visit www.na.rehau.com/surfaces or contact your Kountry Kraft Representative. We can help you create a one-of-a-kind space with Polymer Surface Solutions for cabinet designs in your next project!
#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry
A Diamond Dealer Conference Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence
By / October 4, 2019 October 4, 2019 Cabinet dealer, Custom Cabinetry for Business, Custom Cabinets, Custom Kitchen Designers, handcraftsmanship, History, Kitchen Cabinets, kitchen storage, Luxury KitchensOn 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.
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.
Two special guest speakers presented – Richard T. Anuszkiewicz and Matthew Ferrarini – renowned leaders of the kitchen and bath design industry.
Richard T. Anuszkiewicz, also known as Richard A2Z, presented about Fashion Forward Thinking.
Matthew Ferrarini presented about the flow, function and feeling of a space.
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
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
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
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