Category: Luxury Kitchens

On today’s blog, we are revealing the components that create the perfect kitchen islands for holiday entertaining!

The Perfect Kitchen Islands for Holiday Entertaining
Design by Samantha Petzrick Chinn of Petzrick Chinn Designs, LLC

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.

Custom Kitchen Islands Designed for Holiday Entertaining
Design by Samantha Petzrick Chinn of Petzrick Chinn Designs, LLC

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

Kountry 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

REHAU Polymer Surface Solutions for Cabinet Designs
Photography Courtesy of REHAU

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.

REHAU at Kountry Kraft

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

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

Kitchens 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.

Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | Photography by Chris Veith

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.

Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | Photography by Chris Veith

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.

Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | Photography by Chris Veith

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.

Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | Photography by Chris Veith

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

According 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.

Navy Colored Cabinets by Kountry Kraft with Brass Hardware and White Countertops
Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | Photography by Chris Veith

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.

Navy Color Shades for Custom Painted Cabinets Crafted by Kountry Kraft

Designs with Navy Colored Cabinets

French Beret Navy Cabinets for a Modern Kitchen Design with Stainless Steel Appliances
Design by Integrated Kitchens LLC

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 Kitchen with Navy Blue Cabinets Subway Tile and Stainless Steel Appliances
Design by Pure Design Works

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.

Hale Navy Blue Cabinets for a Butler's Pantry with White Countertops and Silver Hardware
Design by True North Cabinets, LLC

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.

Hale Navy Colored Cabinets for a Kitchen and Dining Room with an Open Floor Concept
Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs | Photography by Chris Veith

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

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

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

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

Choosing 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.

 

Kitchen with island, range, and hard maple cabinets done for a kitchen remodel in Pittsburgh, PA

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.

 

Walnut Wood Kitchen Cabinets for a kitchen remodel located in Princeton, New Jersey

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

 

Choosing between custom crafted cabinets and stock cabinetry can be overwhelming. However, learning the pros and cons of both can help you make a decision about which better suits your lifestyle and design.

Custom Cabinets

  • Custom Cabinets are built to last
    • Each cabinet is handmade
  • Ability to customize cabinetry down to the core
  • Cabinets are built to fit any size, space and layout
  • Custom Cabinets are typically more expensive
  • Cabinets take longer to make due to customization and quality of design

Stock Cabinets

  • Stock cabinets are the least expensive
  • Standard shapes and sizes
    • Stock sizes for stock kitchens
  • Limited selection of styles and woods
  • Pre-manufactured cabinets
    • Quick delivery time
  • Stock cabinets cannot be customized
  • Made on an assembly line

 

Both options can create a captivating kitchen but it’s important to look at the overall quality and design. Keeping in mind the differences of custom and stock cabinets, here are a few examples of what custom cabinetry can look like in your kitchen.

 

Custom Crafted Cabinets by Kountry Kraft

This U Shaped Transitional Kitchen Features Custom Crafted Cabinets with Dovetail Boxes and Drawers  Tall Custom Crafted Cabinets Featuring Glass Doors to Showcase Drinkware in this Transitional Kitchen

Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs                      Photography by Chris Veith

This kitchen features our custom crafted cabinets in an Inset/No Bead cabinetry style with the TW10 Hybrid door design. The picture on the left showcases our dovetail cabinet boxes that provide strong and secure joints that can withstand heavy use. Kountry Kraft goes above and beyond to add dovetailing into our boxes and drawers to ensure long lasting craftsmanship. Dovetailing is not a feature available in stock cabinets, as it takes a skilled artisan to craft this joint style.

 

Custom Crafted Cabinets with Floating Shelves and by Pass Doors Featured in this Kitchen

Design by PK Surroundings           Photography by Rob Karosis

Kountry Kraft created glass kitchen cabinets featuring shelves that are in line with the floating shelves on the adjacent wall. The pantry cabinet showcases by-pass doors to provide easy accessibility to the contents inside. A custom crafted cabinet was decided to include a wine and beer fridge as well.

 

Custom Crafted Cabinets Featuring our Textural Cabinetry Line to Create Realistic Wood Grain Look  Custom Crafted Cabinets Featuring our Textural Cabinetry Line with Dovetail Boxes and Drawers

Design by Pam Whittemore of Drum Hill Designs, LLC

The custom cabinets featured above are unique in color, style and design. Part of our textural cabinetry line, they create a realistic wood grain surface that compliment stainless steel kitchen appliances. When choosing custom crafted cabinetry, you have to ability to choose from a wider variety of finishes and wood choices. Whereas, stock cabinets are more linear and don’t have as many choices available.

Kountry Kraft allows you to completely customize your cabinetry as well as offer a lifetime warranty on all our products. We want your kitchen cabinets to look the best and withstand the test of time. Not sure if custom cabinetry is right for you? Visit our Devon Showroom or find one of our experienced dealers near you!

#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #CustomCabinets #StockCabinets #StockVSCustom