Kountry Kraft Award Winning Designers
By / June 5, 2024 June 1, 2024Kountry Kraft has the great pleasure of honoring several of our award winning designers for their outstanding work. Here’s a look at their many achievements and a glimpse into what makes them award winning designers.
Pictured from left to right: Allan Greene; Claudia Harvey from Wydian Kitchens & Design; and Roger Yiengst, Sales Manager at Kountry Kraft
Award Winning Designers—Wydian Kitchens
Claudia Harvey and her team at Wydian Kitchens in Branchburg, NJ have received the esteemed Platinum Achievement Award for the third year in a row. Featured in Martha Stewart Living and Design NJ, Wydian Kitchens uses their nearly 30 years of experience to create close relationships with every customer, working together to design a unique space that reflects each individual’s desires and personality. While they made their name on kitchen design, they also do bathrooms, laundry rooms, bars, libraries, offices, mudrooms, pet friendly spaces, and custom closets. Whether you’re just purchasing cabinets or taking advantage of their full-service design resources, their customer service is sure to impress. Check out Wydian Kitchens’ Instagram to explore their designs.
Pictured from left to right: Todd Perkins, Kountry Kraft Sales Rep; Martha Gargano of AMS Kitchens; and Roger Yiengst, Sales Manager at Kountry Kraft
Award Winning Designers—A Matter of Style (AMS) Kitchens & Interiors
Martha Gargano and her team at AMS Kitchens & Interiors in Cheshire, CT are proudly presented the Platinum Achievement Award. No stranger to accolades, AMS Kitchens & Interiors were the winners of Kountry Kraft’s 2021 Top Design Award and had several of their kitchen designs featured in Design + Decor. A full-service design firm that specializes in high-end interior design, AMS Kitchens & Interiors handles a wide array of projects ranging from new construction to renovation. Visit their online portfolio to view their outstanding work.
Pictured from left to right: Andres; Christopher (Chris) Gray; Nicholas (Nick) Palladino; Anthony Palladino; and Roger Yiengst, Sales Manager at Kountry Kraft
Award Winning Designers—Southeast Kitchen & Bath
The Southeast Kitchen & Bath design team in Brewster, NY has earned the Platinum Achievement Award. A family owned and operated business that provides such great service, their customers voted them 2024 Best of Houzz Service Winner for the ninth year in a row. All project personnel are a part of the Southeast Kitchen & Bath team, which gives them full control of day-to-day operations. This control combined with close customer collaboration leads to a truly seamless process that leaves clients more than thrilled. Check out Southeast Kitchen & Bath’s Instagram to get a sneak peak into their current projects.
Pictured from left to right: Todd Perkins, Kountry Kraft Sales Rep; Beth Veillette; Allison Hanford; and Roger Yiengst, Sales Manager at Kountry Kraft
Award Winning Designers—Hanford Cabinet & Woodworking
The Hanford Cabinet team in Old Saybrook, CT has received the prestigious Sapphire Achievement Award. Founded over 35 years ago, the company’s focus on fine craftsmanship and quality that will last a lifetime has never wavered. Visit Hanford Cabinet’s project gallery to explore a wide array of their beautiful designs.
Pictured from left to right: Roger Yiengst, Sales Manager at Kountry Kraft and Patty Kershaw
Award Winning Designers—James Kershaw Associates
The design team of James Kershaw Associates in North Haledon, NJ has been honored with the Silver Achievement Award. Headed by a father and daughter duo, this design company will treat you like family and make sure that every detail of your project is carefully considered. Visit James Kershaw Associates’ kitchens, baths, and other rooms pages to see why they’ve been NJ’s trusted designers for over three decades.
Pictured: Amy Pasek of Integrated Kitchens
Award Winning Designers—Integrated Kitchens
Amy Pasek and her team at Integrated Kitchens in Walnut Creek, CA have received the Silver Achievement Award, a true testament to their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence. From budgeting and design to communicating with installers and contractors during the construction process, Integrated Kitchens does it all. Check out Integrated Kitchens’ online portfolio to explore their award-winning designs, like the one that earned them Kountry Kraft’s 2021 Top Design Award.
Congratulations to Kountry Kraft’s Award Winning Designers!
Kountry Kraft is routinely blown away by the designs that our partners create with our cabinetry. Congratulations to all of Kountry Kraft’s award winning designers for these amazing milestones. We cannot wait to see all of the incredible things you’ll do in the future!
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!
Discover Your Dream Kitchen in Avalon, New Jersey
By / September 1, 2023 September 1, 2023
Discover Your Dream Kitchen in Avalon, New Jersey
Welcome to your dream kitchen in beautiful Avalon, New Jersey. Seamlessly blending tradition and modernity, this masterpiece epitomizes the very essence of a transitional kitchen. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this space the epitome of comfort and luxury.
Wood Beams and Countertop: A Touch of Tradition
One of the first elements that catch your eye is the architectural detail of wooden beam mirrored in the shelving and range hood trim. These rustic touches add warmth and character, making the space inviting for both cooking and socializing. Complementing the wood beams is a stunning wood countertop that marries function and aesthetic in one beautiful sweep.
Appliances: The Pinnacle of Modernity
For those who are passionate about cooking, the kitchen is equipped with a state-of-the-art LG Professional Range that provides an array of customizable options. This culinary powerhouse is perfectly complemented by an equally efficient LG Dishwasher, ensuring that clean-up is as effortless as the cooking process itself.
Flooring: A Class Apart
The luxurious wood flooring from Sea Shore Floors lends another layer of sophistication to this already stunning kitchen. The premium wood chosen for the flooring is not just beautiful to look at but is also designed for durability, standing up to the high traffic that is often a hallmark of the heart of the home.
Lighting and Color: Atmosphere Defined
To illuminate this delightful culinary paradise, special attention has been paid to the lighting by incorporating fixtures from Andrew Johnson Lighting. Each piece has been carefully selected to bring out the various textures and colors in the room. Speaking of colors, the walls are adorned with Sherwin Williams paint in the serene shade of Samovar Silver, which adds an open and airy feel. This aesthetic was continued into the bedroom with a custom closet featuring wood floating shelves.
In essence, this Avalon-based kitchen brings together the best of both worlds, creating a space that is both functional and beautiful. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this kitchen is designed to meet all your needs.
Check out our color studio to find the perfect paint color combination for your kitchen.
Timeless White Kitchen in New England
By / August 28, 2023 August 28, 2023This timeless white kitchen in New England by Martha Gargano of A Matter of Style is truly a dream. Here are all of the features that make this design so special!
Photographed by Allie Fackler Photography
Timeless White Kitchen Cabinets
The beautiful inset cabinets by Kountry Kraft are the foundation for this timeless white kitchen in New England. The inset construction method was widely used throughout the Victorian Era and requires skilled-craftsmanship from the cabinet maker. Pair this timeless style with classic white Benjamin Moore paint and you get this stunning result that sets the tone for the rest of the design.
Photographed by Allie Fackler Photography
Continuing the White Theme
These New England homeowners wanted their kitchen to feel clean and light, as if they were taking a breath of fresh air every time they entered the space. Cue white countertops and a white backsplash. The main countertops are white marble with a hint of soft veining. Meanwhile, the backsplash consists of two different white tiles—simple subway tile as the main choice with arabesque detailing over the range and bar.
Photographed by Allie Fackler Photography
Touches of Warmth
This timeless white kitchen in New England incorporates two touches of color and warmth. The first touch is all of the brass elements: the lantern-esque lighting above the island, the sink faucets, and the cabinet hardware from Schaub. The second touch is the walnut accent countertops used for the bar and end of the island. Both of these details add just the right amount of warmth and character to the otherwise white color palette. Plus, the richness of the materials adds to the sense of sophistication and luxury given by the finely-crafted cabinets.
Photographed by Allie Fackler Photography
Details Matter
Working with an almost all-white color palette isn’t as easy as you might think. Without the contrasts of color, visual interest needs to be created in the design through other methods.
Beyond the two-tiled backsplash and touches of warmth, there are a number of other details that play a crucial part in creating this timeless white kitchen. Take note of the ornate hood, molding around the ceiling, the waterfall edge of the marble countertops, and the decorative cabinets above the bar. All of these details give the kitchen a sense of character and make it truly special.
Create Your Own Timeless White Kitchen
Whether you want to create your own timeless white kitchen in New England or anywhere else, our dedicated experts are here to help! Find a Kountry Kraft dealer near you and contact us to get started!
Gray Island Cabinets in Pawleys Island SC by Prodigy Kitchens & Baths
By / July 24, 2023 July 24, 2023These gray island cabinets in Pawleys Island, SC provide both contrast and cohesion in this timeless design by Prodigy Kitchens & Bath. Keep reading to learn how the design team used the gray island cabinets to tie the entire design together. 
Benjamin Moore Paint Colors
The refined palette of Benjamin Moore paint colors in this Pawleys Island, SC kitchen creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The perimeter cabinets feature Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65, a classic white that evokes visions of fresh cotton and pure silk. In contrast, the gray island cabinets are finished with Benjamin Moore Brewster Gray HC-162, a blue-gray shade that recalls storied stone buildings. These time-honored colors paired with the beautiful wood elements combine to create one overwhelming feeling when you enter the space—home.
Gray Island Cabinets & Matching Wet Bar
When the homeowners requested a built-in wet bar across from the kitchen, Prodigy Kitchens & Baths knew it posed the perfect opportunity to tie both spaces together. The bar was constructed using the same style of custom cabinetry featured in the kitchen, complete with the same custom molding. From there, it was an obvious choice to match the paint color to the Brewster Gray island cabinets. Finally, glass doors were installed on the upper cabinets to reflect the glass display doors in the kitchen. 
Hidden Elements
Not everything is as it seems in this Pawleys Island, SC kitchen. The refrigerator and door to the walk-in pantry are both disguised by custom panels, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the surrounding cabinetry. These two hidden elements create a clean look along that wall and allow the beauty of the custom cabinets to shine. (Plus, the hidden door is bringing all of my old-mansion, secret room dreams to life!)
Love this Kitchen?
If this Gray Island Cabinets in Pawleys Island, SC design has given you any ideas, don’t be shy! Contact one of our design experts today to learn how we can turn those ideas into a reality!
Follow Kountry Kraft on Instagram and like our Facebook page for more kitchen design inspiration.
Farmhouse Kitchen in Bernardsville, NJ
By / July 5, 2023 July 5, 2023Farmhouse Kitchen in Bernardsville, NJ by Wydian Kitchens & Design
This country farmhouse kitchen in Bernardsville, NJ by Wydian Kitchens & Design is the perfect blend of modern convenience and old-world charm. Here are the design elements that make this kitchen so special:
Show Stopping Stove Alcove
In many centuries-old homes, the kitchen will feature a large fireplace that the family used for cooking. It’s become very popular in Europe—where it’s common to find homes of this age—to repurpose this space as an alcove for the more modern stove. Doing so not only honors the history of the home, but also makes functional an otherwise wasted space. Plus, it’s very pretty. While this farmhouse kitchen in Bernardsville, NJ may not date back to the 1700s, building this alcove for the stove—complete with the rustic lintel beam—was key to creating a sense of old-world charm. Such a focal point required something special, so a beautiful 36″ Platinum Series Range that produces restaurant-quality results was chosen as the star of the show. The classic black and white tile backsplash serves as the perfect link between the old-world alcove and modern range.
Natural Materials
Farmhouse kitchens are known for incorporating various natural materials like wood, stone, and metal. This Bernardsville, NJ kitchen certainly stayed true to this design imperative with its white marble countertops, stone floor tiles, brass finishes, and natural island cabinetry (Kountry Kraft Penn Line/Inset No Bead Cabinets – finished in Natural 10°). And, of course, what country farmhouse kitchen is complete without a farmhouse sink?
Traditional Layout
A true farmhouse kitchen is more than just its design elements; it also considers how the space is used. Farmhouse kitchens are meant to be functional and are often designed around the cook. That means the work stations are located close together with ample counter space for food prep and cooking. Wydian Kitchens & Design remained true to this ideal when designing the layout for this Bernardsville, NJ kitchen. Notice the short and easy path between the sink and range, with the island providing more than enough prep space right behind it. The oversized island also emphasizes the old notion “the kitchen is the heart of the home” by offering ample space for congregating.
Don’t be Shy!
If the charm of this Bernardsville, NJ design is calling to you, please contact one of our design experts to discuss how we can transform your current space into the picture-perfect country farmhouse kitchen! Follow Kountry Kraft on Instagram and like our Facebook page for more kitchen design inspiration.
White and Gray Kitchen in Orange County, CA by Le Gourmet Kitchen
By / May 15, 2023 May 1, 2023
This 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. The inset style also brings a touch of timeless elegance to the otherwise modern design. Le Gourmet shared a tour of this amazing transformation in a YouTube Video you can find here.
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 Kitchen in Orange County, CA?
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!
Kitchen Designs with Inset No Bead Cabinets
By / April 6, 2022 March 1, 2022We’ve recently had the good fortune of creating some kitchen designs with Inset No Bead Cabinets and we’re so obsessed with the results, we just had to share. Hopefully, you’ll be as inspired by these designs as we are. Let’s break down this cabinet style to discover if it’s right for you.
Design by AMS Kitchens | Allie Fackler Photography
Inset Explained
Inset doors are one of three styles you can choose for your kitchen cabinets (the other two being partial overlay and full overlay, but that’s a discussion for a different day). The inset style means that the face of the door sits flush with the cabinet frame, creating one smooth surface that requires a knob or pull to open.
Bead Explained
“Bead” in the term “beaded inset cabinets” refers to the decorative groove on the frame surrounding the cabinet door on all sides.
But, we’re talking about no bead inset cabinets today, which means the cabinet frame is smooth as you can see in the kitchen image below. No bead inset cabinets offer a cleaner, simpler look that’s more in-line with current trends.
Design by Joan Bigg Design LLC
A Perfect Match
So now that we understand what inset and bead mean separately, we can explore what the inset no bead cabinet style means as a whole. This cabinet style has historic roots, as it was widely used throughout the 1800s into the 1920s.
However, don’t be fooled into thinking your kitchen design will be transported back to the Victorian Era if you choose this cabinet style. The truth is, you can easily transport inset no bead cabinets into the 21st century by pairing them with modern design elements. Instead of looking dated, they’ll give your design just a touch of vintage and recall the luxury of old-world fine craftsmanship.
Explore Your Options
Explore our inset no bead cabinets – along with all of our other style options – by visiting our cabinet styles page. If you’re ready to get started or want to speak with one of our experts, find a Kountry Kraft dealer near you!
Designs with Black Cabinets
By / June 8, 2020 February 25, 2023If there was one design trend that defined the past decade, it was the all-white kitchen. The look is timeless, cohesive, and clean, and has a miraculous way of making even the tiniest kitchen look airy and spacious. But the new decade brings with new trends, and designers say there’s a new color in the kitchen that you should try: black.
Whether you want to dip your toes into the black cabinets trend with just a few features or want to go all in, you are bound to gain some inspiration from our round up of a few of our favorite designs.
Kitchens with Black Cabinets
Jessica McAllister of Kountry Kraft designed this modern kitchen to feature black cabinetry along the perimeter. The cabinetry features a sleek, simple door design. The wood grain shines through the black finish, giving it a unique textural appeal.
Black can be used in transitional kitchens, too. One of the easiest ways to incorporate black cabinets is to pair them with white. Stonington Cabinetry & Designs featured a black kitchen island among the white perimeter cabinetry in this transitional style design.
Other Rooms
Black cabinetry designs are trending for rooms in the home beyond the kitchen.
Architectural Kitchens of Annapolis designed black cabinetry for this laundry room design. Paired with the gold hardware, laundry is no longer a chore but a luxurious escape.
Stonington Cabinetry & Designs added a black wet bar into this living room design, with storage for glasses, wine bottles and more.
Visit our website, kountrykraft.com, to see more rooms and designs that use custom black cabinetry. Do you want black cabinets for a room in your own home? Click here to find a Kountry Kraft dealer near you!
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