A Current Kitchen Trend: Neutral Countertops
By / April 1, 2020 March 11, 2020A 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, 2019Kitchen 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
A Diamond Dealer Conference Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence
By / October 4, 2019 October 4, 2019On 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
Current Bathroom Storage Trends
By / September 4, 2019 March 20, 2023Not just for hygiene and the call of nature, bathrooms are now spaces to relax, refresh and recharge. Current Bathroom Storage Trends include floating vanities, integrated storage with power access, technology features, modern design themes and a wide range of finishing options.
Current Bathroom Storage Trends
Floating vanities are gaining popularity in bathroom design. In this vanity designed by Jessica McAllister of Kountry Kraft, Inc., both the vanity and a tall side cabinet are floating.
It’s also becoming more common to see multiple counter heights that incorporate the sink on one level and base cabinet tops extending below it on another.
Reclaimed wood adds an old world feel and organic charm to any space. Galen Clemmer of Kountry Kraft, Inc. designed this bathroom to feature a reclaimed wood vanity that matches the reclaimed wood barn door.
Designers are going bold with color. Pure Design Works designed this bright green vanity and matching medicine cabinet.
Other current trends include incorporating waste bins into the cabinetry and off the floor, optimizing under-sink space for storage, and open shelving. To stay in touch with current bathroom storage trends, follow @KountryKraftCabinetry on Instagram!
#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #CurrentBathroomStorageTrends
Custom Mini Bar Cabinet Ideas
By / August 14, 2019 March 20, 2023Mini bar cabinet ideas are the topic of today’s blog. A mini bar could be as small or as teeny-tiny as you like; the definition of “mini” is entirely up to the you. No matter the size, custom cabinets cunningly designed will provide a convenient and perfect place for everything. When designed with custom cabinets, mini bars may be small, but they are mighty.
In addition, designing custom cabinets for a mini bar can fit into nearly any space in your home. Have a corner between a living room and dining room not being used? Need something to break up the openness between one room and another? Perhaps a mini bar is the perfect solution.
Custom Mini Bar Cabinet Ideas and Designs
Featured in this blog are three different homes with custom mini bars designed by Stonington Cabinetry and Designs. Each mini bar features cabinets custom configured for each space.
In this home, a mini bar was built out of the wall, continuing the look of the pantry cabinets on the other side of the wall. This bar also serves as a partial room divider between the kitchen and living room. Within this mini bar are special shelves for wine glasses, martini glasses and other glassware. Also included are two beverage fridges. Drawers above the fridges are perfect for storing bottle openers, straws, mixers and more.
A built-in bench features a mini bar on one end. A custom cabinet surrounds the mini fridge. Bottles of liquor, shot glasses and other items have room on the stone countertop to be aesthetically displayed. Drinks can be easily made and accessed from outside, the kitchen or the living room with the smart placement of this mini bar design.
They made the most of the corner in this home with a clever placed beverage fridge and pantry design. When closed, the fridge looks just like a regular cabinet. A white counter tops the beverage fridge cabinet and provides a space to prepare drinks. Other surrounding cabinetry has storage for glasses and more.
Visit our website, www.kountrykraft.com, to see more mini cabinet bar ideas and designs. Follow @kountrykraftcabinetry on Instagram for company updates, new product information and weekly inspiration.
#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #MiniBarCabinetIdeas #BarCabinets
Kountry Kraft Logo Throughout the Years
By / April 24, 2019 March 26, 2019As our company, quality and selections evolved over time, so did our Kountry Kraft logo. In order to keep current, our brand was reflected in various logo styles throughout the years.
Kountry Kraft Logo Throughout the Years
Kountry Kraft was launched 60 years ago in April of 1959. What you may not have known was Kountry Kraft was originally called Kountry Kraft Kitchens! In the early years of Kountry Kraft their specialty was kitchens, but throughout the years they evolved and became experts in so much more.
Since Kountry Kraft specialized in more than just kitchens, “Kountry Kraft” added the tagline “Excellence in Custom-made Cabinetry” with “Since 1959”. This logo was used for years to come and is still used on the sign outside their location and throughout the shop in Newmanstown, PA. The simple tagline “excellence in custom-made cabinetry” says so much with so little words. It truly characterizes the four guiding principles on which the company was founded: craft the highest quality custom cabinetry products; deliver on schedule every time; price it fairly; and be honest, genuine and friendly.
Through the years Kountry Kraft always kept current and updated their logo design to the one featured above. Keeping the tagline the same while showcasing “Kountry Kraft” in a more simplistic way.
Fast forward to January of 2017, the Kountry Kraft logo design and brand was given new life. This new logo represents the classical and timeless quality that Kountry Kraft has to offer, while also representing their ability to be current with a simple font for their tagline. This logo was special to Kountry Kraft as it is a part of the ongoing evolution of their brand. The update of this logo came along with many other new introductions as well! Kountry Kraft launched a brand-new website and catalog, all showcasing the new logo in 2017.
To celebrate and distinguish Kountry Kraft’s accomplishment of being in business 60 years, this special logo was created! This diamond anniversary portrays the growth, responsibility, values and security that Kountry Kraft has preserved and honored throughout the years. For the duration of 2019 you will see this custom logo throughout our social media as we walk through memory lane to showcase how Kountry Kraft all started.
Visit our website to learn more about Kountry Kraft’s history or follow us on Facebook! To view our recently completed designs, visit our Houzz page.
#KountryKraft #KountryKraftLogo #KKTurns60 #CustomCabinetry #60YearAnniversary
Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence in Custom-Made Cabinetry
By / April 10, 2019 March 27, 2019Kountry Kraft is proud to be celebrating 60 years in business! This diamond anniversary signifies growth, responsibility, values and security which are all characteristics that Kountry Kraft has honored throughout the years.
Throughout the 60 Years
It all started in 1958, Elvin Hurst was a farmer raising a family of his own with this wife, Helen Hurst. In addition to farming, Elvin worked as a cabinet maker. He enjoyed woodworking so much that Helen saved $10 a month to buy Elvin a $110 Craftsman Table Saw for Christmas that year. This gift brought so many opportunities for Elvin that he did not see coming. The demand for his creations exceeded his ability to supply. So, with the help of his parents, Reuben and Mary Hurst, Elvin launched Kountry Kraft in April of 1959. Without Helen, there would be no Kountry Kraft!
Because of Elvin’s commitment to quality woodworking, Kountry Kraft became widely known for top level craftsmanship and impeccable service, and their popularity soared. Elvin continued to use the saw for 18 years as the company rapidly expanded from their four-car garage to a 96,000 square foot facility with a staff of over 100 skilled craftsmen.
In 2000, Elvin became chairman of the board after serving as president of the company for 40 years. This move represented the change from him being active in the daily management of the company. Elvin and Helen realized that it was a necessity for both the company and the industry to prepare for the next generation. It was with great pride that they gave managerial control of Kountry Kraft to two of their four children in 2003, Elvin Hurst Jr. and Dee Hurst-Funk, who spent their entire lives working in every facet of the business.
Over the past 60 years the office and manufacturing facility remains on the Hurst family farm in the beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch countryside. The third generation of Hurst family members are now being groomed to manage the company in the future. We are so excited to be celebrating 60 years in business and look forward to many more!
To view all the exquisite projects Kountry Kraft has created over the past 60 years, visit our website or Houzz page!
#DiamondAnniversary #KKTurns60 #KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #60YearAnniversary
Sprucing up Kitchen Islands with Kountry Kraft Cabinetry
By / March 13, 2019 February 22, 2023Kitchen 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
2019 Kitchen Cabinet Trends
By / February 25, 2019 December 20, 2022New year means new kitchen cabinet trends. Kountry Kraft is always staying up to date with the latest and greatest trends to provide our customers with exclusive kitchen design ideas.
2019 Kitchen Cabinet Trends
Wood on Wood
Design by Marina Rubina, Architect Photography by Todd Mason, Halkin Photography
When you think of using wood in a kitchen your mind automatically goes to hardwood flooring. But the versatility of wood allows for it to be used in many more ways. Featured above are custom cabinet boxes showcasing wooden shelves inside as well. The custom walnut cabinetry is finished with a natural 25° stain, creating a warming and welcoming environment.
Storage Walls
Design by Integrated Kitchens LLC
In 2019 were not letting any space go to waste. Storage walls are on the rise due to their functionality and ample amount of storage. Add pantry pull outs to incorporate easy accessibility, as shown above.
Shelving
Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs Photography by Chris Veith
Open shelving has been a popular trend since 2018 and continues to rise in 2019. But this year glass shelving is on the rise as well. Glass shelving creates a new dimension while allowing your exquisite dishware to be portrayed. We can see why glass and open shelving are becoming more popular due to the similarity between the two.
Dark Dramatic Colors
Design by Samantha Petzrick Chinn of Petzrick Chinn Designs, LLC
This year is all about dark and dramatic colors. By incorporating dark cabinetry, you can add some flare to an all-white kitchen. Adding depth and personality to your space.
Natural Touches
Design by PKsurroundings Photography by Mike Barron, Tech Simple, LLC
Adding natural touches in a kitchen is becoming more popular due to the unique and unfinished look it creates. Featured above is Kountry Kraft’s weathered grain cabinets that bring a warm and rustic feel into this kitchen.
Kountry Kraft wants the best for your home, which is why we are constantly keeping up with the current kitchen cabinet trends. Visit our website to gain kitchen inspiration on how to incorporate these trends during your next kitchen remodel! You can also check out our Houzz page to view our recently completed designs!
#CustomCabinetry #2019CabinetTrends #KountryKraft #KitchenCabinetTrends
Sources: Decoraid, Elle Decor
Using the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year
By / January 24, 2019 January 24, 2019Living Coral was chosen as the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year. For the past 20 years Pantone has been choosing one color that is influential in all industries.
Pantone Color of the Year – Living Coral
Pantone is known for its color matching system, a tool to allow consistent and accurate color everywhere. This means you can make sure any color matches without having to lay them out next to each other, all you need is the numerical color value. To go further in depth with color, Pantone created the Pantone Color Institute to identify global color trends.
The Pantone Color Institute goes through a selection process every year with their color experts. Looking for a specific shade that is on trend in the entertainment industry, films in production, fashion, design and many more. This year they chose Living Coral, a vibrant yet mellow shade.
Using the Pantone Color of the Year
Sherwin Williams Paint Match – Animated Coral
Our designers decided to make our own unique color based on the color of the year. We created a paint match to Sherwin Williams Animated Coral and created this beautiful coral shade shown above. This shade will create a refreshing pop of color, creating a luminous glow to any space. This piece was later placed in a beautiful beach house bathroom.
Design by Pure Design Works Photography by Jenny Melick Imagery
Pure Design Works kept this beach bathroom light and bright with pineapple wallpaper and coral cabinetry. The same cabinetry that was previously shown above! The impact of the lighting can change the whole look of this color. Previously this color showed a bright pale pink whereas here it showcases a darker hue.
Pantone Living Coral is a unique shade that can be used in all types of spaces. Whether it is in a beach house or your everyday kitchen. Knowing how to correspond this shade with your surroundings will result in a beautiful design.
Kountry Kraft offers a wide variety of custom pain match formulas. Allowing you to get the exact color you want for your home. Visit our website to view all the current custom paint matches to gain inspiration. Contact us to incorporate the Pantone color of the year into your space!
#KountryKraft #PantoneColorOfTheYear #CustomCabinetry #LivingCoral #2019PantoneColorOfTheYear #PaintMatch