Step into the world of design enchantment with us as we shine a spotlight on the multifaceted talent of Deb Foglia of Seeking Lavender Lane. As a designer, influencer, blogger, and owner of Vintage Keepers, Deb weaves her passions into every aspect of her creative journey. Currently, she’s transforming a historic 1917 stone Tudor, affectionately dubbed “The Mountain Chateau.” MasterBrand proudly and excitedly partnered with her to create a European-styled kitchen showcasing Omega Cabinetry.

Along with Deb’s 100k+ Seeking Lavender Lane followers on Instagram ( @seekinglavenderlane ), MasterBrand eagerly follows her DIY endeavor, drawing inspiration from her distinctive, European vintage charm styling. With an unmatched ability, Deb transforms an all-white kitchen into a true piece of art! She gave us a one-of-a-kind, in-depth look into her planning phase and shared why Omega Cabinetry was the perfect fit.

Tell us about yourself and your design process for your new kitchen/cabinetry.

“When moving to our new home in Pennsylvania we knew that the 1917 kitchen was not going to work for our 2024 lifestyle. Immediately seeing the larger size dining room in the center of the house I decided this would be the ideal place to make the “new” kitchen. I wanted something unexpected and different from most kitchens I had seen on Instagram and Pinterest. Something that resembled an English Victorian feel (like Downtown Abbey) and also with a design that would feel like furniture and less like a kitchen. As a home decor blogger rethinking the design of a kitchen was important for me not only for my enjoyment but also to bring to the online world. Showing how a kitchen can be elevated yet simple. Bringing both vintage charm and clean lines for a kitchen that is both comfortable to work in and beautiful.”

What were your cabinetry goals for your new kitchen?

“When it came to the cabinets, I knew Omega cabinets were high quality since I had them in my previous kitchen. I wanted something that felt simple like a shaker but almost a bit of a detail that would match some of the moulding around our home. The goal was furniture-like and I think we nailed it with our selection of style and having the inset style that I love.”

Deb worked very closely with a seasoned Omega Cabinetry designer to ensure the cabinet details were the right aesthetic for her vision. She chose Omega’s custom color program to find her perfect white and paired it with the shaker-style, inset construction door, Harvey.

What were the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and any never-want-to-haves?

“The must-haves: Inset cabinetry and drawer storage. I love both the function of the drawers and the way they look. 

Nice-to-have: The addition of the plate storage in the drawers and the double utensil drawer is fabulous! Also, a paneled front dishwasher … but that might be up there with the must-have list. 

Never-want-to-have: Someone else’s kitchen! I wanted this to feel uniquely ours. I also wouldn’t want anything completely stark white when it came to the color.” 

What MasterBrand/Omega cabinetry did you choose for the renovation and why?

“We chose Omega Cabinetry because I had their cabinets in our previous home and truly loved the quality. It was a hard thing to leave behind and so moving to our new home I did not want to compromise on the quality and look of the cabinets. The inset style and beaded surround make them extra special.”

What would you do differently?

“I wouldn’t change a thing but maybe adding a stand-alone pantry to match would be a great addition.”

What are a few tips you’d share about starting a kitchen renovation/cabinetry project for those who don’t know where to start?

“When it comes to designing your kitchen you want to go with classic but also something that truly feels like you. It usually is the largest investment and the room you spend the most time in. Don’t skimp on details as this is where a kitchen truly comes together. Overthink the color and pin all your favorite kitchens to figure out what is it that you seem to be constantly drawn to.

Decide on a layout that works for when you’re cooking. A detail I didn’t even think about but love is having a garbage bin in my island, a game changer for when prepping and chopping. Consider space for the items you use daily and the items you don’t use daily. “

Deb embraced a forward-thinking approach in conceptualizing her kitchen layout to meet her requirements. Opting for a second dedicated area for her bulkier appliances, she kept them from dominating the focal point of the space. This thoughtful decision not only ensures a streamlined aesthetic but also maximizes the functionality of her base cabinets, providing ample storage solutions to organize her essentials.

Any surprising or previously unshared details about the project fans would be curious to know?

“Our floors are ridiculously sloped due to it being such an old house. Our contractor really did an amazing job when it came to making everything straight. I also love the idea that the kitchen feels so simple so there is always room to make changes and grow. Not something most people would say when it comes to a kitchen space but I always love the option to tweak and change with trends and needs.”

Omega Cabinetry was the perfect fit for Deb. The brand checked off all her must-have storage essentials and her design aesthetic. With the availability of the custom color program, she was able to find her perfect finish! To learn more about Omega Cabinetry visit our website. And to keep following Seeking Lavender Lane’s journey, follow Deb on Instagram!

The post Deb Foglia of Seeking Lavender Lane Partners with Omega Cabinetry appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, family, hobbies, or anything you’d like to share! 

“I am the co-owner of Latitude 33 Design & Construction, an Atlanta-based home remodeling company specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring. Born with a foot in two worlds, I spent my childhood between the sandy beaches of El Salvador and the heartland of the United States.

Throughout my life, I have drawn inspiration from my diverse surroundings, finding beauty in even the simplest of settings. My interests are as varied as my background; I cherish time with my family, have a soft spot for animals, and eagerly explore the latest trends in home design.

At the core of my work is a deep commitment to family values. At Latitude 33, a business I run with my husband, Carlos, this commitment translates into transforming houses into homes where families can thrive, create lasting memories, and build their futures. ” 

How long have you been a designer? How long have you been designing with Mantra?

“I have been designing professionally since 2018, building on my initial career in the building materials industry, which began in 2008 as a salesperson for Oldcastle. Latitude 33 was born from this experience, and to better bring my visions to life and serve my clients, I invested in sharpening my design skills and am completely self-taught. In 2023, Latitude 33 added the Mantra Cabinets line and became a trusted Mantra dealer. My clients appreciate Mantra’s offering of high-quality, affordable cabinets, which has enabled me to consistently deliver exceptional design choices. ” 

What are some of your favorite features of Mantra cabinets?

“I particularly value Mantra’s  range of styles and finishes, which enable me to tailor designs precisely to my clients’ preferences and needs. This flexibility ensures that each project reflects the unique tastes and personalities of those I work with. ”

Mantra Cabinets offers three best-selling door styles and six on-trend finishes. Explore these styles here!

Tell us about this particular kitchen design. What was the customer looking for? Were there any obstacles you had to overcome?

“For this project, my client sought a complete redesign following a kitchen leak that resulted in significant damage. With full creative freedom granted by the client, I focused on ensuring the new design not only restored functionality but also reflected the client’s personality and seamlessly integrated with the rest of their home.” 

“The main challenge was the necessity to demolish a wall to achieve an open concept layout between the living room and kitchen. This decision posed obstacles, particularly concerning reduced wall space for cabinets and storage. To overcome this, I strategically closed off a doorway leading to the dining room, thereby freeing up additional wall space where I could install the beautiful Mantra cabinets.” 

“Demolition work of this nature always carries risks, but our team’s expertise ensured a smooth execution. Ultimately, the client was delighted with the transformation of their kitchen space, which now harmonizes beautifully with the overall aesthetic and functional needs of their home.”

Do you have any design tips or tricks that you’d like to share?  

“One of my favorite design techniques is to avoid using the same color for cabinets throughout a space. Instead, I enjoy mixing different wood tones with varied paint choices. This approach incorporates a blend of textures and tones, creating a visually dynamic and multi-dimensional environment. It adds depth and interest to the space, making it feel vibrant and inviting.” 

What are some of the biggest design challenges you have faced?

“One of my most significant design challenges revolves around working with very small spaces. It’s crucial to create a design that not only accommodates all the modern appliances people desire, such as air fryers and espresso machines, but also ensures the kitchen remains both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. Achieving this balance is what I consider the hallmark of a true designer kitchen.” 

To learn more about Mantra Cabinets, visit our website and to find an experienced Designer, visit our Dealer Locator today!

The post From Kitchen Leak to Chic: Mantra Kitchen Designer’s Stunning Transformation appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, family, hobbies, anything you’d like to share! 

I come from a very large family based in Colorado, filled with a wide variety of big personalities and a surprising amount of creative professionals. Being raised to be extremely independent, we all have different interests and live all over the US as well as internationally. My design work has been partly influenced by my family, with careers including photography, furniture design, wood working, metal work, glass work, and the business-side of the home décor and furniture industry.

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Missouri, where I had the great opportunity to play around with varying mediums like oil painting, pottery, jewelry design, photography, graphic design, print-making, and some very fun scuba adventures that fed my love for the ocean. My path led me to San Diego, where I have lived for nine years and started my career and life with my husband and our two dogs. In my free time, we love taking boat rides, relaxing with family, traveling when we can, having fun experimenting with my art, and I’m a major sucker for a vineyard. We have a love/hate relationship with remodeling the home we bought two years ago, and as any homeowners know, it is an endless stream of projects. Getting to put our personal style into the home is so rewarding, and gives me an opportunity to test out design elements that I don’t always have the opportunity to do with my clients.

How long have you been a designer? How long have you been designing with Mantra?

I have been a kitchen and bath designer for almost five years, and have been designing with Mantra since 2020.

What are some of your favorite features of Mantra?

By sticking to the basics and keeping low lead times, Mantra has allowed us to fulfill the needs of many different clients whose projects required more of their budget to be allocated to construction. I also really appreciate that the brand takes current trends into consideration when expanding the color palette.

We really loved how you made the Mantra Cabinets look so high-end! Can you tell me more about this design? What did the client want to achieve in this space that she didn’t have previously?

First of all, thank you! This client wanted to open the kitchen to the living and dining rooms to make sure they can keep their toddler within eyesight while working in the kitchen. Adding in as much countertop space as possible so that she can bake, and have seating at the island were must-haves as well. They were extremely easy clients to work with and like most, just wanted a better use of the space overall.

The previous kitchen was completely walled in and cut off from the main living areas. They now have three access points to the kitchen and easy walkways from the front bedrooms to the back bedrooms.

Taking out a structural wall left us with a necessary post. Integrating it into the island and building the cabinets around it allowed for the island to stretch to the edges of the space and eliminate the need for extra flooring transitions.

Do you have any design tips or tricks that you’d like to share?

Seeing a layout from a bird’s eye view in our design program is where most of my layout problems are solved. Don’t be afraid to close a window or doorway and open one in another spot if the current layout is prohibiting the design from making sense. The beauty of using an online program is that it allows me to play around with my ideas and see what feels right before presenting my ideas to clients. Having a program that integrates with our cabinet lines is such a time saver as well as a peace of mind that what we are designing, is actually available to order.

Mantra’s website has an interactive Kitchen Visualizer Tool that we highly recommend navigating during your research phase. Experimenting with cabinet color, room materials, and layouts gives a 3-D perspective to anyone who needs that extra visual aid.

What are some of the biggest design challenges you have faced?

My biggest design challenges are also my favorite – reconfiguring a space when the flow doesn’t work for my clients is a fun puzzle to work out. I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to move entire kitchens to other rooms in clients’ homes, reverse the master-suite layout in a 1920s home that opened into the middle of a kitchen, build pantries into unused bay window corners, and in most projects the need to maximize storage and function within the existing space is a high priority.

In this particular home renovation, Sarah used Mantra’s Omni door style with a Painted Mineral finish name combination. This classic shaker’s timeless simplicity and clean lines make it a versatile and enduring choice, seamlessly complementing any space with its understated elegance while providing a canvas for a variety of design styles. The Mineral finish is a mid-tone gray and is popular in kitchen designs for its ability to strike a perfect balance, offering a modern and sophisticated aesthetic while simultaneously concealing everyday wear and tear, making it a practical and stylish choice for a timeless kitchen.

For homeowners wanting to start a project of their own, what steps should they consider?

For a homeowner, finding the right contractor and designer for your project is number one. I am extremely blessed to work at a Design/Build company that has designers, like myself, on staff and has built an exceptional reputation in San Diego with 37 years in the business. When starting a kitchen renovation, a wishlist vs must-haves is important to establish the priorities of each client. Compiling a collection of images is also very helpful for us to get on the same page with the design. Check out Mantra’s Inspiration Gallery here!

When making our material selections, we will either start with the cabinetry or the flooring, then move on to countertops, tile, and finishing touches. Most clients have a good idea of what they envision for their space but often surprise themselves by selecting materials they didn’t expect to like until they see them in person. Seeing physical samples of all material selections and full slabs of stone is vital for this reason. When it comes to kitchen layouts, I will typically draft two floorplans. One that is based on the ideas that the client had in mind, and a bonus one with a layout they may have never considered possible. The end result is usually a collaboration of both the designer’s and the homeowner’s vision.

We also urge our clients to prepare a space in the home as a temporary kitchen while the remodel is in progress to help maintain sanity and some routine. Remodeling is a moving target and while some clients have completed one before, most will be experiencing major construction for the first time. We do our best to communicate what to expect throughout the process and always check in with the client to make sure that the work being done is something that they will love for decades to come.

To learn more about Mantra Cabinets, visit our website and to find an experienced Designer, visit our Dealer Locator today!

The post Artistic Flair Meets Practical Kitchen Design appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

Social media influencers and home DIYers, Lauren and Tyler Bouldin are known for sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly while in the midst of renovating their 1830s home, known as The Forge House, in Central Pennsylvania. Tyler’s dry humor and Lauren’s eye for design resonate with their 2.3M followers as they take them through their ongoing three-year restoration. As you can imagine, this isn’t an easy endeavor but with the help of StarMark Cabinetry, we were able to give The Bouldins some vanity relief!

StarMark Cabinetry is a custom line under the MasterBrand Cabinets’ portfolio. This brand wasn’t just chosen for The Forge House for its quality, function, and beauty, but also for its customization. Lauren needed these vanities to fit perfectly into the unique space that was given and StarMark helped do just that!

Lauren and Tyler gave us an exclusive interview about their design process and how StarMark fits The Forge House’s aesthetic perfectly!

Tell us about yourself and your design process for The Forge House.

We have been on a three-year journey of restoring The Forge House, an 1830s historic home in central PA, the Bouldins told us. Our goal for the interior design of this home is to do a blend of traditional and modern touches. When picking out items for the bathrooms that are longer lasting, such as vanities and tile, I wanted pieces that are functional and adaptive to design changes. I wanted pieces that would not only fit the home but that could really thrive throughout the years.

What were the must-haves, the nice-to-have, and any never-want-to-haves?

Both vanities we chose needed to be custom-sized because of the nooks that were already pre-established in these rooms. We also needed a chase cutout drawer in the guest bathroom to clear the plumbing. This gave e us maximum storage in that drawer. I was thrilled with the fact that we could customize the size of this cutout. We also were able to add a pullout drawer in our “kids” bathroom to help with storage space. The nice-to-haves would be the in-set drawers. This look really elevates the vanities. I also loved the fact that I could pick custom colors for the vanities to fit my design for each room. I don’t have any never-want-to-haves.

What StarMark cabinetry did you choose for the renovation and why?

For the kids’ bathroom, we went with the Knottingham Maple Black with inset construction. This was a custom 53” wide vanity and custom apron front to fit our vanity top overhang. I chose this style for this bathroom because the center doors add a more traditional look. The flat drawers tie in the modern design. This bathroom has a black-and-white theme throughout it. I have hand-painted black and white pattern tile on the floor, subway tiles on the shower walls, and a solid black backsplash with concrete countertops. The black vanity really is a statement piece in the space. It ties in well with all the design elements in this room.

In the guest bathroom, we went with Ballinger Maple Custom Color Dusky Blue from Benjamin Moore – Custom 38” vanity width, inset construction, and a higher apron to accommodate the vanity top. I wanted the overall design of this space to be warmer, lighter colors, and more elegant. This room does not have a window so keeping the space bright and airy was important for me. I designed this bathroom around the color I chose for the vanity. I wanted the vanity to be my solid pop of color and I layered other elements in the room to highlight it. The Ballinger profile has a softer look with the rounded edges and the inset drawers are the perfect touch. Our concrete countertop also has a scoop bowl. The wall molding I added has a rounded profile as well to tie these elements together.

What would you do differently?

I wouldn’t do anything differently with my vanities. The one thing I wish I had done differently that affected the vanities was making sure the floors and nooks were level before installing our cabinetry in The Forge House. We had to add our own toe kicks to both vanities because they were not sitting level on the floors. When dealing with such old framework it is hard to accomplish this.

What are a few tips you’d share about starting a bathroom renovation/cabinetry project for those who don’t know where to start?

I would say contract MasterBrand/Starmark. When it comes to renovating a bathroom there are a lot of choices that need to be made. Choosing the right vanity is very important. There are a lot of vanities that are made out of MDF or particle board. Those won’t last you more than a year. With the amount of water and dampness in a bathroom they will start to fall apart. We installed one in our barn when we renovated this space initially and it did not hold up for more than six months. So the lesson we learned is to spend money on items like quality hardwood vanities, tiles, and hardware. Choosing quality pieces will save you in the long run. You can always change paint color or wallpaper but the items that you want to last 10+ years is where you should put most of your budget.  

We encourage you to follow along on Lauren and Tyler’s TikTok (@ouroldhouse) and Instagram (@theforgehouse) pages as the restoration continues!

Start your own restoration journey at StarmarkCabinetry.com.

The post StarMark Cabinets a Perfect Fit for The Forge House appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

MasterBrand Cabinets is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity and join the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project hosted by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood to continue our company’s long tradition of giving back to communities and supporting Habitat’s mission to provide affordable housing to families in need.

Our design team collaborated closely with Habitat to custom design layouts for each of the 27 homes that will be built in Charlotte, NC in early October. Over five days, future homeowners will work alongside hundreds of volunteers to build the single-family homes and outfit them with quality Diamond cabinetry donated by MasterBrand.

“The kitchen is the heart of the home, and your cabinets are the backdrop for everything from family gatherings at holidays to daily meal prep and homework,” said Leslie Haefling, MasterBrand’s lead designer for the Carter Work Project. “We’ve designed these kitchens using the Diamond brand to combine long-lasting quality, durability, great looks, and the organizational features that families need.”

Recognizing the kitchen’s central role in a home, MasterBrand is committed to creating spaces that best support busy families.

“The Diamond brand is a wonderful fit for the Carter Work Projects since they have a broad selection of door styles and finishes that meet the needs of the Habitat for Humanity offering,” continued Haefling. “At the beginning of the design process, I helped the team narrow down the offering to four door styles and six finishes ranging from stains to paint so the homeowners could make final selections.”

A group of 20 MasterBrand employees, including Haefling, will be on-site throughout the event to assist with the construction of the new homes.

“I have been working on the cabinetry designs for these homes for months and am excited for the opportunity to volunteer and give back to this wonderful project,” Haefling said. “This will be my first time on a build site working alongside other volunteers. I am also excited to meet the Habitat for Humanity team that I have been working with on the kitchen designs for these homes.”

The 2023 Carter Work Project will take place at Habitat Charlotte Region’s large-scale affordable housing neighborhood, The Meadows at Plato Price. Named after the Plato Price School, this historically significant West Charlotte area was once a thriving African-American neighborhood. The school closed in the 1960s when desegregation took hold, and the land lay vacant until the city of Charlotte donated it to Habitat Charlotte Region in 2019.

Since 1984, the Carter Work Project has organized 104,000 volunteers to build 4,390 homes in 14 countries.

Follow MasterBrand Cabinets on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for additional updates on the 2023 Carter Work Project.

The post MasterBrand Proudly Partners with Carter Work Project appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

Instagram Influencer and Interior Designer Kirsten Grove has always been passionate about the design process. And over the years, her creativity has been an inspiration to many others as well. She recently partnered with StarMark Cabinetry, a custom brand known for its endless selections of products, finishes, and door styles, to renovate her kitchen into the kitchen of her dreams! Follow her journey and learn more about her design process as she candidly gives us insight into the first phase of her complete home renovation.

Tell us about yourself and your design process for your new kitchen.

“Since I was a kid, I’ve been obsessed with design,” Kirsten told us. “The process, the results, the movement, all of it has been appealing to me my whole life. My husband and I have renovated a few homes together. We spent almost 15 months renovating this latest home, which was much longer than anticipated. This home is my absolute favorite and well worth the wait! It’s quaint, has lots of character, and still has a whole second phase ahead of it. Our first phase included the kitchen. I LOVE my kitchen. I have dreamed of this layout for years. We expanded the back of the house out 10 feet to create this layout. The island is the most popular area of our home. It’s the perfect spot for friends and family to pitch a seat and sit for hours.“

Before images of the kitchen

Expansion to create a larger kitchen

What were your cabinetry goals for your new kitchen?

“It’s not a huge kitchen, so smart storage was VERY important. I wanted a chef’s pantry full of thoughtful cubbies and drawers. I also wanted a majority of inset drawers. I love the functionality of a drawer and how it allows you to store way more than you would expect. As far as the aesthetic, I wanted a mix of modern meets traditional. When you look at the black cabinet wall, you see a very clean vibe. And then when you look at the range wall, it’s much more classic, traditional.“

As Kirsten mentions, cabinetry goals and functionality are so important. She recommends first choosing storage solutions that are most valuable to you and understanding how you are going to work best in the kitchen. Sketch out a quick floor plan and itemize and map out where you would store all of your kitchen essentials. This will organically guide the functionality and purpose of each of your cabinets.

“Once the practical is decided, then you can play with door style and cabinet colors,” Kirsten suggests.

Explore all the color and cabinet styles StarMark has to offer here.

What were the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and any never-want-to-haves?

“The must-have was the kitchen-aid mixer pop-up cabinet. My daughter uses it daily! The nice-to-have is the spice drawer. It’s a little detail but makes all the difference! I really don’t have a never-want-to-have in this kitchen. I LOVE IT ALL!!“

Tell us about your finish and style selections from StarMark Cabinetry.

“We did a mix of inset and overlay. Both are painted. The black cabinets have a Shou Sugi Ban vibe (a Japanese wood-burning technique), which makes them feel fancy. We did the inset cabinets in Portabella. I love the warm yet cool look to the color.”

On the perimeter of the kitchen, Kirsten used the Dewitt Inset door on maple with the Portabella finish. The back bank of cabinets showcases a full overlay door style, Monroe on Oak Black.

Kirsten ingeniously mixed two different door styles, cabinet finishes, and wood species within her space. Can we take a moment to let that sink in?

Mixing materials and styles in the kitchen just proves that anything goes in the design world and don’t be afraid to stay true to yourself! Adding your personality into your space will give you a sense of comfort, accomplishment, and joy. StarMark is here to help you accomplish your dream space!

To learn more about the brand, visit StarMark’s website here. And to get started with your own kitchen design, visit a Dealer near you!

The post StarMark Cabinets are the Star of the Show in Kitchen Remodel appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

MasterBrand Cabinets proudly partnered with Interior Designer and Influencer Grant K. Gibson to create the all-black kitchen of his dreams in his newly built home in Maine. Grant chose to use one of our custom brands, Decorá, because of their high-quality finishes, unique storage offerings, and inset door styles that fit his needs.

“I was looking for two things in cabinetry – inset doors and drawers and traditional molding detailing,” Grant said. “I wanted the cabinetry to be very timeless and classic and I did look at a lot of other companies before selecting MasterBrand. When I saw the samples in person, I was immediately sold.”

Making a Bold Choice

Planning out a dream kitchen is no easy task. Grant worked with an architect in Alabama to draft his all-black kitchen and pantry space and then trusted a Decorá Design Specialist to turn his dream into reality. He confidently chose Decorá’s Jet finish, a clean, true-black cabinet color, for all of his kitchen cabinetry. Grant said that this bold choice was an easy one for him.

“I think people are surprised when they see my kitchen with black cabinets, black counters, and no upper cabinets or open shelves. I have a water view from the kitchen, and I wanted that to be the focus.”

Natural Light is Key

All too often, homeowners are tempted to play it safe when choosing a cabinet finish in their kitchen. But kitchens are meant to bring life to your home and they should provoke an emotion that is meaningful to you. An all-black kitchen has the ability to hit on many different design styles – it’s transitional, traditional, and modern. Depending on the door style and finish pairings, black kitchens can be absolutely stunning! Before making the leap, the key is to ensure you have enough natural light coming through to keep your space bright and open.

A Place for Everything

“I cook in my kitchen daily, so having storage where everything had a home was key,” said Grant. “I wanted everything to go back into place when I wasn’t using it, so basically no clutter. We have an eat-in dining table, so everything is out for everyone to see.”

Custom Features from Decorá

If you are looking to customize certain details in your kitchen, Decorá is your brand! There are endless custom color options to choose from. Decorá also offers an abundance of storage features. And different construction details, like the inset-beaded cabinetry that is showcased in Grant’s kitchen, can take your design to a new level.

Grant even designed his own custom wood hood using Decorá’s existing materials.

“We wanted to design a custom hood, and MasterBrand sent pre-painted wood to match the cabinets so my contractor could build this hood on site,” said Grant.

Embracing Creativity

We embrace a Designer’s creativity through the design process and Grant’s kitchen gave us something truly inspiring! For more inspiration, follow @grantkgibson on Instagram or swoon over his portfolio of work on his website.

And get your owner project started by locating a Decorá dealer here!

The post Designer Goes Bold with All-Black Kitchen appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

Each room was thoughtfully designed with Omega Cabinetry’s custom capabilities in mind. Included throughout this large home, Omega is featured in the main kitchen, the scullery, the wine room, and the butler’s pantry. These areas are brought to life by the Feuring Beaded Inset, a 1-inch-thick door style, with a slab-top drawer that exudes a period-based but timeless look. This style, along with the finish pairings, acts more like functional furniture pieces than the more common aesthetic of simple, clean-lined cabinetry that has been favored over the last few years. The layout and design combination couldn’t be more perfect!

To learn more about inset cabinetry, click here!

Featured Design Trends

Trusting a professional kitchen designer to create a space that is magazine-worthy with extra details that really stand out means experimenting with custom cabinetry, unique finish palettes, and mixed materials. The spaces in the Whole Home project feature integrated appliances, multi-tonal finishes, and glass mullions, door inserts, and open shelving throughout.

Integrated Paneled Appliances

Disguising your kitchen appliances with integrated door panels allows for a seamless, premium look as those appliances now blend in with the rest of the cabinetry. A huge benefit of integrated appliances is that it also calls for the refrigerator to be counter-depth, aligning with the surrounding cabinets and not protruding into the walkway.

A perfect example is the hidden refrigerator with freezer drawers, pictured above. Because of the custom paneling, it appears to be a tall pantry unit, until it’s opened and reveals itself as a working appliance. These panels also allow for many customization options. This application also works on dishwashers, ice machines, and beverage centers or, when a peak inside is called for, wine refrigeration as seen above.

Multi-toned Kitchen Finishes

Mixing finishes, such as paint and a stain, in a well-designed area, enhances the personality of a space. Letting your cabinets be the focal point allows for the other materials and finishes to become a neutral backdrop as light floors and white walls continue to gain in popularity. And with that neutral palette, it’s easy to change your beloved décor with your ever-changing style or embellish your space with personalized and curated tastes.

Mixing these finishes within the kitchen has been popular for many years. One way to really enhance that combination is by combining them with mixed wood species. You can really start to see those textures come to life. The use of Omega’s Kodiak finish on Oak provides a deep, richness, and aged authenticity, especially when paired with an array of blue shades as shown by this design. The two pop together and tie this classically inspired space together perfectly and with loads of personality!

Easy and Accessible Open Shelving

Open cabinetry has been and continues to be a perfect way to elaborate on decorative features within a space. We love the thoughtfulness behind the use of open shelving in this butler’s pantry. It works efficiently while proving a stunning display of custom cabinetry! When used in the right setting, open and floating shelves provide increased functionality with ease of access to out-of-stock pantry goods. The utilization is perfect in this setting as these items aren’t seen by house guests in the main kitchen. Yet, they still help with meal prep and entertainment needs in the most efficient manner.

For more details on Omega custom cabinetry, click here. To read more about the House Beautiful Whole Home project, click here.

Credentials: BRAND: House Beautiful / DESIGNER: Whittney Parkinson / BUILDER: Ladisic Fine Homes / PHOTOGRAPHERS: Robert Peterson and Tomas Espinoza

The post Omega Cabinetry Partners with House Beautiful on Whole Home Project appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

The outcome was not only awe-inspiring but educational for her followers along the way. We encourage you to head over to her Instagram page to dive into the design process and get a better understanding of the renovation and how important the planning phase is for any successful home improvement project.

Shavonda graciously agreed to talk to us about her renovation after her kitchen was complete. Here is what she had to say:   

Tell us about yourself and your design process for your new kitchen.

“My name is Shavonda Gardner and I’m an interior designer and lifestyle content creator based in Sacramento CA. My family and I committed to a downsized lifestyle and traded in our large newer construction home for our 1942 cottage bungalow, half its size,  seven years ago. Going into the kitchen renovation, I had a very clear idea of what our exact needs and desires were after living with the original kitchen for so many years.  At the core of the renovation was my desire to create a space as a homage to my grandmother’s kitchen in Louisiana. I’m also very much a fan of classic European kitchens so the idea was to create a space that felt like a rustic French kitchen meets quirky English kitchen and they go on vacation to Africa.”

What were your cabinetry goals for your new kitchen?

“I really wanted our cabinetry to be reminiscent of traditional English kitchen cabinetry. I wanted beautiful quality and great old-school craftsmanship. I wanted COLOR and I needed to be able to customize it to accommodate a lot of storage for our small space.”

What were the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and any never-want-to-haves?

“Must-haves: Very specific storage! Pull out drawer for trash and recycle bin, integrated knife block, a custom storage hutch for dinnerware, and space to store my enameled Dutch ovens.

Nice-to-haves: Fun storage ideas I didn’t know were possible like the toe kick drawer!

Never-want-to-haves: Upper cabinetry.”

What doorstyle from Omega Cabinetry did you choose for the renovation and why?

 “I chose Benson doors with inset construction because I love the classic Shaker style door, but it has just a bit of extra detail on the interior profile. I also loved that it’s a solid wood door. It’s just beautiful and exactly what I imagined.”

If you renovated again, is there anything you would do differently?

“I only have one regret about the entire renovation and that is the size of the cabinet to the left of the range. I really, really wanted to go with a larger drawer, but we weren’t sure what the allowance would be with the corner cabinet once the range got in so we were conservative with the size. In the end, we have about five inches to work with so we could’ve gone with one size larger and been flush with the door trim.  I know it doesn’t sound like a lot, but every single inch counts in a small space.”

Do you have any tips you’d share about starting a kitchen renovation/cabinetry project for those who don’t know where to start?

“The biggest piece of advice I have is to know and understand what your NEEDS are and address those first. Also, prioritize the way you live in your home over what is trendy, popular, or all over Pinterest at the moment. Kitchens are meant to be workhorses and they really do need to work, so make sure you are leading with your needs first.”

Any surprising or previously unshared details about the project fans would be curious to know?

“Nope!  I shared the entire renovation project through a vlog series so you get to see the good, the bad, the mistakes…. all of it!”

Thank you for taking us behind the scenes of your kitchen renovation using custom cabinets from Omega!

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation of your own, make sure to follow Shavonda’s vlog series as she explains the planning and execution involved in her kitchen renovation project. Shavonda also shares images and short videos of her hand-chosen storage and shows the viewer how each one functions.

If you are planning a remodel or new build, head over to Omega Cabinetry’s website to get inspired and explore their beautiful custom cabinets! Happy planning!

The post Shavonda Gardner: Maximizing Small Spaces with Custom Cabinets appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

We partnered with This Old House on the 2021 Cottage Community Idea House to bring bright, functional Mantra cabinetry throughout the space. Mantra was a great cabinet choice for this project because of its fashion-forward design styles and budget-conscious pricing. It is easy to imagine what’s possible with a cabinetry line that is designed to meet your basic needs while keeping your dreams within reach.

Designed with flexible floorplans in mind for both empty-nesters and multi-generational families, the duplex is part of a ten-home pocket neighborhood in Norwalk, CT. The homes feature mirroring layouts with modern kitchens, large bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, open living areas with workstations, and efficient mudroom/laundry rooms.

Bright and Modern Functional Kitchen

Omni Cabinets in Snow by Mantra infuses the kitchen with a bright and airy feel. The other unit featuring Omni Cabinets in Mineral provides an earthy and sophisticated look. The MasterBrand design team worked with This Old House to maximize storage in both spaces. This work included functional upper and lower cabinetry configuration, a combination garbage/recycle pull-out and pull-out drawer storage for pots and pans. With a versatile configuration and an abundance of storage, each layout provides an opportunity for the homeowner to create their own possibilities.

Reimagined Desk Space

Extending off the kitchen and into the living space, a wall of Omni Cabinets in Snow by Mantra creates a dual-station homework/office space with a generous amount of storage.

Functional Mudroom and Laundry Room Storage

A combination laundry/mudroom is conveniently located between the garage and the main floor. A small-but-mighty upper and lower Mantra cabinet combo offers practical and discrete storage for the limited space.

When it comes to kitchen design, Mantra thrives in today’s fast-paced, budget-conscious environment. Mantra brings our customers quality products with all the upgrades built-in. Reliable service that exceeds expectations, and quick shipping to meet the tightest of deadlines, Mantra Cabinetry and our dealers are excited to work with this product. “Nukitchens is proud to be part of The Cottages project. The concept is a beautifully designed and spacious collection of luxury rentals along the Gold Coast of Connecticut. We shared with this project direction a clean, curated design aesthetic that Mantra fulfilled at a great value.” – the founder of Nukitchens, Joe Najmy.

Learn more about Mantra Cabinets at mantracabinets.com. To read more about the This Old House 2021 Cottage Community Idea House, click here.

The post Mantra Meets ‘This Old House’ appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.