Interior Design Archives - Wood Countertop, Butcherblock and Bar Top Blog

Walnut Dining Room Bar Top designed by Todd Wiley, Senior Designer, TruKitchens

Posted on March 6, 2020

A beautiful cottage with a smaller, yet smart, layout for relaxed lakefront living was designed by Todd Wiley, Senior Designer of TruKitchens. The space features a Walnut Dining Room Bar Top custom crafted by Grothouse.

Walnut Dining Room Bar Top designed by Todd Wiley, Senior Designer, TruKitchens — Design by Todd Wiley, Senior Designer, TruKitchens

About the Designer: Todd Wiley, TruKitchen’s Senior Designer, has been working in the industry for the past 25 years. His passion ignited in college when he started working for a builder and cabinet shop owner. Realizing that he had to immerse himself in the industry to learn, he took a job at local shop on the Lake Michigan shoreline. As his passions grew, he moved on to Standard Kitchen Distributors where he continued to master the trade. This experience gave him the exposure to the systems and process that he was searching for. Feeling like there was more to learn on the design-end of the business, Todd then spent 7 years at a Cascade based design shop. For him, this experience gave him what he needed to further pursue his passion and open his own design shop, which is where he is today.

Todd Wiley, Senior Designer, TruKitchens designer of Walnut Dining Room Bar Top — Todd Wiley, Senior Designer, TruKitchens

Designer Tip(s): “The dining area bar sits along an interior wall that faces out to a beautiful lake. The mirrored backsplash below eyelevel feels like a window pulling natural light into a potentially dark corner of this open main floor layout.”

“The inset cabinets in a clean line door style and unique custom paint color paired with the wood countertop blend cottage and contemporary.”

Walnut Dining Room Bar Top with Blue Cabinetry and Gold Hardware — Edge Grain Walnut Bar Top for a Dining Room

Cabinet Manufacturer: Grabill Cabinetry in custom paint match on inset Lacunar door style

Cabinet Hardware: Champagne bronze

Flooring: Medium hardwood

Countertops: Edge grain Walnut with sapwood

Backsplash: Mirror

Other Appliances: Sub-Zero panel ready ice maker, Perlick panel ready wine storage, Perlick panel ready undercounter refrigerator

Other Items, Comments, Advice: Interior design by Vision Interiors, Builder is Devries & Onderlinde Builders, Architect is Visbeen Architects, Photography by Ashley Avila Photography. Click here for additional project information!

Follow TruKitchens on social media to see more of their designs! Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Houzz

Visit our website to see more designs featuring a Walnut Dining Room Bar Top.

#GrothouseThings #Walnut #BarTop #DiningRoom

Grothouse KBIS 2020 Recap

Posted on February 7, 2020

The Grothouse team had a blast at KBIS 2020. There was no shortage of inspiration, remarkable products, outstanding booths and talented designers. Not only did Grothouse craft pieces for two renowned booths, one booth even won best of show!

The Wellborn Booth

Grothouse crafted a Wenge half parsons table for the classic contemporary, sleek kitchen display designed by Darcie Miller in the Wellborn Cabinet booth. The inspiration for this design was trendy, basic and affordable. Frameless cabinets combined with glossy and matte finishes and wood accents.

Grothouse KBIS 2020 Wellborn Cabinet Half Parsons Table — KBIS 2020 Wellborn Cabinet Booth

The parsons table served as a peninsula in the kitchen display. At 3 inches thick, it was finished with the exclusive Durata® Waterproof permanent finish.

During the show, Wellborn hosted a presentation by master designer Matthew Ferrarini, who spoke about this year’s hottest design trends.

Grothouse Wood Countertop Representatives at KBIS 2020 Wellborn Cabinet Booth — Jeannine Price and Jennifer Kell of Grothouse at the Wellborn Booth

Pictured are Jeannine Price and Jennifer Kell of Grothouse.

The Monogram Booth

Industry Rockstar and renowned designer Richard Anuszkiewicz brought a fresh take on cutting-edge design in kitchens for Monogram Appliances. The booth featured four distinct spaces, each with their own themes and all with one goal: to challenge the status quo. A big element in the kitchens was the return of the kitchen table married with cooking elements. Learn more behind the design on Kitchen & Bath Design News. It is with much sincerity we wish Monogram and Richard a huge congratulations for winning Best of Show!

The Grothouse Table

Grothouse Wood and Metal Table Design by Richard Anuszkiewicz for Monogram's Booth at KBIS 2020 — Table Design by Richard Anuszkiewicz for Monogram’s Booth at KBIS 2020

Grothouse crafted a custom table; featuring a handplaned Wenge base. The tops, however, were split. One side featured a handplaned Wenge top.

Custom Table in KBIS 2020 Monogram Appliances Booth designed by Richard Anuszkiewicz — Table Design by Richard Anuszkiewicz for Monogram’s Booth at KBIS

The other side features stainless steel countertops that are integrated with two brand new appliances Monogram introduced at the show. The apron is also stainless steel.

Half Metal Half Wenge Table in Monogram's Booth at KBIS 2020 — Half Metal Half Wenge Table in Monogram’s Booth

There are Anvil™ metal finished accents on the apron and between the two surfaces. Overall table size was a massive 5’ x 12’-6”.

Charcuterie by Board & You on Custom Wenge Wood Table at KBIS 2020 — Charcuterie by Board & You

During the show, Monogram had the table decked out with beautiful charcuterie by Board & You.

Grothouse Wood Surfaces Team gets together with customers from the northeast and midatlantic — Grothouse Team Get Together with Customers

The Grothouse team had a great time and enjoyed a get together with customers from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

#KBIS2020 #KBIS #GrothouseThings #CustomWoodCountertops #CustomWoodTables #AnvilSeries #MarkofMonogram #ElevateEverything #MonogramPartner

Peruvian Walnut Island Countertop designed by TruKitchens

Posted on October 9, 2019

A Peruvian Walnut Island Countertop designed by Todd Wiley of TruKitchens in collaboration with Jennifer Butler Design creates a favorite gathering spot for family and friends. Their bold Mid-Century Modern design perfectly suited this client’s home and style for this kitchen renovation.

Peruvian Walnut Island Countertop designed for a Mid Century Modern Kitchen — Design by TruKitchens in collaboration with Jennifer Butler Design

Designer Tip: “We chose Peruvian Walnut and Color Quartz Oyster Shell. Changing the counter material allows the top to feel grand without feeling overly long.”

Peruvian Walnut Wood Countertop and Quartz Oyster Shell Countertop make the kitchen island — Peruvian Walnut Island Countertop combined with a Quartz Oyster Shell Countertop

Project Details

Cabinet Manufacturer: Shiloh Cabinetry

Cabinet Hardware: Atlas Hardware

Countertops: Grothouse Peruvian Walnut Island Countertop

Complimentary Countertops: Quartz Oyster Shell

Flooring: Original White Oak Flooring Refinished

Faucet: Moen Align

Sink: Kohler Cault Double Bowl Undermount

Backsplash: Porcelanosa

Wall Color: SW7022 Alpaca

Stove: Jenn Aire White Glass Cooktop

Dishwasher: Jenn Aire White Glass

Other Appliances: Jenn Air White Glass Fridge; Stainless Zephyr Hood

Other Items, Comments or Advice: “We took the adjacent eating area and incorporated it as part of the kitchen to maintain an eating area, but also allow the kitchen to feel bigger by extending the island while taking full advantage of the view.”

Project Credits

Designer: Jennifer Butler Design
Kitchen Designer: TruKitchens
Appliances: Bekins Appliance
Photographer: Bill Lindhout Photography

Click here to learn more about Peruvian Walnut wood countertops. See more designs by following @jenniferbutlerdesign and @trukitchens on Instagram!

Congratulations Matthew Quinn!

Posted on July 10, 2019

We would like to take the honor of congratulating the prestigious Matthew Quinn for winning Kitchen & Bath Business Person of the Year! The editors at Kitchen & Bath Business chose the Person of the Year and the six Praiseworthy Picks based on how they are leading the way and making a difference in our industry.

KBB Person of the Year Matthew Quinn Kitchen Designer — Photography via KBB

Wood Countertops by Matthew Quinn

Grothouse had the honor to work with Matthew Quinn on many occasions, including the prestigious House Beautiful Magazine Kitchen of the Year 2016. His designs are more than inspiration, they are truly unique innovations.

House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year designed by Matthew Quinn — House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year Table

House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year designed by Quinn featured a Walnut wood table with an Anvil™ Magnum metal finished edging along the table and pedestal base.

House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year Grothouse Anvil Metal Finished Wood Countertop designed by Matthew Quinn — House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year Countertop and Shelves

Also a part of Kitchen of the Year was this White Oak Rift Sawn Blank countertop featuring an Anvil™ Argentum Metal Textured Finish applied to show the wood grain. Matching floating shelves were crafted in the same finish.

Click here to learn more about this achievement and Matthew Quinn!

#KBB #KBBPersonoftheYear #GrothouseThings #CustomWoodCountertops

Black Kitchens with Wood Countertops

Posted on January 23, 2019

All the experts agree on this one: black kitchens with wood countertops are making their mark in 2019. Yet another trend that has been climbing its way back from the eighties, black is bringing that sharp contrast to kitchens devoid of color.

Black Kitchens with Wood Countertops Design by Steven Miller for House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year 2014 — Black Kitchens with Wood Countertops | Design by Steven Miller for House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year 2014

Black hued kitchen designs quickly add an elegant sense of drama to any home, are easier to manage, and are an elegant alternative to standard ivories.

Designs of Black Kitchens with Wood Countertops

Black Kitchen with Reclaimed Wood Bar Top Subway Tile Backsplash Black Fixtures — Shawna Dillon of Studio Snaidero D.C. Metro | Gordon Beall Photography

Shawna Dillon of Studio Snaidero D.C. Metro designed this sleek, sultry kitchen. A warm Reclaimed Chestnut wood bar top combined with tall black cabinets and fixtures bring dramatic flair to the white subway tile walls and light-colored floors. This kitchen won the Kitchen & Bath Business magazine’s Showroom of the Year 2016 Award!

Black Kitchen Design by Steven Miller for House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year 2014 — Design by Steven Miller for House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year 2014

Rich, black enameled cabinetry reaches the ceiling in this kitchen designed by Steven Miller for the 2014 House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year.

Black Cabinets with Peruvian Walnut Wood Countertop and Matching Wood Engraved Shelves — Design by Steven Miller for House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year 2014

Accents of Peruvian Walnut can be seen throughout the sophisticated space, including a custom wood countertop with a cooktop and matching wood shelving. The shelving featured laser engraving of various words, such as “dessert” and “salad”. The look is completed with brushed metal hardware, white stone counters and geometric glass tiles.

Butlers Pantry with Black Cabinets and Peruvian Walnut Wood Countertop with Drainboards — Butler’s Pantry Design by Steven Miller for House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year 2014

Extended off the kitchen was a butler’s pantry, featured the same black cabinetry and backsplash. A Peruvian Walnut countertop was crafted for the sink area, which included drainboards. With black covering just about every aspect of the space, the Peruvian Walnut countertop, as well as the light-hued countertop, made perfect, bright additions.

Wet Bar Design with Black Cabinetry and Peruvian Walnut Wood Counter and Geometric Tile Backsplash — Wet Bar Design by Steven Miller for House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year 2014

In addition to the kitchen and butler’s pantry, Steven Miller designed a wet bar that features the same design elements: Peruvian Walnut wood counter, geometric black and silver metallic backsplash and black cabinetry.

Visit the Grothouse Countertop Image Library to see more designs of black kitchens with wood countertops.

#GrothouseThings #BlackKitchens #CustomWoodCountertops #2019KitchenDesignTrends #KitchenDesign

Taking Home First Place

Posted on December 5, 2018

Congratulations to Jeannine Price – Grothouse Regional Sales Representative for New York, New England – and her husband for taking home first place at the Interior Design Society Long Island Chapter Swatched 2018 Event Design Competition!

Jeannine Price Grothouse Regional Sales Representative Taking Home First Place — Jeannine Price – Grothouse Regional Sales Representative for New York, New England

This was the third annual Swatched event. It took place at Stark Carpet in Syosset, New York on October 9, 2018. All proceeds from this event supported charities by the design judges. Among the sponsors, guests included kitchen and bath designers, exterior, interior, students and architects.

IDS Swatched Event Design Competition 2018 — IDS Swatched 2018

All competition participants had one hour to put a swatch board together from a mystery bag of materials and a design library. The items in the mystery bag must be used for the design to qualify. The swatch boards included carpet, tile, paint colors, décor and more. At the end of the hour, the judges chose their favorite four boards.

George Oliphant George Oliphant of George to the Rescue with IDS Swatched 2018 First Place Winner Jeannine Price — George Oliphant of George to the Rescue with Jeannine Price

With over 200 attendees, and about 50 designers participating in the competition, Grothouse is proud of Jeannine for taking home first place! Click here to watch a video of the event.

#GrothouseThings #WoodInnovations #IDS #IDSProud #InteriorDesign #IDSNY

Solid Wood Experts on Sell It Like Serhant

Posted on May 9, 2018

Grothouse, Inc., the leading solid wood surfaces manufacturer located in Germansville, Pennsylvania, was featured on Ryan Serhant’s new television show, Sell It Like Serhant.

The episode aired Wednesday, April 25, 2018 told the story of Frank. Frank used to work in the restaurant business, but unfortunate circumstances resulted in a career change to selling kitchens and custom cabinets. After working for four months without making a sale, Frank was at the risk of losing his job if he couldn’t sell a kitchen in one week.

Ryan Serhant, the leader of one of the top real estate teams in the United States, came to Frank’s rescue by taking a dive into the world of kitchens and cabinetry. To help Frank reach his full potential, Ryan knew that Frank needed to learn everything there is to know about cabinets. Knowing the facts would help and so, they decided to visit Pennsylvania to learn about the wood used to craft cabinets in addition to cabinet making.

Their first stop was Germansville, Pennsylvania where they met Paul and Denise Grothouse of Grothouse, Inc. Denise taught Frank all there is to know about the solid wood used to craft custom cabinets. After a skid loader ride, Paul assisted Frank and Ryan to cut down a dead ash tree from the woods located on the Grothouse farm.

Denise Grothouse with Ryan Serhant and Frank for Sell It Like Serhant Bravo TV Series — Denise Grothouse with Ryan Serhant and Frank.

Denise Grothouse showing Ryan Serhant and Frank the different wood species used to craft cabinets.

Ryan Serhant and Frank enjoy a skid loader ride from Paul Grothouse for Sell It Like Serhant Bravo TV Series — Ryan Serhant and Frank enjoy a skid loader ride from Paul Grothouse.

Paul Grothouse, Frank and Ryan Serhant prepare to cut down the tree for Sell It Like Serhant Bravo TV — Paul Grothouse, Frank and Ryan Serhant prepare to cut down the tree.

Ryan Serhant’s first experience cutting down a tree had him pretty excited for Sell It Like Serhant Bravo TV — Ryan Serhant’s first experience cutting down a tree had him pretty excited.

This isn’t the first time Grothouse, Inc. has been featured on national television. Grothouse has had the honor of participating in This Old House® TV Show six times, as well as participating in House Beautiful Magazine’s Kitchen of the Year for over 7 years designing kitchens with the likes of celebrity chef Tyler Florence.

Their second stop was Kountry Kraft, a leading manufacturer of custom cabinetry since 1959 located in Newmanstown, Pennsylvania. There, Frank and Ryan met cabinet expert Elvin Hurst, Jr., Co-owner and President of Kountry Kraft. Grothouse is honored to have been a part of this new series. Visit BravoTV.com to watch the full episode of Sell It Like Serhant!

#SolidWoodExperts #SellItLikeSerhant #BravoTV #GrothouseThings

Wenge Raised Pastore Counter in Home & Design Magazine

Posted on April 18, 2018

Home & Design magazine featured a simple and serene condo renovation in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Written by Julie Sanders, the renovation included a kitchen design by Sarah Kahn Turner of Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Ltd. that features a Grothouse Wenge Raised Pastore Counter for the kitchen island.

Wenge Raised Pastore Counter in a Kitchen in Alexandria, Virginia featured by Home & Design Magazine — Kitchen Design by Sarah Kahn Turner of Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Ltd. | Image Source: Home & Design Magazine

Celia Welch, the interior designer, had a goal, given by the client, to make the condo comfortable, elegant, chic and urban. The client’s main priority was to have one flowing, light-filled space. Welch and kitchen designer Sarah Kahn Turner collaborated to redesign the outdated kitchen. To achieve these goals, the first step was to remove the wall that separated the kitchen from the open-plan living and dining room.

The open-plan created space for a long kitchen island featuring a quartz counter, over which the Grothouse Wenge Pastore counter hovers with waterfall sides and room for four stools.

Welch stated, “We didn’t want the traditional look of a two-level countertop. This adds a little extra dimension.”

Wenge Raised Pastore Counter

Wenge is a heavy wood that has high resistance to abrasion and high bending strength. Its strong grain and subtle color variation creates its dark, sleek attractive appearance.

The Wenge counter for this kitchen was custom crafted to feature a Roundover edge profile. The Roundover edge profile exhibits a simple look to contribute to the simple and serene feel of the rest of the kitchen. The counter is finished with Grothouse Original Oil™.

Click here to see the rest of this townhouse renovation. Visit the Grothouse Countertop Image Library to see more kitchen designs with a Wenge Raised Pastore Counter.

#GrothouseThings #CustomWoodCountertops #HomeandDesignMagazine #SarahTurner4JenniferGilmer

Stained White Oak Countertop for Gold Award-Winning Kitchen

Posted on April 4, 2018

A modern prairie-style home in Grand Rapids, Michigan won a Gold Award for custom kitchen design at the NAHB Best in American Living awards. In addition to this gold award-winning kitchen design, the home was the headliner of the 2017 Spring Parade of Homes.

Award-Winning Kitchen for Modern Prairie Style Home in Grand Rapids, Michigan includes Stained White Oak Countertop by Grothouse — Award-Winning Kitchen | *Photography by Chuck Heiney*

The $1M-plus house is the result of a beautiful collaboration between Architect/Designer, 42 North – Architecture + Design, Builder BDR Executive Custom Homes, Inc., Interior Designer Christine DiMaria, Interior Merchandiser Tru Kitchens and Landscape Architect/Designer Twin Lakes Nursery.

Award-Winning Kitchen Details

Gold Award-Winning Kitchen Design Details for Modern Prairie Style home in Grand Rapids, Michigan — Gold Award-Winning Kitchen Design Details

The clients wanted the design of their home to emphasize its forest-framed views of the river. Understated earth tones, light colors, Fon du Lac stone and wood accents also play off the home’s surroundings creating a home that truly embodies modern indoor-outdoor living.

Stained White Oak Countertop Custom Crafted by Grothouse for Award Winning Kitchen in Grand Rapids, Michigan — Stained White Oak Countertop Custom Crafted by Grothouse

A custom Stained White Oak wood countertop was crafted for the kitchen island to accompany a quartz counter. The countertop was crafted 1-3/4 inches thick in Edge Grain construction style. Skillfully crafted so all the grain runs in the same direction, this countertop is finished with Durata® Waterproof Permanent Finish in Matte sheen.

Visit the Grothouse Image Library to see more award-winning kitchen designs featuring custom wood countertops.

#CustomWoodCountertops #AwardWinning #KitchenDesign #GrothouseThings

Gray Kitchen Walls Gain Popularity in 2018 Designs

Posted on March 7, 2018

Gray kitchen walls are gaining popularity in 2018 designs, according to the results of Houzz’s 2018 U.S. Kitchen Trends Study. Each year, Houzz surveys American homeowners that have either completed a kitchen project, were working on a kitchen project, or planned to start a kitchen project in the next three months. The responses from over 1,700 homeowners provided insight into what is trending in kitchens this year.

Gray Kitchen Walls Gain Popularity in 2018 Designs — Most Popular Kitchen Wall Color Choices | Image Source: Houzz

27 percent of homeowners chose gray for the color of the walls in their renovated kitchens, making it the most popular wall color. Other neutrals topped the list with white at 24 percent and beige at 21 percent.

Designs with Gray Kitchen Walls

The cool tones in variations of grays are complemented by warm tones in wood countertops, which is why the industry’s best designers always incorporate wood into gray kitchens.

Gray Kitchen Walls walnut wood countertop white cabinets in a design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs — Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs

This transitional kitchen designed by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs features gray walls, white cabinetry and a Walnut wood kitchen island countertop. The wood countertop ties in the wood flooring and brings warmth to the space.

Gray Kitchen Walls in contemporary kitchen designed by Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen and Bath — Design by Paul Bentham for Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen and Bath

A Rift White Oak wood half parsons table was designed by Paul Bentham of Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath for this contemporary kitchen with light gray walls. The wood table ties in the wood floor, just like in the previously pictured kitchen, adding warmth to this otherwise monotone space.

Check out the Grothouse Image Library to see more designs with gray kitchen walls. Be sure to like @grothouseinc on Instagram for daily kitchen design inspiration!

#GrayKitchenWalls #Houzz #KitchenTrends #GrothouseThings