The new year often brings feelings of hopefulness and excitement to accomplish new goals and to-do’s, however, you may find yourself feeling a bit fatigued after a busy holiday season. If you have any home improvement goals on your 2025 to-do list, you’re likely ready to enjoy an updated space, but actually starting the project may feel a little daunting. With so many design decisions to make, it can be hard to know where to begin. Don’t worry though, we are here to help!
We rounded up a few members of our team to pull some quick picks as inspiration to start designing your next home project. Think of these as templates to springboard off of to get the creative juices flowing, knowing that details can be swapped in and out to better fit your personal style. As you browse, if you find yourself wanting more individualized design services, you can always contact us.
McKenzie’s Pick
The Details:
Cabinet Paint Color:
Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore
Countertop:
Sakura Quartz by Vadara
Hardware:
Kayden Pull by Atlas in Slate Finish
Tile:
Cloe Tile in White (2.5“ x 8”)
Often drawn to darker cabinet colors, our designer, McKenzie, decided to pull this deep charcoal door that pairs harmoniously with the cool gray tones of the Sakura Quartz. This quartz also features touches of gold veining throughout which is ideal for tying together both warm and cool tones. Think painted cabinetry with wood shelving, perhaps. The hardware finish has a touch of shine while otherwise blending into the moody aesthetic. Topping off this pick is the classically loved Cloe Tile which has been an increasingly popular choice among our clients. With a subtle texture and some multi-tonal variation from tile to tile, the Cloe tile is a tried-and-true winner. These selections are well-suited for a basement bar that demands some attention.
Mikka’s Pick
The Details:
Cabinet Wood:
Rustic Hickory
Cabinet Stain:
New Walnut
Countertop:
Black Mamba Quartzite
Hardware:
Juliet Hook by Top Knobs in Honey Bronze Finish
Sweetbriar Lane Pull & Sqaure Knob by Atlas in Matte Black Finish
Our assistant designer, Mikka, started off with a textured wood pick for the cabinetry in this rustic hickory which features a more rugged look with prominent knots and grain variations. The vision for this pick was a mudroom with storage and bench seating, with the natural stone being the bench top. Envision black shiplap behind the bench with the bronze hooks for coats and bags. The matte black hardware would pair with the cabinetry and tie in with the black quartzite. Before you ask, yes, you can mix metals in the same space! If you want to try this, opt for choices that have plenty of contrast to each other and tie them into other elements of the room if possible.
Alicia’s Pick
The Details:
Cabinet Door Style:
Fluted Slim Shaker
Cabinet Stain:
Light New Walnut
Countertop:
Ostara Dawn Quartz by Vadara
Hardware:
Garrison Knob by Top Knobs in Honey Bronze Finish
While Alicia usually focuses more on graphic design and photography, she’s picked up a thing or two about interior design during her years at Gravel Lane. Her cabinet pick is a beautiful fluted door in our beloved Light New Walnut stain. This door style is great for adding visual interest in curated spots, like a powder bathroom vanity, for example. The love of texture continues with the hardware choice featuring a patterned edge in a lovely honey bronze finish. The warmth is carried through to the countertops with a bright quartz covered in gold veining to bring out the wood tones of the cabinetry. Round out these picks with some fresh florals or greenery to style with ease.
Hannah’s Pick
The Details:
Cabinet Paint Color:
Caviar by Sherwin Williams
Countertop:
Cygnet Drift Quartz by Vadara
Hardware:
Kara Pull & Knob by Top Knobs in Honey Bronze Finish
Tile:
Penny Mosaic Tile
Our design intern, Hannah, decided to add a little drama with this striking black cabinetry choice. Although some people shy away from bold colors, we are all in for a rich paint that makes a statement. In keeping with the dark cabinetry, this penny tile would be the perfect monochromatic duo, perhaps for a laundry room or guest bathroom. To contrast the small-scale tile, the quartz countertops feature large, prominent veins that carry your eye across the surface. As for hardware, it’s clear we love honey bronze around here, but just in case you’re not in the same boat, the Kara pull comes in eight different finishes, so you’re sure to find one you like. However, we do love the warmth the bronze adds to this design.
Feeling Inspired to Start Your Home Project?
Take advantage of our design services by filling out our contact form to get started. From there, we will pair you with one of our designers who will help plan your layout, fulfill your custom cabinetry and countertop needs, and ensure your design is cohesive throughout. We provide 3D renderings so you can see for yourself how we can help transform your space into what you’ve always dreamed of.
Learn more about our process here.
