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How to Choose the Right Countertop Surface

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 20:32:45 GMT

One of the most impressive investments in your kitchen remodel or build are the countertops. Second to cabinetry, the countertops are the most noticeable aspect of the kitchen. It’s the area where prep work is done, but also, it’s just visually a large part of the kitchen.

With so many different options and finishes, it can be hard to know where to start. Countertops set the tone for the kitchen, it’s important to choose something that looks great, fits in your budget, and functions well for the home.

Granite

Granite is a very popular option but doesn’t always fit into everyone’s budget. It’s scratch and heat resistant and requires minimum maintenance. It comes in a variety of colors and forms in a way where no two pieces will be the same.

Along with the price, another con of granite is that it’s a porous material so when it's not kept up with, spills could eventually seep in causing stains.

Quartz

Another popular option for countertops is quartz. Quartz is an engineered stone that is more durable and longer-lasting than granite, it’s one of the hardest materials out there so you can be sure that it would withstand the everyday use of a kitchen. Since quartz is manufactured, the color and patterns are also manufactured and can be formed in a way that makes them look almost identical to granite or marble.

Marble

A classic option for low-traffic areas is marble. Although marble can be a bit expensive it is a natural stone that comes in a variety of colors and textures. It is a great option for bakers (who prefer to roll out their dough on cool surfaces) and can increase property value.

Some downsides of marble are that it can stain and scratch easily, it can be very heavy, and requires a lot of maintenance as it needs to be resealed annually.

Solid Surface

Solid surface provides a seamless look similar to engineered stones but isn't as stain or scratch resistant. However, it is still durable, and most scratches can be buffed out if desired. Typically coming in a matte finish, it is offered in a variety of patterns and colors and provides a clean and modern look.

Solid Wood

A popular accent option right now is wood countertops. Once stained and sealed wood countertops are heat resistant and sanitary. Although the natural material can add warmth to the space it is less resilient than stone so you will have to be careful and keep up on maintenance. Wood countertops must regularly be sealed to withstand everyday use. However, if scratches do occur, you could always sand the surface and refinish it.

Laminate

Laminate is an easy-to-install and inexpensive option that comes in a large variety of patterns and colors. Although it may be a good quick-fix or cheap update, it may not last as long as you’d like or add as much value to your home as you’d hope. It is fairly durable and easy to maintain.

Why You Should have Under Cabinet Lighting

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:34:07 GMT

Undercabinet lighting is something that’s been around for awhile now but is still becoming increasingly popular. In honor of National LED Day, we wanted to share why that is and how someone can benefit from this simple addition to their kitchen.

It’s Effective

By adding a simple strip of lighting under the cabinets, the overall quality of lighting is increased. Typically, in a kitchen, when someone is working at the countertop, they are standing between their workspace and the light. This can cause shadowing which gets in the way and makes it hard to see exactly what you’re doing. When undercabinet lighting is installed, it brings direct light onto the subject without any interruption of light.

Efficient & Money Saving

Because undercabinet lighting directly lights up certain areas of the kitchen, the large overhead lights aren’t always needed. On top of that, when LED lighting is used, it can really decrease the energy bill due to how LED lighting operates.

LEDs use less electricity than traditional incandescent lighting. LEDs create little heat and are more efficient at converting electricity into light.

Increases Home Value

Although it may seem like a small addition, undercabinet lighting enhances the overall look of a room, taking it to the next level. Layering light can add dimension to the space, making it look larger than it actually is.

In the end, LED undercabinet lighting is a simple but great addition to the kitchen.

Home Gym Design Trends 2022

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:32:25 GMT

How get your home ready for workouts this winter

Home gyms have become increasingly popular over the years, but more so in the past couple of years. Overall health has become the forefront of most of our lives, we aren’t just working out to look better, we’re working out to FEEL better. During the summer we’re able to get outside, go for walks and try new hobbies, but now that it’s getting colder and closer to winter, soon it will be too cold to go outside and harder for us to stay active.

Home gyms come in a wide variety to fit the homeowners needs. They can be anything from a mat that gets rolled out along with some dumbbells or a dedicated room decked out with all the essentials. It all depends on what types of workouts the homeowner is interested in and how much space they can dedicate to their home gym.

Where are They Going in the Home?

If you want a home gym but aren’t sure where it would go, here are some common areas that make great home gyms.

Basements

Basements can make great home gyms, most of the time they are unfinished and underutilized. Plus, since they’re in the basement, there should be enough separation from yourself and other so you can really focus on your workout without disrupted others in the home.

Guest Bedroom

Let’s face it, there probably aren’t many guests staying over at your house right now, so why not use that space for something more beneficial?

Garage

Similar to basements, if you have an open spot in your garage this could make for a great home gym.

Another underutilized spot could be an attic, if you have easy access to it, why not give the space more of a purpose?

Attic

Wherever they fit

If you can’t designate an entire space for your home gym, don’t sweat it, sometimes all you really need is one spot or a corner of a room that allows you to roll a matt out and stretch.

What Makes a Great Home Gym?

Like we said before, everyone’s need for a home gym is different and some people can make it work with just a mat. However, for those that want more than that, here are some trends we’re seeing for 2022 home gyms.

Color

Gyms are a place to get things done, not a place for distractions. That’s why most home gyms tend to be pretty colorless. Black and white or gray are the main colors you’ll find in a home gym, sometimes with accents of natural wood or a singular motivating color.

Feature Walls

A great spot to add interest to these black and white spaces is a feature wall. These come in all sorts of styles, but most great gyms have one. Sometimes they feature a motivating quote, or include inspiring photos, other times they utilize brick, wood, or a patterned wallpaper.

Exposed Ceilings

If the home gym is in a space like an unfinished basement don’t worry about finishing those ceilings. Exposed ceilings work in a home gym! Maybe the industrial feel is motivating but something about them just works, especially when you paint them black or white.

Let the Light In!

Natural light and big windows are great for every space, it’s a natural mood booster and motivator. However, if your home gym has to go in the basement or somewhere where natural light is hard to come by, try to switch the lightbulbs out for some day-light bulbs.

Mirrors

Mirrors are a great addition to any workout space; they are beneficial to your workout and the design of a space. When mirrors are brought into a space, they make a space feel larger and brighter.

Practical Flooring

Flooring is one of the most important pieces to a comfortable gym. Make sure it is something supportive and durable. Black and/or wood patterned rubber and/or foam mats are great for home gyms.

Barndoors

These are a terrific solution to hide the less appealing parts that you might have to build your home gym around, whether that be mechanical equipment or the typical items that are stored in a home. It can also be a great way to hide the gym itself. Barndoors work because they don’t take up much space and don’t take away from the look of a room.

Storage

Home gyms are full of a variety of things, from equipment to cleaning supplies and more, you’ll need something to store all of your things in. Built in cabinets or lockers are the perfect addition to your home gym. A great home gym utilizes the space available and built ins do just that.

Are you looking to make a permanent gym in your home? Hopefully these tips can help make the process easier.

Add-on or Remodel?

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:26:25 GMT

Which is right for your kitchen?

When people think of upgrading their kitchen, usually they imagine a completely renovated kitchen. Although sometimes that could be the right decision, it isn’t always. This blog will help you decide if you should be completely remodeling your kitchen or if smaller add-ons will do the trick.

Questions to Ask

To make it simple, ask yourself these three questions:

Does my kitchen function the way it needs to?
Do I like the aesthetic of my kitchen?
Are my cabinets good quality that will withstand the test of time?

Maybe you love the way your kitchen looks but you’re always running out of storage or need more spaces to work. Sometimes an easy way to fix that would just be to add an island and/or pantry. If you already have an island or pantry (and there's room), you could add cabinets directly on the existing runs.

On the other hand, if your cabinets don’t fit your style or simply are not of quality it could be time to get rid of them. Then you can replace them with something new, something you’ll love and something that will last.

Adding to your Existing Kitchen

Although this option may seem straightforward, there are some things to consider and plan for.

Matching the existing cabinets

Sometimes it can be a little hard to make sure the new cabinets match the existing ones. Luckily, Bayer Interior Woods offers “Design-a-Door” to custom match any design and Color-Matching to match any existing paint or stain. Just send in the existing door and, we’ll do the rest.

If you only plan to add an island to your kitchen, you could have a little more fun with design and colors. Islands are great to use as an accent since the door style, and color only need to complement what is already existing and not necessarily be a perfect match.Sometimes it can be a little hard to make sure the new cabinets match the existing ones. Luckily, Bayer Interior Woods offers “Design-a-Door” to custom match any design and Color-Matching to match any existing paint or stain. Just send in the existing door and, we’ll do the rest.

Consider the countertops

Something you’ll have to consider is countertops. When new cabinets are added directly to existing runs, more than likely, the countertops will have to be replaced throughout the entire kitchen as well. This could be a great opportunity for upgrading them to a higher quality or more up-to-date option.

Another thing to consider is the hardware. In some cases, it may be hard to find the exact hardware that was used on the existing cabinets so you may have to replace the hardware throughout. Mixing and matching can be a great alternative. You can get creative by adding in new hardware for the top and moving all the existing hardware to the bottom, or vice versa. Again, if you are adding an island that turns out to be more of an accent than one that blends in with the original cabinetry, it may not matter if they are the same or not.

Don’t forget about hardware

Watch your budget

Be sure to watch your budget as you’re getting estimates. If at some point the add-ons start adding up to the price of a remodel, that may be the way to go instead.

Remodeling your Kitchen

While there are plenty of options to add to your existing kitchen it may be that a remodel is the best solution for you.

Outdated Cabinets

If your cabinets are outdated, you should probably consider getting new ones all around. Although you could make some additions that match what was originally there, it may not be the best decision. A complete redo will not only elevate the space you’re living in but will also increase the value of your home when you decide to eventually move out.

Damaged or Low-Quality Cabinets

Damaged or low-quality cabinets are also good reasons for remodeling. Low-quality cabinets can add frustrations to your daily life, so now is the time to get rid of those and add something you will be happy with.

New Layout

If you’re changing up the entire layout of your kitchen, the existing cabinets can be hard to work around. It’s easier to start with a clean slate and build from there.

Are you ready to update your kitchen? Whether that be adding onto your existing kitchen or completely starting over, contact your Bayer sales rep or dealer to get started.

Plywood Cabinet Box Sale

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:23:32 GMT

The savings are here! For a limited time save on plywood cabinet boxes! Plywood is engineered for superior strength and durability. Offer your homeowners the best cabinet features there are, at half the price!

Custom cabinetry that is built to last is here and more afforadable than ever. Don't get caught up in the details of how your cabinets look and forget that construction matters too. Using material that gives you strength and durability and peace of mind is the only way to go. Plywood is lighter weight than most melamine material and holds up better against moisture. It gives your cabinet interiors the look and feel of hardwood. Making them easy to clean with less upkeep and repairs.

Plywood boxes offer a strong hold with a lighter cabinet box. Made from sustainably sourced and enviromentally responsible matierials, plywood cabinet boxes last for decades and increase the resale value of any kitchen.

Veterans at BIW

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:22:31 GMT

In honor of Veterans Day, this week we honor the veterans for their dedication and service to our country. We are proud to celebrate the achievements of the veterans employed here. At BIW, we are fortunate to have some veterans among our staff. Although they come from various backgrounds, the skills and work ethic of veterans are like non-other.

When we asked them what their biggest trait or skill was after serving, a lot of them talked about problem solving, hard work and discipline, being on time and on target and working as a team.

Continue reading to learn more about the veterans here at BIW.

Name: Christopher Korn

Branch: U.S. Air Force

Length of Service: 20 years

Job Assignment: Aircraft fuel system technician

Reason for enlisting: “My father was in the air force, so since I was a kid, I wanted to do the same. I liked the idea of traveling and working on airplanes.”

Name: Mike Primus

Branch: Army National Guard

Length of Service: 7 years

Job Assignment: Infantry radio (1 year), Machine Gun (6 years)

Reason for enlisting: Vietnam Era

Name: Scott Joarnt

Branch: U.S. Navy

Length of Service: 22 years

Job Assignment: AC+R Tech, Diesel Tech, Law Enforcement

Reason for enlisting: “I grew up on a dairy farm near Osakis and wanted to see something different.”

Name: Tim Bailey

Branch: National Guard

Length of Service: 8 years

Reason for enlisting: I wanted to serve my country, assist with college (GI Bill) and student loan repayment.

Name: Paul Becker

Branch: National Guard

Thank you to all the men and women who served. We are proud to employ veterans and eternally grateful for your sacrifice.

2022 Interior Design Trends

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:19:01 GMT

Can you believe the first month of 2022 is almost over? If you haven't already, it’s time to start thinking about what will be trending in this year. Along with our way of life, interior design trends are constantly changing. With so many changes, sometimes it can be hard to keep up.

Here are the predicted interior design trends for 2022.

Color choices are influenced by how we want to feel in our spaces. These pandemic years have been challenging and homeowners are leaning towards more calming and Zen-like spaces. Neutrals are perfect for that.

Dark and moody spaces have previously been popular and now we see a shift toward neutral and natural tones. This palette is still grounding and comforting like the moody palette but more subtle and calming. Layering tone on tone with neutral and natural earth tones creates a calming atmosphere but isn’t boring or plain. For more dimension, black accents and finishes pair great in these spaces.

Although people are seeking calm and peaceful spaces, they are also craving spaces that make them happy and lift their spirits. In those cases, pinks, greens, and yellows could be perfect. When these fun colors are more jewel-toned, they are also inviting and warm but not overwhelming or chaotic.

Multifunctional Spaces

Multifunctional spaces and furniture are in higher demand, likely a reflection of the extra time everyone has spent at home these past few years More time spent at home has inspired homeowners to find the diverse ways their spaces can be used. If a space to do something specific didn’t exist before, they got creative and figured something out. Multifunctional furniture came in handy for these instances and won’t be going away any time soon.

Character & Texture

Gone are the days of super clean, simple, and sleek lines. People are looking for texture and character. Textiles, textured furniture, and curved lines will be used more often throughout homes.

Styles

Minimalism has been trending for a few years now and although people love the clean and open aesthetic, we don’t expect anyone to be as strict with it anymore. People will start to mix the style with others to add more dimension and personality to their space. Japandi Design is a great solution for this. It’s a mix of Scandinavian and Japanese styles which is still very minimalist but brings in more natural elements, muted palettes, and natural light.

Going along with that, Biophilic Design, the desire to feel more connected to nature, is a style that pairs perfectly with Japandi Design. Whether that be bringing nature inside or simply adding more green colors to the space, the slight changes can ground a space and those living in it.

Sustainable Design

As we move towards more sustainable ways of living, vintage furniture will make its way to the forefront. Consumers are prioritizing smaller businesses, ethical retailers, and sustainability now more than before. Vintage pieces tend to be of higher quality, and last longer, therefore, not only do they look great, but are great for your wallet and environment.

We are no stranger to DIY home décor and projects, but after spending so much time at home there is a new desire to make your home your own and there’s no better way to do that than making something yourself. Not only does it add to your home, but it’s fun to make and makes you feel good. This could range anywhere from smaller DIYs such as prints and wall hangings to larger DIYs and builds.

Hopefully, learning about these trends has inspired you for your 2022 projects, remodels, and updates.

DIY Décor

Wood Hood Sale

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:12:11 GMT

The savings are here! For a limited time save on our Wood Hoods! Seemlessly integrate style and sophistication of a wood hood with your custom cabinetry.

Bayer Interior Woods offers four base designs for you to add the custom details your customer desires. Incorporate depth to the hood design with unique panels, custom colors, or elegant crown accents. From simple clean lines to intricate layered designs, our BIW Custom Hoods add the perfect finishing touch to any kitchen design.

Wood hoods give a beautiful aesthetic to your necessary ventilation system. Improving the home's value and visual impact in the kitchen.

BIW Partners with ClosetPro

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:10:44 GMT

Bayer Interior Woods is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with ClosetPro, a leading design software for custom closet and storage systems. This collaboration marks a significant step toward streamlining quotes, and elevating design capabilities for both residential and commercial markets.

Through this partnership, ClosetPro will integrate BIW’s ShelVi Closet Systems—renowned for their durability, beauty, and sustainable sourcing—into its custom

closet systems. The collaboration will allow Bayer Interior Woods customer the ease of designing and pricing ShelVi Closet systems through ClosetPro. BIW’s wide range of standard finishes, textures, and custom design options, give customers unparalleled flexibility and craftsmanship in their storage solutions.

Bayer Interior Woods will benefit from ClosetPro’s quick design features and rendering capabilities. ClosetPro renderings offer the end user full visualization of their project and finish color options.

“This partnership gives our dealers the ease to create exceptional closets on demand for their consumer” said Brian Bayer, Founder and CEO of Bayer Interior Woods. “ClosetPro’s design leadership and ease of use perfectly complement our customer commitment while aligning with our customization and craftsmanship.”

The partnership officially launches in May of 2025, with design catalog availability through ClosetPro and pricing to follow in June of 2025.

Double the Deals: Save on Closet Accessories & ClosetPro Orders!

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:05:12 GMT

Double the Deals: Save on Closet Accessories & ClosetPro Orders!

Now through September 30th

For a limited time, enjoy 10% savings on closet accessories or 5% off your first ClosetPro order. Plan, organize, design, and customize any space with ease.