Kitchen Designed for Gatherings

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Geneva Lake, WI is the backdrop for this delightful kitchen designed for gatherings large and small.  Care was taken by North Shore Nest interior designers to capture the community’s lake front charm.   This home is classic, fun loving and effortlessly functional.  The kitchen features our furniture quality cabinetry by Das Holz Haus.  Photography by Aimée Mazzenga

Heart of the Home

Kitchen Designed for Gathering Photo by Aimee Mazzenga

It all started with a home constructed by luxury builder, Lowell Custom Homes.  The bright and sunny kitchen is open to a casually chic living room and dining area.  Unrestricted circulation allows this kitchen to truly function as the heart of the home.

Island Life

Kitchen Islands Kitchen Designed for Gathering Photo by Aimee Mazzenga

These are not your typical kitchen islands.  They are large enough to gather around with expansive counter space for cooking, casual dining, homework, or game night.  Each island has clever storage built in. The business side accommodates twin apron sinks, microwave drawer, warming drawer, two dishwashers, waste pullouts, and compactor. There is a grand total of 18 drawers for easy access and compartmentalized storage.  Cookware, plates, barware, games, all sorted and placed at your fingertips.

And When Cooking is Your Love Language

Kitchen range and hood in a Kitchen Designed for Gathering Photo by Aimee Mazzenga

Cooking space is the key to all good kitchen design and this Lacanche range is the perfect centerpiece. The range, known for superior performance, arrived from the Burgundy countryside in France.  This work of art has a French Blue finish accented with brass trim.

Full height blue and white patterned tile defines the food preparation area.  A sophisticated blend of brass and nickel appears throughout the kitchen for hardware, lighting, and trim, all inspired by the range.

Integrated Storage

Kitchen Designed for Gathering cabinet elevation

 

Our favorite storage solution is a clever seven-foot wall of cabinetry.  The distinguished quality of  Das Holz Haus beautifully integrates a 30″ SubZero refrigerator, multiple refrigerator drawers, Miele Coffee System, and full height pantry.

floor to ceiling storage in a Kitchen Designed for Gathering Photo by Aimee MazzengaRefrigerator drawers are concealed in the base and glass display cabinets above create a stunning and practical serving buffet.

Kitchen Designed for Gathering Photo by Aimee MazzengaThe outer island is a peaceful place to start each day as well as the perfect gathering spot when hosting.

 

At Geneva Cabinet we are happy to work with your personal interior designers or sub-contractors.  When you are starting from square one, our experienced design and installation team is ready to guide you every step of the way.

 Call us! We would love to help you create the ideal space.

262.245.9600

 

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Plan Kitchen Lighting in Layers

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Kitchen lighting takes center stage as part of this years trend for brighter spaces.  But the kitchen has some unique challenges.  As the heart of the home it must be multifunctional.  Geneva Cabinet designers are familiar with all of the detailed requirements and like to develop each cabinet plan with lighting in mind.  It’s not an afterthought. Lighting should be integrated at the planning phase of every kitchen design.

These guidelines will help you plan lighting for the most important room in your home.

Layers of Light for Your Design

The key is to blend various light sources that will overlay all of your needs. The basic approach involves 3 types of lighting for any room.  Ambient (general lighting),  Accent (highlighting points of interest), and Task (performance zones).  We like to add a 4th, Feature.  Feature lighting will make a statement that defines the mood and attitude of your design.

1. Ambient or General Lighting

Ambient lighting is usually overhead and provides a shadow-free environment.  This can be a combination of recessed lighting and fixtures.  Use separate controls and dimmers for adjustability to vary the mood throughout the day.  Full bright light for active kitchen hours and then softly dimmed for dining or entertaining.

Best Options

  • Ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures
  • Track lighting
  • Traditional recessed fixtures
  • LED downlights

Once your ambient lighting is placed, it’s time to layer in support lighting.

2. Accent Lighting

Often used to highlight points of interest or architectural features, accent lighting contributes a soft glow without glare.  Coves, shelving, and artwork can be emphasized with accent lighting.  Here again a dimmer will lend a variety of moods.

Best Options

  • LED Strips
  • Sconces
  • Picture lights
  • Track lights

3. Task Lighting

Task light is an essential part of the plan that focuses directly on prep areas.  Usually, this lighting is located under the cabinets, close to the countertop for specific kitchen tasks.  Chopping, blending and appliance operation is safer on an easy to see surface.  The kitchen island is often treated with pendants for good visibility in this multi-task area.

Best Options

  • Pendant lighting
  • Under-cabinet lighting
  • Recessed fixtures

4. Feature Lighting

This is the opportunity to add personality to your space.  Placed over an island, dining table or centered in the room, this fixture exudes character and often sets the style and tone for the entire space.

Best Options

  • Chandelier
  • Pendants

For more kitchen inspiration check our Gallery Page!

Visit our Lake Geneva showroom to see the latest in kitchen and bath design and meet our talented team for everything from design to installation!

 

 

Cabinetry in this project is Inovae from Plato Woodwork Inc.

Photography by Josh Z Photography

Design by Joyce Zuelke, ckd

 

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Bath Renovation Rules

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Bathroom remodeling is one of the most popular home improvements with a very good return on your investment.  But the fear of making a mistake can put plans on hold.  We want to give you the confidence to move forward with peace-of-mind. Our design team is ready to walk you through the process step by step.  It begins by following a few basic rules.

Always Start With Function

It is very likely that function is the key motivator behind a bathroom makeover.  It could be too small, dated, or just not working. For this project, designer Joyce Zuelke, ckbd recreated the primary bath by borrowing space from an adjacent laundry room and hall bath.  The new design delivers a spacious bathroom suite with the bonus of improved laundry storage.

Select Storage With Style

Das Holz Haus Rift Cut White Oak , Corian Quartz, Kohler Sink & Faucet

Style is truly a matter of personal preference. Take the time to browse through the wide variety available in our inspiration gallery.  Make a note when a particular style catches your eye over and over again.   If longevity is the goal, a timeless character is ideal.  This could include Shaker, like this vanity from Das Holz Haus along with Traditional, and Transitional styles.

Choose Easy Access

The curbless zero-threshold shower is a visual delight with functional benefit.  Originating as a solution for those with mobility issues, this design has become the benchmark for an open airy look that eliminates tripping hazards.  The floor tile from Bella Tile and Stone runs seamlessly into the shower through a glass grid shower door.  Overall this is a useful feature when planning ahead for future life stages.

Enhanced Your Shower Experience

It’s so nice to have the options offered by multiple shower heads. A rain shower head is a calming addition to your daily routine with the hand-held unit ideal for helping children, pets or rinsing down the enclosure. The recessed shower niche keeps products within reach while the built in shower bench is a sturdy and generous resting place.

Make Room to Relax

Space is a luxury, so when you have room, upgrade to a freestanding tub where you can relax and rejuvenate.  In todays fast paced world we often forget about the health benefits of soaking in a bathtub.  From soothing sore muscles to improving sleep, bathing may be valuable self-care.

Customize Your Storage

Ultimately, it’s about a bathroom design that makes life easier. Adequate space allows you to organize toiletries and towels, so everything is within reach.  Power outlets in the drawers or cabinets can eliminate the tangled cords allowing you to move on to the business of styling yourself.

Oh, And the Laundry . . .

Medallion Cabinets in the laundry is a wash day winner!

For a seamless remodeling experience visit us in Lake Geneva.  Our showroom is packed with informative product displays and a friendly team to guide you from design to installation.

Photos by Josh Z Photography

Cabinetry from Das Holz Haus

Tile by Bella Tile and Stone Lake Geneva

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Perfect Pairings – Vanity + Mirror

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The skillful pairing of bathroom vanity and mirror can take your room from basic to beautiful.   We help you narrow down the options with these stunning examples of complementary selections.  They all strike a perfect balance between function, proportion, and style.

Circle Gets the Square

Shiloh Cabinetry/Shanna Wolf Photography

An inconvenient window turns into a surprising backdrop for a suspended round mirror.  As a bonus, the window provides natural backlighting every time you take a peek at your reflection. The crisp blue and white scheme with navy vanity anchors it all with charm.

Timeless Classic

Designer North Shore Nest/Custom Cabinetry/Staff Photo

Keeping it timeless often translates to traditional design.  Here a spacious double vanity is accented by rectangular mirrors with inverted corners for just enough detail to make a statement.

Modern Moment

Designer Elizabeth Drake/Wood Mode Cabinetry/Victoria McHugh Photography

Clean modern lines are the refined choice in this primary bath vanity and mirror.  Notice how the exquisite tile from Ann Sacks can then take center stage.

Nature’s Calling

Designer Elizabeth Drake/Custom Cabinetry/Victoria McHugh Photography

Deep woods serenity is expressed with a richly stained vanity and dusky paneling.  Woodland wallcovering and an impressive birch framed mirror are perfect companions.

Tight and Tidy

Designer Joyce Zuelke/Eclipse Cabinetry by Shiloh/Shanna Wold Photography

Not an inch goes to waste in this compact bath.  Flat panel cabinet doors display the natural wood grain while the full backsplash mirror expands the niche.  Sconce lighting is mounted directly to the mirror to save space and reflect even more light.

Spanish Colonial

Designer Judy Bethel/James Martin Vanity/Shanna Wolf Photography

When more is more.  Old world details anchor the vanity and are replicated in the carved mirror for perfect balance.

Modern Geometry

Designer Joyce Zuelke/James Martin Vanity/Josh Zuelke Photography

Repetition is a favorite designer secret for a cohesive statement in any room.  Here the circle is bisected and then directly repeated in the mirror with a subtle echo by light fixtures.

French Country

Designer Judy Bethel/Plato Woodwork Cabinetry/Shanna Wolf Photography

The French styled vanity with acanthus carving is paired with a mirror that reflects Parisian elegance in its silver embossed frame.

Modern Nautical

Designer North Shore Nest/Custom Cabinet/Staff Photo

A campaign inspired chest is ideal for this bath with a nautical theme.  Blue and white cabana striped wallcovering offers a bold background for the refined carved rope mirror.

Artistic Expression

Plato Woodwork Cabinet/Shanna Wolf Photography

When the mirror is a one-of-a-kind Murano Glass art piece, the vanity should play a supporting role.  Here classic traditional cabinetry is the perfect fit.

Industrial Vibe

Native Trails Vanity/Aaron Gottschalk Photography

A hammered copper trough sink inhabits this vanity to deliver a modern industrial mood.  Gliding mirrors on barn door hardware top it off with a clever practical solution.

When All Else Fails

Shiloh Cabinetry/Shanna Wolf Photography

When you just can’t find the right mirror, we have a solution.   Mount a flat mirror to the wall and trim it out with a wood frame.   Or, as in this case, use an interesting backsplash tile like this one from  Bella Tile and Stone.

 

For more inspiration visit our Gallery here

And set up an appointment to discuss your personal home design needs by contacting our showroom here.

 

Shanna Wolf Photography

Josh Zuelke Photography

Aaron Gottschalk Photography

 

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Kitchen Design Secrets Revealed

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A kitchen is never just about cooking.  Yet when a love for cooking combines with the great desire for comfort, a fresh kitchen concept is born. The kitchen is naturally the heart of any home.  Adding the seamless integration of lifestyle and architecture is the secret to creating an engaging space.

Before and After

A new design brings opportunities for greatness.  The spacious room with beautiful views was a good start.  However a central fireplace limited the natural flow of activity.  Removing the fireplace and borrowing space from the mudroom was a game changer.  Essential to the new plan is an inviting island with generous space for storage, meal prep, gatherings and dining.

Next Best Thing to a Sofa

Centerstage a supersized island-banquette offers true comfort.  Dining options include counter height seating on two sides as well as space to stretch out on upholstered lounge seating constructed by V Upholstery

Business in the Back

While the exposed side of the kitchen is all about comfort,  the interior of the island faces a run of cabinetry and cook space that is all business.  From the luxury range to double dishwashers, this prep area will accommodate team cooking efforts with ease.

The homeowner’s existing John Boos & Co butcher block table finds a built-in position for the serious chef business of cutting and chopping.  Throughout this kitchen we feature Shiloh Cabinetry in contrasting stain and painted finishes.

Hidden Secrets Revealed

But some of the best features in this kitchen are cleverly disguised.  Gliding doors are concealed within the full height Cambria backsplash constructed by Old World Stone where the homeowner can neatly collect a secret stash of spices.

And integrated into the countertop are “Chameleon” pop up outlets from S-Box. You only see them when you need them.

Accessible Storage for Clutter Free Space

In keeping with the focus on the view, this kitchen features countless storage options easy to access to help the space remain clutter-free throughout the day.  Countertop appliances are nesting together behind a cabinet door with glide up lift system for added convenience.

A coffee and snack bar is well situated in a special niche between the living room and kitchen for morning or mid day pick-me-ups.

For more inspiration visit our Gallery here

And set up an appointment to discuss your personal home design needs by contacting our showroom here.

 

Kitchen Design by Joyce Zuelke, ckd

Cabinetry from Shiloh Cabinetry

Photography by Josh Z Photography

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2022 KBIS News & Trends

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Last week in Orlando the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show was buzzing with new products and ideas for the kitchen, bath and beyond.  Our Geneva Cabinet team returned inspired and ready to enhance upcoming projects with the freshest ideas. We have been featuring our favorite innovative products on social media since attending the show. Now we are ready to simmer it down to the key trends that will impact kitchen & bath design for the future.

Kitchen Products Around the House

Thanks to under counter refrigeration and panel ready appliances, kitchen convenience is moving throughout the home.  True refrigeration introduced a lively palette that will easily disguise or complement appliances used in any room.  Their LED shelf lighting is a brilliant way of bringing ease and accessibility to storage in every room.  Think master suite, guest room, game room, and family rooms with cleverly disguised beverage and snack stations.

Living In Color

The “Bold Ambition” kitchen featured Cafe, pairing deep hued appliances with brilliant emerald-toned tile and a lime striped flooring.  It’s a refreshing venture away from the neutral kitchen. If ever there was a time for color confidence, today’s products can make it happen.

Many show stopping displays were infused with color.  It is all a matter of training the eye.  We have become accustomed to neutral palettes, but with exposure to these new lively products, our hearts are calling out for the energy of color.

If It’s Good Enough for Gwyneth . . .

A featured discussion with Monogram Appliances and Gwyneth Paltrow focused on the importance of the kitchen. “The focal point of our household is always the kitchen. It’s where I cook weekend brunches for our extended, modern family and where we catch up with our kids after a long day,” said Paltrow. “With Monogram, we found a kitchen that’s both a workhorse and beautiful. It fits seamlessly into the aesthetic of our home.”  So hop up on your countertop and enjoy!

Surround Yourself with Wellness

Sustainability wins with the introduction of ground breaking surfaces and production methods.  Cosentino spent years of R & D to produce 100% of their Silestone products with  “HybriQ technology”  This means production processes are sustainable, using renewable electric energy, 99% reused water and recycled ingredients.  The process itself doesn’t result in particle emissions or water discharge. And the resulting surfaces are beautiful and ready to be creatively constructed for a variety of uses!

And speaking of wellness, how does a SuperPaint with Air-Purifying Technology sound?  It is really a thing and brought to us by Sherwin Williams with the Living Well collection.  Its sanitizing technology actually breaks down VOCs and odors emitted from fabrics and carpets and can even mitigate certain strains of bacteria.

 

Creativity with Quartz

Cambria has always been one of our favorites and this show highlighted its versatility and beauty.  From a luxurious ping-pong table to backlight wallscapes, we found the latest patterns for these surfaces to be absolutely lovely!

There was so much to see and do throughout the show!  We will continue to feature our latest discoveries in upcoming Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn posts!

And finally a quick hello from the entire “boots on the ground” team at GCC!

 

 

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Geneva Cabinet Wins 2022 Best Of Houzz Design!

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Geneva Cabinet Company Awarded Best of Houzz 2022

 2022 people’s choice award highlights top home professionals among the Houzz community.  It is based on quality service and the most popular designs!

Geneva Cabinet Company of Lake Geneva Wisconsin won a “Best of Houzz” award for Design on Houzz®.  This is the leading platform for home remodeling and design. Our design centric cabinet company was chosen by millions of homeowners that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 2.7 million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

This is the 10 year anniversary of the Best of Houzz program.   Geneva Cabinet has been awarded badges annually in Design and Customer Service since the very beginning.   The design award honors professionals whose work was the most popular among the Houzz community.

The entire team at Geneva Cabinet Company is honored by this special recognition. Only the top 3.5 – 4% of professionals around the world are named as the Best of Houzz. We always strive to create beautiful and functional designs for our customers.  Being awarded with this badge on such a reputable platform is a bonus!

The Geneva Cabinet Company “Best of Houzz 2022” badges appear on our Houzz profile as a sign of our commitment to excellence.  More than 65 million homeowners and home design enthusiasts on Houzz are helped when they identify popular and top-rated home professionals for their projects.

Join us on Houzz or view our inspiration gallery for personal home improvement projects.  We are here and happy to help!

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