In the past several years, kitchen design trends have taken us to a clean, shaker, predominantly white place. Possibly this streamlined trend is a response to the 80’s cabinets of golden oak, white Corian countertops (some with a wood inlay edge) and shiny brass fixtures, along with hunter green and mauve wallpaper in a paisley or floral print!  You can picture it can’t you?

Kitchen trends have gone the opposite direction in recent years and some may say gone a little too far in that direction. White, on white with some gray thrown in! There is nothing wrong with white and gray and we are still seeing them as the predominant trend, sometimes paired with a dark or gray stained flooring. Rustic or reclaimed materials are being added to the white/gray mix. Metals, in rustic finishes or highly polished add another textural dimension to the layers.  Satin brass accents are mixed with the warmer grays and sometimes blues and black.  (Yes, brass is back…but in a satin or unlacquered finish that will patina with age and use). Floating shelves are still popular, replacing wall cabinets in some areas of the kitchen. Ship Lap is still popular, as are large pendant lights over islands.

In recent months, we are getting requests from clients looking for a more “French Country look”.

LaCornue

La Cornue

Which brings things to a whole other level….

French country can incorporate distressed woodwork, mixed patterns, carved furniture type moldings, soft color palette with warm hues, natural materials such as stone, brick and wood. Most French country kitchens incorporate a large island for guests to gather around. Farmhouse or apron front sinks are still common, along with pot fillers. Lantern style lighting is used due to the rustic, organic and hard -working aesthetic. Unique, decorative hoods are common, sometimes in a patina copper, or rustic iron finish. Exposed ceiling beams add to the warmth of the space. Antique mirror materials in cabinet doors or backsplashes are common choices. Natural stone countertops and floors with patterned or textured tiles on backsplashes.

James Martin

We have had recent requests for heavily glazed and distressed finishes, even crackle, and hand scraped painted looks.  A more heavily textured, ornamented and layered look than before. More raised panel cabinet doors instead of the flat panel shaker style. More decorative toe kicks, corbels and corner posts.

I had a homeowner request a French country farmhouse look, where they were previously considering a modern farmhouse style.  This trend could be just the market we are in? Or are we part of a bigger picture trend to come?

As our team goes to KBIS in February (The industry show for kitchen and bath professionals), we will see what the kitchen and bath industry predicts as the coming trends, and if we are part of an emerging trend, or just witnessing a new niche in our Lake Home market? Never a dull moment in our industry, as trends come and go, we try to stay a step ahead by watching and learning about what is happening in design, not only in our industry, but other sectors as well. Furniture, cars, decorative fabrics and clothing all follow the design Trends in our world.

 

 

When you are a designer the creative juices start flowing the moment your eyes open in the morning. From the outfits I lay out for myself and my three-year-old, to projects I’m designing for my clients.


A good designer doesn’t stop at just the basic cabinetry design. Just like my outfits don’t stop at just the basic clothing. Accessories, like the perfect jacket, jewelry, and shoes, play a big part in pulling the entire look together and sending a message about personal style.

The same thing applies to designing cabinetry in my clients’ homes. I start with a basic, functional plan and then work with the client to develop their individual style. Adding the countertops, lighting and plumbing fixtures is like layering on the accessories and “jewelry”. It begins to make a statement and bring personality to the design. It’s like taking a little black dress and adding either pearls and stilettos, or a jean jacket and cowboy boots. It’s all about individual style.

One tip I like to share with my clients is to add an unexpected detail or “secret treasure” like a flea market find or artistic piece that gives a punch of personality to the room. Price doesn’t matter on this one. It is all about including a piece that is a conversation starter. Think back to that little black dress and pairing that pearl necklace with those cowboy boots. Now you’re talking my language!

Geneva Cabinet Company Kitchen Design

We invite you to stop into our Lake Geneva showroom to experience quality cabinetry.  Learn how to create that perfectly complete design of your very own.

Get started with a call to us

262-245-9600

 

 

 

 

 

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mother daughter play kitchen

Like mother, like daughter, right? What 3-year-old doesn’t watch mommy in the kitchen and dream of her own pint-size version. Now add to equation that mommy is a kitchen designer and the standards just got a little higher. The internet did not disappoint. Play kitchens have really upgraded since I was a little girl. Current versions include all the amenities of real kitchens. “Stainless” finishes, recycling bins, ironing centers and even “smart” options like a place for your tablet are all out there.

KidKraft Live Learn Play Kitchen Amazon 81tqN87DF6L._SL1500_

Some of the questions I considered when selecting my daughter’s kitchen were the same questions I ask of my clients. What style do you like? Traditional, vintage, contemporary or a combination. Color, materials, size, storage options; all important factors to consider. There are so many choices, how do I decide? No, how do we decide? Factor in that I’m negotiating with a 3-year-old. Limiting her choices to two seemed more appropriate.

playhouse entry

Enlisting the help of a professional kitchen designer can really make the process of designing your dream kitchen much more enjoyable. Designers guide clients through the process by showing them a myriad of options and helping them narrow down the choices. In the end the kitchen should reflect the lifestyle and personality of the homeowner. Maybe poppy red is not your thing but for Ella it is truly her dream kitchen.

child play kitchen cabinets playhouse sign and seat

 

We invite you to stop in to our Lake Geneva Showroom to touch and feel the latest innovations in cabinetry for your kitchen, and every other room of your home.  Our designers would love to help!

Get started with a call to us at 262-245-9600

 

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