Our Top 10 2020 Kitchen Trends

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Nothing exciting ever happens when you play it safe and the trends for 2020 will encourage you to take a leap and try some of these new ideas to energize your home.   Keep in mind that these are trends, not fads, they will be around for the next 10 years.   So don’t be shy, give your kitchen a new point of view and enjoy.

 

1. Two & Three Toned Kitchens

We are mixing it up in the kitchen and bath with complimentary wood tones and color options. It is our favorite way to bring warmth, color and texture into the design.  Adding in Pantone’s Color of the Year, Classic Navy will help the cause.

 

2. Slabs migrate from countertop to backsplash

The veining in stone slabs is so appreciated that we are finding new places to view as art by having it move up the wall to the backsplash and walls.

 

3. Countertop Options

There is movement away from granite and towards quartz (man-made) and quartzite (natural stone).  Add in a contrasting kitchen island in wood or butcher block from Grothouse and you round out this fashion forward look.  Also new ultra thin materials are gaining in popularity to offer a more modern point-of-view.

 

4.  Range Hoods take center stage

Artesian crafted with stunning materials like this hood from Raw Urth, we love creating statement pieces in the kitchen that set the tone for the entire home.

 

5.  The Island Life

Extra-large and multifunctional islands are here to stay as the hub of the home.  They are housing appliances, refrigeration, storage and charging stations.   Also the island is center stage as a place for casual dining and gatherings with guests.

 

6.  Luxury Appliances

This trend is more about superior function than status. The newest flexi-fridges have special compartments that transition from refrigerator to freezer and advanced refrigeration systems that extend the life of food for days beyond the older models.   (Very handy for a weekend home.)

 

7.  Lighting for Beauty and Function

Oversized statement pendants over islands as well as detail lighting under cabinet and on cabinet interiors will increase visibility and provide a highly functioning work space.

 

8.  Beverage Bars Expand

No longer an afterthought, beverage bars are practical solutions that are popping up in every room. Coffee, smoothie, wine, or snacks, the beverage bar is at your service.

 

9.  Permanency

The general consensus during most remodels is the desire to do it right and first time. This is the end of the disposable design era.  Most homeowners want to incude all of the bells and whistles to enjoy now and not wait to upgrade their kitchen to prepare it for sale.

 

10.   Versatility

Pushing the boundaries of what a kitchen should be, we are featuring cabinetry that looks like quality furnishing.  Many kitchens are even including comfortable upholstery and decorative items that encourage comfort and livability.

 

The Geneva Cabinet Company’s state-of-the-art showroom is open to the public and contains endless inspiration for every room of your home.    Stop in for a visit and stay connected to the latest trends at genevacabinet.com

Explore our beautifully designed cabinetry here!

And stop in to our Lake Geneva showroom

to be inspired for every room in your home!

201 Geneva National Ave S

Lake Geneva, WI

262-245-9600

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The Architectural Kitchen

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A kitchen is central to the design of any home, and the details need to complement the architecture without interrupting it.   In the case of this new home by Lowell Custom Homes, the kitchen openly participates in the establishment of a fresh modern statement.

The rustic white oak flooring and pale Benjamin Moore wall finish called for a touch of contrast in the cabinetry.   We accomplished that with a combination of two finishes from Plato Woodwork.  The perimeter was firmly wrapped in Plato’s painted Arctic White finish while we defined the island and buffet with the contrasting richness of Alder Carbon.

High Performance Island

The counter height island serves as a landing for casual gatherings as well as daily amenities.  Two Bosh 24″ dishwasher drawers, Thermador undercounted refrigerator drawers, a Sharp microwave oven drawer and prep sink are all housed beneath durable Caesarstone Quartz countertops.

Graceful Symmetry

The open plan gives way to perfect symmetry in the design and layout of cabinetry.  A farmhouse sink from Rohl and lantern wall sconces from Hinkley frame the outer wall,

while artisan tile from Bella Tile and Stone defines a professionally equipped cook center under bright clerestory windows.

Integrated design

Cabinetry door panels conceal the refrigeration and work well to integrate the design into the overall architectural goals of the room.

Entertainment Value

The kitchen location just off of the entry gallery is ideal for hosting events large and small.  A storage sideboard serves well while entertaining or simply looks good as a supporting focal point of the room.

Kitchen and cabinetry design must enhance the overall architectural direction of a home.  We strive to incorporate our detailed cabinetry and design knowledge to confirm this design statement.

The result is truly the best of both worlds!

Explore more of our beautifully designed kitchens here!

And stop in to our Lake Geneva showroom

to experience cabinetry inspiration for every room in your home!

201 Geneva National Ave S

Lake Geneva, WI

262-245-9600

Kitchen Design by Joyce Zuelke, ckd

Photography by Shanna Wolf/S.Photography and Styling

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Kitchen Backsplash Trends to Inspire

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Gone are the days when a 4″ x 4″ kitchen backsplash tile would dazzle your day.  The backsplash now plays a leading role in establishing the design aesthetic for your kitchen, and even your entire home.   Browse through our top trends and be inspired to make a personal backsplash style statement.

Solid Slab Backsplash

Solid slabs ooze luxury and are available at a variety of price points.   The Installation of these sometimes gigantic stone pieces is not for the faint-of-heart.  Watch this installation video to see how it’s done.

As you can see perfect measurements and strategic planning are a necessity, but the results are worth it!  The streamline simplicity of this look is enhanced when the countertops match.

slab book match marble

 

There is a natural elegance to this backsplash treatment that is appropriate for every area of the home.  Here it is used in a beverage bar adjacent to the great room.

 

On another installation the granite slabs actually glide to reveal secret storage beneath a flawless Raw Urth stainless steel hood.

1 backsplash ka sliding granite Raw Ruth brushed Stainless hood

 

Take It To The Ceiling

The unbroken vertical line of a full height backsplash will visually lift the ceiling and expand the entire space.

slab full height to ceiling Colorquartzs quartz Venatino CQolid surface

 

Similarly the full height backsplash as created with high gloss subway tile will brighten any room.

subway simplicity tiled to the ceiling

 

Pattern Play

Colorful patterned tile is another top trend.  This lively kitchen uses coral concrete tile as a beautiful way to infuse an otherwise neutral space with confident style.

Designed by Elizabeth Drake Interior Design and built by Lowell Custom Homes.

coral concrete tiles Kitchen island countertop Drake Interior Design Vicky photograph

 

We employ this technique again to make a statement on a backsplash in a kitchen designed with Plato Woodwork, Inc. Cabinetry.  View the full kitchen here to see how the customer’s  pottery collection inspired the design.

ceramic morocco style tile

Shimmer & Shine

Adding a reflective material to the backsplash area will reduce shadows and introduce a delightfully unexpected note.  Under cabinet lighting can be added to magnify the effect.

mirrored bar backsplash

 

iridescent glass backsplash tile

Shapely Patterns

Simplicity doesn’t mean boring, especially when you achieve it with the use of a lovely shaped tile.   Honeycomb, arabesques, and other hand cut shapes add interesting texture even when used in a neutral color palette.

shapely tile backsplash

shapely @artobrick Stone tile backsplash

shaped handmade tile

Classic Subway with New Point of View

Even with the many beautiful options for backsplash tile, subway remains a leader.  The 3 x 6 shape can be ceramic, porcelain or even a natural stone.  All of the varieties will create a classic and versatile look a variety of price points.

marble subway tile backsplash

In contrast to the standard installation pattern,  the other possibilities will help you customize this appealing look.

subway tile patterns

Laundry craft room potting sink STAINLESS STEEL BY ELKAY brick pattern subway tile

Material Mix Master

Blending different tile patterns can result in totally fresh statement.  Here the classic subway is enhanced with an insert of beautiful artisan tile.

 

Inserts of delicate stone mosaics create an interlacing border in a mesmerizing pattern.

Material mix backsplash design

 

And the selective placement of tile can designates various activity zones within the kitchen.

shape and subway tile mix

 

Make the ultimate statement in your kitchen with a backsplash, countertops and cabinetry that all present a unified design.  Our designers specialize in creative combinations and will customized one to your personal taste.  Learn more about the creative process and your kitchen design right here.

And learn about the options in countertop materials and how they perform here.

Photography by Shanna Wolf S Photography and Victoria McHugh

Explore our inspirational ideas here!

And stop in to our Lake Geneva showroom

to experience cabinetry design and ideas for every room in your home!

201 Geneva National Ave S

Lake Geneva, WI

262-245-9600

 

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Inspiration and The Creative Process for Your Kitchen Design

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Inspiration is where it all begins.

The concept for this newly remodeled kitchen started with a stroll through our neighboring tile showroom.   Our customer fell in love with some lovely artisan tiles that complemented their extensive pottery collection.  From there a new kitchen was conceived!   This is often the case.   One exciting element becomes the starting point for an entirely new design.

Inspiration

 

Brainstorming to Develop a Concept

After initial inspiration, the process advanced by defining our homeowners needs.  Organizing all of the possibilities into a general concept  takes teamwork.  Our kitchen designer worked with the homeowner and her interior designer towards a common vision.  Creating a highly functional kitchen with a lighter and brighter aesthetic was a priority.   The cabinet plan and elevations below were developed to combine all of the best ideas for this active family.

Digging Into the Details

It is essential to edit down all of the options in order to stay on track with any design.  There are so many exciting products on the market, click here to see the many lines we carry.   It’s important to keep the final vision in mind.  Choose cabinets, hardware, countertops and appliances that flow smoothly into a cohesive design.  Just as important,  eliminate anything that doesn’t fit.

This kitchen includes display areas for the homeowner’s beautiful collections while meeting their needs for a bright, highly functional design.    We used custom cabinetry from Plato Woodwork, Inc. with contrasting finishes in  Arctic White and Moody Blue.

The inspiration tile from Bella Tile and Stone was taken to the ceiling for major style statement from every angle.

Honed marble countertops with a beveled edge are a lovely and practical decision to delicately support the bold backsplash pattern.

Hardware from Schaub and Company completes the look in a natural bronze finish with an angular counterpoint to the tile pattern.

Floating shelves balance the space and offer display area for collections.  The lighting plan includes options for under cabinet, in cabinet, recessed and pendant illumination.  A farmhouse sink and faucet from Kohler complete the look.

And of course since a kitchen is all about storage, we designed for this homeowners specific needs by including a special area for all of the specialty small appliances.  No clutter on these countertops!

One inspirational element transformed this kitchen into a centerpiece for the entire home!

Featured in this Kitchen

 Interior Designer by Mary Myer in Lake Geneva, WI

Cabinetry by Plato Woodwork, Inc.

Kitchen design by Natalie Spiniolas

Hardware from Schaub and Company

Appliances from Subzero-Wolf,  Vent-A-Hood

 

Visit our Inspiration Gallery here.

And then stop in to our Lake Geneva showroom to explore stunning cabinetry and design vignettes for every room of your home!

201 Geneva National Ave S

Lake Geneva, WI

262-245-9600

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This is How New Cabinetry Would Organize Your Life

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Clutter is part of life, but having new cabinetry and an organized system is like being born again.  Our designers tackle every kitchen project with their eye on the prize, complete order with impeccable style.  It starts with the realization that we have a lot of stuff, and sometimes it gets in the way.  The secret is to have a place for all of it to go.

The first step is a palette cleanse. In this case the existing cabinets were in great shape so we helped the homeowners with a donation to Habitat for Humanity Restore Milwaukee.  On hand is our Project Manager Mike Jeffrey to uninstall the old and remodel the space before installing brand new cabinetry.

 We will take you on a walk-through of your daily kitchen routine in order to analyze where you are wasting space and effort.  Also a realistic look at what you are storing, and why, will be helpful. Then we get to work on the cabinet layout.
before and after kitchen design drawings

This new design features an essential work triangle customized for easy flow, in, around and through the space.  We specify the type of cabinets needed and interior features to best store each kitchen’s content.

kitchen cabinet plan perspective drawing

 

Fluidity is key; refrigerator to sink, pantry to countertop, squirrel watching window to water bowl . . . .

Kitchen cabinet design before and after

When it’s time for filling those cabinets, we encourage a new approach to the traditional system.  Consider grouping items you use most often together in an easy to access cabinet location.  Breakfast items like toaster, waffle maker, and fry pan should be near your breakfast prep area.   This could mean that your cookware is stored according to frequency of use rather than type.  Apply the same thought process to china and serving pieces.  Don’t waste valuable real estate on things that are only used occasionally.

pice pull out cabinety

Spices are the exception, they should be stored together on pull-out racks for easy assessment.

cabinet design coffee bar

And a designated coffee or beverage bar will energize you at the start of each day.

before and after cabinetry with countertop organization

KitchenAids and cookbooks go together like wine and cheese, so stage your countertop with attractive items that are useful in order to save cabinet space.

kitchen cabinets with drawers below counter

And remember that drawers offer the most organized easy to access storage.

new cabinery with large storage cabinets as island base

We like to group large cabinets together out of the work zone to accommodate medium appliances, serving pieces, Costo-sized supplies and that 50 lb bag of dog food.  Here we used double door base cabinets on the front side of an extra-large island for a furniture like appearance.

artistic backsplash to encourage tidy habits

Finish off your new kitchen with an artistic backsplash.  This one from Bella Tile and Stone is the perfect backdrop for an orderly life.

This kitchen features

Medallion Cabinetry with a Craftsman Style Door

Hardware by Top Knobs

Pendant lighting from Old South

Design is by Joyce Zuelke, ckd with installation by Geneva Cabinet Company Project Manager Mike Jefferey

Photography by Shanna Wolf S.Photography and Styling

Stop in to our Lake Geneva showroom to explore more great kitchen and bath looks!

201 Geneva National Ave S

Lake Geneva, WI

262-245-9600

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Inspired Ideas for Your Kitchen and Bath

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While pouring over our notes and photos from KBIS (the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show), we found that the most noteworthy products encourage a very personal approach to design. We organized our favorite ideas into four groups with elements that have a tendency to migrate and blend to create the perfect balance.

The Finish Story

Geneva Cabinet Company KBIS color and finish story

Everyone is accustomed to accent color statements, but the latest products expand finish options and fully encourage an integrated color palette.  Cobalt blue and emerald green are making inroads into formerly neutral territory with stunning results.

True leads the way with an introduction of residential appliances called Build Your True.  Not only did we see dramatic color, but even black and white were developed with rich matte effect. These along with stunning new combinations on hardware include metallic finishes (a trend we predicted last year) to help us build specialized statements in kitchen and bath design.

 

The Surface Story

Geneva Cabinet Company KBIS trends surface interest for countertops and walls

In addition to tried-and-true surfaces like quartz and granite, the buzz is building for materials with unique character.  Walls and countertops will mimic nature or take us beyond expectations with exaggerated pattern and texture.

The Artisan Story

Geneva Cabinet Company KBIS report Artisan trends

Craftsmanship is always about attention to detail and this year standout products emphasize artistic composition along with innovative materials.

The Transformation Story

Geneva Cabinet Kitchen and Bath trends 2019

Ingenuity and creative solutions appear with products that shift and take on new shapes to meet our needs. The most delightful ideas convert in appearance for functional and versatile looks, much like the popular Transformer toys.

There is no doubt that the latest kitchen and bath products open the way to inspired design!

To learn more about the products featured in this blog stop by our showroom to chat

and explore these links.

Plato Woodwork, Inc.

Elkay 

SMEG

Inalco and Azalia

True

Robern

Design-Craft

Grothouse

Art for Everyday

SomerTile

262-245-9600

201 Geneva National Ave. S.

Lake Geneva, WI 53147

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Healthy Kitchen, Healthy You!

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Creating a kitchen for wellness is the modern way to introduce a lifestyle that cares for you and your family. A fresh approach to design can encourage new healthful habits. Our designers at Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC are your cabinet concierges with the expertise you need to make it happen.  Follow these tips for a design that will lead you to a healthier home.

Banish the Harmful

As any healthy body knows, it’s what’s inside that counts. The material used in the composition of cabinetry as well as the finishing process is a key factor to product safety.   That is why the cabinets from Geneva Cabinet Company are made in the USA to the highest standards. Our products meet or surpass regulatory requirements for low VOC (volatile organic compounds) so you can breath easy.  You can read about the commitment to the environment by our manufacturers here for Plato Woodwork, Inc, here for Shiloh Cabinetry, and here for Medallion Cabinetry.

Keep it Clean

The right finishes will help you keep your kitchen clean.  Non-porous countertop favorites like Quartz will inhibit the spread of bacteria.  We like taking the backsplash up the wall to provide a fully washable surface.  Read more about countertop options here.  Keep in mind that adding windows in lieu of upper cabinets will let the natural germ fighting power of sunlight pour in.

Visualize Vitality

You will make healthier choices if they are out in the open.   To aid in this pursuit Geneva Cabinet Company is designing kitchens with snack stations and open shelving to display delicious still life arrangements of fruits and veggies. Glass door refrigeration is growing in popularity with its visual cues to more nutritious options and refrigerator drawers are being placed at the point of use for easy-to-reach healthy treats.

display healthy food in the open

Engage the Senses

With the focus on real foods, indoor growing rooms and countertop herb gardens are nurturing features. Terra Trellis has elevated the design of indoor gardens with their delightful grow boxes and expert indoor gardening videos are on board to help us cultivate our inner green thumb.  Engaging the sense of smell and touch with fresh herbs is known to spark interest in more healthy recipes.

terra trellis

Preserved to Perfection

A focus on freshness comes with the need for food preservation systems to maintains taste, texture and nutrients.  Sub Zero is one of our favorites as a pioneer in multiple evaporator and air purifying systems. Refrigeration with separate zones will maximum freshness with controlled humidity to reduce the moisture that accelerates food deterioration.  There is also a renewed interest in kitchens with areas of bulk cold storage and compact individual refrigerator units.  Think of canned goods, beverages, wine and snacks all maintained at the proper temperature for maximum shelf-life.

food preservation sub zero

The Joy of Cooking

In the era of grocery and meal kit delivery, there is more time for the pure pleasure of cooking. Convection, steam and induction methods are speeding up the process with superior taste and nutrition.  Technology adds novelty to the experience with voice controlled faucets and programmable appliances. The kitchen plan can encourage cooking efforts of multiple-generations in the household as they work together re-creating traditional family recipes.

display healthy food in the open

Touchy Feely

While we are tuned-in to the visual appearance of a kitchen, the tactile experience is just as valuable to well-being.  There is nothing as satisfying as drawer glides that operate smoothly and the secure fit of a well made cabinet door.  Substantial hardware with a solid accessible grip offers ease of operation.  In this kitchen we use knobs and pulls from Emtek in the classic Ribbon & Reed design.

easy and accessible healthy snacks

To see more healthy living designs stop in to our state-of-the-art showroom.  We are open to the public and have endless inspiration for cabinetry design in every room of your home.

262-245-9600

201 Geneva National Ave. S.

Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Others who contributed to the success of this project

Lowell Custom Homes

Plato Woodwork, Inc.

JC Plumbing & Heating

Bella Tile & Stone

Carrera Extra Marble from Levantina Stone Center & Fabricated by Old World Stone

Wolf Range and SubZero Refrigeration

Emtek Hardware

 

Photography by Shanna Wolf S.Photography and Styling

 

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Donate for a Rewarding Remodel!

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So you want to remodel your kitchen, but hate the idea of wasting the existing cabinetry?  We have a solution for you!  Donate your old cabinets and usable appliances to a good cause like Habitat for Humanity!  We are at your service to make it happen with no extra effort when you do a kitchen or bath project with Geneva Cabinet Company!

Project Manager Mike Jeffrey meets with Jake Weiler from Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity Restore.

This location is one of many home improvement stores around the country that gladly accepts new or gently used furniture, appliances, cabinetry and other building components like windows and doors.  You donations are sold and the proceeds go to your local Habitat  effort to provide affordable housing.

For this project our team did a great job of deconstructing the beautiful cherry cabinetry that was unfortunately not working for the homeowners.  Our team had the cabinets, countertops and lighting ready to go for Habitat Milwaukee.  You can contact them directly to schedule your own pick up or ask for our help during the planning phase of your project.

In this case we are working with incredibly generous homeowners who even donated appliances that were like-new!  A special thank you to them and all of the volunteers at Habitat who made the entire process so rewarding!

In the meantime, our designer Joyce Zuelke, ckd has been hard at work designing the new kitchen layout.  With her trademark ingenuity, the new kitchen will feature a fresh open concept with increased storage and new Medallion Cabinetry.

Stay tuned for the big reveal, it will look a little something like this!

Our designers would love to help you with your kitchen, bath and storage improvements!  Our cabinetry is beautifully made in the USA to the highest standards.  Stop in to our Lake Geneva showroom to browse for ideas or call us today!

262-245-9600

201 Geneva National Ave. S

Lake Geneva, WI 53147

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Designer Spotlight – Cynthia B Wilson Interior Design- Kitchen Remodel

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We are always excited when we have a design or remodeling project with Cynthia B Wilson, and this one is especially impressive!

Cynthia achieved a new look for this kitchen with the effective reuse of the existing high quality cabinetry.   With an assist from Geneva Cabinet Company designer Natalie Spiniolas and our installation team, this kitchen is updated with the least amount of disruption and expense.

Kitchen Remodel Before CB Wilson

New countertops, modern hardware and a Bella Tile & Stone backsplash all create a fresh new look.  New appliances update the function and efficiency while Wilson cleverly converts the pantry to a dry bar and adds a convenient niche above the range.

Kitchen Remodel Geneva Cabinet Company and CB Wilson

We think you’ll agree, stunning!

Geneva Cabinet Company Lake Geneva WI kitchen makeover with CB Wilson

Our designers are always ready to help with your home improvements!

We are delighted to work directly with homeowners or with design specialists.

262-245-9600

201 Geneva National Ave. S.

Lake Geneva, WI 53147

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French Country . . . Is It Back?

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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.

 

 

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