Entertainment spaces are becoming some of the most exciting and thoughtfully designed areas of the home. Today’s homeowners are creating dedicated destinations for gathering, serving, relaxing, and enjoying time with family and friends. From expansive outdoor kitchens to beautifully appointed home bars, these spaces are designed to make entertaining feel effortless.

Our latest project brings that idea to life with a spacious outdoor kitchen paired with a custom bar in a new room above the garage. Designed to work together, the two spaces are ideal for entertaining.

Outdoor Grill and Beverage Center: Made for Gathering

Outdoor Grill and home bar

A well-designed outdoor kitchen does more than provide a place to grill. It creates a dedicated space for preparing, serving, and enjoying food and drinks while keeping the hosts connected to the party.

In this project, the outdoor kitchen wall turned out to be longer than anticipated, creating an opportunity to make the most of the space. The generous layout accommodates a large gas grill along with a separate side burner for preparing sauces and sides.  A dedicated beverage center and ample countertop make serving guests equally effortless.

remodeling outdoor kitchen

NatureKast cabinetry, granite countertops, and stainless steel components provide the durability needed for outdoor use while maintaining a polished, custom look.

With room to grill, cook, chill, prep, and serve, this outdoor kitchen is a true entertainment destination. Everything is within reach, allowing the homeowners to stay outside, stay connected, and enjoy their guests.

When the Party Moves Indoors: A Bar Designed for Entertaining

outdoor kitchen with home bar designGreat entertainment spaces reflect the way people naturally gather. The outdoor kitchen creates the perfect setting for cooking and serving, while the new room above the garage extends the experience indoors. A custom bar welcomes guests for everyday enjoyment and special occasions, with beautiful views and thoughtful amenities inviting them to relax, continue conversations, and enjoy the evening long after the dining is complete.

Designed with the convenience of a fully equipped kitchen, the bar area includes everything needed for effortless entertaining, including dishwashing drawers, an undercounter microwave, and elegant wine storage worthy of the finest collection.

fully equipped kitchen with quartz countertop

The centerpiece of the space is a stunning quartz countertop with subtle translucent qualities that capture the beauty of natural stone while offering the durability and easy maintenance homeowners appreciate

Lighting That Brings the Bar to Life

Lighting for the bar

One detail that makes this entertaining space especially memorable is the thoughtful use of lighting. Because the homeowner loves beautifully illuminated spaces, we made lighting a key design element that adds warmth and personality to the room.

Interior lighting within the glass-front cabinets highlights the homeowner’s glassware collection, turning everyday pieces into a beautiful display. Beneath the upper countertop, additional lighting creates a soft glow, drawing attention to the quartz surface to enhance its subtle translucent qualities. Together, these layers of light offer an inviting atmosphere that feels sophisticated and comfortable.

A Quiet Retreat Included

custom window seat

The space above the garage offers more than entertaining. It also gives guests a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the view. A custom window seat, built with the same high-quality cabinetry as the bar, creates an inviting spot to pause and unwind.

Located next to the game area, the window seat brings a quieter element to the room. Guests can settle in, enjoy a conversation, or take in the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful addition gives the space a comfortable balance of activity and relaxation, making it easy for guests to enjoy the room long after the outdoor gathering ends.

Designing Spaces That Bring People Together

For this homeowner, creating a seamless entertainment experience meant maximizing every inch of space. From the outdoor kitchen to the indoor bar, each area is thoughtfully planned to support the way the home is used.

Durable materials, custom cabinetry, layered lighting, and carefully selected finishes come together to create spaces that are beautiful, practical, and built to last.

The result is more than an updated home. It is a collection of inviting spaces designed for making lasting memories both indoors and out.

Explore our Inspiration Gallery for ideas for your own home.

 We’re always here to help you explore what’s possible. Reach out through our contact form to start the conversation.

Shanna Wolf S.Photography 

 

 

The kitchen is the command center for home activity, so when summer rolls around make the swap to an outdoor kitchen for a refreshing change.  This upgrade will improve your attitude, and potentially your home’s value.

Increase Living Space

outdoor kitchen expands living space

Geneva Cabinet Company, Lowell Custom Homes, Shanna Wolf Photography    

Often backyards don’t live up to their full potential.  Create outdoor rooms that will bring dormant property to life.  When planning, place the outdoor kitchen in an area that is easy to access from indoors.  For more tips see our Outdoor Kitchen Guide.

Fluid Space for Entertaining

outdoor kitchen for more space to entertain

Geneva Cabinet Company, Lowell Custom Homes, Shanna Wolf Photography

Social events are more appealing when guests can flow between spaces.  An event that begins indoors suddenly becomes more relaxed as guests follow the sun.  Adding an outdoor gathering space expands your entertainment opportunities for more fun with family and friends.

Increase Healthy Outdoor Time

Outdoor kitchen helps spend more quality time outdoors

Geneva Cabinet Company, Lowell Custom Homes, Shanna Wolf Photography

Spending time outdoors improves health and well-being.  Take everyday activities alfresco to boost your energy along with many other proven health benefits.

Energy Saving

Outdoor Kitchens saves energy

Geneva Cabinet Company, Lowell Custom Homes

Cooking outdoors will keep the heat out of the kitchen on a steamy summer day.  Save on air conditioning while the grill multitasks for meal preparation.  Plus, grilled food has its own deliciously unique flavor!

Make the Most of Spring and Summer

Outdoor Kitchens Make the Most of Spring and Summer

Geneva Cabinet Company, Lowell Custom Homes, Photo by Aimee Mazzenga

While the weather is pleasant, take advantage of every day with an outdoor kitchen surrounded with comfortable seating.  Adding a fireplace or heater will extend your seasons from the beginning of spring through the early days of winter.

Designed to Fit Your Home

Outdoor Kitchens designed to fit your needs

Geneva Cabinet Company, Lowell Custom Homes, Shanna Wolf Photography

Geneva Cabinet Company will design the perfect outdoor kitchen to fit your space and budget.  Tuck one into an existing outdoor niche or have our designers create a layout to perfectly suite your needs.

Contact us and we’ll help you get this project started!

262-245-9600

 

 

 

Adding an outdoor kitchen is a great way to enjoy your home year-round. Spaces that mingle activities with fresh air environments rate high on the homeowner satisfaction scale.  The 2021 Outdoor Living Report  reveals that 82% of American homeowners see the value of adding an outdoor living spaces.  This is more than a passing fancy, it is a shift in lifestyle.

Blurring the Lines

Blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor space is a trend with staying power.   This home built by Lowell Custom Homes opens the kitchen with a NanaWindow. This allows the well appointed indoor kitchen to serve double duty.

We love the way this kitchen opens up to the screened-in porch for a refreshing breeze.  The counter height bar is perfect for casual dining or buffet service.  Protection from the elements and additional seating extends the outdoor season gracefully.

 

Creating a Moment

It’s about more than cooking, this kitchen integrates with the outdoor environment for an inviting experience.  Transitioning from cooking to dining and entertaining is effortless when designed into your landscape plan.

 

 

Long-lasting Durability

Our choice is Danver for cabinetry with a long-lasting stainless steel powder coat finish.  We pair these cabinets with natural stone countertops, stainless steel appliances and all-weather furnishings made to withstand the elements.  Choosing quality will help bring a return on the initial investment.

Customized Kitchen Design

Our designers are inspired by you to create an outdoor ensemble that caters to your cooking and serving style.  Equip your outdoor kitchen with a grilling station, pizza oven, warming drawers, refrigerator, bar, and plenty of weatherproof storage.

 

For more design tips visit our Outdoor Kitchen Guide then call us to get your plan started.

262-245-9600

 

 

 

Summer has so much to offer, but you won’t find it hiding in your overheated kitchen. Step away from the oven and explore some of the coolest ways to plate a refreshing summer meal!

Eat Fresh

Farmer’s markets are a dream come true with their garden fresh veggies for a chop and eat meal.  No need to make this complicated, just browse these Cooking Light No Cook Salad recipes for inspiration.

 

Break Out the Countertop Appliances

Instapot and Air Fryer recipes were made for summer days.  Even blender smoothies can offer you instant gratification without tedious prep time.  Extend leisure time and keep it cool with a curated stash of cooking aids.  Store them in a convenient countertop cabinet for quick and easy access.

Take it Outdoors

Designer Joyce Zuelke, ckd designed the perfect way to beat the heat with this outdoor kitchen.  Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while preparing a tasty meal.  You will love the special features of the latest weather resistant cabinetry by Danver. Not only is this built for longevity, the weatherproof storage is offered in a stunning variety of door styles and colors.

Your outdoor kitchen can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.

Be sure to follow our principles of good design for Outdoor Kitchens.

Photo from Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchen with Key West Door in metallic bronze matte powder coated finish.

Keep it Cool for Desert

 

Fresh fruit with a dollop of flavored whipped cream is a classic summertime desert, but you can step it up with frozen treats.   For an icy cold adult option check out the boozy pop recipes right here.

 

Follow this link to our Outdoor Kitchen Design Guide  

and

stop by the showroom to touch and feel the cabinetry in our outdoor kitchen display!

262-245-9600

201 Geneva National Ave. S.

Lake Geneva, WI 53147

The key difference between an indoor kitchen and an outdoor kitchen is entertainment value.   Cooking outdoors turns everyday meal prep into a special occasion.  The variety of equipment for outdoor kitchens can take your weekend BBQ to the next level and provide culinary inspiration for entertaining family and friends.  Keep our design guidelines in mind and create the perfect outdoor cooking venue for the upcoming summer season.

Choose the location with convenience in mind.

The best location will blur the line between indoor and outdoor space allowing you to move easily without wasted footsteps back and forth. Certainly your outdoor kitchen will be used for entertaining, but remember that often you will want to cook outdoor and bring food indoors to dine.  When located close to your indoor kitchen, amenities for each area can be shared.   This could add up to a substantial savings on the overall project.

Design for functionality

Outdoor kitchens come in all shapes and sizes to go along with your space and budget.  The basic plan should provide an area for food prep, cooking and serving. Before creating your layout, locate the most direct access to gas, electric and water utilities.  This will cut down on the additional expense of running services further than necessary.

 

Material Selections

Choose the materials and finishes carefully with respect to your climate.  Cabinetry, countertops and appliances should be maintenance free.  Include stainless steel, teak and concrete for long lasting waterproof design.  We used Danver Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchen Cabinetry in the featured projects to achieve high design, exceptional efficiency and lasting durability.

 

Beyond the Basics

The design options are endless, but once you cover your basic cooking functions it’s time to add even more convenience.  A sink in the outdoor kitchen makes clean-up a breeze and storage cabinetry will keep provisions at your fingertips.

 

Refrigeration is a plus for self-service beverages and holding perishables before cooking.

Specialized Cooking

The latest specialized outdoor kitchens feature artisan pizza ovens, slow-cook grills, smokers, and stoves with infra-red burners.  Any outdoor cooking enthusiast will love the restaurant quality options now available.

 

Protect yourself rain or shine

Protect yourself and your equipment with a little overhead coverage from a canopy or pergola.  Nothing will spoil the fun like the typical midwest storm blowing through.  Plan ahead so the party doesn’t become waterlogged or wither in the heat.   While you’re at it, add air circulation with ceiling fans and outdoor lighting so the good times don’t end at sundown.

Stop by our showroom and take a tour of this complete outdoor kitchen.   Designers Stephanie Nelson or Joyce Zuelke, ckd can answer your questions and walk you through the design of an outdoor kitchen where you can expand all of your cooking and entertaining possibilities.

262-245-9600

201 Geneva National Ave. S.

Lake Geneva, WI 53147