Posts

While stainless steel kitchens are sleek and modern, appliance panels are a stylish way to add warmth and character.

Kitchens continue to evolve and mold to our lifestyles.  They serve as an oasis, the go-to gathering spot for family and friends.  As designers, we love pairing an open floorplan with beautiful cabinetry for an inviting space that encourages mingling and relaxation.  Part of our secret is the use of wood panels, allowing appliances to effortlessly blend into the background.  This creates overall warmth while maintaining complete functionality with our quality cabinetry.

Hiding in Plain Sight

appliance panels in contrast finish as part of kitchen design

Plato Woodwork, Inc., Shanna Wolf Photography

Stainless Steel is an immensely popular finish in the kitchen.  While everyone loves the neutral look, it can overwhelm a space. Especially when using the newest commercial refrigeration systems.  Furniture quality wood panels will match or compliment the cabinet design and allow even the most generous stretch of appliances to blend in to the surroundings.

Cabinet appliance panels on plan and elevation

Cohesive Design

Kitchen design by Geneva Cabinet Company featuring Plato Woodwork, Inc. cabinetry

Plato Woodwork, Inc., Shanna Wolf Photography

As an extension of the family room, we want kitchens to nurture us with integrated design. By placing appliances in the background, the overall vibe is more versatile than kitchens from previous decades.

Refrigerator and freezer columns with wood appliance panels

Shiloh Cabinetry, Josh Z Photography

Noise Reduction

Shiloh Cabinetry Thermador dishwasher appliance panel

Shiloh Cabinetry, Shanna Wolf Photography

Decibel levels on appliances have improved over the years,  yet we can reduce noise further with the application of wood appliance panels.  They will help absorb vibrations for a more peaceful kitchen environment.

Elevated Protection

Beverage Bar Coffee Bar with glass panel refrigerator door and wood cabinet panel drawer dishwasher.

Shiloh Cabinetry, Josh Z Photography

Quality wood panels will protect your appliances with decades of durability. Even a high-traffic beverage bar can achieve an elegant appearance with easy-care cabinet finishes.

Explore our inspiration gallery and contact us for help bringing your home improvement vision to life!

 

Unleash your home’s full potential with design solutions to maximize your kitchen space and storage.  Whether your room is large or compact, the talented designers at Geneva Cabinet Company will bring efficiency to your day, while highlighting your personal style.

maximize your kitchen storage cabinetry by Plato Woodwork

Plato Woodwork, Inc., Designer Joyce Zuelke, ckbd, Josh Z Photography

Vertical Advantage

maximize your kitchen storage tips Plato Woodwork, Inc., Joyce Zuelke, ckbd, Josh Z Photography

Plato Woodwork, Inc., Joyce Zuelke, ckbd, Josh Z Photography

Take advantage of your kitchen’s height by installing cabinets that reach to the ceiling.  Often this space is ignored, so why not use it to your advantage with full height cabinetry to store seasonal tableware, serving pieces or even bulk paper goods.  We love the streamlined lift door for full access!

Pull-Out Possibilities

maximize kitchen storage with deep pull out storage

Plato Woodwork, Inc., Joyce Zuelke, ckbd, Josh Z Photography

Pull-out shelving units are convenient and perfect as a built-in pantry.  This storage solution can be customized to the width and size of your opening.

Space Efficiency

Double faucet sink for maximum efficiency

Galley Workstation, Joyce Zuelke, ckbd, Josh Z Photography

With a double faucet and wide, unobstructed sink base, a kitchen galley sink becomes the hub of productivity. Collaborate on tasks like washing produce or dishes, and enjoy the efficiency of two sets of hands working together.

Multipurpose Island

maximize kitchen storage with multifunctional island

Plato Woodwork, Inc., Joyce Zuelke, ckbd, Josh Z Photography

This multifunctional island combines storage, prep space, and dining functionality into one convenient unit. Its undercount drawers and cabinets, prep sink, and seating options make it a versatile addition to any kitchen.

Storage in Plain Sight

Plato Woodwork, Inc., Joyce Zuelke, ckbd, Josh Z Photography

Typically we think of hiding everything away in a cabinet, but using open shelving and countertop displays will create interactive moments with your most useful items.  Your favorite serving tray and utensils will be within reach when you’re ready to get down to the business of entertaining.

Plato Woodwork, Inc., Joyce Zuelke, ckbd, Josh Z Photography

The kitchen in this article features beautiful cabinetry from Plato Woodwork, Inc.   Geneva Cabienet Company represents the highest quality manufacturers and styles for a seamless one-stop design and remodeling experience.  Our talented team will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you maximize your kitchen space and storage.

Explore our inspiration gallery and contact us to schedule a consultation.

 

From beach towels to backpacks, we help you control mudroom clutter with storage to help the entire family get organized.  Given its humble beginnings, the mudroom is now an essential space charged with moving you in and out of the house efficiently.  No matter the size, we have cabinetry and design ideas for an attractive and organized launch pad.

First Impressions

Control Mudroom Clutter with style

Interior Design by North Shore Nest, Photo by Aimée Mazzenga

Even the smallest footprint deserves to be treated with orderly style. The designers at North Shore Nest elevate this informal entry with a blue and white scheme for a well-deserved mudroom appreciation moment.

Clutter Control Basics

control Mudroom clutter with hooks and seating

Geneva Cabinet Company, Photo by Shana Wolf

Plenty of sturdy hooks and a bench for pulling on shoes will get your design off to a good start.  From there,  add cubbies above or below the hooks to accommodate frequently used items like shoes, bags and keys.

Design for Durability

Control Mudroom Clutter with cabinetry designed for durability

Geneva Cabinet Company, Photo by Shanna Wolf

Durable and washable finishes are a must for this area.  It’s often the only barrier between outdoor debris and your lovely interior finishes.  Select easy to clean materials that are immune to seasonal wear and tear.  Tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring are popular choices in the mudroom.  For the walls consider a quality semi-gloss and be sure to select cabinetry or lockers with a resilient finish.

Incorporate Cabinetry

Control Mudroom Clutter with cabinets to incorporate storage

Geneva Cabinet Company, Photo Shanna Wolf

When space allows, cabinetry helps to control mudroom clutter with storage for sporting equipment, school supplies and a wide variety of footwear for all seasons.  Every household has unique priorities and cabinetry is sure to improve convenience.  Discuss home improvement possibilities with your Geneva Cabinet designer for storage solutions to accommodate every season.

Connect With Color

Geneva Cabinet Company, Photo by Shanna Wolf

A bold color will draw attention and highlight storage space.  There is no excuse for throwing coats in a pile when a dazzling storage center is in clear view.  A color cue will remind everyone of Benjamin Franklins wisdom,  “A place for everything, and everything in its place.”

Customize Your Storage

customize your mudroom storage space with bins and baskets

Geneva Cabinet Company, Photo by

Configure your mudroom with chic bins and baskets that will sort paraphernalia and fit neatly into cubbies.  Possibilities are easy to find with a browse through Targets Studio McGee Collection or Etsy.

Stretch Your Space

Control Mudroom Clutter by expanding your space with mudroom cabinetry to clear everyday clutter

Geneva Cabinet Company, Photo by Shanna Wolf

When the entry is compact, consider borrowing nearby space to satisfy storage needs.  We love the solution for this collection of thermal drinkware, naturally a priority for any lake home.

Combo Space

Control Mudroom Clutter by combining with laundry room

Geneva Cabinet Company, Photo Shanna Wolf

The mudroom and laundry area are a classic combination. This is ideal for tossing sandy beach towels or muddy sportswear right into the wash.  We share more of our favorite ideas in this Laundry Room Design Guide.

 

Visit our award winning Lake Geneva showroom for inspiration.

Contact us for an appointment with a design expert today!

 (262) 245-9600
info@genevacabinet.com

 

If you’re starting to feel like your kitchen isn’t functioning as well as it once did, it might be time to consider a remodel. Here are the top 7 signs that you need a change.

1. Space is not fully utilized

Good design is about function.  Awkward angles and inefficient layouts waste perfectly good space.  A professional kitchen designer will evaluate your existing kitchen and create architectural magic by utilizing every inch with space-saving efficiency.

2. You’re noticing wear and tear

Broken cabinet drawers, peeling laminate finishes and doors with broken hinges are just depressing.  When the overall cabinet quality is poor, upkeep is a never ending battle.  Solid hardwood construction and quality craftsmanship is the solution that supports heavy duty kitchen activities.

Geneva Cabinet Company is known for sustainable solutions through quality cabinetry.

signs of high quality cabinetry

Geneva Cabinet Company represents the finest manufacturers..

3.  Your kitchen layout is frustrating

Is your kitchen in a constant state of gridlock?  Our designers will evaluate your lifestyle and daily activities as well as the space.  An inefficient floorplan will make cooking and other everyday activities more complicated than necessary.  The right design places everyone at ease.

4. There’s never enough workspace

Countertops are work surfaces.  Ample counter space is essential to your sanity.  If you have to clear space before there is room for everyday activities like meal prep, you need a new plan.

5. Clutter is uncontrollable

Clutter happens when you lack storage space.  Easy access drawers, pull-outs and updated cabinet interiors will maximize storage space and keep equipment and supplies in sight.

6.  Appliances are outdated

Outdated appliances will be inefficient, unreliable and even post a safety hazard.  Upgrading to newer energy-efficient models can save you money on your utility bills and make your time in the kitchen more productive.

7. You’re ready to increase the value of your home

Signs it's time to remodel your kitchen

Beyond functionality, beautiful cabinetry has the power to secure your investment while visually transforming your home.  As the heart of the home, remodeling the kitchen will reward you daily with satisfaction.

Visit our award winning showroom in Lake Geneva for inspiration and ideas.

Contact us for an appointment today!

 (262) 245-9600
info@genevacabinet.com

 

 

Style and storage work together as a top priority for kitchen design in 2024.  This is the place where daily life happens, from morning coffee to evening gatherings with friends.  It truly is the heart of the home, and a makeover investment will reward you immediately.   Launch each day with efficiency and wind down at sunset knowing everything is complete and it its place.

If remodeling the kitchen is on your wish list this year, follow along as we share our latest designer approved trends.

style and storage is on trend in the kitchen

Plato Woodwork Inc Cabinetry, Shanna Wolf Photography

Personalized with Functional Storage

Functional storage for the kitchen

Plato Woodwork Inc, Bella Tile & Stone, Shana Wolf Photography

What is functional storage? We like to think of it as cabinetry that makes sense for your personal style of cooking, snacking, and lounging around.  Overcrowded cabinets waste time and energy while you search for what you need.  We recommend extra deep drawers to accommodate bulky essentials and specialized pullouts so necessities are in view.

Plato Woodwork Inc Cabinetry

 Imagine a clutter free existence where you can find everything you need at first glance.

We would love that for you!

The Back Kitchen Takes Center Stage

The back kitchen butlers pantry

Plato Woodwork Inc, Shanna Wolf Photography

The Back Kitchen is moving forward as a place to operate behind the scenes.  The purpose is to help the main kitchen become a clutter-free living space.  The back kitchen includes extra storage and workspace that is a bit more spacious than a standard butler’s pantry.   It’s the ideal place to keep large serving pieces, extra pantry stock and the messy part of food prep.

A (Back) Splash of Character

style with show stopping backsplash tile

Bella Tile & Stone Backsplash, Shanna Wolf Photography

Tile treatments have evolved into an art of their own.  Placing a unique tile on the backsplash is an ideal way to express personal style and set the tone of the kitchen.  In our latest remodel, backsplash tile from Bella Tile & Stone pairs with an arched window and high-quality custom cabinetry from Plato Woodwork Inc to take centerstage and command attention.

Adjust the Mood with Layered Lighting

kitchen lighting in layers

Remodeled Kitchen with Versatile Lighting, Shanna Wolf Photography

The freshest idea for kitchen lighting is versatility. We don’t always need 100%.  The idea of a sconce in the kitchen or interior cabinet lighting adds flexibility according to mood.

Design Details Adding Dimension

Attention to detail is how design is elevated from average to exceptional.  This includes cabinet selection, hardware, lighting and also the care taken for a precise kitchen layout.  Is there a blender outlet close to the smoothie supplies?  Can two cooks work together without a standoff at the sink?  A well-designed kitchen is customized for your unique habits, function and style.

Kitchen Design by Joyce Zuelke, ckbd

When it’s time to reward yourself with a new kitchen, talk to our designers for the most personalized solutions.

Our showroom has beautiful displays to help you select the ideal storage and style for your home.  Here you will experience the touch and feel of each cabinet and see all of the luxurious finishes available.

 

Your laundry room design can save time and lighten your load!

Do you like keep up with laundry daily or dedicate one time per week to conquer this challenge?

The answer to this and other key factors will influence the design.

  • How many people live in your home?
  • Is anyone or everyone involved in fitness or sports?
  • Does everyone at home have enough basics to get through the week?
  • Do allergies or sensitivities require special laundry handling?
  • Is most clothing “easy-care” or “handle-with-care”?

This information will help your Geneva Cabinet designer guide you to the right solutions.

  For details about where to locate your laundry room and how large it should be, check our past blog.  But for now, let’s take a look at the latest pick-me-ups for wash day.

Make Functional Fabulous

Inspire your day with a perky laundry room

Plato Woodwork, Lowell Custom Homes, Shanna Wolf Photography

In the past, the laundry was consigned to the basement or squeezed into the mudroom.  We prefer a fresh approach that will place a positive spin on the task.   Since laundry is inevitable, why not make the task more pleasant?  Go from functional to fabulous by adding color and pattern to your space.  Easy-to-clean wallcovering is the perfect backdrop for durable cabinetry.

laundry room trends

Kippps Bay Showhouse, Designer David Fazier, Staff Photo

This year the Kipps Bay Showhouse flooded the laundry room with a matching pattern for wallcovering and fabric.  The cafe style curtain hides washer, dryer and sorting bins behind a classic acanthus pattern from Sloan.

Laundry Room Multitasking

Hybrid laundry rooms

Woodmode, Lowell Custom Homes, Elizabeth Drake Interior Design, Victoria McHugh Photography

Laundry space is the ideal place for multitasking.  This is a natural for built in flexibility.   The sink can be used to presoak and rinse clothes, as well as potting plants or cleaning art supplies.   Cabinetry will conceal laundry while providing space for games and craft supplies.  A home office, art studio, or craft station would all be compatible, with plenty of shared counter space.

Laundry Innovations

Fall in love with a 2-in-1 Washer/Dryer from the GE Profile collection.  This new generation of appliances offers space saving convenience, energy savings, a smart dispenser to hold enough detergent and softener for up to 32 loads, and antimicrobial technology.  Especially notable is the HQ app to keep you appliance software updated.

Learn more about this new technology here.

Compact Second Laundry

second story laundry

Das Holz Haus Cabinetry, Lowell Custom Homes, North Shore Nest Interior Design, Photo by Aimee Mazzenga

Adding a second laundry room, right where the messiness happens, is a real time saver. Popular spots include the Primary Bath, Second Floor Bedroom Hallway, and Pool Bath.  This feature is growing in popularity.  Processing laundry in the same zone eliminates the extra step of carting it around, while conserving personal energy.

plans for laundry

Storage Features

For a weekly laundry schedule, concealed storage is the key to organization.  The addition of a drip dry rod and pull-out hampers will keep the room streamline and clutter free.

Drip Dry Rod, Pull-out Laundry Bin

Shiloh Cabinets, Josh Z Photography – Plato Woodwork, Shanna Wolf Photography

Open Shelving is designed for easy access.  It’s the perfect fit for a daily laundry habit.

Quality Lighting, Open ShelvingPlato Woodwork Cabinetry, Lowell Custom Homes, Shanna Wolf Photography – Lowell Custom Homes, Staff Photo

Countertops & Laundry Sinks

Laundry Sink

Medallion Cabinets, Josh Z Photography

Gone are the days when utility sinks on stilts were the standard.  In today’s modern laundry room, ergonomics wins.  A sink built into the cabinet is good for pre-washing and stain fighting without a deep back bend.  The cabinet base naturally improves storage and increases counter space for folding. For an extra bonus, choose a sink as beautiful as this hammer copper!

Pet Stations

laundry room sink and dog wash

For those with furry friends, adding a pet washing station is a nice fit for a spacious laundry room.  This large basin can also be used for cleaning outdoor equipment and muddy boots as well as pets.  Tile walls will wipe down easily after the final shimmy and shake dry.

Visit our Laundry Room Gallery to make a list of your favorite ideas.

Then Contact Us Here!

 

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

 

 

 

A space may be charming, but not living up to its full potential.  That’s when the experts at Geneva Cabinets Company work their magic.  Your home renovations will go beyond cabinetry when you look to Geneva Cabinets for a one-stop-shopping experience.

Before and after home renovations by Geneva Cabinet Company

It’s about more than replacing cabinetry.  Geneva Cabinets wants you to have an entire space that is beautiful and flows seamlessly from room to room.  New kitchen cabinets certainly improved the outlook for this kitchen, while our designers take it a step further reimagining the entire home.

 

Address the Space

When it comes to this home’s renovation, relocating the bath was a key decision.

home renovations in kitchen and moving bath to enlarge spaces

Once the kitchen was open and spacious, the rest of the home was ready for a refresh.  This included lifting the ceiling, new windows, flooring, and lighting.    The kitchen roofline was raised into a gable adding visual space along with a series of sunny skylights.

enlarged kitchen space and raised ceiling

New wood flooring extents throughout the home along with special ceiling treatments, updated woodworking, and lighting.

home renovations with new cabinetry in kitchen

The cabinetry is custom from Plato Woodwork Inc.   Perimeter cabinetry is painted in timeless Essential White with an island in Blue Nose from Benjamin Moore .  Hardware from Schaub in Satin Brass is a nod to Lake Geneva’s nautical perspective.

island with undercounted refrigerator and microwave drawer

In addition to being a fabulous workspace, this island is a natural gathering point with undercounted refrigerator, microwave drawer and plenty of storage.  The exaggerated thickness in the island’s Cambria countertop is our latest obsession.  It is such a modern statement that exudes luxury.

Beyond the Kitchen

home renovation include new flooring in the living room

A impressive part of this home renovation is the new flooring flowing into the living room, where molding details and hearth also receive an upgrade.

living room renovation by Geneva Cabinet

Guest Bedroom and Bath

enlarged guest bedroom

The guest bedroom now feels open and airy while the relocated bath features a bright modern attitude.

guest bath renovation

Entry Hall

Upgrading the entry as part of the home renovation offers visitors a preview of the new sunny disposition.

entry hall remodel

. . . with a little added surprise

two way closet

Sometimes it’s the little things that make you smile. A guest bedroom doesn’t really need a dedicated closet, so some clever shared storage is included.  Contents are accessible from the entry hall or the guest room!

Attention to Detail

attention to detail

As with every kitchen and bath installation, the team at Geneva Cabinet attends to the little details.  The new wood floor deserves a perfectly set in air vent that blends visually without obstruction to the path of circulation.

For a seamless home renovation experience, start in our Lake Geneva showroom.  It’s bursting with inspirational product displays and a friendly team to guide you from design to installation.

Photography Shanna Wolf

Cabinetry Plato Woodwork, Inc.

Tile Bella Tile Lake Geneva

 

Every year the Kitchen & Bath Industry exhibits trends and product innovations from around the world.  Our team of experts in design and construction returned from the show ready to share the latest ideas and state-of-the-art products.

Color is Making a Comeback

This year held a complete surprise after years of neutrals dominating the kitchen and bath industry. Kohler celebrated their 150 year anniversary with a display of historic color fixtures and the opportunity to vote for favorites.

Over 100,000 votes were cast for Peachblow which was originally circulated  between 1934 to 1973.  The runner up was Spring Green originally available between 1927 and 1944.  Both will be available this spring in limited collections.

If you prefer a more classic approach, you’ll love the colors inspired by fascinating world destinations.   A collaboration between Conde Nast Travel and House of Rohl Victoria + Albert Collection presents a beautifully curated palette allowing you to customize the design of your personal escape.

 

Finishes Make Headlines

 

There is life beyond Brushed Nickel!  We spotted new colorful fixtures around the show with a fresh batch of options for kitchen and bath fixtures and hardware.  This is especially exciting because now simply updating faucets and hardware can give you a fresh look.  Mat finishes are trending, especially in black.  This blends easily with styles from modern to farmhouse.  Vessel sinks are inspired by precious metals and Murano glass for an artistic touch to any bath.

The Kitchen Workstation Reigns

Options are everything and the kitchen workstation concept is growing in popularity.  This takes the kitchen sink beyond wash-up to a convenient food prep station.  The Galley Workstation  has expanded their accessory line while several new companies are joining the field.  Now you are truly able to streamline your kitchen experience.

Induction Cooktops

Aside from advanced cooking technology, this new induction cooktop from Monogram Appliances features a design friendly color with sleek swipe controls.  Induction cooks from a magnetic field and can boil water in half the time as a conventional cooktop.  These units are beautifully energy efficient.  There is also a safety advantage since it will not heat up without a pot on the element.  The surface never gets hot enough to the touch for an accidental burn. This is a real plus households with children.  As for the negatives, this is a different type of cooking that may not blend with your style.  Switching from gas to electric will be an expense and you may also need to invest in induction compatible cookware.

The Shower Experience

Innovative shower systems will turn the bathroom niche into a luxurious escape.  Shower heads from Brizo deliver water patterns that vary from invigorating to gentle mist.  Add a linear wall drain that easily blends into your floor and wall tile pattern.

Integrated Lighting

Advanced lighting systems make it possible to integrate lighting into every area of the home, even the shower.  Task, mood and general lighting are offered in versatile LED systems that can even be installed with motion sensors.

Advanced Technology

The Technology Pavilion at KBIS 2023 was a favorite stop where visitors experienced the future look for our homes.  Here,  brands exhibited their latest innovations and smart home solutions.  Compact speed ovens, temperature controlled wine storage and built-in coffee makers all add up to everyday ease.

For all of the latest news and innovative products, visit our Lake Geneva Showroom and talk to our team of experts!

We are happy to set up an appointment to discuss all of your personal home design needs, just contact us here.

 

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