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Survive the holidays by planning ahead and preparing your kitchen for the bashing it’s about to take! This doesn’t have to be painful, just follow along and start now!

 

Organize those spices, line up the labels and alphabetize if you must!   Just be sure you have a surplus of those often used holiday flavors  like cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.

 

Stock the pantry with ingredients for your favorite cooking and baking recipes.  When you have a large walk-in pantry you’ll have plenty of room for precious resources!

Take inventory of your cookware and bakeware to be sure you can accommodate new specialty recipes. We like to use a tall deep pantry cabinet for easy visibility and accessibility.

The same applies to serving pieces.  Gather your large platters into one location now so they are within reach when you’re ready to plate.

 

Be sure you small appliances are in working order, the slow cooker, blender, and mixers are all about to earn their cabinet position.

Make space in your refrigerator and freezer so you will have space to freeze cookies and pre-made dishes.

Plan for clean-up before the party starts with soaps, dishwasher detergent, disinfectants and extra towels.  Now may be the time to treat yourself to that special dishwasher, like the new Cove from SubZero that will clean and sanitize every plate in silence while your entertaining!

Plan your menu in advance to accommodate signature dishes with the most flattering serving pieces.

 

Happy Holiday Wishes

from all of us

at Geneva Cabinet Company!

Explore all of our ideas for organized storage right here!

Then 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

Featured Cabinetry is from Shiloh Cabinetry, Plato Woodwork, Inc & Medallion Cabinetry

Photography by Shanna Wolf/S.Photography and Styling

It’s a little luxury with a big pay off!  Beverage bars are a growing home trend that offers a stylish mix of character and convenience.   This element can be located anywhere in the home where a refreshing beverage is appreciated.  (For Beverage Protocol see Sheldon’s list from Big Bang)

Hot or not, a refreshing beverage is appropriate for everything from relaxation to celebration. What better way to accommodate than from a dedicated beverage bar.

The details of the design are entirely up to you.  Start with the thought of streamlining your daily routine and develop to suit your needs.  Here are a few of our favorite ideas!

Keep It Simple & Multipurpose

 

Elaborate with Specialized Refrigeration and Plenty of Storage

 

Place the Beverage Bar in an Active Area

 

. . . but Keep it Away from the Kitchen Traffic Pattern

 

Dedicate a Niche in the Dining Room

 

Add a Sink & Give the Butlers Pantry a New Purpose

Wrap it Around to Serve Morning Coffee or the Evening Wine Tasting

 

Tuck Away a Coffee Bar

Welcome Visitors in the Guest Room

And Don’t Forget the Kid’s Game Room

. . . or the Big Kid’s Game Room

For more of our favorite entertaining ideas click here!

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

Featured Cabinetry is from Shiloh Cabinetry, Plato Woodwork, Inc & Medallion Cabinetry

Photography by Shanna Wolf/S.Photography and Styling

We are honored to be nominated in the Interior Design division for the Best of Walworth County 2019!

This nomination is especially meaningful to us because it recognizes the exceptional talent and creativity of our interior design staff.

We would be truly honored to receive your vote for Geneva Cabinet Company.  You can click over to the voting page here to vote for and support all of your favorite Walworth County businesses.

To become more familiar with our work browse our project Inspiration Gallery by clicking here.

 Our showroom is the ideal place to gather the knowledge and information you need for your home projects.   Stop in to visit and experience our design expertise firsthand.   Until then, let us introduce our talented staff.

Joyce Zuelke – Senior Designer & Showroom Manager

 

Natalie Spiniolas – Senior Designer

 

Stephanie Nelson – Associated Designer

 

Jennifer DiMeo – Associated Designer

 

Jessie Hopkins – Production Manager

 

 

Voting for the Best of Walworth County takes place this year through October 27th, 2019.  When you vote in at least 10 categories you will be automatically registered for a chance to win an amazon echo and a $75 gift card!

Best of luck to all who participate!

Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC.

201 Geneva National Ave S

Lake Geneva, WI

262-245-9600

 

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

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

 

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

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

Often overlooked but impossible to ignore, a laundry room is the workhorse of any home.  It is usually  assigned the standard treatment with a washer, dryer and maybe wash tub, but it deserves better.  Take your laundry area from mundane to multifaceted with our laundry room design tips.

Where should you put your laundry room?

Convenience is the key to efficiency for this space.  There are two ways to approach the placement of your laundry.  

  1. Keep it close to where you spend  most of your time.   In the floor plan above not only is it adjacent to the kitchen, but can easily be reached from the center of the home or while coming and going through the garage and outdoor exit.  
  2. Position the laundry where the clothes are, as in the bedroom wing of your home.

Before deciding on a new location be mindful of the noise levels produced by your brand of washer and dryer.  Adding extra insulation will help soundproof and reduce noise from vibrations during your spin cycle so everyone can sleep through early morning or late night wash emergencies.

How much space do you need?

 

Lifestyle factors and home size will help decide whether you should have a dedicated laundry or multifunctional room.  We like to start every cabinet design project with an evaluation of your space, family members and daily routine.  This is when we determine the minimum space requirements and offer ideas that will help you breeze through the laundry.

Often size restraints complicate the natural flow for these common tasks.

  • sorting
  • stain treatment and soaking
  • hand washing delicates
  • washing bulky items
  • drip drying
  • hanging
  • folding
  • storage

Ample work space allows you to complete each task in one area without lugging baskets of clothing from laundry room to kitchen or bedroom for special care.   At first glance expanding the laundry may seem like an indulgence but when designed with versatility, it is a multitasking dream.  Some of our favorite combinations add a laundry zone to these active areas.

  • mudroom
  • home office
  • adult and children craft zone
  • rec room
  • gardening space
  • homework station
  • workshop

Be open to the idea of borrowing space from an adjoining room.  Once freed from a confining closet, laundry tasks easily integrate into your daily routine.  That expansive work counter can be used for all types of projects when laundry is finished.

The use of a pocket door or sliding barn door is another space saver we love to completely access to the entire work zone without the interference of an awkward door and door swing.

Ultimately it’s about the caring for your clothing, which can be quite an investment even if you avoid designer labels.

Special Amenities

Are you all about the drip dry or do you love to press in a sharp crease?  Whatever your talents,  laundry space should be there to support you.  Here are some of our favorite features.

Drip Dry Rods & Valet Hooks

 

Rev-a-Shelf Fold Out Ironing Board

 

Pull-Out for Laundry Supply Storage & Laundry Bin

 

Open Shelving for Easy Access & Storage

 

Multiple Bins to Sort-As-You-Go with Ventilation to Reduce Odors

 

Double Your Leisure

There is a nostalgic appeal to the laundromat where you can load up several washers and dryers to finish in 1/2 the time.  But multiple units at home allow you to be the head honcho of your own laundry universe without pockets full of change.  This is a productive solution when you have a large family, frequent guests or an active crew with lots of sweaty workout clothes and uniforms.

You can even tuck in an extra set of stacked washer and dryer units in the master closet, in the bedroom hall, or near any indoor-outdoor activity area.

 

Style to Smile

Once you’ve created a highly functional laundry, it’s time to tackle it from the standpoint of style.  Interesting cabinet doors, bold hardware, colorful appliances and an attractive backsplash will infuse your space with character.  You are spending anyway on new tile, cabinets and hardware, why not have a little fun in this space.  There is little to no price difference in choosing cherry red over white.  Have some fun in this room with the basics or be sure to add art.

 

Photography by Shanna Wolf S Photography and Victoria McHugh

Explore more of our inspirational ideas here!

 

And stop in to our Lake Geneva showroom to explore more great cabinetry design and ideas for every room of your home!

201 Geneva National Ave S

Lake Geneva, WI

262-245-9600

 

 

 

 

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

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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