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Signs It’s Time To Remodel Your Kitchen

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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  Appliances are outdated

Outdated appliances will be inefficient, unreliable and even post a safety hazard.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

 

 

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Plan Kitchen Lighting in Layers

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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

 

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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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New Kitchen Island Transforms the Kitchen

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We can all agree that this is a perfectly nice kitchen.  But our homeowners were hoping to elevate their style while increasing storage and adding some much needed island seating.

Enter the talented kitchen and bath designer, Joyce Zuelke, ckd.  She created a more functional space with the addition of a redesigned island.  There is even a new Pinterest worthy coffee bar for good measure.  Along with updates to the lighting and some stunning ceiling detail, this kitchen takes on an entirely new character.

Geneva Cabinet Company kitchen with new island Plato Cabinetry

Kitchen Island Update

The original kitchen was created with cabinetry from Bea Industries in Elkhorn, Wi.  It had a user-friendly U-shape layout.  While stylish and open, our homeowner was looking for an improved kitchen island that would step-up the function of the space.

Cabinetry from Plato Woodwork, Inc. was selected in a deep stain which enhanced the natural wood grain.  This rich finish served as a distinct contrast to ground the bright white kitchen.

Geneva Cabinet Company Lake Geneva Wi kitchen island detail with extra seating Plato Woodwork cabinets

The island is topped with a lovely Cambria quartz countertop in the Ella pattern from their Marble Collection.  Subtle veining reflects the warm island stain while soft white connects to the surrounding cabinetry.  It works beautifully with the perimeter of granite countertops.

Geneva Cabinet Company Lake Geneva Wi island elevation with proper clearance

But it’s not just about having a gorgeous kitchen, the layout must be functional for a kitchen that is comfortable and convenient.  Notice the 48 ½” clearance between the island and the stove for safe usage when the oven door is open.  The close proximity to the island steam oven keeps the cooking zone tight and functional.

Geneva Cabinet Company Lake Geneva Wi kitchen island pull out shelves

The island also features the secret to great cabinet storage, easy access pull-out shelving.  They will keep everyday items visible and within reach to improve daily workflow.

Check out more of our Before and After transformations right here!

We encourage you to stop in to see us!  Our showroom features the freshest ideas in cabinetry for your entire home!

Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC

201 Geneva National Ave.S, Lake Geneva, WI

262-245-9600

 

Photography is by S.Photography Shanna Wolf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Detailing a Design is Like Accessorizing an Outfit

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


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

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

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

Geneva Cabinet Company Kitchen Design

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

Get started with a call to us

262-245-9600

 

 

 

 

 

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