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Control Mudroom Clutter

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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

 

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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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Perfect Pairings – Vanity + Mirror

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The skillful pairing of bathroom vanity and mirror can take your room from basic to beautiful.   We help you narrow down the options with these stunning examples of complementary selections.  They all strike a perfect balance between function, proportion, and style.

Circle Gets the Square

Shiloh Cabinetry/Shanna Wolf Photography

An inconvenient window turns into a surprising backdrop for a suspended round mirror.  As a bonus, the window provides natural backlighting every time you take a peek at your reflection. The crisp blue and white scheme with navy vanity anchors it all with charm.

Timeless Classic

Designer North Shore Nest/Custom Cabinetry/Staff Photo

Keeping it timeless often translates to traditional design.  Here a spacious double vanity is accented by rectangular mirrors with inverted corners for just enough detail to make a statement.

Modern Moment

Designer Elizabeth Drake/Wood Mode Cabinetry/Victoria McHugh Photography

Clean modern lines are the refined choice in this primary bath vanity and mirror.  Notice how the exquisite tile from Ann Sacks can then take center stage.

Nature’s Calling

Designer Elizabeth Drake/Custom Cabinetry/Victoria McHugh Photography

Deep woods serenity is expressed with a richly stained vanity and dusky paneling.  Woodland wallcovering and an impressive birch framed mirror are perfect companions.

Tight and Tidy

Designer Joyce Zuelke/Eclipse Cabinetry by Shiloh/Shanna Wold Photography

Not an inch goes to waste in this compact bath.  Flat panel cabinet doors display the natural wood grain while the full backsplash mirror expands the niche.  Sconce lighting is mounted directly to the mirror to save space and reflect even more light.

Spanish Colonial

Designer Judy Bethel/James Martin Vanity/Shanna Wolf Photography

When more is more.  Old world details anchor the vanity and are replicated in the carved mirror for perfect balance.

Modern Geometry

Designer Joyce Zuelke/James Martin Vanity/Josh Zuelke Photography

Repetition is a favorite designer secret for a cohesive statement in any room.  Here the circle is bisected and then directly repeated in the mirror with a subtle echo by light fixtures.

French Country

Designer Judy Bethel/Plato Woodwork Cabinetry/Shanna Wolf Photography

The French styled vanity with acanthus carving is paired with a mirror that reflects Parisian elegance in its silver embossed frame.

Modern Nautical

Designer North Shore Nest/Custom Cabinet/Staff Photo

A campaign inspired chest is ideal for this bath with a nautical theme.  Blue and white cabana striped wallcovering offers a bold background for the refined carved rope mirror.

Artistic Expression

Plato Woodwork Cabinet/Shanna Wolf Photography

When the mirror is a one-of-a-kind Murano Glass art piece, the vanity should play a supporting role.  Here classic traditional cabinetry is the perfect fit.

Industrial Vibe

Native Trails Vanity/Aaron Gottschalk Photography

A hammered copper trough sink inhabits this vanity to deliver a modern industrial mood.  Gliding mirrors on barn door hardware top it off with a clever practical solution.

When All Else Fails

Shiloh Cabinetry/Shanna Wolf Photography

When you just can’t find the right mirror, we have a solution.   Mount a flat mirror to the wall and trim it out with a wood frame.   Or, as in this case, use an interesting backsplash tile like this one from  Bella Tile and Stone.

 

For more inspiration visit our Gallery here

And set up an appointment to discuss your personal home design needs by contacting our showroom here.

 

Shanna Wolf Photography

Josh Zuelke Photography

Aaron Gottschalk Photography

 

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Open Air and Outdoor Kitchens are Hot

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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

 

 

 

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Should You Splurge on a Microwave Drawer?

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The microwave drawer is a new and improved version of the standard kitchen microwave.  For decades it was placed on the counter or precariously above the stove. The drawer offers a safer, user-friendly position.  Our newly completed kitchen, featuring Shiloh Cabinetry, demonstrates the advantages.

Elevate the Design of Your Kitchen

No longer view a sea of appliances when you glance into the kitchen.  The undercounted microwave is more discreet and blends beautifully with fine quality cabinetry.

 

Clear Countertops

No bulky appliance to interfere with a streamlined length of work space.

 

Make Way for a Statement Hood

This is a game changer when the space above the range can be used for a decorative and energy efficient range hood.

 

Easy Access for Hot & Heavy Cooking Platters

You are now able to lift items up and out of the microwave instead of balancing them and hoping not to spill liquids.  The new microwave drawers do not use the clumsy old-fashioned turntable.   The heating element, now located on top, does the rotating.  This means your rectangular pans will not bang around.  Also, note how easy it is to add ingredients and stir your recipes without having to remove a hot plate from the microwave.

Usable Eye Level Storage

Upper cabinet space can be put to better and more flattering use.

 

Easy to Fit Into Your Plans

Not only do we love these microwave drawers for your kitchen, we find them easy to include in the design of butler’s pantries, home bars and even home theaters.  If children are in the home, most have a way of locking the control panel to avoid unauthorized use.

 

Take the tour to see all of the amazing design elements included in this kitchen by clicking here.

And then get inspired for your personal kitchen or bath makeover here!

Our showroom is open by appointment, please call to schedule your visit!

262-245-9600

 

All cabinetry featured is Shiloh Cabinetry

Microwave Drawers in this kitchen are from Sharp

Photography by Shanna Wolf

 

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Working From Home Best Practices

Working remotely is not a new concept, but recent events brought this option to the forefront of business solutions.  In the past the thought was to devote an entire space to the home office,   but advances in connectivity have streamlined the amount of space needed to work from home.  Whether you are working at home permanently or just as a temporary measure, we want to help boost your productivity and mood with some of our favorite tips.

Define Your Space

You can now achieve your home work space needs with more efficient options.  If noise control is needed for conference calls or concentration, then a place away from household activities will be essential.  But if you can take an occasional interruption, there are more opportunity to tuck a work space into an unused niche or repurpose the kitchen island.

Plato Woodwork, Inc Cabinetry – Design by Joyce Zuelke, ckd – Interior Designer Judy Bethel

Ergonomics

Maintain proper posture with a chair that is adjustable and comfortable.  Pay careful attention to the position of your head and sight-lines to the computer screen or work surface.  Keep  hands and wrists in alignment, your lumbar supported and maintain the ability to place your feet solidly on the floor.   When possible alternate between a seated and standing position with the aid of a standing desk converter.  Keep work tools within easy reach to avoid pulled muscles.

Lighting

Good lighting is a must and should be appropriate for your specific tasks.  If you are working with a computer screen a lower level of illumination is acceptable as long as your work surfaces are well lit.  Whenever possible incorporate natural daylight to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

 

Multifunctional Magic

Shiloh Cabinetry – Designed by Joyce Zuelke, ckd

When you can incorporate a work zone into another home area there will be cost and space efficiencies.  Think in terms of a rec room or laundry room that can be claimed for work during the day, while transitioning into extra space off-hours for laundry, crafts or homework.

Custom Home by Lowell Custom Homes – Interior Design by Elizabeth Drake

 

Organization

Storage is essential to reduce mental and physical clutter.  If you are sharing your office space with other home activities, gain control with cabinet pull-outs, bins or portable trollies to organize everything you need for peace of mind.

 

Enjoy the Moment

 

Feel a sense of calm instead of isolation by personalizing your work space with pictures, art and humorous notes to remind yourself that you have a unique and fortunate opportunity.  Get up to walk around a bit throughout the day and schedule breaks that include lunch away from your computer and a call to a friend or co-worker.

Explore more of our beautifully designed cabinetry here!

And call us when you need inspiration for storage in every room of your home!

201 Geneva National Ave S

Lake Geneva, WI

262-245-9600

 

 

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Geneva Cabinet Wins The Best of Houzz 2020

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There are times when we are surprised by which photos go viral.  But not this year!  This crop of our most popular photos on Houzz are only predictable because they are such classic beauties!

We thank Houzz and congratulate our homeowners for having the good taste to make their kitchens or baths the envy of all.

Our projects are among the most popular saved as inspiration by 2.5 million members of the Houzz Community!  We are honored to receive this award that places us in the upper 3% of the professional work on Houzz.  And now, drum roll please . . .

This Luxury Bath is our #1 most popular photo for the year!

See more of our favorite bathrooms here.

 

A Crisp Blue and White Kitchen featuring Shiloh Cabinetry follows close behind!

See the full project here.

 

This kitchen is more popular after we updated it by installing a new generous island.

See more of our favorite kitchens here.

 

And a lovely kitchen collaboration with Lowell Custom Homes uses Plato Woodwork custom cabinetry.

See the details here.

 

This Refreshing Beverage Center takes a top spot.

See the full project here.

 

This Master Bath has double the pleasure and storage while featuring Shiloh Cabinetry.

See more of our lovely bath cabinetry here.

 

Here timeless traditions are beautifully expressed in this kitchen featuring Plato Prelude cabinetry

For more kitchen ideas follow this.

And the Lifetime Achievement Award goes to this kitchen that is on top of our most popular pictures year after year!

See the full kitchen here.

Join in on the fun on Houzz and create Ideabooks for your future home design inspiration.  Then take a minute to subscribe to our future blogs that will feature all of the latest trends and products for your kitchen and bath!

201 Geneva National Ave S

Lake Geneva, WI

262-245-9600

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Vote for Geneva Cabinet Company – Best Interior Design in Walworth County

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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

 

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Summer Kitchen Cool Down

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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

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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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