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Maximize Your Kitchen Space and Storage

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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.

 

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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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Impressive Cabinet Interiors

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Why suffer through kitchen clutter when attention to your cabinet interiors can smooth the way to a more organized life.  We are all familiar with the popular pull-out waste bin, now imagine that convenience amplified for your entire kitchen.

We always begin the kitchen design process by identifying work zones and the equipment needed for efficient operations. Now we can take it to the next level with the latest specialty fittings for the interior of cabinets, doors and drawers.  These details are sure to impress you with the way they maximize space and ease daily kitchen routines.

Start making your list of improvements with these latest innovations!

Lazy Susan (or more PC, Tiered Corner Rotating Shelf) with Interior Lighting

 

The Blind Corner Organizer

Deep Tiered Drawers for Cookware Next to Range

K-Cup Organizer for the Coffee Station

The Junk Drawer Elevated with Tiered Storage

 

Going Deep With Drawer & Cabinet Pullouts for Cookware & Large Appliances

Full Height Pantry Pull-out Drawers

 

Clear Counters and No Stooping for Paper Towels & Cleaning Supplies

 

Tuck Away a Charging Station Neatly in a Drawer

Knife Block and Food Prep Organizer with Cutting Boards

 

The Cut Out Cutting Board

 

And of course, the Waste & Recycling Pull-outs!

If you are considering new cabinetry for your kitchen, bath or other storage space in your home, we encourage you to plan early and allow time for the industry to catch up with the current shortages.  As always, we look forward to working with you.

Visit our Inspiration Gallery here

 

 

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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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Holiday Countdown, Is Your Kitchen Ready?

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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

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This is How New Cabinetry Would Organize Your Life

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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

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Is your Bathroom Boring? Don’t Throw in the Towel!

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There is only so much you can do with a toilet and sink, but cabinetry will transform the style of your bathroom.  Don’t let the design of this room be an afterthought.  Browse the cabinetry and design ideas below and choose your favorites to elevate the style of your bath!

Double vanity double duty bathroom cabinet by Medallion Cabinetry

Double your pleasure

Storage is an integral part of functional design, and an absolute necessity in the master bath.  This Craftsman inspired cabinetry provides ample storage for each partner as well as duplicate lighting and mirrors for no crowding during the morning rush.

 

Shiloh cabinetry with open shelving above tub

Just Shelve It

Open shelving expands your storage without closing in the room with more cabinetry.  This has become so popular because it pairs storage with convenience at eye level. Just add bath salts and towel rolls,  you’re done!

 

Bathroom cabinetry sleek modern dark stained finish

Making It Modern

A long expanse of concrete-style counter with trough sink and wall faucets will make a modern statement.  The deep finish on this floating vanity recedes to expand your visual space and simplifies cleaning day.  Bonus opportunity for mood enhancing undercabinet lighting at night.

 

Neutral bathroom cabinet with interesting textured tile surround

Overcome Pattern Shyness

Those who say neutral is boring obviously don’t know about blending pattern and texture. This bath keeps the finish and color selections on the light side while injecting pattern luxury with name-dropping (Ann Sacks) wall and floor tile.

 

DRAMATIC READING room with furniture inspired vanity

Dramatic Reading

It may be the only time of day you have any privacy, so enjoy.  The rich eclectic design of this powder room creates a true statement.  And the furniture inspired vanity lends a sophisticated feel to the space.

 

Shiloh cabinetry designed to fit hi low height

Designed to Fit

Logic and simplicity drove the design of this clever hi-low cabinet.  The comfort height of the vanity would have run smack into the window.  But a slight modification by our designer allowed us to extend the cabinetry for additional storage.

 

Shiloh u-shaped cabinet drawer

We also like the efficient u-shaped drawer design in this driftwood inspired vanity.  It works around pesky pipes to make the most of space.

 

Medallion bathroom vanity with open and closed area

Open and Shut Cabinet Case

Closed storage paired with an open bottom shelf offers quick and easy access to towels or supplies that can be stored in small hampers.

 

Plato Woodwork open shelf bathroom vanity cabinet

Here we do it again in natural wood with the addition of a towel bar.

 

Classic black and white contrast cabinet and shower tile

Black and White and Style All Over

It is a classic color combination that features high contrast and endless attraction throughout all periods of design.

Lowell Custom Homes Shower tile

And just for fun, note the way designer Elizabeth Drake played with the black and white concept for the various showers in this home but by Lowell Custom Homes.

 

Finally in the 1-Hour Project Category . . .

Cabinet organization basket

This cabinet idea has gone viral on Houzz since we originally posted it in 2013. You can install a hair styling center or use the door mounted basket for shampoos and soaps.  We have even seen it done with command hooks to be removable.

The best design ideas are at your fingertips when you browse through our past blogs and the product section page of our website.

And of course, we are always here to assist!

 

262-245-9600

201 Geneva National Ave. S.

Lake Geneva, WI 53147

 

Featured Cabinetry is from Plato Woodwork, Inc.,  Shiloh Cabinetry, and others.

Photography is by Shanna Wolf S.Photogaphy and Styling and Victoria McHugh Photography

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Back-to-School Tips Keep You Organized All Year

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Back-to-School means back to sports, after school activities, and homework.  Not to mention packing lunches,  finding healthy snacks and planning the occasional sleepover.  No time to spare! The key to a successful school year is advanced planning.  Here are a few of our most helpful tips.

Let’s Start in the Kitchen

Geneva Cabinet Company large countertops

Large clear countertops are essential when it’s time to work on school projects, assemble lunch boxes and complete homework assignments. In this Plato Woodwork designed kitchen everyone can work together under your watchful eye.

Lake Geneva cabinets with bookcase

Cabinetry with open shelving from Plato Woodwork is ideal for storing reference books, iPads and a basket filled with school supplies.

Geneva Cabinet Company pull out storage bins

Dedicate storage space according to use.  One pull-out bin for lunch supplies, one for snacks and one to stash extra school supplies will let you easily check inventory and prevent late night runs to the store.

Snack Center

Cabinets Lake Geneva Snack Center

This is all about making your life easier, so placing approved snacks together in an easy to access area will prevent whining during the late afternoon crunch time.  It will also help you nudge everyone towards healthy food choices.

Geneva Cabinet Company sub zero refrigerator drawers

This can be as simple as a basket on the counter or as special as this Sub Zero refrigerator drawer.  Here you can store beverages and chilled veggies for family self-service.  Locate this on the outskirts of your kitchen work triangle for interruption-free meal prep time.  For healthy snack ideas click here.

Quiet Time

Geneva Cabinet Company desk and storage cabinets

When quiet study would be more productive, create a customized corner in the den, family room or bedroom.   Be sure to include ample counter space, storage and charging outlets.

Start the day off right

Bathroom Vanity Cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet in Lake Geneva WI

The Jack and Jill bath gets an update with this elongated bathroom vanity featuring a generous trough sink.  Plenty of counter space and storage equals no waiting.  We have more bath ideas for you right here.

Closet organization by Geneva Cabinet Company

Moving into the closet our favorite tip involves lots of storage drawers and bins, they are  especially helpful with clothing for kids.  A well fitted closet can also eliminate the need for costly bedroom furniture and keeping floor space open for play time. Click here for another crave-worthy closet installation!  One last tip, keep it moving in the morning by planning outfits for the week in advance.

 

Drop Zone & Launch Pad

Heading out the door will be a breeze when the essentials are stored in the “ready” position.   Built in lockers, benches and shelving are a streamline way to add storage to your mudroom or laundry.  This style is from Shiloh Cabinetry and will save you hours throughout the year.  No more last minute scrambling for homework or a missing shoe. Backpacks, jackets and sporting equipment will be stored where you can find them at the beginning and end of each day.

Back to School Break time

Now there’s time to take a break, maybe watch your favorite cooking show!

Browse through our Inspiration Gallery  for even more cabinetry design and storage ideas.  Then stop in to our Lake Geneva showroom to touch and feel beautiful cabinetry that will help you love your everyday routine.

262-245-9600

201 Geneva National Ave. S.

Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Featured Cabinetry is from Plato Woodwork, Inc.,  Shiloh Cabinetry, and others.

Photography is by Shanna Wolf S.Photogaphy and Styling and Josh Z Photography

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Our Favorite Kitchen Cabinet Storage Solutions

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Or, Beyond the pull-out trash bin . . .

 

There’s a lid for every pot, but sometimes you just can’t find it. That’s where we come in with the most organized and clever ideas for cabinet storage.  We start with an essential analysis of your home’s physical conditions and then evaluate your lifestyle needs. A good kitchen plan will include cabinet storage to increase your efficiency, while saving you time and energy.

Enjoy a few “oohs and ahhs” in your kitchen with our favorite cabinet storage ideas.

Cabinet Storage Plato ceiling height cabinets

Take it to the top with wall cabinets that make the most of your vertical space.

 

Cabinet Storage from Medallion Banquet and shelving

It’s good to go-low when it maximizes space under a banquet for display and storage.

 

Cabinet Storage Shiloh Behind closed doors

 Behind closed doors you will find everything tidy and within reach when you have tall pantry cabinets.

 

Cabinet Storage Medallion tiered drawer storage

Secret compartments are always fun, and functional.

 

Cabinet Storage Shiloh swing out corner storage

Get into the swing of things with shelves that swing-out and eliminate the dead corner cabinet zone.

 

Cabinet Storage Shiloh under counter draweer microwave with storage drawer

No space goes to waste with specialized cabinets to house appliances (like this under cabinet microwave) while sneaking in extra storage.

 

And of course the pull-out category deserves our highest praise.

Cabinet Storage Wood Mode pull out shelving

Pull-out shelving means you never lose track of your grocery items because you can actually see them.

 

Cabinet Storage Plato pull out towel rack

Pull-out towel racks brings an end to the damp disheveled dishtowel.

 

Cabinet Storage Plato pull out spice rack

And last but not least, the pull-out spice rack is a crowd pleaser.

There is so much more we can show you! If you are ready to get organized and increase storage with your very own plan for a more efficient home, start by exploring our Inspiration Gallery!

We invite you to stop in to our Lake Geneva Showroom to touch and feel the latest innovations in cabinetry for your kitchen, and every other room of your home.  Our designers would love to help!

Get started with a call to us at 262-245-9600

 

 

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