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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

 

If you hear a rumor that open floor plans are going out of style, don’t believe it!  The fact is open planning, especially around the kitchen, is more popular than ever.  While the past 18 months revealed the value of private space, the kitchen is still a place for social gatherings.

 Just be sure to make it work by following our guidelines.

Design Plan

As this plan shows, an open kitchen is about more than just the kitchen space.  It is about the entire area flowing together for a cheerful home.  The focus is on comfort and efficiency, with a good dash of style.

We like the idea of a Multi-Zoned kitchen.  This concept was discussed in our past blog, read it here.

Now, think in terms of carrying the multi-zoned idea to the entire open space of your home plan.  The kitchen is commonly defined by cabinetry.  The other areas of an open plan can be indicated in several other ways.  Furniture groupings, area rugs, art and shelving can designate areas for conversation, work/study and entertainment.

Zones Not Walls

Kitchen zones are great for organizing your space according to food preparation, cooking, clean-up and dining. Even a snack bar helps with family self-service to relieve the cook.  Note that this kitchen even has a peaceful little nook.

This plan also features refrigerator drawers in the snack bar and a casual dining area for one stop treats.

Plan Storage for a Tidy Open Plan

Keeping the open plan orderly is essential.  Pull-out storage provides easy access and encourages everyone to put things back in place.

Flow Through Space

Effortless movement from one area to another is the key to a successful open plan.  To accomplish this we recommend keeping furnishings and storage units low to allow clear sight lines throughout the space.

Scale and Proportion

Cabinetry contributes to the overall appearance of the space and will help set the style.  Along with this, furniture selected for the open plan should maintain the proper proportions.  A kitchen island is fairly large and can be nicely balanced with comfy upholstery.

Lighting

We like the layered approach to lighting described here.   This tactic allows the most versatility with different options depending on the time of day or use of space.

Style it Right

 Finally, continue the color and style concept throughout the entire open space.  In general, Traditional and Modern styles mix well with other style genres.  That explains why these are so popular when it’s time to choose cabinetry.  Mix in your personalized preferences for a little Farmhouse or a touch of Industrial and create your personalized look.

The designers at Geneva Cabinet Company are here to take your cabinetry to the next level with exceptional design.  Call anytime for more information!

262-245-9600

Designer Natalie Spiniolas

Photography by Shanna Wolf/S. Photography

Cabinetry in this project is from Plato Custom Woodwork

Geneva Cabinet Company is named as the Best Interior Design in Walworth County!

This is our first year to win the Best Interior Design category and we are absolutely thrilled.   We are honored that so many people see the importance of blending good design and quality cabinetry.

Thank you voters! And a special thanks to our team of talented designers and installers, meet them here!

This is the second award we won this year, the first being the Best of Houzz Design Award.

 and

To celebrate we rounded up some of our most popular rooms to inspire your next home project.

First, the most saved picture on Houzz for 2020 is a cheerful and bright kitchen featuring Shiloh Cabinetry.

 

Second runner up on the most popular list, an luscious bath with open storage shelving and cabinetry from Plato Woodworking Inc.

 

This year generous pantries are rocking our world!  We all appreciate keeping groceries accessible and organized to avoid non-essential trips to the store.  This one is designed and fitted with Shiloh Cabinetry.

And of course with more at-home time, home bars are especially popular. Here we created a bar with specialty ice maker for those artisan cocktails.  We used cabinetry from Shiloh.

One of our most impressive kitchen makeovers was accomplished with minimal disturbance to the existing kitchen.  A new island was designed and installed to update the entire space.  This island features cabinetry from Plato Woodwork Inc.

 

Two newcomers to our kitchen popularity contest were completed in 2020.  This first features beautiful  Shiloh Cabinetry

While the next features cabinetry from Plato Woodwork, Inc.  Note the secret pass through pantry!

 

The last two kitchens remain at the top of our most admired projects.  Just click each picture to visit the full space!

 

For every style you can imagine, we will create the perfect look through our finely crafted cabinetry.

Visit the Inspiration Gallery on our website or view our portfolio on Houzz.

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

262-245-9600

Photography by Shanna Wolf

 

 

 

 

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

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

Creating a kitchen for wellness is the modern way to introduce a lifestyle that cares for you and your family. A fresh approach to design can encourage new healthful habits. Our designers at Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC are your cabinet concierges with the expertise you need to make it happen.  Follow these tips for a design that will lead you to a healthier home.

Banish the Harmful

As any healthy body knows, it’s what’s inside that counts. The material used in the composition of cabinetry as well as the finishing process is a key factor to product safety.   That is why the cabinets from Geneva Cabinet Company are made in the USA to the highest standards. Our products meet or surpass regulatory requirements for low VOC (volatile organic compounds) so you can breath easy.  You can read about the commitment to the environment by our manufacturers here for Plato Woodwork, Inc, here for Shiloh Cabinetry, and here for Medallion Cabinetry.

Keep it Clean

The right finishes will help you keep your kitchen clean.  Non-porous countertop favorites like Quartz will inhibit the spread of bacteria.  We like taking the backsplash up the wall to provide a fully washable surface.  Read more about countertop options here.  Keep in mind that adding windows in lieu of upper cabinets will let the natural germ fighting power of sunlight pour in.

Visualize Vitality

You will make healthier choices if they are out in the open.   To aid in this pursuit Geneva Cabinet Company is designing kitchens with snack stations and open shelving to display delicious still life arrangements of fruits and veggies. Glass door refrigeration is growing in popularity with its visual cues to more nutritious options and refrigerator drawers are being placed at the point of use for easy-to-reach healthy treats.

display healthy food in the open

Engage the Senses

With the focus on real foods, indoor growing rooms and countertop herb gardens are nurturing features. Terra Trellis has elevated the design of indoor gardens with their delightful grow boxes and expert indoor gardening videos are on board to help us cultivate our inner green thumb.  Engaging the sense of smell and touch with fresh herbs is known to spark interest in more healthy recipes.

terra trellis

Preserved to Perfection

A focus on freshness comes with the need for food preservation systems to maintains taste, texture and nutrients.  Sub Zero is one of our favorites as a pioneer in multiple evaporator and air purifying systems. Refrigeration with separate zones will maximum freshness with controlled humidity to reduce the moisture that accelerates food deterioration.  There is also a renewed interest in kitchens with areas of bulk cold storage and compact individual refrigerator units.  Think of canned goods, beverages, wine and snacks all maintained at the proper temperature for maximum shelf-life.

food preservation sub zero

The Joy of Cooking

In the era of grocery and meal kit delivery, there is more time for the pure pleasure of cooking. Convection, steam and induction methods are speeding up the process with superior taste and nutrition.  Technology adds novelty to the experience with voice controlled faucets and programmable appliances. The kitchen plan can encourage cooking efforts of multiple-generations in the household as they work together re-creating traditional family recipes.

display healthy food in the open

Touchy Feely

While we are tuned-in to the visual appearance of a kitchen, the tactile experience is just as valuable to well-being.  There is nothing as satisfying as drawer glides that operate smoothly and the secure fit of a well made cabinet door.  Substantial hardware with a solid accessible grip offers ease of operation.  In this kitchen we use knobs and pulls from Emtek in the classic Ribbon & Reed design.

easy and accessible healthy snacks

To see more healthy living designs stop in to our state-of-the-art showroom.  We are open to the public and have endless inspiration for cabinetry design in every room of your home.

262-245-9600

201 Geneva National Ave. S.

Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Others who contributed to the success of this project

Lowell Custom Homes

Plato Woodwork, Inc.

JC Plumbing & Heating

Bella Tile & Stone

Carrera Extra Marble from Levantina Stone Center & Fabricated by Old World Stone

Wolf Range and SubZero Refrigeration

Emtek Hardware

 

Photography by Shanna Wolf S.Photography and Styling

 

We are delighted to share our latest news!

Designer Natalie Spiniolas won a national design competition from WW Wood Products!  Her award winning designs will soon appear in their marketing material for Eclipse Full Access Cabinetry.   Take a look behind the scenes at the photo shoot.

 

 

Her designs in this contemporary Williams Bay, WI condo feature stunning Eclipse Full Access Cabinetry. Natalie’s integration of high-end appliances, open floating shelves, and lift-up doors definitely results in an award-worthy project.  Her juxtaposition of sleek melamine finishes include Pearl White for the kitchen and textured Canella for the bedroom and storage cabinetry.  It is a sleek, modern yin and yang effect.

 

 

Next up – Our showroom Manager Joyce Zuelke, ckd has been awarded a position on the  Plato Woodwork, Inc. Dealer Advisory Council where she is actively serving a three year term!

Joyce is collaborating with the best and the brightest in the Kitchen and Bath Industry to provide Plato with feedback on product needs, quality and service.  She will assist Plato with her insights on national and regional emerging trends.

In the meantime . . .

We are honored to have been awarded the prestigious Gold Award for sales from Plato Woodwork, Inc. We love working with the 125 year old family owned company from Minnesota!
 

Finally a big “Thank You” to Medallion Cabinetry and our Rep Doug Needler!

We love our iPad Grand Prize for winning the  Post & Win Competition!

#cabinetry #LakeGeneva #MedallionCabinetry

 

We are so fortunate to have this talented team of designers here at Geneva Cabinet Company!  We know our customers will always be pleased when their kitchens and baths are designed with cabinets from these high quality companies!

Stop in the showroom to say “hi” & browse our vignettes where you can touch and feel superior quality cabinetry first hand.

262-245-9600

201 Geneva National Ave. S.

Lake Geneva, WI 53147

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