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Nothing exciting ever happens when you play it safe and the trends for 2020 will encourage you to take a leap and try some of these new ideas to energize your home.   Keep in mind that these are trends, not fads, they will be around for the next 10 years.   So don’t be shy, give your kitchen a new point of view and enjoy.

 

1. Two & Three Toned Kitchens

We are mixing it up in the kitchen and bath with complimentary wood tones and color options. It is our favorite way to bring warmth, color and texture into the design.  Adding in Pantone’s Color of the Year, Classic Navy will help the cause.

 

2. Slabs migrate from countertop to backsplash

The veining in stone slabs is so appreciated that we are finding new places to view as art by having it move up the wall to the backsplash and walls.

 

3. Countertop Options

There is movement away from granite and towards quartz (man-made) and quartzite (natural stone).  Add in a contrasting kitchen island in wood or butcher block from Grothouse and you round out this fashion forward look.  Also new ultra thin materials are gaining in popularity to offer a more modern point-of-view.

 

4.  Range Hoods take center stage

Artesian crafted with stunning materials like this hood from Raw Urth, we love creating statement pieces in the kitchen that set the tone for the entire home.

 

5.  The Island Life

Extra-large and multifunctional islands are here to stay as the hub of the home.  They are housing appliances, refrigeration, storage and charging stations.   Also the island is center stage as a place for casual dining and gatherings with guests.

 

6.  Luxury Appliances

This trend is more about superior function than status. The newest flexi-fridges have special compartments that transition from refrigerator to freezer and advanced refrigeration systems that extend the life of food for days beyond the older models.   (Very handy for a weekend home.)

 

7.  Lighting for Beauty and Function

Oversized statement pendants over islands as well as detail lighting under cabinet and on cabinet interiors will increase visibility and provide a highly functioning work space.

 

8.  Beverage Bars Expand

No longer an afterthought, beverage bars are practical solutions that are popping up in every room. Coffee, smoothie, wine, or snacks, the beverage bar is at your service.

 

9.  Permanency

The general consensus during most remodels is the desire to do it right and first time. This is the end of the disposable design era.  Most homeowners want to incude all of the bells and whistles to enjoy now and not wait to upgrade their kitchen to prepare it for sale.

 

10.   Versatility

Pushing the boundaries of what a kitchen should be, we are featuring cabinetry that looks like quality furnishing.  Many kitchens are even including comfortable upholstery and decorative items that encourage comfort and livability.

 

The Geneva Cabinet Company’s state-of-the-art showroom is open to the public and contains endless inspiration for every room of your home.    Stop in for a visit and stay connected to the latest trends at genevacabinet.com

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

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

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

 

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

The key difference between an indoor kitchen and an outdoor kitchen is entertainment value.   Cooking outdoors turns everyday meal prep into a special occasion.  The variety of equipment for outdoor kitchens can take your weekend BBQ to the next level and provide culinary inspiration for entertaining family and friends.  Keep our design guidelines in mind and create the perfect outdoor cooking venue for the upcoming summer season.

Choose the location with convenience in mind.

The best location will blur the line between indoor and outdoor space allowing you to move easily without wasted footsteps back and forth. Certainly your outdoor kitchen will be used for entertaining, but remember that often you will want to cook outdoor and bring food indoors to dine.  When located close to your indoor kitchen, amenities for each area can be shared.   This could add up to a substantial savings on the overall project.

Design for functionality

Outdoor kitchens come in all shapes and sizes to go along with your space and budget.  The basic plan should provide an area for food prep, cooking and serving. Before creating your layout, locate the most direct access to gas, electric and water utilities.  This will cut down on the additional expense of running services further than necessary.

 

Material Selections

Choose the materials and finishes carefully with respect to your climate.  Cabinetry, countertops and appliances should be maintenance free.  Include stainless steel, teak and concrete for long lasting waterproof design.  We used Danver Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchen Cabinetry in the featured projects to achieve high design, exceptional efficiency and lasting durability.

 

Beyond the Basics

The design options are endless, but once you cover your basic cooking functions it’s time to add even more convenience.  A sink in the outdoor kitchen makes clean-up a breeze and storage cabinetry will keep provisions at your fingertips.

 

Refrigeration is a plus for self-service beverages and holding perishables before cooking.

Specialized Cooking

The latest specialized outdoor kitchens feature artisan pizza ovens, slow-cook grills, smokers, and stoves with infra-red burners.  Any outdoor cooking enthusiast will love the restaurant quality options now available.

 

Protect yourself rain or shine

Protect yourself and your equipment with a little overhead coverage from a canopy or pergola.  Nothing will spoil the fun like the typical midwest storm blowing through.  Plan ahead so the party doesn’t become waterlogged or wither in the heat.   While you’re at it, add air circulation with ceiling fans and outdoor lighting so the good times don’t end at sundown.

Stop by our showroom and take a tour of this complete outdoor kitchen.   Designers Stephanie Nelson or Joyce Zuelke, ckd can answer your questions and walk you through the design of an outdoor kitchen where you can expand all of your cooking and entertaining possibilities.

262-245-9600

201 Geneva National Ave. S.

Lake Geneva, WI 53147

 

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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Survey says . . . .

these will be the most popular ideas for your home cabinetry design in 2018!

We evaluated the results of our most liked and saved pictures on Houzz, Facebook & Pinterest to come up with  predictions for the hottest 2018 trends for cabinetry in your kitchens, bath and laundry room.

Take a look and let us know if you agree!


Geneva Cabinet Company Kitchen Cabinetry Hood Centerpiece with mixed metals

All Eyes on the Range Hood

The range hood is a deserving centerpiece for the kitchen.  As kitchens become highly integrated for open concept living, the range takes center stage.  Make it a showstopper with a stunning hood like this one from Scathain.  Notice too, the mix of metals in this room designed with lovely cabinetry from Plato Woodwork , Inc.

 

Geneva Cabinet Company kitchen cabinet open concept no cabinets on top

Uppers Optional

All about that base . . . . cabinet . . .  especially when you want the kitchen to be open and airy.  While you enjoy the views from expansive windows instead of upper cabinets, easy-access deep drawers make it extra convenient!  Gone are the days of bending and searching through the dark back of your cabinets, with drawers like these from  Shiloh Cabinetry, your stuff slides out to you.

 

Geneva Cabinet Company wall for storage keep it open

Storage Walls

So when you eliminate the upper cabinets where do you store kitchen necessities?  How about an entire wall of floor to ceiling cabinets?  These too are from Shiloh Cabinetry.

 

Geneva Cabinet Company kitchen cabinet pull out cabinet storage kitchen not just for spices anymore

Pull-Outs Go Beyond the Spice Rack

While you’re designing that storage wall, or any other cabinet, be sure to include the new and improved pull-out  organizers.  They are deeper, wider and more versatile than ever. Sturdy engineering can handle cooking oil, bottled condiments and other essentials to suit your needs.

 

Geneva Cabinet Company laundry room cabinets multi purpose multi tasking

Multi-Tasking Laundry Rooms

Oh, it’s a thing!  The laundry has evolved into a dutiful multipurpose space.  Think indoor she-shed with space for crafting,  gardening and gift wrap as well as laundry chores.   In addition to a high-tech washer and dryer, this laundry designed with cabinetry from Plato Woodworking, Inc. includes extra outlets that can be used as charging stations for portable electronics.

 

Geneva Cabinet Company sink vanity base wrap around plumbing for extra cabinet storage in kitchen and bath

 

Drawers Work Around Plumbing

Remember when under sink storage was a wasteland of hard to reach cleaning supplies. No longer a problem!  This cabinet by Shiloh Cabinetry includes a drawers made to wrap around plumbing and create more easy-to-reach space for bathroom supplies.  Side Note: The popularity of this driftwood finish will be happening in 2018.

 

Geneva Cabinet Company Lake Geneva Wi Kitchen shelving open shelving floating shelves with lighting

Open Shelving

Are you noticing a theme here?  The trends for 2018 have everything to do with keeping your kitchen open and clutter free.  It’s a fresh clean aesthetic with more comforts than extreme minimalism.  Here upper cabinets are replaced by floating shelves featuring puck lighting to create bright, usable counter space that is not crowded by upper cabinets.

 

Geneva Cabinet Company Trends 2018 statement backsplash with artisan tile

Statement Backsplash

While subway tile is a classic, we are seeing a movement towards artistic tile treatments featuring large colorful patterns. The required hard surfaces that make a kitchen efficient can benefit from a touch of decor, and the backsplash is an ideal place to make a memorable impression.

 

Geneva Cabinet Company Trends 2018 grey is the new black

Grey is the New Black

Need we say more . . . .

Yes, because while grey is gaining momentum, white and black will remain high on the list of desired cabinet colors.  An interesting mix of multiple cabinet finishes will be highly desirable in 2018 and beyond.

 

Geneva Cabinet Company custom vanity fit when just enough the right size and space are needed

Customized for the Perfect Fit

Every bathroom deserves some style, but the reality is that many bathrooms do not allow space for creativity.  The solution is to modify a standard cabinet or customize a piece like this one to fully utilize the space with fashion forward design.

 

If your plans for the New Year include new cabinetry for your home,

relax 

we are here to help!

 

2018 calendar from Geneva Cabinet Company

Geneva Cabinet Company

262.245.9600