Holiday Countdown, Is Your Kitchen Ready?

Cabinetry, Entertaining, Geneva Cabinet Company, Holiday

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

December 5, 2019/0 Comments/by Geneva Cabinet Company

Cheers to the Beverage Bar

Beverage Bar, Cabinetry, Storage and Organization

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

November 27, 2019/0 Comments/by Geneva Cabinet Company

The Architectural Kitchen

Cabinetry, Geneva Cabinet Company, Kitchen Design

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

October 1, 2019/0 Comments/by Geneva Cabinet Company

Kitchen Backsplash Trends to Inspire

Backsplash, Kitchen Design, Tips and Ideas, Trends

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.

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.

Take It To The Ceiling

The unbroken vertical line of a full height backsplash will visually lift the ceiling and expand the entire space.

Similarly the full height backsplash as created with high gloss subway tile will brighten any room.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In contrast to the standard installation pattern, the other possibilities will help you customize this appealing look.

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.

And the selective placement of tile can designates various activity zones within the kitchen.

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

August 27, 2019/0 Comments/by Geneva Cabinet Company

This is How New Cabinetry Would Organize Your Life

Cabinetry, Kitchen Design

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.

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.

Fluidity is key; refrigerator to sink, pantry to countertop, squirrel watching window to water bowl . . . .

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.

Spices are the exception, they should be stored together on pull-out racks for easy assessment.

And a designated coffee or beverage bar will energize you at the start of each day.

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.

And remember that drawers offer the most organized easy to access storage.

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.

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

April 16, 2019/0 Comments/by Geneva Cabinet Company

Inspired Ideas for Your Kitchen and Bath

Bath Design, Geneva Cabinet Company, Kitchen Design, News, Trends

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

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

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

Craftsmanship is always about attention to detail and this year standout products emphasize artistic composition along with innovative materials.

The Transformation Story

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.

Inalco and Azalia

201 Geneva National Ave. S.

Lake Geneva, WI 53147

March 12, 2019/0 Comments/by Geneva Cabinet Company

Outdoor Kitchen Design Guide

Kitchen Design, Outdoor Kitchen, Trends

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

June 5, 2018/0 Comments/by Geneva Cabinet Company

Detailing a Design is Like Accessorizing an Outfit

Cabinetry, Designer's Corner

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!

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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March 21, 2018/0 Comments/by Geneva Cabinet Company

Our Most Popular Pictures Signal Trends for 2018

Cabinetry, Kitchen Design, Trends

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Geneva Cabinet Company

262.245.9600

December 29, 2017/0 Comments/by Geneva Cabinet Company

Our Favorite Kitchen Cabinet Storage Solutions

Cabinetry, Trends

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.

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

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

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

Secret compartments are always fun, and functional.

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

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.

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

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

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!