Tag Archive for: Geneva Cabinet Company

Master Your Bath: Planning Decisions

The bathroom is where you prepare for the day ahead and transition for a good nights rest. The typical American spends at least an hour a day on bathroom activities.  That adds up to two weeks per year, or the amount of time spent on vacation.  If you are thinking of building or remodeling your bath, consider all of the options that can make it a place worthy of your time.

Your Bathroom Profile
The essential fixtures are familiar, but the endless variety can be overwhelming when making decisions. Knowing the role a particular bath will play in your home helps narrow down the choices so you can focus on the best solution. Ask yourself the following questions to help identify the most beneficial features.

  • How many people live in the home and what are their ages?
  • What is the size of the bath?
  • How many bathrooms are available and how convenient is the location of each?
  • Will there be growth or reduction in number of people at home?
  • Are there any physical issues that need to be addressed for safety and comfort?
  • Is this bath private or will guests share it?
  • Is water quality or usage a concern?
  • Aside from normal activities, are their other ways you would like to use this space (e.g. spa shower, washer and dryer, beverage station)?

 
3 image plan layout hometime plan
 
 
 
Layout
A good layout will makes the most of available space while providing for your personal and intimate needs. As an experienced builder we strive to maximize the efficiency of every square foot while introducing economies in the location of plumbing fixtures.  Consider key usage matters in advance to alleviate daily congestion.

  • How many people will use the bath at the same time?Universal Design
  • What plumbing fixtures or appliances will you use   (e.g. number of sinks, soaking tub, towel warmer)?
  • How much counter surface is needed?
  • How much storage space will you need for linens and grooming products?
  • How many electric outlets are needed and what location would be best?
  • Would having an enclosed water closet allow multiple users privacy?
  • What is the most direct path between activity zones?
  • Would you be more likely to use a soaking tub or luxurious shower
  • Would adding Universal or Accessible design features allow for aging in place?   Enclosed Water Closet

 
 
 
 
 
Express Your Style

No matter the size, every bath deserves a style statement. Since you need to purchase new components when building new or remodeling, this is the ideal time to apply a viewpoint to each selection.  Consider all of these possibilities:

  • Plumbing fixtures that have a sculptural quality to advance your style.
  • Vanity styles from built in wall-to-wall to freestanding furniture pieces.
  • Trough and Vessel Sinks 5 furniture style m master bath copy 2
  • Shapely tile in an unexpected pattern to add visual texture.
  • Hardware to act as a touch of jewelry accenting the overall look of your room
  • A bold wall color that makes you smile every time you walk in.
  • Countertop materials from man-made to natural to standout as statement piece.
  • Showstopping mirrors that set the tone for the entire bath.

This helpful quiz from Medallion Cabinetry will help you identify your style!
 
 
Cabinetry: Storage & Convenience
storage and space saver cabinetry
At the intersection of style and storage is your bathroom cabinetry. Interior cabinet and drawer organizers divide space for clutter-free access to daily essentials. These latest features will make the most of every inch.

  • Niches built-in above sinks and in showers keep necessities visible and within reach.
  • Cubbies and open shelving move into the bath to help organize and sort belongings.
  • Push-touch and soft-close features are worthy additions for quiet, smooth and safe cabinet operations.
  • Electric outlets on the interior of cabinets or drawers prevent tangles and dangerous dangling cords.
  • Vertical pullout organizers maximize space.
  • Above counter storage improves visibility and provides easy access.
  • Built-in step stools and laundry hampers free up floor space.

 
Lighting the way to a good mood
7 lighting image
Every room benefits from multiple sources of lighting, and the bath is no exception.   A combination of fixtures and natural light will help you achieve balanced color rendition throughout the day and through the seasons. The mirror area is most critical. Good illumination from above and the sides will eliminate shadows during grooming. Using the correct lamp completes the picture by allowing you to see color accurately when doing hair and makeup.
energy star color rendering

This helpful guide from Energy Star will help you choose the best lighting!

 
The installation process
Like many contractors, we trust a cabinet showroom like Geneva Cabinet Company to assist with the proper layout and detailing of cabinetry. Their work was recently featured on the PBS home-improvement show, HOMETIME.  Follow this link to watch the show as they discuss the important consideration for planning master bath and the installation of these beautiful Medallion Cabinets.

Hometime PBS Master Bath Design by Geneva Cabinet CompanyCabinet Planning Video by Geneva Cabinet Company

Follow this link to view the entire episode of Hometime where you will also see how solid surface Cambria countertops are measured, fabricated and installed in the Master Bath.

Fashion Week Trends Inspire Home Decor for Spring

Just in time for spring, reports from Fashion Week are announcing the latest trends from the runway!  The desire to be surrounded at home by these same fresh style and color combinations is just natural. Fortunately the lag time that used to exist between fashion and home décor has almost vanished.  Here we translate the top designer looks to help you achieve immediate gratification when refreshing your home this spring with runway inspiration.
As you browse keep in mind the words of fashion leader Diane Von Furstenberg, “The most important thing, in both fashion and your home, is to know who you are and be true to that”
1 Nautical Trend
Nautical Chic
Utility and ease inspire this look that works so well for homes in Lake Geneva or any area to achieve the style simplicity of resort chic.   You can create the same nautical mood with non-traditional colors and stripes as reported on the runway by InStyle.  Introducing graphic stripes with creative color schemes is a stylish way to bring this trend to homes where the traditional blue/red/white theme doesn’t fit.  Detailing with accents that feature marine brass or shipyard riveting will further an authentic atmosphere.
2 White Hot Trend  White and Wood Project1
White and Wood
Nothing says warm weather like crisp bright white.  This season proper white was softened on the runway by Balenciaga with unexpected accents like gym shoes or deep leathers for a less serious mood.  We are taking the same approach in homes with the intentional contrast of interesting woods to highlight interior white finishes.  The kitchen above features Plato Woodwork cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Company and uses natural walnut counters.  This introduces a bit of warmth and edginess to reduce the formality of otherwise traditional décor.
Opting for attention, bright yellow was featured on the runway by designers like Tory Burch. optimistic, yellow never fails to get noticed.  At small dose of bright lemon yellow in accessories achieves the effect, think daffodils.  Softer versions will create a gentle background for lively or traditional color schemes
Sunshine Yellow
Opting for attention, bright yellow was featured on the runway by designers like Tory Burch.  Cheerful and optimistic, yellow never fails to get noticed. At small dose of bright lemon yellow in accessories achieves the effect, think daffodils.  Softer versions will create a gentle background for lively or traditional color schemes.   Our country kitchen above uses mustard yellow as the perfect color statement.
4 Denim Project1Versatile Denim
Never far from the fashion front line, denim maintained its position as the go to fabric for casual comfort.  Creative washed finishes and tailored silhouettes ruled the runway in the Sonia Rykiel collection.  The application at home invites comfort and introduces a bit of street savvy style.  Upholstery and soft goods can reflect appealing washed finishes.  Even choosing a paint color in the range between pale chambray and dark wash will maintain the comfort connection.
5 FloralFloral & Gingham
Floral prints and gingham checks appeared in the Diane Von Furstenberg collection as well as many others. The key to this trend is the vibrant colors along with a stylized pattern approach. Bringing this idea home means introducing saturated color inspired by garden flowers. White is an important element in the success of this look, providing the proper context for the colors to breath.