Wisconsin Remodeling Styles: Lake Country Serenity Meets Southeast Milwaukee Chic!
Explore Countertops, Cabinets, and Color Trends
When planning a home remodel in Wisconsin, two areas emerge as focal points of unique and refined design—Lake Country and Southeast Milwaukee. Each region reflects Wisconsin remodeling styles with rich culture, environment, and local heritage that deeply influence its approach to home design, particularly in selecting countertops and cabinetry. Whether embracing Lake Country’s natural elegance or Southeast Milwaukee’s modern urban charm, knowing the prevailing styles can help you create a home that feels both beautiful and regionally appropriate. This guide explores remodeling trends, focusing on countertop and cabinet styles and the most current color trends while highlighting how Granite Plus can help bring your ideas to life.
The Wisconsin Remodeling Style of Lake Country
Nature-Inspired Elegance for the Modern Family
Living in Lake Country, with its tranquil lakes and rolling hills, includes communities like Delafield, Pewaukee, and Oconomowoc. The area’s close connection to nature is reflected in its remodeling trends, emphasizing serene, natural materials that blend seamlessly with the environment. For families living in this region, functionality and style often go hand in hand, creating homes offering practical living spaces and an aesthetic retreat.
Lake Country Community Styles
Delafield: Known for its charming, small-town feel, Delafield is surrounded by nature reserves and lakes. Home remodeling in Delafield reflects its natural surroundings, with many homeowners opting for distressed wood cabinetry and butcher block countertops that evoke a rustic, cottage-like atmosphere. Neutral color schemes like soft beige, sage green, and pale blue are famous for creating tranquil living spaces that complement the serene environment.
Pewaukee: With scenic views of Pewaukee Lake, Pewaukee homes embrace open-concept designs and outdoor integration. Granite and quartz countertops are favored for their durability and natural beauty, fitting seamlessly into contemporary and traditional styles. Pewaukee homes often feature Shaker-style cabinets in soft whites or blues, adding a clean, elegant feel that reflects the beauty of lakefront living.
Oconomowoc: Situated between several lakes, Oconomowoc homes frequently incorporate nature-inspired elements like quartzite countertops, which offer the luxury and durability homeowners desire. The veining and texture of quartzite echo the surrounding landscapes. Shaker cabinets in light wood or painted finishes help create a balanced look, mixing modern and traditional aesthetics to suit family life while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.
Countertop Styles in Lake Country
Granite and Quartz: Granite is a top choice for countertops in Lake Country homes due to its natural beauty, distinctive veining, and durability. Families favor granite for its ability to withstand the demands of daily meal preparation while maintaining an elegant appearance. Quartz is also highly popular, offering a sleek, low-maintenance option perfect for busy households. Its durability ensures that it can stand up to the heavy traffic of family kitchens without sacrificing style.
Quartzite: Quartzite has become a favored choice in Lake Country for those looking for a high-end option. This material combines the stunning veining of marble with superior durability, making it perfect for families that frequently entertain or love spending time in the kitchen. Resistant to heat and scratches, quartzite stands the test of time, even in the most active households. It’s also ideal for home chefs, offering a highly durable surface for tasks like kneading dough and preparing meals with heavy kitchen equipment.
Butcher Block: Families seeking a more rustic or cozy ambiance often choose butcher block countertops. The natural warmth of wood adds a welcoming, homey feel to kitchens and dining spaces, particularly in cottage-style or lakefront homes. The butcher block is easy to maintain and offers a practical work surface for families who regularly cook together, adding a nostalgic charm to the space.
Cabinet Styles in Lake Country
Shaker-Style Cabinets: Simple, functional, and timeless, Shaker-style cabinets dominate Lake Country homes. Their clean lines and unadorned fronts fit seamlessly into various design aesthetics, from traditional to contemporary. For families, their versatility makes them a favorite, pairing beautifully with multiple countertop options and holding up well under daily use. These cabinets are often found in soft, muted tones like sage green, ivory, or light blue, further enhancing the peaceful, lake-inspired ambiance.
Distressed Wood Finishes: Distressed or reclaimed wood cabinetry is another staple in Lake Country homes. These finishes add character and texture, giving kitchens a warm, lived-in feel. Distressed wood offers a practical solution for families seeking a balance between modern convenience and old-world charm, combining durability with a vintage aesthetic. Reclaimed wood also supports sustainable remodeling efforts, aligning with Lake Country’s nature-conscious values.
Color Trends in Lake Country
Earthy Neutrals: The use of earthy neutrals like soft beiges, warm taupes, and light browns is widespread in Lake Country. These tones reflect the surrounding natural landscape and create a peaceful indoor environment. Pairing neutral walls with quartzite or granite countertops enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a serene and nature-inspired design.
Greens and Blues: Soft, muted greens and blues, such as sage green and misty blue, are popular for kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. These colors evoke the calming effects of water and greenery, mirroring the natural beauty surrounding many Lake Country homes. Combined with distressed wood or Shaker-style cabinetry, these colors create a harmonious and serene space.
Whites and Creams: Light, airy whites and creamy off-whites are also staples in Lake Country home design. These colors reflect natural light and give homes a fresh, expansive feel. When paired with butcher block or granite countertops, white cabinets offer a clean, timeless look that’s both inviting and functional.
The Wisconsin Remodeling Style of Southeast Milwaukee
Urban Chic Meets Historic Charm
Southeast Milwaukee, known for its vibrant neighborhoods like Bay View, Walker’s Point, and the Third Ward, offers a distinct blend of urban sophistication and historic elegance. Remodeling trends fuse industrial elements with modern designs, creating unique styles celebrating the area’s architectural history and forward-thinking energy. Homeowners are drawn to bold, innovative materials that reflect modern trends and classic charm.
Southeast Milwaukee Community House Styles
Shorewood and Glendale: Suburban Charm with a Modern Twist
Shorewood and Glendale, located just north of downtown Milwaukee, offer a unique suburban feel while maintaining easy access to the vibrant urban lifestyle of Southeast Milwaukee. Both communities are known for their mix of historic homes and mid-century architecture, making them hotspots for modern renovations that blend traditional charm with contemporary convenience.
In Shorewood, homeowners often preserve the historical integrity of older homes while introducing modern updates like Cambria quartz countertops or sleek, flat-panel kitchen cabinets. These design elements contrast the area’s timeless architecture, allowing homeowners to enjoy a seamless blend of old and new.
With its slightly more suburban feel, Glendale embraces a mix of modern design and functional living spaces. Many homeowners choose to enhance their kitchens and living areas with durable materials like quartzite or soapstone countertops paired with bold color choices like deep navy cabinets or warm metallic accents. These materials add style and are ideal for families balancing aesthetics with practicality.
Bay View: Known for its artsy, laid-back vibe, this neighborhood is a place where homeowners love to mix eclectic styles. Concrete countertops and flat-panel cabinets in bold colors like deep blue or matte black are popular choices, reflecting Bay View’s creative spirit. Open shelving is also typical, allowing for personalized displays of plants, ceramics, or vintage kitchenware.
Walker’s Point: As a revitalized industrial hub, Walker’s Point is full of historic buildings repurposed into modern living spaces. Here, homeowners gravitate toward soapstone countertops and open shelving, complementing the area’s exposed brick, wooden beams, and industrial finishes. Flat-panel cabinets in bold charcoal gray or black shades add to the minimalist, urban aesthetic.
Third Ward: The Historic Third Ward is Milwaukee’s trendiest neighborhood, featuring a blend of upscale urban lofts and chic, modern homes. Cambria quartz countertops are a favorite for their high-end look and low maintenance, while flat-panel cabinets in white or navy blue create a sleek, contemporary kitchen. Brass and copper accents add a touch of luxury to these spaces, reflecting the neighborhood’s sophisticated, artistic flair.
Countertop Styles in Southeast Milwaukee
Cambria Quartz: Homeowners in Southeast Milwaukee often look for a balance of luxury and practicality, which is why Cambria quartz has become a popular countertop choice. Cambria offers the beauty of natural stone with the low-maintenance appeal of engineered surfaces. Its wide range of colors and patterns allows homeowners to experiment with bold, modern designs or subtle, classic tones that fit perfectly within the region’s diverse architectural styles.
Quartzite: Like Lake Country, quartzite is favored in Southeast Milwaukee for its marble-like appearance and added durability. This luxurious material pairs well with the historic architecture in older homes while being hard-wearing enough for modern lifestyles. Its subtle veining and natural variations create an elegant focal point in any kitchen, whether a loft or a historically preserved home.
Soapstone: For those who prefer a rich, deep color palette with a tactile, organic feel, soapstone countertops are a go-to option. Soapstone’s dark, smooth surface adds a moody yet sophisticated vibe, making it perfect for homes where industrial and historic styles intersect. Its heat and chemical resistance make it ideal for home chefs looking for a practical yet beautiful surface near their stovetops or prep areas.
Concrete: Southeast Milwaukee’s urban, industrial vibe is perfectly captured by concrete countertops. Their raw, textured appearance adds depth to modern lofts and industrial-style homes. Concrete’s customization options allow homeowners to choose unique finishes, textures, and even embedded materials like glass or metal, making these countertops a bold, modern statement in contemporary kitchens.
Cabinet Styles in Southeast Milwaukee
Flat-Panel (Slab) Cabinets: Southeast Milwaukee’s sleek, contemporary designs are evident in the popularity of flat-panel or slab cabinets. These cabinets feature smooth, unadorned fronts, contributing to a minimalist, modern aesthetic. Bold colors like matte black, deep blue, or high-gloss white are common, creating a streamlined look that complements the city’s industrial, urban-chic homes. Flat-panel cabinets and striking countertops like concrete or Cambria quartz add sophistication to any kitchen.
Open Shelving: Open shelving has become a favorite alternative to traditional cabinets in Southeast Milwaukee, particularly in loft-style homes. By removing bulky upper cabinets, open shelves create a more spacious and airy feel. They also allow homeowners to showcase beautiful dishware, plants, or decorative pieces, adding personality to the kitchen. This shelving option is practical for home chefs, providing easy access to frequently used items while enhancing the industrial, open-concept aesthetic.
Color Trends in Southeast Milwaukee
Deep Blues and Charcoal Grays: Deep blues and charcoal grays are standout color choices in Southeast Milwaukee. These colors add sophistication and modernity to kitchens and living spaces, often complementing concrete or Cambria quartz countertops. Flat-panel cabinets in deep navy or charcoal gray create a stunning contrast against exposed brick walls or concrete floors, enhancing the region’s industrial aesthetic.
Bold Black and White: High-contrast black-and-white color schemes are popular in Southeast Milwaukee’s modern homes. This trend is particularly striking in loft-style apartments or historic homes updated with contemporary elements. Black flat-panel cabinets paired with white quartzite or marble countertops create a chic, sophisticated look that echoes the region’s urban energy.
Warm Metallic Accents: In Southeast Milwaukee’s remodeled homes, brass, copper, and gold accents are frequently seen. These warm metallic finishes add a touch of luxury and balance to cooler industrial materials like concrete and steel. Incorporating metallic hardware, light fixtures, or backsplashes enhances the overall warmth of the space, creating a visually dynamic kitchen or living area.
Waukesha County Suburbs: Functional Elegance Meets Family Living
Just west of Milwaukee, Waukesha County suburbs like Waukesha, Brookfield, and Hartland offer family-friendly living with modern amenities. Homes in these areas focus on practicality, blending contemporary designs with warm, inviting elements. Remodeling trends in Waukesha County prioritize durable materials, open-concept layouts, and functional spaces that meet the demands of growing families.
Waukesha: Known for its charming, suburban atmosphere, Waukesha homes often incorporate quartz countertops in family kitchens for their durability and ease of maintenance. Shaker cabinets in light, neutral colors provide a timeless appeal, while open layouts ensure the kitchen serves as the heart of the home.
Brookfield: One of the more upscale suburbs, Brookfield embraces elegant materials like granite and quartzite for countertops, offering both beauty and durability. Homeowners often choose white or gray Shaker cabinets paired with dark countertops for a modern look.
Hartland: With its strong community feel, Hartland homes focus on family-friendly spaces. Butcher block countertops are famous for adding warmth and practicality to kitchens, while distressed wood cabinetry evokes a rustic charm that appeals to homeowners seeking a cozy, welcoming environment.
Granite Plus: Expertise, Design, and Affordable Remodeling Solutions
Whether your inspiration comes from the serene beauty of Lake Country or the urban chic of Southeast Milwaukee, Granite Plus can help turn your vision into reality. With a deep understanding of local design trends and expertise in premium materials, Granite Plus provides custom solutions that blend beauty with functionality.
Expert Knowledge of Premium Materials: Specializing in materials like granite, quartz, Cambria quartz, quartzite, and soapstone, Granite Plus ensures homeowners find the right countertops and cabinets for their style and needs. Whether you’re looking for low-maintenance options or high-end finishes, Granite Plus offers a wide selection of solutions that cater to your preferences.
Custom Design Solutions for Every Lifestyle: Granite Plus works closely with homeowners to develop designs that match their lifestyles. Whether you’re creating a family-friendly kitchen in Lake Country or a sleek, modern space in Southeast Milwaukee, Granite Plus offers personalized options to fit your vision.
Affordable Results Without Compromise: Granite Plus delivers high-quality designs that fit your budget, ensuring homeowners can enjoy premium countertops and cabinetry without breaking the bank. From materials to installation, Granite Plus provides cost-effective solutions that elevate your home’s design without compromising quality or durability.
Blending Wisconsin Remodeling Styles
Combining the Best of Both Regions
If you’re torn between the rustic charm of Lake Country and the urban sophistication of Southeast Milwaukee, blending the two styles is a fantastic option. Pairing Cambria quartz countertops with distressed wood cabinets, for example, creates a balanced look incorporating natural elements and modern appeal. Similarly, butcher block islands paired with soapstone counters provide a tactile contrast, offering a warm inviting, functional, and stylish space.
Final Thoughts: A Remodel Tailored to Your Wisconsin Home
Whether your remodeling style leans towards Lake Country’s calming, nature-inspired designs or the bold, industrial feel of Southeast Milwaukee, your home should reflect your unique style and needs. Understanding the regional design trends, especially in countertop and cabinet choices, can help guide your renovation process, ensuring your home is beautiful and functional.
Granite Plus is ready to assist homeowners with expert design advice and quality materials. Contact Granite Plus to explore how their custom design solutions can transform your space into a reflection of Wisconsin’s distinctive blend of nature and urban sophistication.
Check out these insights into types of countertops: 6 Types of Countertops: Avoid Confusion with this Ultimate Guide
FAQs
What is the best countertop material for a home chef in Lake Country?
Quartzite is an excellent choice for home chefs. It’s durable, heat-resistant, and offers a luxurious look that is ideal for kitchens with heavy use.
What is Cambria quartz, and why is it popular in Southeast Milwaukee?
Cambria quartz is an engineered stone that offers the look of natural stone with low-maintenance appeal. Its durability and design versatility make it a popular choice in Southeast Milwaukee homes.
Is soapstone a good choice for urban kitchens?
Soapstone is an excellent choice for urban kitchens, particularly in Southeast Milwaukee’s industrial-style homes. Its natural tones and patina give it a unique appeal.
Can I blend Lake Country and Southeast Milwaukee styles in one home?
Absolutely! Blending elements like quartzite countertops with flat-panel cabinets or pairing Cambria quartz with distressed wood creates a balanced, harmonious look.
