Entertaining Lake House Kitchen | Oconomowoc
A couple nearing retirement contacted us to refresh their lake house kitchen for better entertaining family and friends. The casual lake living design flows throughout, with navy hues, gold hardware, detailed woodwork and beautiful tile. The kitchen was opened and enhanced with a large navy island and beverage station.
The Original Space
This Oconomowoc home was built in 2001. The house had a good layout but the rooms were closed off, making it difficult to entertain large groups. It also didn’t take advantage of the lake view. The top priority was remodeling the kitchen and creating a great room where they could cook, eat and relax with guests. They loved hosting parties and needed more gathering space in the kitchen.
Since this is a lake home, they wanted to use shades of blue in the design and take advantage of the gorgeous lake view and the sunsets wherever possible.
Inviting Entry into the Kitchen
The entryway of this lake home is now open, inviting and welcoming. Before the remodel, there was a small doorway into the kitchen followed by a large wall of closets that created the back of the old bar. Opening that wall brings more light into the space and guests immediately see a glimpse of the lake and feel welcomed into the heart of the home.
A Lake House Kitchen for Parties
Remodeling the first floor, especially the kitchen, was the main focus of this project. The biggest issue was a large bar that sat in the middle of this kitchen. The homeowners found it awkward. They wanted a large island where everyone could gather and sit. The new island, featuring Cambria quartz counters, has seating for six and plenty of gathering space around it. The clients also asked for a beverage station, a 48” Wolf range and a statement hood.
With the new layout, guests sitting at the island can have a better view of the lake. We widened the narrow doorway into the front hallway and into the living room to better connect the three spaces. More light now floods the main entertaining space.
Unique Kitchen Features:
- Beverage Station – The beverage station has a smaller footprint than the old bar, yet conveniently located in the kitchen. Two drawers below the wine cooler open to reveal drinks.
- The “Sandwich Fridge” – The Mr. in the house requested a “sandwich fridge” in the island for his favorite lunch items – meats, cheese, pickles and condiments.
- Prep Sink – A prep sink features a glass rinser and a reverse osmosis water tap doubling as a prep sink and bar sink.
Homeowner Review
“Exceptional at every level. Kowalske Kitchen and Bath went over and above at every step of our remodeling project. They were able to accommodate all of our extra requests and change orders in a timely manner. We are extremely satisfied with the final result.”
– Mike, Oconomowoc homeowner (Google Review)
More Pictures of This Home
We remodeled this entire Oconomowoc house! See more pictures:
- Nautical Bathroom
- Master Bathroom
- Oconomowoc Whole Home – see pictures of the living room, laundry room, powder room and entry!
- Lake Home Reveal on our Blog
Learn More
Project Details
Project Year: 2020
Location: Oconomowoc, WI
Updates Included: Kitchen & Dining Room
Features: Custom Cabinets, Farmhouse Sink, Bar Sink, Cambria Quartz Counters, Plumbing Fixtures, Tile Backsplash, Luxury Vinyl Flooring, Windows, Trim, Lighting & Hardware
Estimated Cost: $175,000 – $200,000
Award Winning Project
This kitchen remodel was awarded a GOLD ‘Remodeler of the Year’ award from the Milwaukee National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in 2021.