Whirlpool

Maytag

Electrolux

Monogram

A peek at the progress at a remodel project between the before and after. Village Home Stores shares some updates from a recent remodel job site. 

<p>We share a lot of beautiful before-and-after stories here on the blog, but with a home remodel project, what happens between the before and after is a very important part of that story. Truth is these days anyone can post a photo of a finished project and say it is their work. But this isn&rsquo;t a haircut or a cupcake order, folks, it&rsquo;s your home! You are investing in your home project, so invest in a team that you can trust to get the job done right the first time. If you are considering removing walls or involving any subcontractors, you need to know that there is a plan in place, and everything will happen in sequence to get you across the finish line. And projects like the one we are sharing today are no place for you to entertain hiring someone based off an &ldquo;I know a guy&rdquo; scenario. You need a team and a process that does this work every day. </p>
<p><img alt="side by side images with demoed kitchen on left and finished bright kitchen remodel on the right" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_village-between-before-and-after/OART1_kitchen-remodeling_01.png" /></p>
<p>We just wrapped up an entire first-floor renovation in a Geneseo, Illinois home that involved a full demo, relocation of the kitchen, and wall removals. Instead of just posting the finished space, we stopped by throughout the process to document some of the transformation for you. So, if you are curious to have a bit of a peek behind the curtain and see some of the lead-up to the finished kitchen feature, you have come to the right place. And don&rsquo;t worry, we will be sharing the finished kitchen in our next post because WOW, it turned out beautiful!</p>
<h2>A Peek at Our Process Between the Before and After</h2>
<p><img alt="side by side images of torn out dining room on left and finished kitchen with bench seat below window on right" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_village-between-before-and-after/OART1_remodel-before-after_02.png" /></p>
<p>With this post we wanted to give you a more in-depth look into what happens between before and after in a large-scale remodel project with Village Home Stores. The remodel project management designing and estimating process at Village has many stages leading up to the point where you are reviewing detailed inclusion sheets or signing a contract with us. Hours of time and attention are given to your project long before anything is ordered or scheduled. </p>
<p><img alt="side by side of kitchen remodel torn up on left and finished on the right with painted cabinets and black stainless dishwasher" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_village-between-before-and-after/OART1_kitchen-remodel-before-after_03.png" /></p>
<p>For this project, we converted the original dining room area into a new kitchen location. We also opened the floor plan and replaced the flooring with a new consistent material throughout. Walls came down, doorways were widened, hallways were removed, and new walls went up. </p>
<h2>Tour the Space After Demo </h2>
<p><img alt="images of kitchen remodel demo shown right after tear out and again with designer and carpenter discussing doorway" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_village-between-before-and-after/OART1_kitchen-remodel-demo_04.png" /></p>
<p>Because the footprint of the first floor was expected to change quite a bit from the original plan, we wanted to show you the space ahead of some of those changes. We stopped by to take a quick tour of the jobsite with the designer, Angela, so she could walk us through the plan for the new first floor. Take a look: </p>
<p><iframe class="dsg-block-1-youtube-video" title=“PART 1: Geneseo Kitchen Remodel After Demo Stage” src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPVcuBGh20Q" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>We often find notes when we begin tearing out kitchen and bathroom spaces. These notes are typically from past homeowners or the crews who worked on the spaces last. Did you catch the messages we found in that video? </p>
<p><img alt="kitchen remodel demo images with hidden messages revealed on walls after tear out" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_village-between-before-and-after/OART1_hidden-messages_05.png" /></p>
<p>We love the one about a carpenter&rsquo;s upcoming nuptials, &ldquo;he was getting pretty nervous about now, only 13 days &lsquo;till he gets married,&rdquo; and the most Midwest message ever referencing the weather, and it being a mild winter at the time the wall was being finished off. Messages like this are a great reminder that the work being done will be in use for many years to come. It is important to hire teams you trust. It also warms our hearts to know that some parts of our industry never change. We are still the type of team that connects with a home and the people and pets who live there. Each job is different from the next, and we love that about the work we do. </p>
<p><img alt="images of kitchen remodel during demo phase and with temporary wall in place" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_village-between-before-and-after/OART1_demo-during_06.png" /></p>
<p>As you saw in the first video, we installed a long temporary support wall spanning the space. This gave subcontractors and our crews safe support as we completed removing elements of the original footprint that needed to come out, but offered support for the home. With the temporary wall in place, we could begin to build the new support system for the project before removing the temporary wall. </p>
<h2>Framed Up, Roughed in, and Ready for Install </h2>
<p><img alt="kitchen remodel shown during the rough in phase with new headers and walls built in place for the new kitchen location" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_village-between-before-and-after/OART1_demo-during_06.png" /></p>
<p>We returned to the jobsite not long after that previous video once the new wall work was complete and the plumbers and electricians were finished up roughing in for the installation to begin. Support beams and headers are now in place, and the walls for the new location of the kitchen are all framed up. Take another quick tour of that new footprint for the kitchen and dining spaces: </p>
<p><iframe class="dsg-block-1-youtube-video" title=“Part 2: Geneseo Remodel Framed up and Ready For the New Kitchen” src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lmJR-E_W8qg" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>As you can see, for wall-work remodels like this, there are a lot of crews involved, and many times we need to allow for inspections in the schedule. Your original schedule will be set and shared within our project management app. Any changes or updates made to that schedule can be communicated with you and the other crews right within the app. Having the schedule and subcontractor information in a digital format like this can be helpful if you want to check in on things from work or even if you plan to be out of town while the work is being done. We often complete kitchen and bath remodels for &ldquo;snowbirds&rdquo; while they winter somewhere warm. The app allows us to keep them updated on the progress and give them access to information when they want it. </p>
<p><img alt="images of remodel crew and kitchen designer from village home stores discussing remodeling job at site" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_village-between-before-and-after/OART1_during-kitchen-remodel_07.png" /></p>
<h2>Final Walkthrough Appointment</h2>
<p>In the final days of your remodel project, we will reach out to confirm a time for a final walkthrough of the work. Even though we may still have workers active on site, we can all see the finish line and we are gearing up for the job to be completed soon so you can move into the new space. </p>
<p><img alt="finished kitchen image with large island and tall pantry cabinets" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_village-between-before-and-after/OART1_remodel-walkthrough_09.png" /></p>
<p>We stopped by again at the same job during the final walkthrough appointment to show you more in-depth what to expect at this meeting. Take a look:</p>
<p><iframe class="dsg-block-1-youtube-video" title=“Part 3: Remodel Project Management Final Walkthrough Appointment” src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8fyUtPmmdkM" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>As you saw in that video, there is nothing &ldquo;final&rdquo; about the final walkthrough appointment. You will still see our team on site again, and we will be in communication to wrap up anything that was noted and recorded as warranty issues during that appointment. This meeting on site is our chance for you to communicate with your designer and project manager about anything you may have noticed or have concerns about. We are also able to give a detailed look around everywhere to check the work done by our team and any subcontractors we sent to your home. </p>
<h2>Start Your Own Remodel Story with Us</h2>
<p>Has this information made you look a little more curiously at that wall in your own kitchen you wish wasn&rsquo;t there? Have you thought about moving your kitchen, laundry, or primary suite to a whole new location in your home? We can help with that! While we can&rsquo;t promise the project will be done in two weeks&hellip; would you really want us to? We have a process in place, and we continue to adapt it and make it even better with each project we complete. We hope this peek into some of our process has helped you understand why working with our team gets you the result you want with quality work and materials that will last you for decades. </p>
<p><img alt="closeup of man in blue sleeves making notes on file folder in kitchen" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_village-between-before-and-after/OART1_kitchen-remodel-process_10.png" /></p>
<p>If you are ready to start your own before-and-after story with Village Home Stores, your first step is just to connect with our team. We value your time, and we hope you value ours so we do recommend making an appointment to allow us to discuss your project in our showroom and answer any questions you may have about what you can expect. This first meeting helps us to really focus on the information we will need to gather and look at when we visit your home to begin the designing and estimating phase. You can reach out here using the webchat feature on our site or <a href="https://www.villagehomestores.com/contacts"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">complete this short form</span></a> for our team. You may also give us a call M-F 9am-5pm or Saturdays from 9am-noon at (309) 944-1344. Watch more of our remodel projects every week on the Village Home Show. We air Sunday mornings at 10:30am on WQAD News 8 / ABC. You can also watch our show and other video features online anytime from our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Villagehomestores"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">YouTube channel</span></a>. If you have a smart TV, you can stream right from the YouTube app there. We hope you found this post helpful, and we look forward to hearing about projects you are considering.</p>
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Peek at Our Kitchen Remodel Process Between the Before and After

Kitchen design in Bettendorf Iowa with Accessible Beige and Birch Almond Cabinetry from Village Home Stores. 

<p>The Quad Cities is a fantastic area to live and great place to build a new home. This featured kitchen design is in an open concept layout of a brand-new home built in Bettendorf, Iowa by Aspen Homes. We were thankful to be the source for all the cabinetry, countertops, appliances, lighting, and hardware in this new construction home.</p>
<h2>Accessible Beige and Birch Almond Kitchen Design</h2>
<p>The open concept kitchen is adjacent to a casual dining area by the back deck, and the kitchen faces the great room living space. The kitchen truly becomes the hub of the home when a layout like this is used. Accessible Beige cabinetry is the perfect neutral backdrop to the main level of the home. This paint color gives a warm look without being too bold of a contrast or too bright white to seem sterile.</p>
<p><img alt="great room kitchen design with accessible beige painted cabinets and velvet sofa cushions in foreground" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_accessible-beige-and-birch-almond-kitchen/great-room-kitchen.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>We were so glad to visit this home during the daytime to see how much natural light pours into the space. The painted cabinetry finish takes on new tones throughout the day and looks great with both bright whites and wood furniture and surfaces accents.</p>
<p><img alt="quad cities kitchen design by Village Home Stores with kitchen island at the center" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_accessible-beige-and-birch-almond-kitchen/quad-cities-kitchen-design.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>The kitchen design is an L-shape with a walk-in corner pantry dividing the fridge wall from the cooking zone wall of the design. At the center of the design is a single-level island that includes the kitchen cleanup zone with an undermount stainless sink centered in the space. Q Quartz counters in the Calacatta Idillio design are installed throughout the kitchen and a full overhang at the back of the island accommodates counter-height seating.</p>
<p><img alt="side by side of birch almond cabinet finish and painted accessible beige cabinet both with satin bronze handle hardware" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_accessible-beige-and-birch-almond-kitchen/satin-bronze-handle-hardware.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>The kitchen design combines two finishes on Koch Classic Cabinetry&rsquo;s Savannah doorstyle. A Maple Almond stain is used on the island, and the perimeter cabinetry is finished in our bestselling Accessible Beige paint. The handles are from the Rickard series by Hardware Resources and the same Satin Bronze finish is used on both cabinet finishes.</p>
<h2>Take a Short Video Tour of the Kitchen</h2>
<p>Pictures can&rsquo;t tell the story quite like video can, so we invite you to press play here and take a quick video tour of the finished space.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ioisz8YRcdk" title="Quad Cities Kitchen With Accessible Beige Cabinets in Great Room" width="320"></iframe></p>
<p></p>
<p>On the wall that is home to the refrigerator we have included an over-the-counter microwave in the design. There is plenty of storage and countertop landing space on each side of the fridge.</p>
<p><img alt="accessible beige kitchen cabinets with stainless refrigerator and corner pantry door open" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_accessible-beige-and-birch-almond-kitchen/accessible-beige-kitchen.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>This style of microwave mounted underneath a wall cabinet and hangs over the countertop area without a range hood unit below. You get the look of a built-in appliance and keep your countertop clear. This unit is from our Sharp line and you can learn more about it <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.villagehomestores.com/product/sharp-carousel-15-cu-ft-stainless-steel-over-the-counter-microwave-r1214ty-739588" target="_blank">here on our website</a>.</span></p>
<p><img alt="base kitchen cabinets shown with doors open and sliding shelves" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_accessible-beige-and-birch-almond-kitchen/divided-base-cabinet-rollouts.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>The cabinet to the left of the refrigerator is a great example of a divided base cabinet with slide out shelves. Why are there four shelves here instead of two? Sliding shelves this wide would be very difficult to open and close once you moved into them.Once you reach a certain width, a center stile is added to the base cabinet and the shelves are separated. When the doors are closed you have the clean look of a single large cabinet.</p>
<h2>The Cooking Zone of The Kitchen</h2>
<p><img alt="accessible beige kitchen cabinets in a quad cities home. Kitchen by Village Home Stores for aspen homes" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_accessible-beige-and-birch-almond-kitchen/accessible-beige-kitchen-cabinets.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>The wall that faces the kitchen island and great room beyond is home to the cooking zone. At the center of this cooking zone is a slide-in Whirlpool gas range with full-width grates on the cooktop. This style of range without a back ledge is called a slide-in front control style. The look is very clean and allows your kitchen backsplash not to get disrupted by the rise of the control panel on other freestanding ranges.</p>
<p><img alt="kitchen storage cabinets including large pots and pans drawers and pullout utensil cabinet" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_accessible-beige-and-birch-almond-kitchen/kitchen-storage.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>The cooktop and oven is surrounded by utensils and pots and pan storage all within reach. Large stacks of wide, deep drawers are perfect for pots and pans storage and our customer favorite putout utensil cabinet is right next to the range.</p>
<p><img alt="wood rangehood cabinet painted in accessible beige" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_accessible-beige-and-birch-almond-kitchen/wood-hood-cabinet.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>A 42-inch wood hood finished in the same Accessible Beige paint is installed above the gas range. It has a Broan range hood power pack inside. This is a dream of a cooking setup for any serious home chef. Not sure how much ventilation power you need for your space? Connect with an appliance expert at Village to learn more.</p>
<p><img alt="whirlpool appliances in Bettendorf kitchen showing three level dishwasher with door open installed in island" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_accessible-beige-and-birch-almond-kitchen/whirlpool-appliances.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>Whirlpool appliances in Stainless Steel fit this kitchen design well. Never be afraid to pair Stainless Steel with other metal finishes. This kitchen space includes Stainless appliances, Satin Bronze handles, Aged Brass lighting, and a Matte Black faucet. The finished look with all these metals is harmonious especially with the entire space considered with d&eacute;cor and furniture.</p>
<h2>Open Concept Kitchen Lighting Selections</h2>
<p>The challenge with open concept layouts is selecting finishes and styles that can all get along within sight. The temptation to just copy/paste must be tamed. This is your chance to instead keep a clear style going but designate each space with new lighting details. Don&rsquo;t worry, our lighting team is here to help. Our lighting expert on this project included textured glass as well as fabric and metal shades in the mix.</p>
<p>Above the kitchen island hang a pair of aged brass pendants with textured glass. The pendants are named Landon and they are from our Capital Lighting line. Just a few steps away in the dining area a 6-light chandelier named Welsley is installed. This chandelier is also finished in an aged brass.</p>
<p><img alt="brass kitchen lighting and picture lights" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_accessible-beige-and-birch-almond-kitchen/brass-kitchen-lighting.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>The kitchen faces the great room living space that is fit with a fireplace and built-in arched niches. Above each arched niche is an Alistair picture light that lights up the arched built-ins. They also from our Capital Lighting line and in an aged brass finish. A 60 inch Washed White Oak ceiling fan hangs in the great room as well. Shop all of our lighting and ceiling fan options online anytime <span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://villagehomestores.xolights.com/lighting-fixtures" title="Our Website" target="_blank">here from our website.</a></span></p>
<p><img alt="great room with white oak fan arched niches and fireplace" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_accessible-beige-and-birch-almond-kitchen/great-room-fireplace.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p>
<p>Another detail we love in the great room is that the same Calacatta Idillio Quartz from the kitchen is installed for the fireplace surround. Are you ready to start your own kitchen or bath story with Village Home Stores? We can&rsquo;t wait to hear what you are dreaming of and find out if we can help bring that vision to life. No matter the size of your project, the first step is always just to reach out to our team. You can use the chat feature here on our website or <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.villagehomestores.com/kitchen-and-bath-cabinetry-and-design" target="_blank">fill out this short form online to request an appointment</a>.</span> You can call us at <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="tel:3099441344">309-944-1344</a></span> or stop by and see us at 105 S State in downtown Geneseo, Illinois. We do recommend an appointment so we can be sure to have someone available to answer any of your questions. Our thanks to <span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.aspenwindmiller.com/homes/" target="_blank">Aspen Homes</a></span> for letting us stop by and show you around the space.</p>
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Accessible Beige and Birch Almond Kitchen Design in Bettendorf

Tour a complete kitchen remodel from Village Home Stores with wall removal and Accessible Beige painted cabinetry.

<p>In <a href="https://www.villagehomestores.com/blog/village-between-before-and-after"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">our last post</span></a>, we promised you that we would still give you a proper look at the finished kitchen remodel. Welcome to the now-finished &ldquo;after&rdquo; part of this breathtaking Village Home Stores before-and-after story in Geneseo, Illinois. What a dream kitchen! </p>
<h2>A new Location and a Whole New Look</h2>
<p>This kitchen has had so much of a transformation that it found a whole new location. If you watched the video series in our previous post, you saw that we moved the new kitchen into the location of the old dining room in the Victorian home. We also widened the doorway into the new kitchen space and removed a long wall that used to form a hallway at the back end of the first floor.</p>
<p><img alt="kitchen with large island and combination of light painted cabinets and dark maple stained cabinets" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART_village-kitchen-before-after/OART1_kitchen-remodeler_01.png" /></p>
<p>Now we have created a more open and functional layout that includes a large living room and a much larger kitchen with casual dining seating. We divided the new kitchen from the new formal dining room space with a short wall, leaving the entire first floor feeling more open and with a flow that invites multiple uses of each space. A remodel with this amount of wall work and layout changes also allowed the opportunity to install a new consistent flooring surface throughout.</p>
<p><img alt="kitchen sink with window above and black stainless stee; dishwasher in corner" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART_village-kitchen-before-after/OART1_sink-and-dishwasher-in-corner_02.png" /></p>
<p>We divided the new kitchen from the new formal dining room space with a short wall, leaving the entire first floor feeling more open and with a flow that invites multiple uses of each space. A remodel with this amount of wall work and layout changes also allowed us to install a new consistent flooring surface throughout.</p>
<p><img alt="kitchen remodeling by village home stores" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART_village-kitchen-before-after/OART1_village-home-stores-remodeling_03.png" /></p>
<h2>Tour The Finished Kitchen</h2>
<p>But why just post a few photos when we could give you a quick tour instead!? Here is the designer, Angela, to walk you around the finished remodel:</p>
<p><iframe class="dsg-block-1-youtube-video" title=“Accessible Beige Kitchen Remodel with Wall Removed” src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/johO92EdOp0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Pretty incredible transformation, right? And the flooring installed throughout truly looks so much better on video than in photos, so be sure to watch back through to see the COREtec luxury vinyl plank showcased. It looks even better in person,n and the pattern really complements many wood tones for d&eacute;cor and furniture in the surrounding areas. The color is named &ldquo;Parchment Oak&rdquo;, and we love to see such a durable and stylish surface installed in multiple rooms. This flooring is ready for puppies and parties and will look great for years to come. </p>
<h2>Accessible Beige Painted Cabinets with Maple Mocha Accents</h2>
<p>The new kitchen design features cabinetry from our <a href="https://www.wynnbrooke.com/american-collection"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wynnbrooke</span></a> Cabinetry line. Manufactured not far from us in Kansas, Wynnbrooke offers a great lineup of cabinet options in on-trend finishes for our customers at a great price. This is their Mission flat-panel door style installed in a combination of two finishes. The main cabinets for the perimeter and all the tall cabinetry is one of our bestselling painted cabinet colors named &ldquo;Accessible Beige&rdquo;. Accessible Beige is a fantastic neutral cabinet paint choice for all cabinet projects. <a href="https://www.villagehomestores.com/blog/beige-and-white-oak-kitchen"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here is another recent project</span></a> that combined Accessible Beige with a White Oak stain. </p>
<p><img alt="tall accessible beige painted pantry cabinets to ceiling " src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART_village-kitchen-before-after/OART1_tall-pantry-cabinets_04.png" /></p>
<p>On one wall of the new kitchen design, we installed lots of tall pantry storage at full depth. There is so much space here, and one of the tall sections can now house cleaning supplies. A Black Stainless Steel KitchenAid appliance package, including a French door refrigerator and a 5-burner Gas convection range, looks incredible in this space. Black Stainless and new &ldquo;Black Ore&rdquo; (launching soon from KitchenAid) offer up a warmer matte-finished black option in kitchen appliances. </p>
<p><img alt="maple mocha stained kitchen island with seating and brass pendant lighting above and floating shelves in background" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART_village-kitchen-before-after/OART1_kitchen-island-with-seating_05.png" /></p>
<p>In the kitchen island, we included a Sharp microwave drawer unit, also in a Black Stainless Steel finish. The corner of the island closest to the kitchen sink includes a 2-bin pull-out wastebasket cabinet. </p>
<p><img alt="kitchen dry bar design with reeded glass doors, wine bottle storage, and floating shelves" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART_village-kitchen-before-after/OART1_kitchen-dry-bar-design_06.png" /></p>
<p>To complement and contrast with the painted cabinets in this kitchen, we installed the island and dry bar area in Maple wood with a Mocha stain applied. Facing the new kitchen is a custom dry bar zone fit with wine bottle storage, reeded glass doors, and floating shelves above. Flex areas like this in a kitchen design can be used in so many ways throughout the year. This can act as the everyday coffee/beverage station for the homeowner most days and be easily converted into a cocktail station when entertaining. </p>
<p><img alt="three champagne bronze and textured glass pendants hang above kitchen island in accessible beige kitchen by Village Home Stores" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART_village-kitchen-before-after/OART1_kitchen-island-lighting_07.png" /></p>
<p>Above the kitchen island hang three <a href="https://villagehomestores.xolights.com/ariella-3-light-pendant-in-brushed-champagne-bronze-with-hammered-clear-glass/sku-HCJX#itemDetailFinish"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">textured glass pendant lights</span></a> in a Brushed Champagne Bronze finish. The 3-light pendants are named &ldquo;Ariella&rdquo; and the glass gives a hammered texture look and feel. We love the pattern the pendants cast on the ceiling when turned on. This pendant style is part of a series that comes in Matte Black and includes a smaller version of the same pendant plus sconces with the same textured glass. </p>
<h2>Calacatta Prado MSI Quartz Counters</h2>
<p>This large kitchen island design offers a generous overhang for seating and a massive number of work surfaces. Whether you're using it for meal prep, gift wrapping, or an impromptu dance floor, it's ready for any task! </p>
<p><img alt="large kitchen island design with overhang for counter height stools" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART_village-kitchen-before-after/OART1_large-kitchen-island_08.png" /></p>
<p>The countertop surfaces in this kitchen are from our MSI Q Quartz line, a design named Calacatta Prado. With just enough subtle pattern without causing too much distraction, this selection gives the look of natural stone in a durable, nonporous material. Calacatta Prado quartz is a great complement to the Accessible Beige cabinetry, and we installed the tops with a 3&rdquo; x 12&rdquo; Matte White Settecento New Yorker tile backsplash. </p>
<h2>Custom Bench Seat</h2>
<p>Because the kitchen now resides in the original dining room of the home, we had existing windows and doorways to consider. We can adjust and widen interior doorways. Windows, however, can lead to exterior projects if you begin moving or raising the location.</p>
<p><img alt="custom cabinet bench seat under low window in kitchen" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART_village-kitchen-before-after/OART1_bench-seat-under-window_09.png" /></p>
<p>When the option is there, this solution is our favorite to do in spaces like this. Build a custom bench seat to help tie in the window (and all that incredible natural light) to the new kitchen. Now the window is surrounded by cabinetry. The installed look is intentional and super stylish. Plus once a custom seat cushion can be made, this will become a great spot for the dog of the house Mabel to be on neighborhood watch as she enjoys the sun coming in. </p>
<h2>Pullout Storage at Cooking Station</h2>
<p>Pullout cabinets continue to be a highly requested element in our kitchen designs. Pull-out trash cabinets are no longer assumed, but a very common add-on in many of our remodel and new construction designs is the upgrade to a pull-out utensil organizer cabinet. You may have noticed that nearly every Village Home Stores kitchen has one. </p>
<p><iframe class="dsg-block-1-youtube-video" title=“Pull-Out Utensil Unit” src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gzCel-OMsTA" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>This category of base cabinets comes in various widths and with many layout options, including knife blocks, spice storage, and even bathroom vanity organizers for hair tools. If you have items that you want off the counter, ask your designer at Village Home Stores if there is a pullout cabinet option that may work as your solution. </p>
<h2>Start Your Own Remodel Story with Village Home Stores</h2>
<p>Love this finished look and want to save some pics for your own dream kitchen with us someday? See more from this kitchen in <a href="https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/accessible-beige-and-maple-mocha-kitchen-design-pj-vj~7653613"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">this album we uploaded</span></a> to our Houzz page. If that dream kitchen is something you are considering sometime this year, then now is a great time to reach out to us and learn more about our remodel process. Every project we complete is different, and we love that about the work we do. Each one starts with the same first step: connect with our team.</p>
<p><img alt="kitchen design with large island and bench seat below window" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART_village-kitchen-before-after/OART1_kitchen-with-bench-seat_10.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>You can reach out to learn more by calling us at (309) 944-1344 or using the webchat feature here on the site. You can also <a href="https://www.villagehomestores.com/contacts"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">complete this short form</span></a> online to start the process, and a member of our team will be in touch. Our award-winning showroom is worth the trip, but we do recommend making an appointment so we can be sure to have someone on hand to discuss your project. Village Home Stores is open Monday &ndash; Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to noon. Exceptions to these hours for appointments are available upon request. We hope you enjoyed this tour, and we can&rsquo;t wait to hear what you are working on.</p>
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Kitchen Before and After Remodel by Village Home Stores 

All seven recipes from our annual staff soup cookoff including the winning easy crockpot cheesy jalapeno soup recipe.

<p>It is that time of year again. There is a chill in the air, and it&rsquo;s officially soup season! We just held the 2025 Village Home Stores Staff Soup Cookoff and once again it was one of the best smelling days our showroom has ever had. Seven staff members participated, and they each brought a worthy entry to welcome fall soup season. Voting is welcomed by any staff present during lunchtime that day, plus any lucky clients with appointments during those lunch hours. What&rsquo;s there to win? Well bragging rights of course (some of our team is pretty competitive and the trash-talking started weeks ago). Plus, the winner of the Village soup cookoff gets their name added among all past winners on a plaque in the Village breakroom we call the &ldquo;Golden Ladle&rdquo;. We also point to their winning recipe first in this recipe recap and our 2025 winner is&hellip;</p>
<p><img alt="Rachele with golden ladle in blue shirt in front of village logo sign" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_soup-cookoff-recipes-2025/OART1_village-soup-cookoff-winner_1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>Rachele Neuleib again! This year Rachele went back-to-back with a soup cookoff victory! Oh wait&hellip; we just checked out notes and we mean back-to-back-to-back because she also tied for the win the year ahead of that. She snatched that crown this year with her delicious and super easy to make soup recipe. And now that our winner has adjusted her crown, we can all officially enter &ldquo;soup season&rdquo; in the Midwest. Here are this year&rsquo;s Village Home Stores Soup and Chili cookoff recipes beginning with our winner.</p>
<h2>2025 Soup Cookoff Winner: Rachele&rsquo;s Easy Cheesy Chicken Jalapeno Soup</h2>
<p><img alt="bowl of cheesy chicken jalapeno soup with bacon and cheese and jalapeno slices as garnish" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_soup-cookoff-recipes-2025/OART1_cheesy-chicken-jalapeno-soup_2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>INGREDIENTS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>3 Frozen Chicken Breasts</li>
<li>6 slices of cooked bacon, chopped</li>
<li>4-5 fresh jalapenos, diced, seeds removed</li>
<li>4 cups chicken broth</li>
<li>1 (8 oz.) block of cream cheese, softened and cubed</li>
<li>1 cup heavy cream</li>
<li>2 cups shredded cheddar cheese</li>
<li><em>Optional</em>: sliced jalape&ntilde;os, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>DIRECTIONS:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Put all ingredients in a crockpot on high for 4 hours (8 hours on low).</li>
<li>Remove chicken and shred it.</li>
<li>Return chicken to crockpot and stir. That&rsquo;s it!</li>
</ol>
<h2>Lexy&rsquo;s Marry Me Chicken Soup</h2>
<p><img alt="bowl of marry me chicken soup with tortellini" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_soup-cookoff-recipes-2025/OART1_marry-me-chicken-soup_3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>INGREDIENTS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>2 large carrots</li>
<li>2 ribs of celery</li>
<li>1 small yellow onion, chopped</li>
<li>1 (8 oz.) jar of sun-dried tomatoes</li>
<li>Kinders Butter &amp; Garlic Seasoning (to taste)</li>
<li>As much minced garlic as your heart wants</li>
<li>4 Tbsp. tomato paste</li>
<li>8 cups chicken broth</li>
<li>2 lbs. pre-cooked, pre-shredded chicken</li>
<li>1 tsp. salt</li>
<li>2 tsp. black pepper</li>
<li>2 tsp. smoked paprika</li>
<li>2 tsp. Italian seasoning</li>
<li>1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)</li>
<li>3 large handfuls of fresh spinach</li>
<li>1 cup heavy whipping cream</li>
<li>1 (20 oz.) package of cheese tortellini</li>
<li><em>Optional</em>: serve topped with more parmesan cheese</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>DIRECTIONS:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. In a large soup pot saute those diced veggies in some of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar.</li>
<li>Season with Kinders Butter &amp; Garlic seasoning and toss in as much garlic as your heart wants.</li>
<li>Cook until fragrant.</li>
<li>Add tomato paste to pot and mix well.</li>
<li>Add chicken broth to the pot along with the shredded chicken.</li>
<li>Add salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (optional) and stir. Add in tomatoes from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes (just tomatoes, not remaining oil).</li>
<li>Bring pot up to a boil.</li>
<li>Once a boil starts, reduce heat back to medium and add in spinach (it will wilt as it cooks).</li>
<li>Stir in 1 cup of whipping cream and the package of tortellini as the spinach starts to reduce and make room in your pot.</li>
<li>Stir and cook until tortellini is cooked through and enjoy.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Elizabeth&rsquo;s Sheet Pan Roasted Butternut Squash Soup</h2>
<p><img alt="blue ceramic wide rim bowl with roasted butternut squash soup and crusty bread as garnish" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_soup-cookoff-recipes-2025/OART1_roasted-butternut-squash-soup_4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>INGREDIENTS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>1 Medium butternut squash, cut down center with core seeds and pulp removed</li>
<li>&frac12; of a sweet onion, quartered</li>
<li>2 Cups cherry tomatoes (or romas quartered)</li>
<li>5-6 cloves garlic, peeled</li>
<li>5-6 large carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise</li>
<li>4 Cups vegetable stock</li>
<li>Olive Oil (to coat sheet pan veggies)</li>
<li>1-2 Tablespoons Herbs de Provence</li>
<li>Salt + Pepper (to taste)</li>
<li>Small carton heavy whipping cream</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>DIRECTIONS:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Wash and prepare your sheet pan veggies, peel the carrots, slice squash and remove pulp and seeds, etc. (This same recipe could be made with summertime squashes and also swapped out with roasted pumpkins in the fall. Use what is available and seasonal.)</li>
<li>Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.</li>
<li>Toss and coat each item with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before arranging them on a sheet pan also coated with a drizzle of olive oil.</li>
<li>Season the entire sheet pan of items with Herbs de Provence including the interior side of the squash before placing squash facedown onto the pan. (If your squash is a big boy, stab the back side of the skin a few times with a fork at the denser areas before roasting.)</li>
<li>Roast the pan of items for 40-45 minutes or until everything is fork tender.</li>
<li>Turn off oven and dump entire roasted pan of goodies into a Dutch oven or large stock pot.</li>
<li>You will need to scoop out the squash from its jacket and possibly cut or 1/2 your carrots to fit into your pot.</li>
<li>On a low setting, add stock and salt and pepper to taste, stirring occasionally as it all simmers for 10-15 minutes.</li>
<li>Carefully blend with an immersion / hand blender until smooth. Near the time of serving, add your cream and stir.</li>
<li><em>Optional</em>: Serve with crusty bread or roast the seeds from squash you used for a crunchy topping. Make a batch of this ahead of camping and reheat to be enjoyed in a mug around the campfire.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Abby&rsquo;s Broccoli Cheddar Soup</h2>
<p><img alt="black bowl with broccoli cheddar soup garnished with bread and bacon" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_soup-cookoff-recipes-2025/OART1_broccoli-cheddar-soup_5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>INGREDIENTS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>6 strips bacon, cut into pieces</li>
<li>3 Tbsp. unsalted butter</li>
<li>1 yellow onion, diced</li>
<li>3 cloves of garlic, crushed and minced</li>
<li>&frac12; cup flour</li>
<li>4 cups of chicken broth (or bullion with water)</li>
<li>1 cup whole milk</li>
<li>1 cup heavy cream</li>
<li>&frac12; tsp. kosher salt</li>
<li>&frac14; tsp. ground nutmeg</li>
<li>&frac14; tsp. cayenne pepper</li>
<li>Ground black pepper (to taste)</li>
<li>3 cups broccoli florets, rough chopped</li>
<li>1 cup shredded carrots</li>
<li>4 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese</li>
<li>4 ox shredded sharp white cheddar cheese</li>
<li><em>Optional</em>: serve topped with more shredded cheese and crusty bread</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>DIRECTIONS:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Dice the onion, crush and mince the garlic, rough-chop the broccoli, and cut the uncooked bacon into small pieces.</li>
<li>In a large pot cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.</li>
<li>Remove bacon and set aside on paper towel-lined plate.</li>
<li>Leaving bacon grease in the pot, add butter and diced onion and cook until softened (about 5 min).</li>
<li>Add in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.</li>
<li>Sprinkle in flour an stir coating the onions and garlic.</li>
<li>Slowly pour in broth, stirring well and scraping the bottom to be sure nothing is scorching to the pan.</li>
<li>Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the milk and heavy cream.</li>
<li>Add salt, nutmeg, cayenne, and pepper.</li>
<li>Stir in broccoli and carrots and simmer for 15 minutes to allow veggies to cook until tender.</li>
<li>Add shredded cheddar gradually while stirring until it is melted and smooth.</li>
<li>Simmer for 5-10 minutes before serving. Stir often.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Natasha&rsquo;s Creamy Garlic Chichen Gnocchi Soup</h2>
<p><img alt="bowl of creamy garlic gnocchi soup with cloth napkin and spoon on table" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_soup-cookoff-recipes-2025/OART1_creamy-garlic-chicken-gnocchi-soup_6.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>INGREDIENTS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>1 (16 oz) package of potato gnocchi</li>
<li>2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast meat</li>
<li>2 Tbsp. unsalted butter</li>
<li>6-8 cloves of garlic, minced</li>
<li>4 Tbsp. flour</li>
<li>1 teaspoon black pepper</li>
<li>1 teaspoon garlic powder</li>
<li>1 teaspoon each: dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried parsley</li>
<li>2 teaspoons salt</li>
<li>5 cups chicken broth or stock</li>
<li>1 &frac12; cups heavy cream</li>
<li>2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped</li>
<li>1 cup grated parmesan cheese</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>DIRECTIONS:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>In a Dutch oven pot over medium high heat add the butter and melt.</li>
<li>Add garlic and saute until fragrant.</li>
<li>Add flour and all dry seasonings and blend.</li>
<li>Add in chicken stock, stirring frequently.</li>
<li>Add heavy cream, spinach, shredded chicken, and gnocchi and stir well.</li>
<li>Let simmer for 10-12 minutes or until gnocchi is cooked through and starts to float to the top.</li>
<li>Before serving add parmesan cheese and simmer another 1-2 minutes.</li>
<li>Remove from heat and serve.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Alexis&rsquo; White Chicken Chili</h2>
<p><img alt="bowl of white chicken chili garnished with fritos scoops sour cream and shredded cheese" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_soup-cookoff-recipes-2025/OART1_white-chicken-chili_7.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>INGREDIENTS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded</li>
<li>1 can black beans, drained and rinsed</li>
<li>1 can cannellini beans, drained</li>
<li>1 can great northern beans, drained</li>
<li>1 can garbanzo beans, drained</li>
<li>1 can Rotel</li>
<li>1 packet ranch seasoning</li>
<li>1 chili seasoning packet</li>
<li>24 oz chicken stock</li>
<li>8 oz. cream cheese</li>
<li>Salt + pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>DIRECTIONS: </strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Add cooked and shredded chicken breast to crockpot with all of the ingredients listed above and stir to combine.</li>
<li>Cook on low for 4 hours stirring occasionally.</li>
<li>Top with cheese, sour cream or other toppings.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Monica&rsquo;s Crock Pot Potato Soup</h2>
<p><img alt="blue bowl with crock pot potato soup and soup crackers in it" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_soup-cookoff-recipes-2025/OART1_crock-pot-potato-soup_8.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><strong>INGREDIENTS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>32 ounces Chicken broth</li>
<li>1 can Cream of Chicken soup</li>
<li>8 ounce package shredded cheddar cheese</li>
<li>4.5 ounce bacon bits</li>
<li>32 ounce package frozen cubed potatoes</li>
<li>8oz Cream cheese</li>
<li>Salt and Pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>DIRECTIONS: </strong></p>
<ol>
<li>In a crock pot, mix chicken broth and cream of chicken soup.</li>
<li>Add potatoes, half cheddar cheese, and bacon bits.</li>
<li>Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.</li>
<li>With an hour left, cut cream cheese into small pieces and add to soup.</li>
<li>Stir occasionally in the last hour to chop up the cream cheese.</li>
<li>10 minutes before serving, add the rest of the cheddar cheese and salt and pepper to taste.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Hungry for More Recipes?</h2>
<p>Soup is great any time of year but in Autumn&hellip; sigh, it is even better. Nothing beats being cozy with some comfort food and the amazing smells your home gets from preparing it. At Village we aim to help make your time spent at home the best it can be. <a href="https://www.villagehomestores.com/blog/soup-cookoff-recipes-2024"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here is a link to last year&rsquo;s recipes</span></a> including Rachele&rsquo;s winning Mexican Street Corn Soup. If you are interested in finding even more staff-approved recipes from our past years, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/vilghomestores/easy-recipes/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">head here to our Pinterest page</span></a>. We share easy recipes plus past entries in our soup cookoffs and appetizer challenges.</p>
<p>Or if you're looking for this year's recipes, you can print them out&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_soup-cookoff-recipes-2025/fall-soup-recipes-2025.pdf">here!</a></span></p>
<p><img alt="women at work soup cookoff with sample bowls" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_soup-cookoff-recipes-2025/OART1_village-staff-soup-cookoff_9.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>Is your cooktop or oven not really ready for this holiday season? We can help with that. Head <a href="https://www.villagehomestores.com/catalog/cooking"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here to our website</span></a> and have a look around at some of the appliance options you can grab for your own home. We offer competitive pricing and appliance delivery and installation from our own expert staff. Ready to &ldquo;cook up&rdquo; a deal on a new range, cooktop, or entire kitchen with Village? Just reach out! You can message us <a href="https://www.villagehomestores.com/contacts"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">right here</span></a> through our website or call us at (309) 944-1344 to start the process. You never need an appointment to come browse our appliance showroom at 105 S State in downtown Geneseo, Illinois.</p>

7 Recipes from Our 2025 Staff Soup Cookoff

A new home built in Bettendorf Iowa with Primary Bathroom cabinetry in a painted Evergreen Fog color. Village Home Stores for Advance Homes.

<p>A new home was just completed in rural Bettendorf, Iowa, and the selections made with our team are so stunning, we had to show you some of the rooms. Village Home Stores worked with Advance Homes and these homeowners to create fun and unique spaces in the new home. The Primary Bathroom design includes a splash of color that is subtle but fresh. Check it out!</p>
<p><img alt="bathroom vanities in evergreen fog green painted finish with linen tower at center" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_evergreen-fog-bathroom-vanities/OART1_evergreen-fog-vanities_1.png" /></p>
<p>Koch Classic Cabinetry is installed in a skinny-shaker (AKA micro-shaker) door style named Bedford. This stylized new take on a shaker door is becoming very popular for all categories of cabinet projects and looks great in wood-stained styles and paints. </p>
<h2>Soft, Muted Evergreen Fog Green Cabinet Paint</h2>
<p>The vanity cabinets are finished with a finish named Evergreen Fog. This is a dusty green paint that is an earthy toned neutral color and looks different throughout the day. A bathroom is a great location to play with painted finishes and pops of color. </p>
<p><img alt="matte black handle hardware on micro shaker style drawers in light green painted finish" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_evergreen-fog-bathroom-vanities/OART1_matte-black-handle-hardware_2.png" /></p>
<p>Two vanity sink cabinets are divided by a tall line tower at the center, and the full-overlay door style leaves little reveal on the cabinet face frames. The finished look is tailored, and we love the hardware choice in Matte Black. These are the Walker 2 series handles from our Hardware Resources line. </p>
<p><img alt="light green painted vanity cabinets with decorative foot added in toekick space" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_evergreen-fog-bathroom-vanities/OART1_decorative-foot-on-vanity_3.png" /></p>
<p>Another decorative detail can be found near the floor. Tucked into the toe spaces of the sink bases are decorative foot details. Adding elements like decorative feet to a design can really set apart the installed look and bring it into the higher-end design category. We can add this foot detail in kitchens as well, and it can be a great way to add interest to a bumped-out cooktop or sink base area. </p>
<h2>Take a Tour in Under :30 Seconds</h2>
<p>Want to have more of a proper look around? Press play below to take a quick video tour of the finished setup</p>
<p><iframe class="dsg-block-1-youtube-video" title=“Skinny Shaker Doors” src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6k0ucTtwleI" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>This Primary Bath design includes two trending layout choices: clerestory windows and lights mounted onto mirrors. The two long windows above each sink are what we mean by clerestory windows. This is a term and technique often used in building architecture to allow light in and still leave use of most of the wall below. </p>
<p><img alt="primary bathroom vanity cabinet design with windows above bathroom sinks" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_evergreen-fog-bathroom-vanities/OART1_windows-above-bathroom-sinks_4.png" /></p>
<p>In a bathroom design, clerestory windows give you that amazing natural light without limiting your privacy in the space. Here in this Bettendorf home, each sink user can have added lighting during the morning and afternoon hours without always needing the hardwired lighting.</p>
<h2>Bath Lights Mounted Through Mirrors</h2>
<p>Another popular request we get from both our remodel and new build customers is mounting vanity lighting through the mirrors in a bath design. With proper planning and experts in the trades, this is absolutely a possibility, and the look is incredible! The sconces in this Quad Cities home are from Village Home Stores. In this bathroom, there are four &ldquo;Destin&rdquo; 1-light sconces installed through the mirror glass from our Savoy House line. Because of this installation method, the reflections add the illusion of even more light to the space. </p>
<p><img alt="matte black torch style sconce light mounted through mirror" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_evergreen-fog-bathroom-vanities/OART1_bath-sconce-on-mirror_5.png" /></p>
<p>Curious how the reflections look in this application? Press play below to see the dramatic results of this installation method.</p>
<p><iframe class="dsg-block-1-youtube-video" title=“Black Matte Hardware on Mirror” src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0dAGaXtDmUE" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>If you love the look of this Evergreen Fog finish in a bathroom setting, be sure to check it out <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.villagehomestores.com/blog/evergreen-fog-inset-cabinet-kitchen">here installed as a full kitchen in Dewitt, Iowa</a></span>. You can also see another bestselling green paint named <a href="https://www.villagehomestores.com/blog/foxhall-green-cabinets"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">&ldquo;Foxhall Green&rdquo; here in a recent bathroom feature</span></a>. We offer so many cabinet paint finishes at Village Home Stores and we have options for any style or taste. If you have been dreaming up a design with a splash of color, connect with our designers. Our team will be excited to show you all the colorful finishes available from our departments. </p>
<h2>Don&rsquo;t get Green with Envy, Start Your Own Project with Us Now</h2>
<p>If you are ready to start discussing your own project with Village Home Stores, we can&rsquo;t wait to hear from you. The materials you see featured in this post can be installed for bathroom, home bars, kitchens, drop zones, home offices, and more. Connect with our team to learn more about our process and to request a quote today. You can call us at (309) 944-1344, use the chat feature on this page, or complete <a href="https://www.villagehomestores.com/contacts"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">this short online form</span></a> to request an appointment. Our award-winning showroom is just a short drive away from the Quad Cities and surrounding areas, and we are worth the trip for an appointment to shop with the region&rsquo;s expert kitchen and bath design team.</p>
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Primary Bath with Painted Evergreen Fog Green Vanities

Village Home Stores hosted a washout event with the Whirlpool Foundation and The Washing Machine Project.

<p>Be honest, have you ever considered how blessed we are to have access to clean laundry tools, water, and the electricity needed to use these modern options in our own day-to-day lifestyles? I had never sat with the reality that so many people around the world do not have access to these tools until I walked into the Whirlpool booth at a recent convention and saw a Divya manual washing machine for the first time. </p>
<p><img alt="image of women at divya manual washing machine getting a demonstration with backdrop and laundry baskets on floor" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_washing-machine-project-at-village/OART1_washing-machine-project-village-home-stores_1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>After just a few minutes chatting with the Washing Machine Project in that Whirlpool booth, I knew that this was a cause that Village Home Stores customers and our community could get behind. We agreed to host a Washout event at our store, and it was a huge success! Thank you to all who came out to learn and connect with this cause during State Street Market Geneseo this year. Over the course of a few days, we were able to raise a lot of awareness for the efforts from the Whirlpool Foundation and The Washing Machine Project. You also helped us raise funds to champion these efforts. We knew a few people would show up to see the machines, but WOW! We had a lot of folks stop by. Press play below to watch a short recap video.</p>
<p><iframe class="dsg-block-1-youtube-video" title=“Geneseo Washer Project Turnout” src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VaZ39ccRGCc" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>What is The Washing Machine Project?</h2>
<p>But what is the Washing Machine Project, and why is Whirlpool involved? Well, as you know, Whirlpool is already in the business of making washing machines. The Whirlpool Foundation began a few years ago, looking for ways to make an impact in areas that don&rsquo;t have access to laundry machines. When they discovered what incredible work The <a href="https://www.thewashingmachineproject.org/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Washing Machine Project</span></a> was already doing, they joined forces to help give them access to materials and a volunteer workforce from Whirlpool employees to build more manual washing machines and make an even larger impact with combined resources and efforts.</p>
<p><img alt="older woman with blue jacket using manual washing machine unit at washout event at village home stores" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_washing-machine-project-at-village/OART1_washout-event-at-village-home-stores_2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>The Washing Machine Project began to take shape in 2017 when Dr. Navjot &ldquo;Nav&rdquo; Sawhney, an engineer from the UK, took a sabbatical in India with Engineers Without Borders. There, he became friends with his neighbor Divya and saw that she spent hours each day handwashing clothes. He knew his skillset could help come up with a better solution and give her back some time to spend in other ways outside of the laborious laundry tasks. Years later, he returned to India and gave her a manual washing machine. </p>
<h2>Laundry Class is in Session </h2>
<p>Once we started working with the Washing Machine Project to plan their time in town with some machines, we started to think outside the box a bit. How can this story of inspiration and innovation be shared with our town in a way that can maybe spark the next big idea to improve lives? So, we reached out to Geneseo High School and arranged to bring a manual washing machine to some classes there. We really had a great time bringing this lesson to the students and seeing them get inspired was so amazing. </p>
<p><img alt="image collage with orange square accent showing washout at local high school and students hand washing items and learning" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_washing-machine-project-at-village/OART1_washout-at-high-school_3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>The classes learned about Dr. Nav&rsquo;s 7-year process of gathering information about this problem, and the many iterations of the manual washing machines he designed before he arrived at the first version of a Divya manual washing machine. Students in Mr Deets&rsquo; Geneseo High School classes were able to wash clothing by hand and see and learn about the manual washing machine design(s). Their teacher even followed up in the following days with a lesson that continued this discussion in class. Who knows, the next big impact may come from an idea sparked from this day! </p>
<p><img alt="divya manual washing machine at Geneseo high school football field with band practicing in background" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_washing-machine-project-at-village/OART1_divya-manual-washer-in-geneseo_4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>These Divya (named after Dr. Nav&rsquo;s neighbor during sabbatical) manual washing machines help to reclaim time and improve lives in each community that receives one. Using these manual washers can save up to 75% of the time and 50% of water usage! For a few days, we had two manual washers in town.</p>
<h2>Reclaiming Time, Improving Lives</h2>
<p>Our team and our entire community learned that half the population of the world hand-washes clothes. Half! And it should not be a surprise to any reader here that the task of laundering clothes is most typically given to women and girls in a community. Washing clothes and linens by hand takes lots of time. And we learned that this average time was equivalent to 20 hours a week in most cases. That&rsquo;s 20 hours a week that should be instead spent going to school, earning income, spending time with loved ones, and of course resting and relaxing! </p>
<p><img alt="image collage with orange square accent showing children handwashing laundry at whirlpool washout event" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_washing-machine-project-at-village/OART1_whirlpool-washout-event_5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>It was only in 2024 that The Whirlpool Foundation teamed up with The Washing Machine Project to help champion this cause. With Whirlpool entering the picture, now this cause has more access to donated materials and a large volunteer workforce from Whirlpool staff to help build machines and keep costs down. In just that first year together, they were able to send 645 machines out. This was a result of nearly 4,000 hours of volunteer work from Whirlpool employees, and it impacted over 11,000 lives and counting as a result! Those stats are just from their first full year partnering. Imagine how many more lives will be impacted by the continued efforts as this cause moves forward. There are even plans to improve the Divya design and distribution methods. The project has also established a baseline for how they will measure this impact in the coming years. You can access the <a href="https://www.thewashingmachineproject.org/our-impact#download-report"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Global Laundry Divide Report</span></a> here. </p>
<h2>Thank You, Geneseo! </h2>
<p><img alt="hog country radio regional media news live broadcast at village home stores during washout event and state street market geneseo" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_washing-machine-project-at-village/OART1_hog-country-radio_6.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>During our washout event at State Street Market, we had a live radio broadcast in the store from HOG Country Radio and Regional Media, which was such a fun way to add to our event day. We even had the chance to hop on air and chat between songs about this cause. Oh yeah, and we gave away a gorgeous KitchenAid stand mixer! Congratulations to Sue S. We had well over 300 entries, and she was our winner! </p>
<p><img alt="village home stores owner collin akers with kitchenaid stand mixer with wood bowl for event giveaway" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_washing-machine-project-at-village/OART1_kitchenaid-mixer-with-wood-bowl_7.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>As you can see from this article, Geneseo was BUZZING on State Street Market Day, and we were so happy to have a lot of those shoppers stop into our store to learn about this amazing cause. Many of you also donated, and we are so thankful for that. </p>
<p><img alt="images from village home stores whirlpool washing machine project washout event in geneseo illinois" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/brandsource_member_blogs/OART1/OART1_washing-machine-project-at-village/OART1_village-home-stores-washout_8.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p>Our event is over, but the Washing Machine Project and the Whirlpool Foundation are still making big moves this year to help get these manual washers in more communities that need them. You can still <a href="https://www.thewashingmachineproject.org/donate"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">make a donation</span></a> to this cause here anytime. And follow along with TWMP on their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheWashingMachineProject"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">YouTube channel</span></a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thewashingmachineproject/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Instagram page</span></a> as well. Thank you again to our amazing customers and business community for showing up in a big way for our #washout event. &ldquo;We Make a Village,&rdquo; and you are a part of it!</p>
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The Washing Machine Project Washout at Village Home Stores

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