Inside the Cabinet Design Process with Dunn Lumber’s Jennifer Sexton

When Jennifer Sexton meets with homeowners in the Dunn Lumber showroom, it’s clear why she was named Spahn & Rose’s 2024 Employee of the Year. Her approach combines professional expertise with a genuine passion for helping people feel at home in their spaces. What started as an internship and assistant role while completing her interior design degree has become a career centered on creativity, precision, and collaboration. From kitchen layouts and finishes to the final installation details, Sexton focuses on transforming each client’s vision into a design that works beautifully for how they live.

25JenniferSexton scaledQuick Facts about Jennifer Sexton
• Cabinet Designer at Dunn Lumber in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
• Named Spahn & Rose’s 2024 Employee of the Year
• Eight years of design experience, with a degree in Interior Design
• Specializes in kitchen and bath cabinetry for new construction and remodels
• Known for guiding customers through clear, step-by-step design consultations

Q: How did you begin your career in cabinet design?
I started in cabinet design right out of school after earning my degree in Interior Design. Dunn Lumber gave me my first opportunity as a design assistant, where I learned how to take design ideas from concept to completion. Over time, I gained the skills and confidence to become a Kitchen and Bath Designer, working alongside Dana Evans.

Q: How do you guide customers through the design process?
I begin by meeting clients in the showroom to review their blueprints or hand-drawn plans, depending on whether the project is new construction or a remodel. We talk through their wants, needs, and style preferences while keeping the budget in mind. From there, I help them select door styles and finishes that fit their vision. After our initial consultation, I create renderings and pricing, then present a full design package so they can make informed decisions.

Q: What do you enjoy most about helping customers bring their ideas to life?
No two projects are the same, and that’s what keeps design exciting. Every homeowner has a unique style, and I love seeing that reflected in the final space. Watching a kitchen or bath transform from a sketch into a finished room is incredibly rewarding.

Q: What cabinet trend do you think will stand the test of time?
Simple shaker or flat-panel doors in organic, neutral tones. We’re seeing more homeowners move from bright whites and cool blues to warmer off-whites and sandy wood textures. Shaker doors work with almost any style, and these tones create a natural, welcoming feel that’s both modern and timeless.

Your Built-In Design Partner for Kitchen and Bathroom Projects
Ready to start your kitchen or bathroom cabinet project? Schedule a design consultation with a Dunn Lumber cabinet designer and turn your ideas into a functional, beautiful plan. For details about cabinet styles, finishes, and materials, visit the Dunn Lumber Cabinet Design page.

For contractors, partnering with Dunn Lumber’s cabinet design team means adding experienced designers to your crew—professionals who handle layout, product selection, and homeowner communication, ensuring every project runs smoothly from concept to completion.