Life, Styled
You moved into a house that allows you to have an extra bedroom, or maybe the kids have finally left, and you have a spare room, but now what? We would all agree that it is nice to have a spare bedroom, but should it be a guest bedroom, craft room, home gym, or something else entirely? Extra space is a good thing, but if it goes to waste, it has no value. Take the time to evaluate what you need and what could benefit you the most. A good plan yields excellent results and a space that will benefit you now and add value to your home later. Let’s explore some ideas to help get your creative juices flowing.
Playroom
No one ever wants to hinder the kids from having fun or using their imaginations to create incredible adventures, but it can be hard to overlook when it leaves the living room unrecognizable. This is where a designed playroom comes in handy. Not only can the kids feel free to let their imaginations soar, but you don’t have to worry about the mess they make because you simply close the door. Some things you might want to include would be a bookcase, a little seating area, and a toy box, all the essentials for a great playtime.
Home Office
As many work from home, this is becoming more of a need than a want. If you struggle to find the perfect spot for your office away from the office, your spare room may be just what you need. With a window to keep track of the weather and a door to minimize the noise, the solution to your much-needed workspace is closer than you realize. Don’t forget to include ample lighting, a charging station, and a place to organize your supplies.
Family Room
We all love coming home and relaxing with the family, but sometimes that means the living room gets a little messy before bedtime, and if you are like many, you would prefer not to wake up to that mess the following morning. Utilizing the spare bedroom as the family gathering room is an excellent option since it allows everyone to still hang out without the pressure of having to clean up immediately, because you simply close the door before bed. Add a TV, some comfy seating, and you will have the perfect place for everyone to relax and make memories without worrying about a surprise guest seeing the mess.
Home Gym
A spare room can be an excellent area to build the home gym you’ve been dreaming of for months. There is plenty of space for weight lifts, a treadmill, and whatever else you want to include in your new gym. Try adding a few full-length mirrors on the wall so you can watch your form and keep track of your progress. When the weather is bad, or you just need a few minutes to get out the stress of work, your personal gym is just a few steps away, and no hidden membership fees.
Craft Room
Hobbies are a wonderful thing, but we understand that they can’t be done in one sitting, usually, which means the materials need to be left out. Turning a spare bedroom into a fantastic craft room can not only make you feel better because the mess is hidden, but also give you room to motivate your creativity. Add a pegboard to one wall to organize your tools, supplies, and ideas. Storage bins and a work surface are also a must to provide you with the best space to dream.
Guest Suite
We love having people over, but sometimes knowing where they will sleep can be difficult. Instead of moving onto the couch so they can have the master bedroom, why not take that spare room and turn it into the perfect guest retreat? Please include a little seating area so that your guests can have a little place to call their own in the morning or evening to unwind for a moment by themselves. This gives everyone a little space without risking hurting anyone’s feelings or putting someone out.
Mini Library
Are books your great love? Do you struggle to find a place to store everything instead of having it scattered throughout the house? That spare room could become the dream library you always wanted. Lining the walls with custom bookshelves means you can easily find your favorite book to read again or add a few more to your collection. Don’t forget to include a little spot where you can curl up under a blanket with plenty of light to enjoy some time feeding your soul.
Study Room
Whether you have kids who have homework or you are taking some online classes, having a quiet and adequate place to study is a must. Most of us would say we dread using the kitchen or dining room table because of the mess and multiple distractions that happen there. The spare room is a great option. Adding a few desks and chairs, a place to put papers that are due, and a place to put completed papers, and painting the room a calming color can create a space that is conducive to learning.
Recording Studio
Are you a budding artist who wishes you had your own recording studio? Think no further—your spare room can be turned into exactly what you need. Set up your equipment and leave room for a few friends to join you. Make memories, explore your creativity, and maybe launch a new career.
Game Room
Family game night is one of the best ways to have fun with the people you care about, and there is nothing better than having a room entirely dedicated to fun. Include a large table, plenty of comfy seats, easy-to-clean flooring in case those snacks get out of hand, and lots of storage to hold those games. Creating a space where everyone can gather and make memories is a significant investment and ensures many fun evenings ahead. Look here to see some other things you can do with a spare room.
Granite, Quartz, Marble, or Quartzite?
These are the top contenders when it comes to selecting the perfect countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom. Each one brings its own strengths, aesthetic appeal, and practical considerations—making the decision both exciting and a bit overwhelming.
Granite is a natural stone known for its durability and unique, one-of-a-kind patterns. Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered surface that offers a wide range of color options and is prized for its low-maintenance qualities. Marble stands out for its timeless elegance and heat resistance, though it requires more upkeep. Quartzite closely resembles marble in appearance but offers greater durability and easier maintenance.
When making your selection, it’s important to consider factors such as heat and stain resistance, ease of maintenance, and of course, budget. Below, we break down the key differences, pros, and cons of each material to help you determine which surface best suits your lifestyle, design vision, and practical needs.
The kitchen pantry is often one of the most underutilized yet high-potential spaces in the home. While it can easily become a catch-all for clutter, a well-designed pantry is a true hidden gem—capable of transforming the functionality of your kitchen. From storing oversized serving pieces to housing everyday essentials, a thoughtfully planned pantry helps keep countertops clear and mealtime prep more efficient.
Whether you have a compact pull-out pantry, a spacious walk-in, or a dedicated butler’s pantry, innovative organization is key. A well-designed pantry not only maximizes storage but also supports the flow of your kitchen. Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite design ideas and practical tips to help you better utilize your pantry space—and maybe even inspire your next kitchen upgrade.
Our showroom’s grand opening was the culmination of two years filled with vision, planning, and hard work—a dream brought to life through dedication and passion. Now, as we prepare to celebrate our second anniversary, we find ourselves reflecting on how quickly time has passed. It feels like only yesterday that we opened our doors and welcomed our very first clients into the space we’ve come to love so much.
Join us as we take a walk down memory lane and revisit the milestones, challenges, and moments that brought us to Uptown Shelby. This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of time—it’s a celebration of growth, community, and the relationships we’ve built along the way.
Walker WoodworkingThere is more to color than simply a large selection of hues. Color sends a message and can represent thought and emotion, especially in the world of design. Each year, Pantone announces its choice for the color of the year, a tradition that started in 1999, and designers everywhere eagerly await the news. Classic Blue was this year’s choice of color, a color that represents the future.
As we prepare to close the door on one decade and begin anew, many are filled with anticipation of what the coming year will bring. Blue has always been associated with stability, relaxation, and tranquility, as is seen in nature with the ocean and sky. We understand that hectic schedules and stressful office days generate a need for a place to unwind and completely relax. Here are a few ways to incorporate the color of the year into your home and give it that welcoming environment that will last throughout the coming decade and beyond.
Walker WoodworkingLight is one of nature’s most captivating elements, and its presence has the power to transform a space. In the world of interior design, natural light plays a vital role—not only by enhancing aesthetics but also by elevating the overall atmosphere of a room. It can create dramatic contrasts that bring depth and interest to a space, while also highlighting architectural and design features.
Natural light, when thoughtfully incorporated, makes interiors feel larger, warmer, and more welcoming. At Greenbrook Design, we embrace a design approach known as daylighting—the intentional use of natural light to shape how a space looks and feels throughout the day. It’s one of our favorite tools in the design process.
Here are just a few reasons why we love incorporating natural light into our projects…
Greenbrook Design