Design Notes
One of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
White Kitchen Cabinets
This is a true minimalist color and one that will go with any color combination or highlight. It also adds extra light to a space, especially when natural light is allowed inside. It can also make the space feel larger. White can immediately brighten up a space and is a great choice when you have an area that has few windows. It is also a color that complements any style, whether farmhouse or contemporary, since it is timeless and elegant. It is a versatile color that can easily be decorated with simplicity or ornately, depending on the owner’s tastes. It is also the perfect color to create a beautiful contrast with, such as dark countertops or backsplash. There are a couple of cons when it comes to having all white cabinets, with the first being a little harder to keep clean, and left without a few accents, it can look too crisp and cold. When done right, white is a great color of choice for kitchen cabinets and will be sure to last the test of time.
Gray Kitchen Cabinets
There are many shades of gray that range from cool to warm. It remains a popular color due to the elegance and relaxing atmosphere it provides. Since it is calmer than white but still brighter than some wood tones, it is a happy medium for kitchen cabinets. This color also works well with certain combinations, such as wood and white, making it a great choice for two-toned kitchens. Gray also carries with it a feeling of a more high-end cabinet color and gives the space a more luxurious aura. It is a great option for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and the home office. It invokes a sense of calm and warmth, both of which are great for places where we spend extended periods, such as the kitchen and office. Remember that there are multiple shades of gray, so be sure to ask for a sample before finalizing the color.
Blue Kitchen Cabinets
From dark to extremely light, this color can add a hint of fun or sophistication to your space. It is a color of many tints and hues and can accomplish a multitude of design purposes. Blue, of course, is often associated with a relaxed vibe, making it a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens. The dark navy is a great contrast to the white and makes a bold statement in the kitchen, while the soft tones of sea blue make the bathrooms all the more inviting. It is also a versatile color that complements wood flooring or tile, not to mention stainless steel appliances that work well with this color palette. It also showcases a variety of design styles, so it can be used in a French kitchen or sleek modern style. So, if you are looking for a relaxed feel with a stylish look, blue is a great choice for kitchen cabinets. Look at this beautiful two-toned kitchen in an inviting mountain-style home.
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…
Walker Woodworking