DESIGN NOTES
Details are vital to the design, and the outcome should be all things that truly make us feel at home. Places like Pinterest offer a wide range of images that provide a spark for your imagination, with the freedom to put your own spin on them. Your home should be filled with small details to make it seem comfortable and cozy.
Let’s discuss a few of our favorite specifics.
Hardware
Hardware not only adds function but beauty and style throughout the home. Over the last few years companies have drawn inspiration from all over the world to create new and unique hardware designs that give you more liberty to fully match your specific style. New choices for materials have been incorporated to create different patterns and textures such as leather and even shapes sparked by nature’s own flora and fauna. Hardware is also a simple way to refresh your space and add some extra character. Companies like Berenson, Schaub, and Top Knobs offer a full range of choices that will elevate your space no matter your style.
Backsplash
Backsplash is a necessity in preventing water, grease and other messes from damaging your walls, and can make clean up an easy task. The tile can be more than just a functional element. Homeowners are now considering numerous ways to create a piece of art in the area between the counter and the cabinet, including pattern, texture, and color. A more colorful choice can transform the backsplash into a stunning contrast against a neutral cabinet palette or playing with various patterns to form a focal point. Some have chosen to continue their countertop material all the way up giving their space an instant cohesive feel. Backsplash is no longer a mere protection barrier but a blank canvas to create something beautiful.
Lighting
Natural light is still the preferred main source of light, but since it has a limited time span each day, it is important to pair it with adequate artificial options. Choosing light fixtures that are fun as well as functional is a great way to blend layers of detail into the home. Living spaces benefit from several options, such as wall sconces, track lighting, and floor lamps, as they illuminate the space from multiple angles, reducing eye strain. When shopping for new lighting, be aware of size and space, since a fixture too large can overpower the room, and one too small defeats the purpose.
Here is a helpful guide.
Draw inspiration from places like Pinterest before making your final selection.
Color
Color is by far one of the most striking elements in the design world and it permeates every area from kitchen cabinets to area rugs. The possibilities are abundant as are the materials. Artwork, pillows, accent walls, furniture, and floor coverings are just a few ways you can bring color into the home. Choosing specific colors for specific rooms in the house might make it work better for everyone because color affects our emotions.
A word of caution, color is a wonderful thing but it still needs balance, using too much can overpower the senses and break the harmony in a space. A sofa or other decorative piece is a terrific example of a detail that can give color to a space. It also helps to pick a main color or design theme such as coastal or farmhouse to guide your selections throughout the home.
Countertop
Countertops have a dominant presence, they bring a unique vision to the area. The particular veining and patterns running through can draw the eye and add some visual interest to the project. Countertops are not limited to kitchens but are used in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even closet islands. Quartz countertops are man made which allows for more color and pattern to be incorporated into the finished product. Remember the countertops when choosing detailed elements for your home.
Accent pieces
Accent pieces are a great way to add depth and dimension to your home decor. They stand out from the rest of the style and allow you to express your personal taste. Whether you pair them to create a unique collection or showcase them as stand-alone pieces, such as furniture or art, they can make a statement. Even items like pillows and throw blankets can serve as accent pieces and be displayed creatively. There are various textures and patterns to choose from, so don’t hesitate to seek advice from Greenbrook Design’s team of professionals to help you find the perfect pieces for your home.
Wallpaper
This has risen in popularity recently and for good reason, with the broad range of patterns available it can be a great way to add some details to your space. Designers have found multiple ways to incorporate it into their clients homes with results that are stunning. Some opt to use it as an accent wall while others enjoy using it with open back or glass cabinets. Small powder rooms and even entryways have also benefited from the beauty and texture of wallpaper. Playing with different patterns is trending this year and wallpaper is a bold option.
The kitchen has always been considered the heart of the home, but in 2026, it’s evolving even further, becoming a space that blends style, comfort, technology, and connection. Today’s homeowners want kitchens that feel warm, personalized, and highly functional for everyday life.
At Greenbrook Design Kitchen & Bath, we’re seeing several exciting kitchen design trends shaping new builds and remodeling projects. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, these design ideas are defining the year ahead.
We are honored to share that Greenbrook Design has been featured in the January/February 2026 issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News, appearing on page 66. Being recognized in one of the industry’s most respected national publications is an incredible milestone for our team and a testament to the craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration behind every project we design and build.
Greenbrook DesignWhen it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, the choices can feel overwhelming. Big-box stores, online retailers, and out-of-town contractors all promise convenience, but there’s something truly special about working with a local design center
If you’ve ever watched a home renovation show or scrolled Pinterest for inspiration, you’ve probably thought, “I could do that myself.” DIY kitchen and bathroom remodels can seem appealing, especially when you’re trying to save money.
If you’re craving a home that feels fresh, calm, and elevated, without looking stark or trendy, warm neutrals are having a major moment. One shade we’re loving for kitchens, baths, and whole-home design is Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year: Universal Khaki, a grounded neutral that brings soft warmth, subtle depth, and timeless character to cabinetry and interiors.
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking