Life, Styled
Years ago, design styles were very defined, and we stayed within those particular boundaries, but things have shifted dramatically over the last few decades. People are looking for more ways to express who they are and what they love throughout their home. Their styles can also be influenced by where they live, as those who reside in the country or the suburbs of a town tend to enjoy a more relaxed design, while those in the heart of downtown incorporate a more contemporary look in their home. This, however, is also beginning to see a change as the urban blends more with the suburban, either through city limits expanding or people moving close to the city. Many homeowners want the familiar touches of suburban life while enjoying the benefits that urban life has to offer. This results in a need for design to alter and adjust in order to provide exactly what is required to make someone feel perfectly at home. Let’s discuss some of the ways you can blend urban with suburban and create a style that says welcome home to you.
Start With What You Have!
If you are not enjoying your space and are considering a change in address, just pause that urge for a second. If you have been in the home for just a year or have been there for a few years, take some time to look around at what you already have and evaluate the things that can be modified or adapted to suit your needs. A lot can be done if you have good house bones, such as a wall taken out or a layout adjusted to accommodate your current lifestyle. Building an addition to your home can sometimes even be cheaper than moving to a new location. If you have a large enough backyard, consider extending an area of your home, such as the kitchen or living area. This could allow you to rearrange the entire layout and enable you to maximize the square footage of your home to the fullest. It is also good to think about your daily routine as well, so you can design for the function and flow of everyone in your household. Do you need a drop zone in your entryway or a dedicated office space? Your current home may have just what you need to solve these issues.
Wellness Is Multidimensional
We know that this is a popular subject in the design world right now, as many realize just how much of an impact the overall look and feel of the home has on us. Wellness in the home is a combination of both the physical and mental components, so your design should encompass both of them. There are several products that can increase your sense of wellness, like a landing zone and additional storage that allow you to stay organized with ease and alleviate stress. Nature provides a wonderful retreat for both the body and mind, which is why outdoor spaces have seen a large surge in popularity. The color palette of blues and greens found in nature has a calming effect and can make it easier to forget the stress of the day. Another reason outdoor spaces are beneficial to our well-being is that they provide a place for us to connect with each other in a calm environment. You can also bring some of the vibe indoors through color choices and even textures like wood and natural fabrics. Home should be our place of comfort and where we can recharge our batteries. The design of our home has a great impact on this, so be sure to give it some thought and get ready to feel your best.
Optimal Functionality Is A Focus
The need for function in the home has always been a high priority, but with many of us working from home and spending more time within our four walls, it has climbed to the top of the list. Designers are working diligently to give their clients the functionality they deserve and require to accomplish their tasks with efficiency. As always, functionality is achieved with a well-thought-out plan. Knowing what things are important to you and how they must be done is the first step in optimizing functionality in your home. Do you have a cup of coffee in the morning but are tired of having to walk all around the kitchen to fill your mug? Having a coffee station means all the items you need are in one spot, from the pot to the sugar stock, to have a great start to your day. What about other areas in your home? Is your laundry room functional, or do you constantly bump into things, have nowhere to store your cleaning supplies, and wish there was a place to hang up your clothes to air dry? A good design could give you exactly what you need. Connect with a designer to transform your home from frustrating to functional.
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