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.
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
Walker Woodworking