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Life, Styled

Cabinet Designs Throughout the Decades

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Cabinet design has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting each decade’s changing trends, lifestyles, and design preferences. From the ornate styles of the early 20th century to the sleek and minimalist designs of today, cabinets have played a crucial role in shaping the aesthetics of our homes. Let’s journey through time and explore the fascinating evolution of cabinet designs.

1920s-1930s: Art Deco Elegance

The 1920s and 1930s were characterized by the Art Deco movement, which influenced cabinet design with its geometric shapes, bold colors, and luxurious materials. Cabinets from this era often featured intricate detailing, such as inlaid wood, exotic veneers, and decorative hardware. The emphasis was on creating a sense of opulence and sophistication, reflecting the optimism of the Roaring Twenties.

cabinet design

1940s-1950s: Post-War Simplicity

The post-war era of the 1940s and 1950s saw a shift towards simplicity and functionality in cabinet design. With a focus on practicality and efficiency, cabinets were often made from durable materials like steel and chrome. The modernist movement influenced the style, which was characterized by clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a sleek, futuristic look.

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1960s-1970s: Mid-Century Modern Charm

The 1960s and 1970s brought the rise of Mid-Century Modern design, which continues to be popular today. Cabinets from this era often featured organic shapes, natural materials like wood and plywood, and a mix of textures and finishes. The style emphasized simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature, reflecting a desire for a more relaxed and informal lifestyle.

a kitchen with a marble island
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1980s-1990s: Contemporary and Colorful

The 1980s and 1990s were characterized by bold colors, eclectic patterns, and various styles. Cabinet designs from this era often featured high-gloss finishes, geometric shapes, and innovative storage solutions. The style was influenced by the rise of technology and a desire for self-expression, leading to a more personalized approach to design.

a kitchen with blue cabinets and a table
Greenbrook Design

2000s-Present: Sleek and Sustainable

In the 21st century, cabinet design has embraced sleekness, sustainability, and innovation. Cabinets are now often made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo and recycled wood, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental issues. The style emphasizes clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on functionality, reflecting today’s modern lifestyle.

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Conclusion:

Cabinet design has come a long way over the decades, reflecting each era’s changing tastes, lifestyles, and design trends. From the opulence of the Art Deco period to the sleekness of contemporary design, cabinets play a crucial role in shaping the aesthetics of our homes. As we look to the future, it will be fascinating to see how cabinet design continues to evolve and adapt to homeowners’ ever-changing needs and preferences.

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a dining table with chairs and dry bar with mirror cabinetsWalker Woodworking

Designing With Natural Light: 3 Benefits Of Using Natural Light

Design Notes

Light 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…

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November 1, 2019/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Dining-room-gold-lighting-bench-seat-natural-light-custom-cabinets.jpg?fit=1200%2C1800&ssl=1 1800 1200 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2019-11-01 14:31:002025-07-30 17:27:14Designing With Natural Light: 3 Benefits Of Using Natural Light
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Beautiful, Practical, Durable: Vintage Vinyl Floor Cloths

Life, Styled

Rugs have long been a staple in interior design, often described as the “shoes” of a room—they complete the look. Whether subtly complementing a color palette or boldly standing out as a statement piece, rugs add warmth, texture, and personality to any space. A well-chosen rug can effortlessly transform the entire feel of a room.

However, traditional rugs come with their share of drawbacks. From frequent deep cleaning (which often means renting equipment and moving heavy furniture) to concerns about allergies and curled edges that pose tripping hazards, maintaining a rug can be more work than many homeowners anticipate.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce an elegant, low-maintenance alternative: Vintage Vinyl floor cloths.

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October 28, 2019/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-vintage-vinyl-rugs-blue-kitchen-island-inset-cabinets-glass-front-cabinets-dishwasher-drawer.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1920 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2019-10-28 14:37:002025-07-30 16:36:25Beautiful, Practical, Durable: Vintage Vinyl Floor Cloths
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Designing For Budget: Why Hire A Kitchen Designer

Design Notes

In today’s tech-savvy world, it’s easy to find decorating tips and budget advice with just a few clicks. Popular shows on networks like HGTV make home remodeling look fast and effortless—transforming entire kitchens or bathrooms in under an hour. While these shows are inspiring, what often goes unseen is the extensive planning and detail required behind the scenes to bring those transformations to life.

At the heart of nearly every successful project is one key factor: staying on budget.

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October 7, 2019/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Double-bed-bedroom-pink-bedroom-white-bedroom-lighting.jpg?fit=1729%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1729 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2019-10-07 14:41:002025-07-30 15:46:24Designing For Budget: Why Hire A Kitchen Designer
a bedroom with a bed and a chair

Protection, Reflection, Convenience: Graber Window Treatments

Design Notes

Window treatments not only provide shade and privacy, but they also allow the homeowner to show their personality. No person is the same, and neither should their window treatments.  They are meant to be a reflection of you and your style. Whether you prefer a more contemporary or traditional style, solar or soft roman shades, wood or pleated, Graber’s vast array of colors, options, and designs will surely suit anyone’s taste. Learn more about Graber on our product page or come visit us in our showroom located in Shelby, NC, and ask to see our Graber display. We would love to help you add the finishing touches to that space where nature and home meet.

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October 1, 2019/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Graber01.jpg?fit=1003%2C657&ssl=1 657 1003 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2019-10-01 20:58:002025-07-30 15:01:41Protection, Reflection, Convenience: Graber Window Treatments
a orange couch in front of a mirrorGreenbrook

Welcome To Moe’s

Design Notes

Moe’s Home Collection is, today, one of our greatest finds at the High Point Furniture Market.  Three years ago, we stumbled across Moe’s during one of our twice-annual trips to High Point. We fell in love with their rustic, industrial modern furniture and home decor.

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September 7, 2019/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/moes.jpg?fit=1242%2C630&ssl=1 630 1242 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2019-09-07 14:58:002025-07-29 15:14:34Welcome To Moe’s
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112 N. Lafayette St.
Shelby, NC 28150

 

Contact
Jan@greenbrookdesign.com
980-404-9600

 

Showroom Hours:
Monday 9 to 5 pm
Tuesday 9 to 5 pm
Wednesday 9 to 5 pm
Thursday 9 to 5 pm
Friday 10 to 4 pm
First Friday’s extended hours 5 to 7 pm
Saturday 10 to 2 pm

 

Our showroom is open to the public. Design meetings require an appointment, which can be done by phone or email. CONTACT US

 

Vendors require an appointment. Please contact: Jan@greenbrookdesign.com

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