Design Notes
Home decor is more than just a few splashes of color with a hint of texture and pattern thrown in. It is about creating an environment that is reflective of the things we love but sometimes we like to include a touch of the season into our design choices. These decor pieces can be easily transferred each time a new season rolls in. Seasonal decorating adds a little something extra to the home, helping it truly feel like Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter. Let’s talk about some simple yet effective ways you can create just the right amount of seasonal delight to your home.
Decorating for Spring
Winter has finally said its last goodbye, and you are ready to hang up the welcome sign for Spring. It is a season defined by fresh, pastel colors, an abundance of new blooms, and greener, softer textures. In areas like dining rooms or entryways, you can add twig arrangements accented with colors like chick yellow, lavender, and sky blues, using items like ribbons and decorative pieces. It is a simple way to bring a touch of the season indoors and add a little depth and texture. Greenery in general is a good rule to follow for Spring decorations as it is the perfect representation of the season’s promise of growth and renewal. You can also incorporate a few additional spring colors into your home’s accent pieces, such as a throw blanket, pillows, or an area rug. Tablescapes are also a beautiful way to highlight the season, featuring table runners made from rustic burlap with delicate patterns and centerpieces that incorporate moss, blossoms, and twigs woven together. Combining these elements with the perfect dinnerware will definitely reflect the season to our family and friends. Woven baskets can be used throughout the home to store various items, such as shoes and blankets, or you can opt for a smaller decorative version to hang on your front door, providing a fresh welcome for guests. Add some Spring blooms and a ribbon for a complete look. Spring is a beautiful season of renewal and refreshment, so let’s get your home ready with a few new looks.
Decorating for Summer
Summer is a season of relaxation as kids enjoy their break from school and vacations are just beginning. Warm, sunny days filled with places to go like beaches, mountains, or just downtown, Summer was built for hanging out with the people we love. Our home should be a reflection of that vibe both in and out. Bold colors and comfortable accents are a great start. You can even go with a theme like a mediterranean coastal vibe or rustic cabin getaway by incorporating certain color palettes and textures. Think a playful pattern for an area rug or bright teal pillows for the sofa paired with a calming neutral. Maybe a new splash of paint to your front door can bring a touch of Summer to the outside of your home. Speaking of outdoors, Summer is the perfect opportunity to revamp your outdoor living areas including kitchens and patios to be a place of welcome from the heat. Be sure to have plenty of shaded areas with comfortable seating options available so everyone can enjoy the afternoons and early evening dinners. Summer is also a great time to take advantage of those extra hours of daylight by placing some layers for your window treatments which allow you to work with the light. Maximize the early morning and late afternoon rays when the sun is not as intense but then you can block it during the hottest part of the day. Don’t forget about your front porch by having some easy yet cute decorative containers to store shoes and such as family and friends endlessly make their way in and out of the house. Summer is a delightful season that simply cherishes each today.
Decorating for Fall
Fall is a season of change as we slowly put away the carefree days of Summer and begin preparing for the shift in temperature. Glowing reds, vibrant oranges, and rich yellows are among the main color choices that pair beautifully with natural neutrals, such as white, beige, and wood tones. These color combinations can also work well with a wide variety of decor pieces such as your wreath for the front door or even a tablescape. Incorporating nature’s elements into your home decor creates unique pieces, such as gathering pine cones and placing them in a glass jar to use in your entryway or fireplace mantle. For another layer of interest, you can paint some of them various colors. Apples, pears, pumpkins, oh my! These are also some budget-friendly decorative options. Fall is also the perfect opportunity to use some old wooden crates, mason jars, and other antique items paired with flowers or candles. Other wooden accent items that can be used in and outside the home include dough bowls and even miniature branches or stumps. Combining them with other natural items, such as pine cones, flowers, and even acorns, works well for patio decor or foyers. Don’t be afraid to explore a range of design options, and places like Pinterest abound with inspiration, no matter if you like a minimalist or slightly more abundant style in your seasonal decor.
Decorating for Winter
Winter is a season built for coziness and comfort, both of which should be reflected in your decor items. Start by placing warm blankets strategically throughout your home so that they are readily available when needed by anyone who requires them. They can be laid on the backs of your favorite chairs or couches as well as stored in decorative floor baskets. Candles are another great winter item that not only makes the space smell amazing but casts an inviting glow in the room for everyone to enjoy. Consider adding a few soft area rugs, as they are warmer and can definitely make a space feel very cozy. Maximizing natural light is especially important in the winter months, when there is less of it. Placing some extra mirrors in the room can help reflect the sun’s rays and lighten your window treatments as well. If your home has a fireplace, rearrange the furniture closer to it, as it makes it easier to stay warm and creates a gathering place for everyone to come together. Winter is a beautiful season and should be celebrated inside and out.
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
Greenbrook Design