Life, Styled
As a parent, you already know that having children changes how you see the world, and adjustments to your schedule are inevitable. When designing a home, you want it to be functional and safe for you and your children. This does not mean that you can’t have a style that reflects you, but here are a few tips to make it work for all your family members.
The Kitchen And Your Kids
Since the kitchen is where all the food resides, it comes as no surprise that children love to hang out there. Many even like to try their hand at making a little scrumptious snack for themselves, which is probably how all the celebrity chefs got their start. When thinking about the kitchen design, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Keep things low: Plan to set aside some cabinets and drawers for dishes so that the children can grab them without the worry of them slipping from their hands and falling to the floor.
- Have snacks within easy reach: All children enjoy a little independence, and being able to grab a snack by themselves is a win-win for both of you. Consider having a shelf with baskets in the pantry that is at their level, where you can put some fruit and simple snacks.
- Soft-close doors and drawers: No one enjoys getting their finger caught when closing a door or drawer, especially little hands. Installing the soft-close feature ensures that this doesn’t happen and that there is no loud noise when someone shuts it too hard.
- Have a stool handy: When children are small, it is always a good idea to keep a little stool nearby so that they can easily wash their hands or reach for something on the countertop.
The kitchen is the home’s heart, where many hours will be spent. By making these simple adjustments to your design, you can set the stage for creating wonderful memories.
Kids Bathroom
Perhaps not as exciting as the kitchen, it is still an essential part of the house, and kids will spend some time here, especially in the morning and evening. Some helpful design tips include:
- Hooks: Having hooks makes it much easier for kids to hang up their towels once they are done, which means you won’t have to pick them up off the floor anymore (or at least that’s the idea).
- Low shelves: Make sure that the items they use daily, such as the hairbrush, toothpaste, brush, and soap, are all within easy reach.
- Separate boxes: We know it doesn’t take much for siblings to argue, but keeping their things in individual containers like baskets or decorative boxes that can be stored easily under the cabinet or on a shelf will reduce the chance of tempers flaring.
Little additions to the design can have a big impact on bathroom routines and keep mornings running smoothly.
Specialty Areas For The Kids
Kids enjoy having spaces just for them, especially now with homeschoolers.
- A place to study: Homework is never fun, but having a special place just for it can make it much easier to stay focused and get it done.
- A place to store: All kids have things that are special to them or extra items that just don’t fit under the bed or in the closet. Having some additional spaces for them to store their belongings will help them avoid cluttering their room and stay organized.
- A place to sit and dream: Adults are not the only ones who can experience stress or have a bad day. It is excellent for kids to have a place all their own where they can relax and do the things they love. Consider adding a special craft or game room to the design.
We promise that your kids will love having a special space just for them, where they can have a moment to themselves or store the things that matter to them. Here are a few additional ideas for making your home perfect for the little ones. Talk to your designer about ways to incorporate unique spaces just for the kids.
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…
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Greenbrook Design