“Going Green” and “Eco-friendly” are two popular terms used today, especially in the design world. People want to know that the products they place in their home are better for the environment and their family’s health. Green homes or even choosing green options have other benefits, such as lower electric bills, which is why we have partnered with companies that care about the environment and are eco-friendly. Here we share some ways to include “green” into your home.

Trash With Class

We agree that trash is one of our least favorite topics, but we would also have to say that recycling is an essential and necessary part of going green. Each year, we add more and more to our already full landfills, but by changing a few things at home, we can reduce our contribution. Here are some items that can be recycled in your home:

  • Paper: This can be cereal boxes, old papers that don’t need to be shredded, egg cartons, or even cardboard.
  • Canned or plastic bottles: Milk jugs, soda pop, and old juice cans
  • Glass: Old spaghetti sauce jars and glass bottles

As great as recycling is, it is not always as simple as it sounds, which is why we recommend Rev-a-shelf, an innovative approach to organization. They have several products that make recycling a breeze, such as their recycling center waste system, which allows you to easily sort and recycle your items, all neatly tucked inside your cabinets. This is the perfect way to create a space for going green without disturbing the look of your design.

Eco-Friendly Countertop

When it comes to choosing an eco-friendly countertop, granite has been named the top choice for several decades, but quartz is becoming a popular choice for several reasons.

  • Unlike granite, which needs to be sealed with harsh chemicals, quartz does not.
  • 90% of the product is made from a material that would be discarded, making it a true eco-product.
  • When compared to other countertop materials, it has a longer replacement life.

While granite is a natural stone, the process of mining and preparing it for sale requires more resources than quartz, and its easy maintenance and resistance to bacterial growth give it more selling points on the green scale. Quartz also comes in various colors and patterns, meaning there will be something that perfectly complements your design scheme.

Letting The Light In

Nothing says going green like natural sunlight, and it comes with many benefits, including a better mood for you and your family. It also creates a warm and inviting place for everyone to gather. When designing your space, think about how natural light can be incorporated, such as:

  • Skylights – They are also a beautiful way to enjoy the nighttime canopy of stars.
  • Add an additional panel or window in the room.
  • Replace solid doors, like the back door, with solid glass or even sliding doors.

Allowing more sunlight inside can also help with your electric bill. Natural sunlight is a great way to reduce heating expenses and is better for the environment since it reduces the need for electric heating. Of course, in the summer, that can produce the opposite effect, which is why we recommend Graber, a company that creates efficient designs for window treatments. Their cellular shades insulate your windows and can reduce this loss by as much as 64%. Visit their website to learn more.

Your Family Matters

Choosing better products is not just better for the environment, but also for the health of those you love. Your family matters to us and drives us to provide you with the best possible options. Eco-friendly options are a great way to ensure that the quality of your products not only lasts but is safe. We encourage you to visit our showroom, where we have several products on display for you to browse and learn more about. When meeting with your designer, be sure to mention your desire to choose eco-friendly options so that they can create a design that is a perfect balance of function and harmony.

The world of interior design has run the full gamut of trends, from minimal to over-the-top and back again. Your home is meant to be your happy place, and a good design can affect the atmosphere. There are multiple styles to choose from, including modern, traditional, farmhouse, and transitional. Each possesses characteristics that make them unique in their own way, but sometimes what is offered is not enough, which is where the term mixology comes in, and no, we are not referring to the mixing of cocktails. There is a beauty when mixing and matching design styles, cabinets, and furnishings to create a space that perfectly reflects you. For a long time, designers were taught that things needed to remain within a certain realm of style in order for them to look good, but over the past few years, those boundaries have been broken down to make way for homeowners to express themselves in their own way. Out of this, there have been some new terms used to describe the shift in styles, such as grand millennial. If you like a few elements from multiple styles, then mixology may be your new best friend.

Is Biophilia Design For You? We love the looks nature inspires, which is why we have multiple products available for you to browse inside our showroom. From unique artwork to furniture pieces, we invite you to visit us and spend time browsing our 5,000 square foot showroom located in charming Uptown Shelby and find the inspiration you’ve been looking for to create the perfect environment in your home.

The world of design draws on multiple elements to create the perfect space for homeowners, a place that represents them and their particular style. Color plays a vital role in the design process, and its effects go beyond just adding a splash to the room. Color can affect our mood, communicate a message, lessen eye strain, and even play a part in remembering certain events. It also has the ability to influence the size of a room with certain colors, causing the area to feel larger, while other shades create a more intimate feel. Color selection can be a fun and rewarding process, plus it provides you with a great way to tell your story. More homeowners are discovering the beauty of contrasting colors, and this choice is gaining popularity in the design world. From two-toned kitchens to opposites in cabinets and tile, contrasting colors can spice up your design and make a stunning statement. Let’s explore more about what contrasting colors are and how they can help you tell your story.

While cabinet hardware is essential for functionality, it’s also a key element in the overall look and feel of your space. When selecting hardware, there’s more to consider than just appearance. How do you want your cabinets to open? Do you prefer knobs, pulls, or a combination of both? Should you go with cup pulls for a traditional touch or sleek bar pulls for a modern edge?

These decisions may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on both the usability and aesthetic of your cabinetry. Hardware serves as the finishing touch—bringing together the design while also making everyday tasks more comfortable and intuitive.

You are ready to begin your renovation, but you are unsure whether you want to go with custom or semi-custom cabinets. While custom cabinets will provide you with the exact fit you need for your space, they are at the higher end of the price range. Semi-custom cabinets tend to be a more budget-friendly alternative while still giving you the style and function needed for your space. Many homeowners are discovering the benefits of choosing semi-custom cabinets and are learning that they can still get the look they want while staying within their budget. Let’s talk more about what semi-custom cabinets are, the benefits they bring to your project, and some of the options we offer here at Greenbrook Design.