DESIGN NOTES
Details are vital to the design, and the outcome should be all things that truly make us feel at home. Places like Pinterest offer a wide range of images that provide a spark for your imagination, with the freedom to put your own spin on them. Your home should be filled with small details to make it seem comfortable and cozy.
Let’s discuss a few of our favorite specifics.
Hardware
Hardware not only adds function but beauty and style throughout the home. Over the last few years companies have drawn inspiration from all over the world to create new and unique hardware designs that give you more liberty to fully match your specific style. New choices for materials have been incorporated to create different patterns and textures such as leather and even shapes sparked by nature’s own flora and fauna. Hardware is also a simple way to refresh your space and add some extra character. Companies like Berenson, Schaub, and Top Knobs offer a full range of choices that will elevate your space no matter your style.
Backsplash
Backsplash is a necessity in preventing water, grease and other messes from damaging your walls, and can make clean up an easy task. The tile can be more than just a functional element. Homeowners are now considering numerous ways to create a piece of art in the area between the counter and the cabinet, including pattern, texture, and color. A more colorful choice can transform the backsplash into a stunning contrast against a neutral cabinet palette or playing with various patterns to form a focal point. Some have chosen to continue their countertop material all the way up giving their space an instant cohesive feel. Backsplash is no longer a mere protection barrier but a blank canvas to create something beautiful.
Lighting
Natural light is still the preferred main source of light, but since it has a limited time span each day, it is important to pair it with adequate artificial options. Choosing light fixtures that are fun as well as functional is a great way to blend layers of detail into the home. Living spaces benefit from several options, such as wall sconces, track lighting, and floor lamps, as they illuminate the space from multiple angles, reducing eye strain. When shopping for new lighting, be aware of size and space, since a fixture too large can overpower the room, and one too small defeats the purpose.
Here is a helpful guide.
Draw inspiration from places like Pinterest before making your final selection.
Color
Color is by far one of the most striking elements in the design world and it permeates every area from kitchen cabinets to area rugs. The possibilities are abundant as are the materials. Artwork, pillows, accent walls, furniture, and floor coverings are just a few ways you can bring color into the home. Choosing specific colors for specific rooms in the house might make it work better for everyone because color affects our emotions.
A word of caution, color is a wonderful thing but it still needs balance, using too much can overpower the senses and break the harmony in a space. A sofa or other decorative piece is a terrific example of a detail that can give color to a space. It also helps to pick a main color or design theme such as coastal or farmhouse to guide your selections throughout the home.
Countertop
Countertops have a dominant presence, they bring a unique vision to the area. The particular veining and patterns running through can draw the eye and add some visual interest to the project. Countertops are not limited to kitchens but are used in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even closet islands. Quartz countertops are man made which allows for more color and pattern to be incorporated into the finished product. Remember the countertops when choosing detailed elements for your home.
Accent pieces
Accent pieces are a great way to add depth and dimension to your home decor. They stand out from the rest of the style and allow you to express your personal taste. Whether you pair them to create a unique collection or showcase them as stand-alone pieces, such as furniture or art, they can make a statement. Even items like pillows and throw blankets can serve as accent pieces and be displayed creatively. There are various textures and patterns to choose from, so don’t hesitate to seek advice from Greenbrook Design’s team of professionals to help you find the perfect pieces for your home.
Wallpaper
This has risen in popularity recently and for good reason, with the broad range of patterns available it can be a great way to add some details to your space. Designers have found multiple ways to incorporate it into their clients homes with results that are stunning. Some opt to use it as an accent wall while others enjoy using it with open back or glass cabinets. Small powder rooms and even entryways have also benefited from the beauty and texture of wallpaper. Playing with different patterns is trending this year and wallpaper is a bold option.
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