Life, Styled
By now, you may be over the whole quarantine thing. Sure, the first week or two was kind of refreshing. Being stuck at home was an opportunity to shift your life perspective, spend time with loved ones, and refocus your priorities. But that was a couple of months ago.
If you’re like most Americans, you’re still self-quarantining at some level, and you may be looking for new ways to stay productive. That’s where DIY home improvement projects come in. Below, you will find some practical ideas on home improvements you can make during the pandemic — some simple and others requiring a little more effort.
Cash-Out Refinancing
Your first order of business should be to consider whether or not you will be taking on any major projects and whether you will be able to pay for them. For instance, remodeling the bathroom or kitchen can add a lot of value to your home, but it also costs a significant upfront expense. And with interest rates as low as they are, right now is the ideal time to consider a cash-out refinance. With this kind of refinancing, you can use the cash you receive to complete the larger home improvements on your to-do list.
There are several options for cash-out refinancing, the three most popular being conventional, FHA, and VA cashouts. Do your research to determine which type would work best for your situation, and then contact your lender to see if you qualify.
Refreshing The Bathroom
Out of all the rooms in a home, the bathroom is generally one of the most valuable when it comes time to sell. That’s why giving your bathroom some attention can pay off in the long run. If your master or guest bathroom needs work, take advantage of being home and tackle it now. Things like repairing cabinet doors, re-caulking around the vanity and bathtub, putting in contemporary lighting, and giving the walls a fresh coat of paint can spruce up your bathroom.
Updating The Kitchen
The kitchen is typically the other most valuable room in a home, so consider any ways to boost your kitchen’s appeal and quality. For instance, replacing cabinet handles/knobs, updating the appliances, painting the walls, and adding an island can make a big difference.
If you want to make a significant investment, consider installing new countertops and/or flooring. Moreover, new cabinetry can also transform a kitchen; if your cabinets have seen better years but you don’t have room in your budget for new ones, refacing or repainting them might be a project worth looking into.
If you’re looking to boost productivity while you’re stuck at home, making improvements to your home is one of the best things you can do. Remember to consider cash-out refinancing if you need funding to pay for some of your projects, and look into DIY home security systems if you don’t already have a quality security system. Finally, pay special attention to your bathroom and kitchen to add both appeal and value to your home.
Visit Greenbrook Design’s showroom located in beautiful Uptown Shelby. They proudly serve 16 counties, including Cleveland County, Mecklenburg, Buncombe, Greenville, and Watauga.
If your kitchen feels a little outdated, lacks personality, or simply doesn’t reflect your style anymore, you’re not alone. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and over time, even the most loved spaces can start to feel uninspired.
The good news? You don’t need to commit to a full-scale renovation to achieve a custom, high-end look.
Designing a kitchen is one of the most exciting parts of building or remodeling a home. It’s where families gather, meals are shared, and memories are made. But because the kitchen is used so often, thoughtful planning is essential. Even small design mistakes can affect how your kitchen functions day to day.
At Greenbrook Design Kitchen & Bath, we help homeowners avoid common pitfalls and create kitchens that are both beautiful and functional. If you’re planning a remodel or building a new home, here are some of the biggest kitchen design mistakes we see—and how you can avoid them.
The kitchen has always been considered the heart of the home, but in 2026, it’s evolving even further, becoming a space that blends style, comfort, technology, and connection. Today’s homeowners want kitchens that feel warm, personalized, and highly functional for everyday life.
At Greenbrook Design Kitchen & Bath, we’re seeing several exciting kitchen design trends shaping new builds and remodeling projects. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, these design ideas are defining the year ahead.
We are honored to share that Greenbrook Design has been featured in the January/February 2026 issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News, appearing on page 66. Being recognized in one of the industry’s most respected national publications is an incredible milestone for our team and a testament to the craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration behind every project we design and build.
When it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, the choices can feel overwhelming. Big-box stores, online retailers, and out-of-town contractors all promise convenience, but there’s something truly special about working with a local design center




Greenbrook Design 


Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking