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Greenbrook Design

Life, Styled

DIY Home Improvement For The Win:

Projects to Keep You Productive During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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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.

a bathroom with a tub and a mirror bathroom design
Walker Woodworking

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.

A kitchen with a large island countertop with white cabinets and barstools with wood floor
Walker Woodworking

DIY Home Security

When it comes to your home, nothing is more important than security. Therefore, if you don’t have a reliable, easy-to-use security system in place, now is the perfect time to change that! And the best part about modern home security is that there are a lot of DIY options.

DIY systems are cost-effective and easy to install, and allow you to monitor your property remotely through a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Research the best DIY home security system for your needs and budget online.

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Walker Woodworking mountain homes Quarter Sawn White Oak Rubio Frameless Silestone Clifton Door Profile Top Knobs Integrated End Panel Vertical Dividers Stoll Industries panel ready appliance

6 Reasons Why Hiring a Kitchen and Bath Designer Is Better Than DIY

Design Notes

If you’ve ever watched a home renovation show or scrolled Pinterest for inspiration, you’ve probably thought, “I could do that myself.” DIY kitchen and bathroom remodels can seem appealing, especially when you’re trying to save money.

Read more
January 20, 2026/by Sierra
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Walker-Woodworking-mountain-homes-Quarter-Sawn-White-Oak-Rubio-Frameless-Silestone-Clifton-Door-Profile-Top-Knobs-Integrated-End-Panel-Vertical-Dividers-Stoll-Industries-panel-ready-appliance.jpg?fit=1931%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1931 Sierra https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Sierra2026-01-20 11:15:002026-01-23 10:48:026 Reasons Why Hiring a Kitchen and Bath Designer Is Better Than DIY
Color of the year

Sherwin Williams Color of the Year: Universal Khaki

Design Notes

If you’re craving a home that feels fresh, calm, and elevated, without looking stark or trendy, warm neutrals are having a major moment. One shade we’re loving for kitchens, baths, and whole-home design is Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year: Universal Khaki, a grounded neutral that brings soft warmth, subtle depth, and timeless character to cabinetry and interiors.

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January 7, 2026/by Sierra
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Walker Woodworking custom cabinets Joe Pruvis Loftus design gray living room wood countertops custom built ins entertainment center

Bringing It All Together: Design a Focal Point

Design Notes

There are many elements that help assemble the perfect design for your space, such as color, texture, and pattern, but one, in particular, plays a key role in making a statement: the focal point. Without a focal point, a room can feel busy or even boring, as it lacks something that immediately draws the eye. This is one of the reasons it is essential to include a focal point in the design; however, given its critical role, sufficient thought should be given to placing it in the optimal location. How do you design the perfect focal point that stands out without overpowering everything else? How do you best use focal points in a room or design with it in mind? Let’s explore the answers to getting the most out of your focal point.

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August 17, 2025/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-Joe-Pruvis-Loftus-design-gray-living-room-wood-countertops-custom-built-ins-entertainment-center.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1920 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2025-08-17 15:40:282025-08-21 14:58:01Bringing It All Together: Design a Focal Point
Shelby Cleveland County Historical Museum North Carolina

Things to do in Shelby, NC

Uptown & Undercover

In today’s fast-paced world, there’s something special about slowing down and appreciating the timeless things—old roads, old friends, old traditions—that still hold so much value. Here in our little corner of North Carolina, Uptown Shelby continues to embrace those small-town treasures.

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August 12, 2025/by Sierra
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Shelby-Cleveland-County-Historical-Museum-North-Carolina.webp?fit=1600%2C1158&ssl=1 1158 1600 Sierra https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Sierra2025-08-12 18:15:482025-08-16 14:00:23Things to do in Shelby, NC
a kitchen with a island and stoolsGreenbrook Design

Something for Everyone: Choosing the Right Cabinets for You

Life, Styled

You’ve decided it’s time to renovate your kitchen. A space where memories are made over meals, conversations flow, and life unfolds. This exciting journey includes a variety of decisions, such as selecting the right cabinet color, choosing a countertop material, picking out hardware, backsplash, and lighting. But the most important factor that influences all of these choices? Budget.

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August 1, 2025/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Island-seating-saddle-stools-white-cabinets-with-cerused-oak-Island-gold-sconces-microwave-drawer.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1920 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2025-08-01 12:37:382025-08-04 12:54:14Something for Everyone: Choosing the Right Cabinets for You
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Address
112 N. Lafayette St.
Shelby, NC 28150

 

Contact
Jan@greenbrookdesign.com
980-404-9600

 

Showroom Hours:
Monday 9 to 5 pm
Tuesday 9 to 5 pm
Wednesday 9 to 5 pm
Thursday 9 to 5 pm
Friday 10 to 4 pm
First Friday’s extended hours 5 to 7 pm
Saturday 10 to 2 pm

 

Our showroom is open to the public. Design meetings require an appointment, which can be done by phone or email. CONTACT US

 

Vendors require an appointment. Please contact: Jan@greenbrookdesign.com

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