Life, Styled
When you first moved into your property, you took the time to come up with the perfect design for a space you’ll call home. However, over time, circumstances change, and so do people. And, now, you’ve found yourself in a situation of wanting to change things up a bit. If you’re wondering how to tell it’s time to redesign your home, sit tight and let us walk you through all the major signs.
It’s getting a bit crowded
The house may seem too cramped now that your family (or lifestyle) has expanded since you purchased it. Or, your children may have reached an age when they need more personal space. If you and your loved ones are constantly bumping shoulders, it may be time to hire an architect to assist you in either reconfiguring your home’s layout (by, say, knocking down some walls to make rooms more open) or building an extension (if you have space on your lot to do so).
You and your partner may benefit from rearranging and creating separate spaces. No matter how much you love each other, experts say that it’s good to incorporate each of your personalities in different spaces because:
- It’s a healthy way to preserve individuality
- You’ll both have a much-needed time for yourselves
- This won’t tear your relationship apart (it will only make it stronger)
You’re not making the most of it
A guest room that hasn’t been used in a decade can be collecting dust. Or perhaps you use your dining area exclusively for festive dinners. The best thing to do with large amounts of wasted space at home is to put that room to good use. You may build a spacious master bedroom fit for a king by knocking down a wall that separates the current master bathroom from a seldom-used guest room.
If you seldom use your formal dining room, you can consider knocking down the wall that separates it from the kitchen. The resulting open space would be ideal for hosting guests and would provide extra usable kitchen space.
The way you use your space is not working anymore
Are you irritated when preparing a meal because you lack sufficient counter space? Do you have too much stuff and not enough space to put it? If your house isn’t conducive to regular activities, you may want to consult an architect to determine the reasons and explore potential improvements.
If you need additional room in your kitchen for food preparation and cleaning, you might remove some walls and install a bar. Who wouldn’t want a fancy-looking bar on their property? Perhaps you’d like a built-in TV stand in front of the living room fireplace or several spacious walk-in closets. Whatever the case, consult professionals about it and make your property your dream home again.
Is your house outdated? It may be time to redesign your home
Perhaps it’s the kitchen’s linoleum flooring or the bathroom’s 30-year-old bright brass fittings. Is the fireplace in your living room a relic from the ’60s? Have you got dark-stained cabinetry that makes your kitchen seem like a cave?
If you think your house is falling behind, a renovation is probably in order. Whether it’s a whole kitchen renovation with new, white cabinetry and brushed nickel hardware or a living room update that includes a new stone-veneer fireplace, plush new carpeting, and neutral paint throughout, don’t be afraid of change now and then. Once you rejuvenate your home, you’d be surprised how refreshing it can be.
Don’t hold on too tight to old furniture
When you see your old, worn-out sofa, you probably see all the good memories that you made on it. However, those fond memories often don’t look quite as nice with the new, modern furniture. You don’t have to put it in the trash, though! You can contact a reliable storage professional and ask them to help you pack your furniture and put some pieces away into a storage facility.
Improve the quality of life and increase the value of your home
Renovations can be costly, particularly if you plan to undertake major projects, such as building an extension or renovating the kitchen. Renovating may be expensive. However, a home equity loan may be an option if you have enough equity in your property to get financing. Contact your bank to discuss alternative home improvement loan options.
If you plan to invest a significant amount in remodeling your house, ensure it will be worthwhile in the long run. Additionally, ensure that you can recover at least part of your investment if you decide to sell. If you decide to sell your home two years after spending $100,000 upgrading the kitchen, you will likely not recoup a significant portion of your investment. A good alternative is to discuss some luxury-like designs on a budget with your designer. With the right help, you don’t have to spend a fortune for your home to look expensive!
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…
Greenbrook Design