Design Notes
For Services Provided By Greenbrook Design – Ask The Designer.
Can I shop on my own?
You have hired me to design and complete a vision for your space. I ask that you do not select or purchase items because they may not fit the design, space, or budget. You will receive a detailed Specification for items to be purchased directly.
What Additional Cost Can I Expect?
I do my best to give you a complete cost outlook of each item, but additional costs such as storage, shipping, installation, or unexpected labor occasionally happen. For a very detailed explanation of possible hidden costs, read: The Hidden Costs of Interior Design
Do You Work With Contractors?
I work with the contractors hired by the client. I love working with other design professionals to create your custom space. I prefer to use professionals I have worked with on previous projects, and can provide recommendations when necessary. Greenbrook Design does not provide contractor services, so independent architects and contractors hired by the client are an integral part of the process.
How Long Do Projects Normally Last?
You will find this on many interior design questions and answers forums. This depends on the scope of the project and what is purchased. Occasionally, there are delays caused by weather, vendor vacations, factory errors, and other unpredictable influences that are out of my control. The client and all professionals hired to work on the project are expected not to cause unreasonable delays. Custom-ordered projects can take 4-12 weeks to receive once ordered.
How Do I Place An Order?
Once you receive a Proposal, you have 3 days to accept or decline the item. For acceptance, a signed copy of the proposal or approval on Studio Projects and full payment are required to place an order. No item will be ordered by the Designer until the Designer receives the signed proposal and complete payment.
Can I Change My Mind After An Order Is Placed?
Most often, orders cannot be canceled or refunded. In the event that a full refund can be attained, you may cancel the order and receive a refund for the cost of the item minus the purchasing fee and any other applicable fees. You will be charged hourly for the time spent on canceled orders. Custom orders are not refundable.
When Are Payments Due?
Proposals are due with payment within 3 days. Invoices for time billing and reimbursable expenses are due within 14 days. Invoices over 30 days past due will accrue a 10% late fee per month, and all work will cease until the invoice is paid.
What If I Decide To Add More To The Scope Of Work Mid-Design?
Since I work hourly, increasing the scope is not a problem.
What If I Have Concerns About An Item?
Please bring these to my attention immediately, and we will discuss your concerns and, if necessary, find a more desirable solution. You make the decision about what is purchased and installed in your home.
What About A Budget?
We can work within your budget, whether you are looking for a completely custom masterpiece, something more along the lines of Pottery Barn, or a mix of the two. Having a budget is very important for the project to run smoothly and for your expectations to be met.
How Are Items Delivered?
Our policy is to perform one large installation of all your items, including all furniture and accessories purchased. Items purchased by Greenbrook Design go into a licensed, bonded, insured, and climate-controlled warehouse awaiting installation. It is our policy not to deliver items to clients’ homes directly or in multiple trips. Clients are responsible for all shipping, storage, and delivery fees.
How Do You Invoice Your Time?
In an effort to be as transparent as possible, I try to detail out design time. For example, I may spend my day researching products and putting together a design board. I do my best to detail the date, time spent, and a general summary of completed tasks.
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
Walker Woodworking