Design Notes
Each year, new design trends are announced with the intention of highlighting what many homeowners and interior designers have enjoyed using or even a new way to use a traditional material or method. Another bonus to trend announcements is how it can become the spark needed to create the perfect space for someone. When it comes to refreshing your space or designing a brand new one, lighting plays a vital role in the process. Sufficient lighting should be a top priority in any area of the home, as it can help minimize eye strain and even reduce stress and accidents. As they are a key component in interior design, it is worth exploring the latest lighting trends announced for 2023. The lineup features a wide variety of sizes and styles that can be used throughout your home. We will unpack some of the top ones here in this blog.
Sustainable lighting
Sustainability remains a crucial topic in the world today, as people continue to seek ways to make their homes more environmentally friendly. Both designers and manufacturers are also regularly pursuing more effective ways to provide their customers and clients with more eco-friendly choices, and the category of lighting is no exception. Of course, the light bulb itself is a major contributing factor, as it can be a significant user of energy and heat. LED bulbs are a wonderful substitute that provides the same levels of light but with a much lower energy output, plus they tend to last longer. Materials also matter, and lights made from recycled items, such as glass and even metal, are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while still achieving an amazing light. Bamboo is also a smart option if you are looking for a touch of wood in your fixture. Thrift and antique stores offer another resource for lighting options. Reuse and reduce are both checked off the list when going with this route, plus it can lead you to some pretty unique styles. If you want to have a lighter impact on the earth this year, these sustainable options may offer you a great place to start.
Maximize Natural light
While natural light is obviously a sustainable option, it is also one of the healthiest for you and your family. This is an important factor as many homeowners are seeking to create a wellness environment in their home. Natural light varies in intensity throughout the day, triggering different reactions in our bodies. This is why spending so much time in areas without it can be hard on us. Lack of exposure can lead to depression and even fatigue. This is one reason why designers are increasingly incorporating natural light into various areas of the home. If you have large windows in your living area, consider minimizing your window treatments to maximize the natural light or opt for ones that complement it, such as motorized blinds. Adding a few mirrors to your space can also help reflect the existing light. Natural light is a wonderful asset to your space, but remember to have some things in place to compensate when the sun goes down, such as sufficient lighting and privacy features for areas that are more personal, such as bedrooms and bathrooms. There are also lighting options that can mimic the sunlight, which can be a great option for rooms with no natural light. Take a moment to scan your home for the sunniest spots that can brighten up your day.
Unique lighting choices
We are all familiar with the traditional lighting choices from past decades, but now light fixtures are becoming miniature works of art. Varying materials and even shapes are trending with homeowners who desire to make a statement by breaking out of the box. Wicker shades, reclaimed wood, oversized light bulbs, and various metals are all finding a place in the lighting industry as they combine to form gorgeous products. These unique choices can be used anywhere in the home and are not limited to the ceiling. Floor and table lighting with specialized features are a wonderful way to accent a space and personalize it for you. Even incorporating color into your lighting, whether through colored glass or bulbs, will transform your room into a stunning new space. Don’t forget about lampshades. From fabric to transparent, they work well as an additional highlight or even focal point, especially in a prominent place like the kitchen island. Laundry, dining, and home offices are also benefiting from these unique choices, as they add another dimension to the entire design. Places like Pinterest and Houzz can be a good source of inspiration as well as antique stores where the old can illuminate a whole new look.
Recessed lighting
Still a popular choice, recessed lighting, also known as downlights, is installed directly into the ceiling or mounted onto it, offering targeted lighting. This is perfect for showcasing unique features in the home such as built-ins, upper cabinets, artwork, and accent walls. Having sufficient lighting is crucial, as it can protect your eyes from fatigue, and recessed lighting is particularly effective at eliminating areas in the home that tend to have shadows. This option works well in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and other tight spaces, such as the laundry room. In part, this is due to the directional lighting, and the fact that they don’t take up any additional headspace is a big bonus. Another perk is the ability to turn them on and off separately from the rest of the room, allowing you to simply flip the switch if only a little light is needed. Recessed lighting also comes in a variety of styles, which can be used in modern, contemporary, or minimalist, making it a versatile design element. If you want to include extra lighting in your space but want control over how much you use throughout the day, then recessed lighting is a wonderful option. Discuss the options available with your designer and determine which one would work best for your specific space.
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 