Life, Styled
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.
Construction
Our construction journey officially began in early March of 2016, when we signed the lease for the Campbell building in Uptown Shelby. From that moment on, the road to opening our showroom was filled with both exciting progress and unexpected setbacks—including a few complete standstills. Like many of our clients, we were eager to move forward after the initial planning phase, only to find ourselves waiting—this time, for permits. That experience gave us a new level of empathy for the frustrations our clients often face during their own renovation timelines.
Designing the showroom took considerable time, energy, and attention to detail. From selecting the perfect tiles to deciding whether or not to stain the original wood floors, every choice was made with care. One of the easiest and most impactful decisions was painting the ceiling tiles white instead of black—a change that immediately made the space feel brighter and more open.
Walker Woodworking created several beautiful custom pieces for the showroom, including the stunning kitchen we use daily. But perhaps the most special feature is the pair of tall, custom wood-framed front doors, handcrafted by Travis. These doors not only serve as a warm welcome to our clients but also give the building’s exterior a striking, polished look.
Though the journey had its challenges, our vision never wavered. Every delay and decision brought us closer to the space we imagined—and ultimately, the result made it all worthwhile.
Grand Opening
February 1, 2018—a date we will always remember—marked more than just the opening of our showroom doors; it was the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both Walker Woodworking and Greenbrook Design. To celebrate this milestone, we hosted a grand opening gala in partnership with our upstairs neighbors, Uptown Indigo. The event drew nearly 500 guests and was filled with energy, excitement, and community support.
One of the evening’s highlights was welcoming special guest Brian Patrick Flynn, a renowned interior designer known for his work with HGTV, including the 2020 Dream Home. His enthusiastic praise of our showroom still resonates with us today: “I think this [Greenbrook Design] is going to be a massive hit because of the amount of things that I saw down in the showroom are things that I don’t have access to in the big city of Atlanta.”
Guests enjoyed an evening of delicious food, live music from a talented local band, and the chance to explore our thoughtfully designed space. It was a night to remember—full of inspiration, community, and celebration of a vision finally realized.
Highlights
Our first year in business brought with it many wonderful surprises and milestones. In March 2018, we were honored to receive the Commercial Appearance Award, recognizing the impact of our showroom on the local Uptown Shelby community. Just a few months later, our space was featured in the June 2018 issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News as part of their prestigious Showroom Portfolio, showcasing inspiring design across the industry.
But perhaps the most exciting and humbling recognition came in 2019, when we learned that Greenbrook Design had been selected as one of only six showrooms nationwide to receive the Innovative Showroom Award from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). This national honor affirmed our commitment to creating a space that is not only beautiful but also functional, forward-thinking, and inspiring for our clients.
Visit our publications page to see a video of Stacey receiving the award and read about some other awards we have received.
Connection has become a priority in the home over the last couple of years. It can be considered the most basic function of the home, as this is where we gather with family and friends to celebrate, congratulate, and comfort one another. Designing with socializing opportunities has been at the forefront of design for decades, exemplified by spaces such as sitting rooms and large dining tables. This need for connection has made a strong comeback, and designers are once again looking for ways to bring families together. We want to have a home where we can relax and easily engage with one another, but many homeowners also desire spaces that are unified while still retaining a unique character of their own. Let’s talk about how to create a home with connecting spaces.
Several variables are involved in selecting the perfect tile, including material, pattern, and color, as well as factors that influence style and placement. Tile is also a versatile and durable design element, making it a suitable option for frequently used areas. Let’s explore how you can incorporate tile in the home.
Greenbrook DesignThe kitchen tends to be one of the busiest areas in the home, and over the last year, it has become more than just a place to cook food. It has evolved into a multifunctional space where everyone gathers to perform a wide range of tasks. With so much at stake, planning a renovation requires careful thought and well-designed plans. Many designers caution against following the latest trends, but there are a few additional design mistakes they also encourage their clients to avoid. If you are considering a renovation or a new construction project, here are our top five biggest kitchen design mistakes to avoid.
Countertops are often underappreciated and underrated in the design world. They are the true workhorses of any space, as they are used regularly and withstand a great deal. We chop, pound, knead, spill, and more all over these smooth surfaces, yet they continue to function day after day. Unfortunately, they are not meant to last forever. Experts recommend replacing them every 10 to 15 years, especially if signs of wear and tear are evident, such as stubborn stains, chips, or cracks.
Walker Woodworking Sometimes, certain areas of home decor have been influenced by trends that are no longer in style and can make the space feel dated or even uninviting. Rooms also serve a specific purpose, and those can change over time. If your children are no longer living with you, their bedroom can be transformed into a craft room or even a guest suite. There are also some new things that are making their way onto potential homebuyers’ lists. We have done some research for you and discovered some of the top new items being used in home design.
Walker Woodworking