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.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook DesignYou have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
In the second of our three-part series on selection tips, we want to focus on tile. Backsplash, shower walls, and flooring are just a few of the many uses for tile since it is beautiful, durable, and timeless. Sometimes considered a small part of the design, it has the potential to make a big impact on the design. Here are some helpful tips when choosing tile.
While cabinets tend to be the focal point of the main spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is the details that add the final touch to the design. The selection process can be one of the highlights of the design phase, but it can also be overwhelming with multiple styles, colors, and options. In this three-part series, we want to give our best tips for the top three categories of selections and help make this as enjoyable and simple as possible. Our focus today is hardware.
Walker Woodworking