What’s New
Over the last few decades, there has been a significant expansion of design styles used in homes. We are no longer bound by the traditional rules our mothers and grandmothers followed. Homeowners are enjoying the freedom of expression that has emerged with the new styles, including Mid-Century Modern. This style, like many others, has made its way into various areas of the home, including the kitchen and bathroom. Interior designers are creating the perfect space for their clients, but it is helpful to know if the mid-century modern style is the right one for you. We will discuss what it is so that you can determine if it’s the right style for your home and how to incorporate this style into a beautiful design.
What is mid-century modern style?
A blending of nature’s finest elements along with some man made materials are all part of the mid-century modern style or MCM for short. Additional characteristics induce clean lines, vibrant as well as neutral colors, and organic shapes. Together, these features form a stunning style that is perfect throughout the home. Although this is not a new style, it became popular in the middle of the twentieth century, it has seen a comeback into the world of design. It does have a minimalist vibe since much of the furniture pieces are simplistic in nature plus there is an emphasis on clutter-free spaces and functionality. Fusing man made and natural materials like plastic, fiberglass, and vinyl with glass, wood, and metal is a common choice with the mid-century modern style and offers the chance to create something completely unique for the homeowner. Another blend includes utilizing things from both the indoors and outdoors like plants and natural light. Like most interior design styles, color plays a prominent part in the overall look in mid century modern by opting for hues that are neutral such as whites and blacks but accenting them with bright colors. This creates a fun yet welcoming atmosphere in the home. Mid century modern is a style that combines the best of the bold and beautiful which results in a stunning final tone in any area in the home so be sure to browse some Pinterest boards for inspiration before meeting with your designer.
Visit Fireclay Tile’s Essential Guide to Midcentury Design for more information and examples of Midcentury Design in homes.
Mid-Century Modern Kitchen
The kitchen is a central part of the home with so many activities taking place within its space that go beyond dinner prep. It is where we gather to celebrate a win, write a quick birthday card, or work on homework. Selecting the perfect design style matters and mid century modern is a great option. Its mix of contemporary and minimalist elements create a unique aesthetic for the heart of your home. Again the neutral color palette works well with this style especially when paired with a stark contrast or some of nature’s materials like wood and glass. Mid century modern works great with large kitchen windows like bay or picture ones since it lets in more natural light which is a perfect compliment to the other features. Play around with various pieces like lamps that blend metal, glass, and even wood in them or unique backsplashes that have simple or colorful patterns. Cabinet hardware that is a nice contrasting color or organic shape works well with mid century modern and provides a layer of protection for the cabinets as well. When it comes to cabinet design, simple is best like a shaker style and can be paired with countertops that have a soft to minimal pattern, they can even have rounded corners. Mid century modern is a sleek yet stylish choice that invokes a beautiful look that will continue to inspire.
Mid-century modern bathroom
Our bathrooms are our sanctuary, especially when it comes to the master. It is usually the first place we go in the morning and one of the last places we visit in the evening. Choosing the mid-century modern look creates a stunning sense of class and can be accomplished using a variety of colors, materials, and features. The bathroom vanity tends to be the main statement piece in the design, so the choice matters as it will set the tone for the entire space. Designers recommend selecting one that is a natural wood and complement it with a classy hardware finish like brass. You can also add metal legs to your bathroom vanity for both added height and flair, or opt for a floating vanity instead. Color also plays a key role in designing a mid-century modern bathroom, so don’t be afraid to experiment with a variety of colors, including pastel shades. From flooring to bathroom tile, there are numerous ways to add color to your space. Rounded mirrors are a subtle way to acknowledge your choice of mid-century modern in your bathroom, especially when framed with brass or matte black. Read about more design tips for creating the perfect mid-century modern bathroom in this article from Better Homes & Gardens. If you want a bathroom that injects a touch of yesterday with today, this is the perfect choice.
Mid-century modern design tips
No matter what area of the home you want to redesign in a mid century modern style, there are a few helpful tips that can get you started in the right direction. Start with a statement piece that is reflective of mid century modern like a brightly colored sofa with metal legs, a Eames lounge chair, or glass top wooden coffee table. These pieces can serve as a starting point around which the whole room is built. Whether it is shape or color, begin here and let it help you select the rest of the pieces. Don’t be afraid to explore various color options but when it comes to mid century modern, retro colors like warm oranges, blues and yellows rise to the top. A majority of these options work well with neutrals like black, white, and wood materials. It can create a sharp contrast or a playful combination. Area rugs, wall art, window treatments, and other accent pieces are a wonderful way to implement color into the space. Don’t forget about bringing the beauty of nature indoors as well as drawing inspiration from it. Including some potted plants in your space is not only a good fit for the mid century modern look but it also has health benefits such as cleaning the air. Artwork with land or seascapes lends a calmness to the room and more organic patterns for wallpaper or backsplash allow the touch of nature to make its way through the space as well. Mid century modern is a style that allows you to mix a bit of play into your home design.
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