Life, Styled
Color is far more than just a visual element—it communicates emotion, sets a mood, and can shape the overall atmosphere of a space. In the design world, color is a powerful tool, and each year, industry professionals look to the Pantone Color of the Year for inspiration. Since 1999, this annual announcement has influenced trends in interior design, fashion, and beyond. This year’s selection, Classic Blue, symbolizes a sense of calm and confidence, offering a reassuring presence as we step into a new decade.
Blue has long been associated with stability, serenity, and introspection—qualities found naturally in the sky and sea. As our lives become increasingly busy and our schedules more demanding, the need for restful, grounding environments becomes essential. Incorporating Classic Blue into your home—whether through accent walls, textiles, furnishings, or accessories—can help create a soothing and welcoming retreat, perfect for recharging after a long day. It’s a timeless hue that not only speaks to the moment but will remain relevant and elegant for years to come.
Pop Of Color
Adding blue to your home can be as simple as placing a new rug in the room, adding a couple of beautiful pillows, or getting new window treatments. There are numerous ways to incorporate a pop of blue without significantly altering the space or incurring a substantial expense. Sometimes, it is the little areas that can make the most impact. By sprinkling a little blue throughout the area, it provides a place of rest for the eyes and calm for the soul.
Statement Piece
If you’re drawn to something a bit more dramatic, consider incorporating a bold statement piece—like the stunning Larder pantry featured in our showroom. With its rich blue finish, it brings just the right amount of color to a space, effortlessly blending function with style. In fact, it’s often the first piece that catches visitors’ eyes when they walk through our doors.
There are countless ways to introduce a striking design element into your home. A blue kitchen island, two-toned drop zones, or a vibrant beverage center can serve as focal points that add personality and depth to your space. Whether you prefer a classic touch or something more contemporary, incorporating bold color in thoughtful ways can elevate your entire design.
Main Design Color
For many reasons, Blue is also a great choice as the primary color in a design. This color is one of the easiest for the eye to see, helping the body to relax after a stressful day. It also blends well with multiple design styles and can create an inviting space for any occasion. Bathrooms are a popular choice for a blue color palette because of the calming effects and spa vibes it sends.
Kitchens also work well with this color, as it creates an inviting environment for the family to gather after a long day and breaks away from traditional colors. We have used a blue color scheme on a variety of projects that have always ended with amazing results. Visit our project gallery for more examples.
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