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.
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