Design Notes
We love spaces that look beautiful, but many times we underestimate the little things that can have the biggest impact. Facets provide our bathrooms and kitchens with a clean and elegant way to wash our hands, our food, and our dishes. They are a functional part of the design, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. With the numerous styles and finishes offered by manufacturers, it can be challenging to determine which one will best suit your home. Several other factors should also be considered, including durability, maintenance, and suitability for specific areas of the home. Let’s talk about them here before you head out to buy your next amazing faucet.
Faucet Finishes
When it comes to finishes, there are many elegant ones to choose from, including:
- Copper
- Nickel
- Brass
- Oil-rubbed Bronze
- Stainless Steel
- Matte Black
Each one has its own benefits and beauty that make it attractive. Brass has become a popular choice and remains a favorite among homeowners and interior designers. It is easy to clean, plus it adds a fun pop to the space, especially when paired with white or wood. Pairing your brass faucet with matching hardware instantly creates a stunning and amazing look. If you don’t like shiny metal but don’t want the warm tones of brass, oil-rubbed bronze might be just what you are looking for since it has a more traditional feel. One significant benefit of this finish is that it resists water spots and fingerprints easily. This is a lovely finish choice that can make any space beautiful, and it comes with matching hardware. One con is that it is a little pricier than many other finishes. When looking for a finish that is different and stands out, copper is your go-to choice, as it is bold. It naturally adds a luxurious feel to any space and is a great option for those who enjoy a steampunk bathroom or even a farmhouse look. Black faucet finishes are another trend that has been popular for some time, as they can be paired with a wide range of styles and materials. It also adds a touch of class and contrast to any space. When seeking a modern look, this is the finish you will want. Before finalizing your selection, be sure to consult with your designer and take the time to browse other items you need, such as light fixtures and hardware, to ensure you can find something that will work or at least complement it.
Faucet Durability
For homeowners, durability is a crucial aspect of almost any feature in the home; after all, we don’t want to spend money on something only to replace it every few years. It is recommended that you replace your faucet every ten years or so due to mineral buildup from the water, but with good maintenance, that time can be extended. The material you select can also affect durability, and it seems that brass is at the top of the list. They are a material that is long-lasting and has less chance of rust or leakage. Their price is a little higher, but the durability makes them worth the investment. Remember that replacing a faucet is not too difficult, which means you can opt for another material that may not last as long but provides the look you want. Some faucets come with a warranty, which may cover an exchange after several years, so this is also an option. Be sure to discuss this with your designer; their years of experience can greatly benefit you when making your final choice.
Facet Styles
Manufacturers have expanded their design styles for faucets to include farmhouse, modern, minimalist, and even vintage styles now. This means the options have become so large that it can be difficult to know which direction to go. Before making your final selection, take some time to assess your needs in each facet, as this can help narrow down which one will work best for you. Consider whether you prefer a single handle or multiple handles, and whether you want a handle that requires turning or simply pulling out. Consider the height and reach of the faucet as well. The color finish you select also plays a role in representing your style, as certain tones work better than others. A matte black finish pairs well with a modern style, as it is elegant and sleek in appearance. In contrast, oil-rubbed bronze is better suited for an old-world style, such as Tuscan or Mediterranean, where it can create a warm and inviting ambiance. Polished nickel consistently delivers a smooth, shiny look and can complement a range of styles, including modern, contemporary, and traditional. Investing some time into what you want out of a faucet will help narrow down your choices when shopping and save you time.
Best Faucet For Kitchen
The kitchen is where we do just about everything, from washing our hands before dinner to doing the dishes, so there are certain needs that ought to be thought of before purchasing a faucet. Some features, like a pull-down sprayer, are a great addition since they can be used to rinse out the sink or the veggies before cutting them. Having two faucets is an added benefit when you have a longer sink, such as the Galley Workstation, as it increases the usability for multiple cooks. The faucet handle is a crucial aspect here, as our hands can become dirty or oily from working with food, making it difficult to turn a knob or even a cross-handle. There are now options for a touchless version, which is great for everyone, including children and those with arthritis. Since the sink tends to be in a more open space, you can also opt for a higher faucet, creating a dramatic look in this area.
Best Faucet For Bathroom
There are several popular options, but what matters most is your personal style. There are a few things to consider, however, when purchasing a faucet for the bathroom. Is this for a master bathroom with a double sink? Will children be using it? What color is your countertop? Is there a particular height you are looking to have? These will help you determine which one is right for you. For children, it is essential to have a faucet that turns on and off easily, so they don’t struggle when washing their hands or brushing their teeth. Lever handles work well since they take minimal pressure to turn them on and off. Cross handles are attractive as they possess a certain charm and work well with traditional and even farmhouse design styles. Certain finishes, such as oil-rubbed bronze, tend not to show water spots, making them a great choice for guest bathrooms.
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