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Environmentally friendly products are trending, and that includes the design world. More and more homeowners are looking for ways to lessen their carbon footprint, and companies have risen to the task by providing a large selection of products. Our showroom offers a variety of products sourced through multiple companies that allow you to get exactly what you need for your home while keeping Mother Nature safe. Let’s talk about some of the latest sustainable design trends that are now available to you and your family.
Bamboo Products
Considered a sustainable material because it is a renewable natural product, it is a popular choice for those who want to be eco-friendly. Bamboo also has a wide variety of uses, making it perfect for the home, and offers several benefits.
- UV protection: Built-in sun protection makes this a great choice for window treatments, which is why Graber utilizes bamboo in their natural woven shades. Learn more here.
- Hypoallergenic: Bamboo fabric is naturally hypoallergenic and is perfect for those with sensitive skin. Choose it to make your next decorative pillows or curtains.
- No Chemicals: Because bamboo is grown without the use of pesticides, it results in products that are safe for the whole family.
Interior designers enjoy weaving bamboo into the home since it is not only a natural product but also brings nature indoors so elegantly. Consider using it in your home.
- Furniture: From tables to chairs, bamboo is a steady material that serves multiple purposes and areas in the home while looking amazing.
- Plates: Bamboo’s smooth surface is a lovely addition to any tablescape or place setting.
- Artwork: Wall coverings from bamboo can create layers and dimensions in any room.
- Accent pieces: Decorative bowls, headboards, and even lamps are a great way to add bits of warmth and serenity to any area of the home.
- Countertops: If a butcher block is on your wish list for your new kitchen countertop, consider bamboo. It is smooth, unique, and durable.
Bamboo is a versatile material that brings a lot to any design, and when you include the additional benefits, it seems to be the clear choice for those who want to have eco-friendly options in their home. Talk to your designer about the products you can choose for your new design or home renovation.
Eco-Friendly Decor Items
We hear the reports of how much Americans are guilty of being wasteful, and many are encouraging individuals to consider items that have been sustainably sourced or reused. This is one of the reasons we love being an authorized dealer for companies like ETU Home that handcraft their products from reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and responsibly sourced materials across Europe. Their beautiful and unique pieces add instant charm and warmth to any room in the home. Some of our favorites include
- Cutting boards: A beautiful cutting board is not only practical in the kitchen but also great for decor. It is now available in multiple colors.
- Dough bowls: Their uneven dips and varying lengths make them a great piece in the home. Whether holding snacks for a party or filled with decorative items and placed on a coffee table, both are lovely.
- Glass accent: Clear and smooth, this is a nice decor element and can serve multiple purposes, such as a cake dome, pitcher, or vase.
- Rugs: Made from natural fibers, they can be a wonderful way to add texture and color to a room.
And it doesn’t stop there; here are some more decor ideas for the eco-friendly homeowner.
- Repurpose: Consider going to a local antique shop or even a flea market. Many vendors are taking old pieces and turning them into something brand new and functional.
- Greenery: Houseplants are not only natural; they have many health benefits, such as cleaning the air. They also create a more relaxed environment.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new or different things. You can also check out places like Pinterest to discover more ways to make eco-friendly design choices.
Natural Products
When considering becoming more eco-friendly, materials are at the top of the list. Now more than ever before, manufacturers and designers are partnering to create options that are sustainable. There is an ample supply of products and materials to help you create the perfect atmosphere and style in your home. Here are some to get your creative juices flowing.
- Cork: With a unique texture and versatility, cork is quickly becoming a popular material for items beyond the bulletin board, including flooring and common items such as lampshades. You can also color it, making it easy to add some color to a room.
- Glass: Forever recyclable, this is a material that will remain timeless and at the top of eco-friendly choices. From elegant showpieces to tabletops, glass has stood the test of time. When doing cabinets, it is a great way to reduce the amount of wood used by choosing to have your door fronts and even bathroom shelving made from glass instead. It is also a great option for showcasing some of your favorite pieces in the kitchen.
- Reclaimed wood: This is a popular feature in many of HGTV’s renovation shows, taking wood from the original house and incorporating it into the design. There are many ways to do this, including wrapping a kitchen island in reclaimed wood, building custom furniture or cabinets out of it, and creating an accent wall. There are lots of options with reclaimed wood. See a project we completed using some of the reclaimed wood from the 200-year-old farmhouse.
- Stone: From kitchen countertops to specialty tops in the home, natural stone remains a popular option, including marble and granite. Both are great eco-friendly choices and blend with several design styles.
There are so many sustainable choices available now that your designer will have an easier time locating options for you to choose from that allow you to get the style you need while leaving a soft carbon footprint behind.
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…
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