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a kitchen with blue cabinets and white tile walls
Walker Woodworking

LIFE, STYLED

The Open Concept: Embracing Kitchen Design without Upper Cabinets

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In recent years, kitchen design trends have shifted toward a more open-concept and airy feel, moving away from traditional closed-off layouts. One standout trend is the elimination of upper cabinets in favor of open shelving or a more minimalistic aesthetic. This approach enhances the sense of spaciousness and complements the open-concept style, offering greater creative freedom in both layout and design.

Embracing Minimalism

The absence of upper cabinets in a kitchen can instantly create a sense of airiness and openness. It allows for uninterrupted sightlines, making the kitchen more extensive and inviting. This design choice is particularly effective in smaller kitchens, where upper cabinets sometimes make the space cramped.

a kitchen with blue cabinets and white countertops
Walker Woodworking

Functional Alternatives

While losing storage space might seem daunting, several functional alternatives to traditional upper cabinets exist. Floating shelves, for example, can be a stylish and practical solution. They provide a place to display decorative items or frequently used kitchenware while maintaining an open and airy feel.

Creating Visual Interest

Without upper cabinets, there is an opportunity to create visual interest in the kitchen. This can be achieved through statement backsplashes, bold paint colors, or eye-catching lighting fixtures. The absence of upper cabinets allows these design elements to take center stage, adding personality and charm to the space.

Practical Considerations

When designing a kitchen without upper cabinets, practicality must be considered. This includes ensuring that there is enough storage space in other areas of the kitchen, such as lower cabinets, drawers, or a pantry. It’s also important to consider the placement of appliances and other functional elements to ensure ease of use and efficiency.

a wood shelves with fruit and a bowl of teapot on it
Walker Woodworking

Conclusion

Designing a kitchen without upper cabinets can be a bold and refreshing choice. It allows for a more open and airy feel, creates opportunities for creative design elements, and can make a small kitchen feel larger. With careful planning and consideration of functional needs, this design approach can result in a stylish and practical kitchen that is both functional and beautiful.

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a kitchen with white cabinets and blue islandGreenbrook Design

Your Budgets Best Friend: Mix and Match Cabinets

Life, Styled

Wanting the custom kitchen of your dreams can be overwhelming and isn’t always budget-friendly. However, an easy, cost-effective way to have the kitchen of your dreams is closer to your grasp than you think.

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September 30, 2022/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Semi-custom-cabinets-blue-island-kitchen-remodel-large-island-farmhouse-kitchen-Greenbrook-Design.jpg?fit=1848%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1848 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2022-09-30 14:46:002025-07-29 20:45:14Your Budgets Best Friend: Mix and Match Cabinets
a kitchen with drawers and stoves tips to organizeWalker Woodworking

5 TIPS TO ORGANIZE LIKE A PRO!

Life, Styled

Although having a professional come in and assist is sometimes the best solution, there are certain things that you can do to get a head start or do it all by yourself. Clutter is a friend to no one and can quickly overwhelm and suffocate you. Although it is never easy to begin the task of removing piles of junk from a home, the end results are well worth the investment of time and effort. But that is only half the battle; the other is knowing what to do after it has all been neatly tucked away. Use these tips to organize like a pro—start with a plan and be deliberate about its implementation. As you regain control over your home, you will feel the stress melt away as you enjoy coming home again.

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September 14, 2022/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Custom-cabinets-Walker-Woodworking-kitchen-designer-organize-my-kitchen-spice-drawer-deep-drawers-pot-and-pans-storage-divider-drawers.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1 800 1200 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2022-09-14 20:40:172025-07-17 20:40:565 TIPS TO ORGANIZE LIKE A PRO!
Sun parlor with walnut fireplaceWalker Woodworking

Refresh, Relax, Redo: Rejuvenating Your Living Spaces

Design Notes

Updating your home to a place that truly feels comfortable and enjoyable for everyone doesn’t have to break the bank. By making a few adjustments here and there, you can transform your home into your favorite hangout. Our amazing team can assist you in finding just the thing or things that have been missing from your home, plus with our access to over 30 different vendors, we know our members can help. We invite you to visit our 5,000-square-foot award-winning showroom, located in beautiful Uptown Shelby, near Charlotte, NC, as well as several other cities, including Spartanburg and Asheville. We look forward to helping you rejuvenate your living space.

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September 14, 2022/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Walker-Woodworking-historic-home-picture-frame-wall-custom-cabinets-select-walnut-piano-room-arched-doorways-firemantle-hardwaood-floors-green-tile-sun-parlor-Copy.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1920 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2022-09-14 15:48:372025-07-24 15:49:17Refresh, Relax, Redo: Rejuvenating Your Living Spaces
a white bathroom with a round mirrorWalker Woodworking

Make Your Own Statement: 4 UNIQUE DOOR STYLES!

Design Notes

While there are multiple standard door styles to choose from, opting for a custom look can add that special wow factor to your home that you’ve been looking for. We have been manufacturing custom pieces for over twenty years and love seeing the look of surprise and delight on our clients’ faces when they see their cabinet for the first time. Here are four unique door styles that we’ve created for our clients, which we’re particularly proud of.

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September 1, 2022/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Benjamin-Moore-paint-China-White-Satin-slab-door-gold-hardware-soaker-tub-Osborne-legs-Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-panel-molding-decorative-doors.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1920 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2022-09-01 16:11:122025-07-24 16:11:36Make Your Own Statement: 4 UNIQUE DOOR STYLES!
Cabin outdoor living space with fireplace with live edge dining tableWalker Woodworking

Design Solutions For Your Home: Blending Urban with Suburban!

Life, Styled

Many homeowners want the familiar touches of suburban life while enjoying the benefits that urban life has to offer. This results in a need for design to alter and adjust in order to provide exactly what is required to make someone feel perfectly at home. Let’s discuss some of the ways you can blend urban with suburban and create a style that says welcome home to you.

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August 28, 2022/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-outdoor-living-space-outdoor-kitchen-fireplace-cabin-design-outdoor-seating.jpg?fit=1980%2C1320&ssl=1 1320 1980 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2022-08-28 16:15:292025-07-24 16:15:50Design Solutions For Your Home: Blending Urban with Suburban!
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112 N. Lafayette St.
Shelby, NC 28150

 

Contact
Jan@greenbrookdesign.com
980-404-9600

 

Showroom Hours:
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Tuesday 9 to 5 pm
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Our showroom is open to the public. Design meetings require an appointment, which can be done by phone or email. CONTACT US

 

Vendors require an appointment. Please contact: Jan@greenbrookdesign.com

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