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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 room with yellow cabinets and a televisionGreenbrook Design

Design Trends: Bold Colors In The Home

Design Notes

Color matters. It is a part of how we tell our story, especially within our homes. In the last few years, homeowners have ventured off the traditional path of neutrals, such as white, gray, and beige, to bring in pops of bold hues like red, green, and even blue. As the demand for brighter colors increases, both manufacturers and designers have risen to the occasion by creating and incorporating a more diverse color palette for their clients. Traditional products, such as tile, furniture, flooring, cabinets, and even glass, come in a wider selection of bold colors, which provide homeowners with the opportunity to blend a variety of bold colors and neutral colors together in a stunning final design. Although color is a fun element in the world of interiors, it can be challenging to determine the right amount and the various ways it can be incorporated into the home to create the perfect balance for everyone to enjoy.

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December 1, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Pool-House-vibrant-cabinet-colors-pass-through-window-Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-Dogwood-door-double-trash-pullout-floating-shelves-Trumpet-paint-color-custom-cabinets-tile-floor.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 Walker2021-12-01 21:00:422025-07-17 21:01:19Design Trends: Bold Colors In The Home
a dining room with a table and blue couches add Color to your HomeWalker Woodworking

Add A Little Color To Your Space: 15 Ways to add Color to your Home

Life, Styled

Home is a reflection of you, and one of the best ways to do that is through color. Color is more than a collection of tints and shades; it has more impact on our mood than anything else and can influence the look of our home more than we realize. Color psychology has been studied for decades, with recent findings revealing just how powerful color truly is in the home. Size and style can change by simply selecting different colors for your furniture, accent pieces, or wall color. As color plays such a vital role in the atmosphere and presentation of the home, it can feel a little overwhelming or even intimidating to make color choices. We have compiled a list of 15 simple ways you can add color to your home.

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December 1, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Blue-bench-seat-dining-room-table-custom-cabinets-pool-view-porch-view-custom-furniture-Greenbrook-Design-mixing-colors.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 Walker2021-12-01 15:53:022025-07-28 15:53:51Add A Little Color To Your Space: 15 Ways to add Color to your Home
Living room rustic living room living room lighting Orion lighting

5 Ways to Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

Design Notes

There are many elements that contribute to creating a welcoming home, including color, patterns, decorative pieces, and furniture. All of this comes together to paint an inviting space where guests leave feeling like family. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start or what pieces work best together to create the perfect look. Let’s talk about five ways to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home.

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November 28, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Living-room-rustic-living-room-living-room-lighting-Orion-lighting.jpg?fit=960%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 960 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2021-11-28 16:41:232025-07-28 16:42:035 Ways to Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
old world meets newWalker Woodworking

Areas of Priority in the Home. What Area Matters To You?

Design Notes

Does your home need some renovations to bring it back up to speed for your specific lifestyle? Are you ready to transform certain areas into a more functional and purposeful space? Our experienced design team has assisted hundreds of clients in creating new areas that function exactly as they need. How can we help you prioritize your needs through design? Let us help you find the areas of priority in your home! 

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November 21, 2021/by Sierra
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Magnolia-Grove-home-renovation-historic-home-renovation-historic-home.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1 800 1200 Sierra https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Sierra2021-11-21 13:47:222025-07-29 13:48:05Areas of Priority in the Home. What Area Matters To You?
living roomGreenbrook Design

Telling Your Story Your Way: Blending Culture with Interior Design

Life, Styled

At the heart of any design work is the chance to tell a story—the story of those who live there. Our home is at the core of who we are. It is our grounding, the place we can truly let our hair down and be ourselves. It’s where memories are not just made, but remembered and passed down to the next generation. Homes are meant to be special—a symbol to all who enter of what truly matters to us. That’s why the design choices we make should be influenced by who we are, where we came from, and how our unique experiences shape us. Across the world, people’s design choices are deeply rooted in culture. But in today’s ever-connected world, we’re also seeing a beautiful blending of cultures—where traditional elements mix with modern influences, and regional styles merge to reflect global inspirations.

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November 14, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-magnolia-grove-vintage-sitting-room.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 Walker2021-11-14 13:28:052025-07-29 13:28:47Telling Your Story Your Way: Blending Culture with Interior Design
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Shelby, NC 28150

 

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Jan@greenbrookdesign.com
980-404-9600

 

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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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