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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 sink with a cutting board and backsplash ledgeWalker Woodworking

Made To Last: What is a Karran Sink?

Design Notes

The kitchen sink is probably one of the most important elements in the kitchen, since it’s where we wash dishes, rinse food, and wash our hands. There are so many options, such as stainless steel, porcelain, and ceramic. Then, of course, there are multiple styles and sizes. At Greenbrook, we are always looking for new items that will meet a need for our clients, and sinks definitely are one of them, which is why we are an authorized dealer for the Karran Sinks.

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March 7, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Kraus-23-inch-undermount-sink.jpg?fit=1800%2C1200&ssl=1 1200 1800 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2021-03-07 20:26:402025-07-29 20:27:14Made To Last: What is a Karran Sink?
A sink with a gold faucet and a plant and soap dish on the counterWalker Woodworking

Upcycling & Bold Colors: What is Grand Millennial Style

Life, Styled

Old meets new to create a blend of something beautiful, which is one way to summarize grand millennial style. While minimalism is still a popular trend, many millennials are finding comfort and freedom of expression from their beloved family heritage. Grand millennial is a combination of the new with things of the past, like that old wingback chair from grandma’s attic, and breathing new life into it through reupholstering it. This style also pairs perfectly with many people’s desire to recycle and reduce waste by repurposing existing materials. Let’s unpack this style a little more and find out if it is right for you.

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March 1, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-laundry-room-backsplash-laundry-room-sink-gray-countertop-brass-sink-fixture-pink-cabinets.jpg?fit=854%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 854 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2021-03-01 20:33:352025-07-29 20:34:06Upcycling & Bold Colors: What is Grand Millennial Style
a room with a fireplace and a chairGreenbrook Design

Eco-Friendly: SMART HOME GUIDE

What's New

Using smart devices to help manage your home not only makes your life easier. However, many forms of smart home tech also reduce utility usage and improve your home’s carbon footprint. You’ll improve your life and become more eco-friendly all at once! Here’s how to get started:

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February 21, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-fireplace-room-flat-screen-TV-living-room-Walker-Zanger-tile.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 Walker2021-02-21 18:00:002025-10-06 19:01:51Eco-Friendly: SMART HOME GUIDE
Walker Woodworking custom cabinets living room wood ceiling

Natural, Beneficial, and Healthy: USING NATURAL LIGHT FOR WELLNESS

Design Notes

Health and wellness are a high priority for many today, especially in the home, which is why interior designers are placing a great emphasis on the renovation or remodel plans for the home. Natural light brings a wealth of benefits for your family and also gives the home a beautiful warmth.

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February 7, 2021/by Sierra
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-living-room-wood-ceiling.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1920 Sierra https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Sierra2021-02-07 20:07:002025-07-09 20:31:47Natural, Beneficial, and Healthy: USING NATURAL LIGHT FOR WELLNESS
a kitchen with black cabinets and stainless steel appliancesMetropolitan Woodworks Inc

Bold, Bright, & Beautiful: Dark Colors Make Bold Statements

Design Notes

Contrast is a design element that is used often since it makes a statement, creates visual interest, and provides a touch of elegance to the space. White and Black, dark mixed with warm metals like gold, copper, and brass. Many interior designers are choosing to use this tool and these color combinations more in their creations, and it seems that this trend is only increasing in popularity.  Let’s explore the different ways you can add dark colors to your space, balanced with enough light to make a beautiful presentation in your home that both you and your guests will enjoy.

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February 2, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Metropolitan-cabinets-kitchen.png?fit=1215%2C810&ssl=1 810 1215 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2021-02-02 20:58:092025-07-29 20:58:42Bold, Bright, & Beautiful: Dark Colors Make Bold Statements
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112 N. Lafayette St.
Shelby, NC 28150

 

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Jan@greenbrookdesign.com
980-404-9600

 

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