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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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Bonus room blue wainscoting blue and tan bonus room specialty lighting

What’s Your Lighting Style? It’s in the Details

Life, Styled

In our final part of the selection tips series, we want to focus our attention on lighting. Good lighting can make a difference in the room; no one enjoys struggling to see around the shadows cast by insufficient light or the glare of one placed too low.  Here’s what should be on your list of things to look for when selecting your lighting.

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November 21, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Bonus-room-blue-wainscoting-blue-and-tan-bonus-room-specialty-lighting.jpg?fit=1036%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1036 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-11-21 14:43:002025-07-30 14:43:43What’s Your Lighting Style? It’s in the Details
Bench seat shiplap orange decorative pillows coat hooks

Remodeling Truths: As Seen On TV Versus Reality

Life, Styled

There’s no denying the appeal of HGTV’s popular renovation shows such as Fixer Upper, Love It or List It, and Property Brothers. These programs consistently deliver impressive home transformations, turning outdated properties into stylish, modern living spaces—all within the span of a neatly packaged, one-hour episode.

While unexpected challenges and budget concerns occasionally arise, the hosts reliably navigate these obstacles, keeping projects on track and showcasing the kind of resilience and problem-solving that resonates with homeowners and renovation professionals alike.

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November 15, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Bench-seat-shiplap-orange-decorative-pillows-coat-hooks.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 Walker2020-11-15 14:29:002025-07-30 17:46:36Remodeling Truths: As Seen On TV Versus Reality
Walker Woodworking custom cabinets Joe Pruvis Loftus design home office gray office desk

Effective Design for your Home Office

Life, Styled

What was once just space to check your email quickly or jot down your to-do list, the home office is now essential for many who work from home. This shift from the nice bonus feature to the necessary has caused many homeowners to reevaluate their current condition, with many finding it lacking. Productivity and efficiency are linked to a functional space that gives you exactly what you need to get the job done. Here we share some tips on designing the perfect office away from the office.

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November 14, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-Joe-Pruvis-Loftus-design-home-office-gray-office-desk.jpg?fit=853%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 853 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-11-14 15:06:382025-07-30 15:06:58Effective Design for your Home Office
Walker Woodworking custom cabinets beige kitchen cabinets beige kitchen wolf kitchen appliances white countertop white tile backsplash oven hood kitchen farm sink

What’s Right For You? How to Choose your Kitchen Appliance

Design Notes

You have been dreaming of a new kitchen for a while, and now the decision has been made to finally bring it to life. Cabinets, lights, faucets, tile, and flooring are all on your to-do list, but what about the kitchen appliances? Have you thought about whether you want a double oven? Two dishwashers? Maybe you want a wide refrigerator, a separate beverage cooler, or a wine fridge? The choice of kitchen appliance you need depends on what is important to you and what will suit your lifestyle. We will share some of our best tips on which appliances are best for your specific needs.

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November 14, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-beige-kitchen-cabinets-beige-kitchen-wolf-kitchen-appliances-white-countertop-white-tile-backsplash-oven-hood-kitchen-farm-sink.jpg?fit=1167%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1167 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-11-14 15:03:302025-07-30 15:03:50What’s Right For You? How to Choose your Kitchen Appliance
Graber Window TreatmentsGreenbrook Design

How to Modernize your Outdated Home

Design Notes

You need to understand the difference between style, class, and function. Although a house’s style may become outdated, it does not have to lose its class. Every home can remain functional regardless of its style and age.

An old-style home is one thing, but an obsolete home is an entirely different matter. In this article, we outline simple things you can do to pull your outdated home out of the past and into the modern period. You will be able to restore its appeal without giving up the quiet dignity that’s associated with old homes.

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November 1, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Graber02.jpg?fit=1010%2C647&ssl=1 647 1010 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-11-01 15:15:052025-07-30 15:15:32How to Modernize your Outdated Home
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