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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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shower

What Will It Be: Soak or Shower?

Design Notes

The master bathroom is considered a special retreat for the owners, a place of relaxation. Over the years, the design has changed from a garden tub and shower combo to walk-in showers and soaker tubs. Some wonder if both are needed or if one is more essential than the other. We want to explore the pros and cons of each and help you know which one is the best fit for you, or if you should have both.

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October 14, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinet-walk-in-shower-rainfall-shower-head-white-master-bathroom-soaker-tub-brass-hardware.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 Walker2020-10-14 17:29:242025-07-30 17:29:45What Will It Be: Soak or Shower?
two women standing in a kitchenGreenbrook Design

Virtual Liver Mush Festival 2020

In The News

Liver mush. Cleveland County is famous for its liver mush and the festival that has celebrated it for the past 30 years. Due to COVID-19, however, our community had to do some quick thinking to enjoy our yearly tradition still safely. This is how the first-ever virtual liver mush festival was born, and we at Greenbrook Design are honored to be one of the sponsors. Individuals were invited to share a video of themselves preparing their favorite way to enjoy liver mush for a chance to win cash and prizes valued at over $1,000.

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October 14, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_2449-773x1030-1.jpg?fit=773%2C1030&ssl=1 1030 773 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-10-14 12:59:002025-08-04 13:11:15Virtual Liver Mush Festival 2020
Walker Woodworking custom cabinets exposed wood beam double kitchen island waterfall countertops black hardware

Simplicity And Clean Lines: What is a Minimalist Design Style?

Life, Styled

The bare essentials. That is how some would describe a minimalist design style, one void of color and personality. A house designed with this style will only have the necessities needed to function, but that is not the case. While it is true that the minimalist style lacks the extra fluff and sparkle of other styles, it is still a beautiful choice for those who are looking to create a space with simplicity. Let’s unpack this style to see if it suits your home.

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October 7, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-exposed-wood-beam-double-kitchen-island-waterfall-countertops-black-hardware.jpg?fit=844%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 844 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-10-07 19:13:092025-07-30 19:13:35Simplicity And Clean Lines: What is a Minimalist Design Style?
Farmhouse kitchen remodel shiplap stairs pan divider builtins

Going Up? 10 Ways to Use your Stairs

Design Notes

When you think of creating a unique space or finding extra storage, does your mind go to your stairs? Probably not, but there is so much that can be done with this unique space. Let’s explore what you can do with your staircase to get that little something extra you have been looking for.

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September 28, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Farmhouse-kitchen-remodel-shiplap-stairs-pan-divider-builtins.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 Walker2020-09-28 19:53:312025-07-30 19:53:56Going Up? 10 Ways to Use your Stairs
a kitchen with white cabinets and blue and white flowersGreenbrook Design

How to Prepare for a Home Remodel

What's New

Watching HGTV can excite anyone about a home remodel, but it is not as easy as they make it out to be. Once the renovation starts, certain things take place. The things you were used to doing suddenly require some creative thinking, such as cooking or even getting everyone ready in the morning. While a renovation can be a little disruptive to our daily routine, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here, we share a few things about what to expect during a home remodel and how to navigate with ease.

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September 21, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Semi-custom-cabinets-MetropolitanCabinets-blue-island-Metro-Door-kitchen-remodel-large-island-farmhouse-kitchen-Greenbrook-Design-Rainstorm-paint-color-2.jpg?fit=1869%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1869 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-09-21 19:57:352025-07-30 19:57:52How to Prepare for a Home Remodel
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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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Vendors require an appointment. Please contact: Jan@greenbrookdesign.com

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