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Master bathroom with a bathtub, make up vanity, and single vanity
Walker Woodworking

Life, Styled

Trends in Modern Design

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The modern look is trending in homes today, characterized by its minimalism, natural materials, and chic style. Interior designers are using it as inspiration as they attempt to build a place that satisfies their client’s demand for a look that emphasizes functionality, stark, clean forms, and abstract thinking. Layout with a basic and practical design. Modern design style has its roots in both German and Scandinavian design, which sought to pair art with functionality. This was a welcome change from the maximalist look that was prevalent in the Victorian era. In this blog, we will discuss some of the emerging trends within the modern design look that interior designers are using to tell their clients’ story.

Metallic looks

Gold, silver, copper, bronze, and brass are among the top metallic finishes selected by homeowners and interior designers to blend sophisticated style with functionality. Metal components may add a sophisticated contrast or lavish layering to any room of the house, from coffee tables to decorative hardware. It is also the ideal complement to a modern design style. A sofa with metal legs, a table lamp in a gold finish, or a metal-framed bookcase are all dazzling ways to enjoy the timeless look found in the metallic world. Due to its versatility, metal is the perfect material to mix and match with other elements in the home, such as the hood in your kitchen. Speak to your designer about how to best bring a touch of metal into your space or gather some helpful tips in this blog by Better Homes and Gardens.

Modern charm

Selecting modern design for your interior style is a great choice. It is a style that possesses an elegant charm that unites the best of the Mid-century look with sleek modern design. The results are clean lines and clutter-free spaces. The typical color choice in a modern interior design is monochromatic which is using variations of just one color to create the perfect space. A modern look relies on simplicity to achieve the desired look but also isn’t afraid to blend a hint of the past with the present. Another aspect of the attractiveness of modern interior design is the decision to opt for fewer furniture pieces and accent items, as it prioritizes utility over fashion, placing it in the more minimalist category.

a kitchen with a marble island
Greenbrook Design

Darker side of nature

Nature is a leading influencer in shaping interior design choices. The softer colors of blue and green gently weave together to form an environment that is welcoming for all. There is a trend, however, of richer shades of nature, such as navy blue and emerald green, springing up in designs now and creating beautiful contrast against colors like browns and creams. These color schemes, found abundantly in nature, offer their own sense of allurement and measure of calm. Utilizing these darker colors can also make a room feel more intimate and give off a sense of luxury too. Pairing it with antique metal finishes, such as copper and oil-rubbed bronze, in accent pieces like table legs or frames, operates perfectly within the style guides for modern design as well.

Wood tones in modern design

Wood is an essential element to practically every area in the home and any design style. There are various ways to incorporate the aesthetic qualities of wood in design, including the modern style, from cabinets to countertops. Oak, cherry, and walnut are a few of the species that reflect the characteristics of a more modern interior design look. Their features can feel luxurious and add depth to any space. Another benefit is the range of appearances these wood species can offer, such as the classy cerused oak or the textured, rich quarter-sawn white oak. Both cherry and walnut look good in a simple, natural stain, but a little use of stain can transform them into something unique and magnificent. Be sure to discuss with your designer the best wood tones for your space and how they should be incorporated for the most favorable results.

A cabinet with interior LED lighting and a close up of the glass pitcher on display
Walker Woodworking

Outdoors in

Wellness remains a key priority for interior designers as they begin to chart a plan for refreshing their clients’ homes. Bringing parts of the outdoors indoors is one way to successfully achieve this goal, and there are several methods to do so.

  • Plants not only come dressed in nature’s own beautiful color palette, but they also help clean the air and gently weave themselves into the design landscape.
  • Utilizing natural materials such as wood, stone, and glass in your design, either through countertops, flooring, lighting, or furniture, forms an organic contrast against the other modern pieces.
  • Whenever possible, try to maximize any source of natural light, as it produces vitamin D, can help lessen seasonal depression, and gives a more welcoming appearance to any space.

Talk to your designer about how you may bring a little of the outside in as taking some design cues from nature will remain a mainstay in the design field.

Glass

Modern interior design emphasizes clean lines, minimalism, and natural light, making glass an ideal candidate for all three categories. Glass is also an adaptable material, as it comes in not just clear but also textured, antique, and colored versions. It can be used in kitchen cabinet design by replacing some of the traditional doors and giving a brighter, more open feel to the space. Textured or antique glass adds another layer of depth to any furniture piece it is paired with, not to mention some visual interest as well. Some designers are taking glass to another level in the home by using it to partition off a specific area, such as a home office, or making it the focal point in a wine cellar design.

Walker Woodworking custom cabinets clear glass cabinet doors inset build Jeffery Alexander Anwick series hardware

Coastal vibes

A modern coastal design has made its way into numerous homes, with its beachy vibes reaching far beyond the ocean shore. Homeowners are enjoying the relaxed feel this lovely style choice brings with its soft color palette and washed wood tones. When incorporating coastal design into any space in the home, opt for a simple color palette, but that doesn’t mean it all has to be neutral. Pops of turquoise and even subtle oranges can really add a lot to the space. Texture plays a key role in this design style, so be sure to incorporate elements like driftwood and faux plants that evoke the shoreline or bring a touch of the ocean indoors, such as a glass bowl filled with seashells serving as a centerpiece for the coffee table. A coastal design style also presents a great opportunity to incorporate eco-conscious materials, such as bamboo and natural stone countertops.

a room with yellow cabinets and a television
Greenbrook Design

Trends in modern design

Are you ready to refresh your home with a sophisticated look? The modern design style has all the elements needed to dazzle the crowds while maintaining a comfortable atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Places like Pinterest and Houzz can provide you with a visual representation of what possibilities await you in your home. Elegant and sleek, modern design delivers it all.

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a dining table in a kitchenGreenbrook Design

2026 Kitchen Remodel Costs

Design Notes

Here’s the truth: those numbers can be accurate in many situations, and they can also feel wildly out of reach—because “kitchen remodel cost” depends on what’s included, what level of cabinetry you choose, and where you live.

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WW Shop June 2025 7993

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cabinet Maker in Charlotte, NC

Design Notes

Hiring a cabinet maker is a big step in any kitchen or bath remodel. The right partner will make the process feel clear and supported. The wrong one can lead to delays, surprise costs, and a finished look that doesn’t match what you pictured.

If you’re a homeowner in Charlotte, NC, and you’re comparing cabinet companies, use these questions to guide your consultations and feel confident about who you hire.

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May 6, 2026/by Sierra
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Gennerman 3617

4 Ways Custom Cabinets Maximize Small Spaces

Design Notes

Unlike stock or semi-custom options, custom cabinets are built specifically for your space, your needs, and your lifestyle. Every inch is intentional. Every detail serves a purpose.

Let’s take a closer look at how custom cabinetry can completely transform small spaces.

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April 28, 2026/by Sierra
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Finish FB Skimming Stone white cabinets paneled dishwasher backplate hardware honey bronze finish KitchenAid Bakers Pantry SENSI GOLD CALACATTA

The Finishing Touch: A Guide to Cabinet Hardware for Your Home

Design Notes
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April 28, 2026/by Sierra
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Finish-FB-Skimming-Stone-white-cabinets-paneled-dishwasher-backplate-hardware-honey-bronze-finish-KitchenAid-Bakers-Pantry-SENSI-GOLD-CALACATTA.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1920 Sierra https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Sierra2026-04-28 11:00:002026-05-06 07:57:09The Finishing Touch: A Guide to Cabinet Hardware for Your Home
Walker Woodworking Graber window treatment Crossville Basalt floor tile double griddle four burner stovetop tilt stay door Milan hardware Metro Quartz countertop inset kitchen cabinets

Transforming an Outdated Kitchen into a Modern Dream

Design Notes

The kitchen is where life happens. It’s where meals are prepared, conversations unfold, and memories are made. But when a kitchen feels outdated, cramped, or inefficient, it can take away from the enjoyment of the entire home.

In this recent project by Greenbrook Design, we had the opportunity to transform an outdated kitchen into a bright, modern, and highly functional space. The results speak for themselves—not just in how the kitchen looks, but in how it lives.

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April 14, 2026/by Sierra
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Shelby, NC 28150

 

Contact
Jan@greenbrookdesign.com
980-404-9600

 

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

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