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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 kitchen with a island and chairsWalker Woodworking

Is It Worth It: Why Hire a Designer?

Life, Styled

You love your home, but there are some areas that are no longer working for you, if they ever did at all. You have made the big decision to renovate your kitchen, to give yourself the space you have always envisioned, but it feels overwhelming. How do you know which layout will work best for you? Which style best represents you, and what wood type will pair perfectly with certain colors? The kitchen can be a more difficult renovation because it involves multiple facets, such as plumbing and electrical. Adding in the appliances, lighting, and cabinets decisions can be enough to make your head spin. Planning is a critical part of a kitchen renovation, making it a key area of focus, which is why an experienced designer can help you accomplish your dreams on time and on budget.

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August 28, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-kitchen-lighting-kitchen-island-countertop-backsplash-range-hood-alder-wood.jpg?fit=1069%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1069 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2021-08-28 15:18:352025-07-29 15:19:21Is It Worth It: Why Hire a Designer?
Walker Woodworking custom cabinets James Martin Vanities Savannah vanity Carrara While marble countertop boho style

Simple, Stylish, & Smart: The Benefits of a James Martin Vanity

Design Notes

James Martin Vanities has not disappointed us but provided many of our clients with a bathroom vanity that suited their unique needs, and the shorter lead times have allowed them to get the upgrades they needed within their timeframe. Our goal will always remain to provide our clients with the best possible products that fit their project, whether that is a custom, semi-custom, or predone option like the James Martin Vanity. We are here to assist you in finding the vanity that works for you, which is why we offer a variety of options. Are you ready for a change? Come visit our showroom where we have multiple vanities available for you to browse, and if you like one, you can take it home with you.

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August 14, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-James-Martin-Vanities-Savannah-vanity-Carrara-While-marble-countertop-boho-style.jpg?fit=1110%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1110 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2021-08-14 15:23:022025-07-29 15:24:04Simple, Stylish, & Smart: The Benefits of a James Martin Vanity
A cutting board with strawberries and a knifeWalker Woodworking

Why Choose a Galley Workstation

Design Notes

The kitchen sink has often been used to describe someone who packs everything they can think of when going on a trip, but in reality, it is a vital part of the kitchen and one of the most frequently used elements. It’s how we maintain a clean environment as we wash our hands, food, countertops, and dirty dishes. Our entire meal prep revolves around the sink since it is where most of the food is cut and prepared to be turned into a delicious dish for the family, and all the pots are filled. With so much happening around the sink, and it fulfills many roles, the type you choose is important. It should have the capacity to do everything needed in one easy design, which is why Greenbrook Design is proud to be a dealer for the Galley Workstation, a company that has reinvented the sink. Let’s talk about what it is and why you should choose it for your new kitchen sink.

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August 7, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Walker-Woodworking-cutom-cabinets-the-Galley-sink-quartz-countertop-kitchen-sink.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 Walker2021-08-07 15:26:542025-07-29 15:27:20Why Choose a Galley Workstation
basement

Why have an Entertainment Space?

Design Notes

Home is more than just a place to prepare for the next day, to sleep at night, and to eat your meals. It is a place where memories are made. It is where you can take a break from your routine and do something fun with your family. While everyone enjoys gathering in the kitchen, it is not the most ideal area of the home to play a board game or watch a movie. Many homeowners enjoy the idea of having a separate area where the kids can play, or they can host a Super Bowl party. Carving out a place in the home dedicated to just fun is a great way to enjoy family time without worrying about making a mess. Let’s talk about some ways to build your home for entertainment.

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August 1, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Golf-simulator-finished-basement-entertainment-area-wood-flooring.jpg?fit=1941%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1941 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2021-08-01 15:34:442025-07-29 15:35:16Why have an Entertainment Space?
a kitchen with blue cabinets and white tile floorWalker Woodworking

Accessorize, Access, & Accent: What is Open Shelving?

Design Notes

The kitchen is the center of the home, which means it should be given good consideration when planning its layout. This is especially true when it comes to cabinet design. Closed, glass front, and open shelving are the options available for kitchen cabinets. Open shelving has become a popular choice with homeowners and designers alike due to the elegance and style it brings to the kitchen. Let’s talk about the benefits it can bring to your home and some helpful design tips.

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July 28, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dura-Supreme-cabinets-white-backsplash-kitchen-cabinets-blue-kitchen-cabinets-open-shelving-cabinets.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 Walker2021-07-28 15:38:492025-07-29 15:39:15Accessorize, Access, & Accent: What is Open Shelving?
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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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