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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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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
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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
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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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