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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 living room with a couch and a table

Convenience On Command: Smart Home Technology

Life, Styled

Smart home technology. From voice-activated faucets to thermostats, technology has finally caught up to the home. Alexa’s name is spoken hundreds of times daily while performing multiple tasks, allowing homeowners to manage various tasks even when not at home.

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August 14, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/graber-1172-pleated-shades-rs22-v1.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1 683 1024 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-08-14 20:34:452025-07-30 20:35:05Convenience On Command: Smart Home Technology
a staircase in a houseGreenbrook

Peel, Stick, & Wow: Stikwood Makes a Statement

Design Notes

Including nature’s elements in the home design remains a popular choice. Placing extra windows into the room to allow more light in or choosing eco-friendly options, such as granite countertops, are favored ways to accomplish this. Wood, however, remains the number one choice with most clients as it adds warmth and texture to the room. It also blends with multiple styles, including modern industrial and farmhouse. Even though there are numerous design benefits to incorporating wood into the design, not everyone has access to reclaimed wood or can afford to install it. Stikwood is the perfect solution.

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August 7, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/stikwood-2.jpg?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1 450 600 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-08-07 20:40:292025-07-30 20:44:08Peel, Stick, & Wow: Stikwood Makes a Statement
a sign on a buildingGreenbrook

Eat, Drink, & Be Merry: Newgrass Brewing Company

Life, Styled

Food and drink have a remarkable way of bringing people together—sparking conversation, encouraging connection, and creating the perfect backdrop for new ideas and lasting memories. In the heart of downtown Shelby, NC, you’ll find a local favorite that does just that: Newgrass Brewing Company.

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July 29, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/newgrass.jpg?fit=1500%2C630&ssl=1 630 1500 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-07-29 18:33:002025-07-29 20:15:59Eat, Drink, & Be Merry: Newgrass Brewing Company
A stove with a pot on top and a brown and tan kitchen backsplash with a rangehoodWalker Woodworking

Where can Tile be Used in the Home?

Design Notes

Timeless, clean, and elegant. These are three words that would be used to describe tile. It is a versatile material that is used in multiple areas within the home, from flooring to backsplash. It is also popular in the bathroom and laundry room of the house since it is easy to clean up any water spills. Since it comes in various colors and materials, tile can complement a variety of styles and tastes. Here we share some of the benefits, types, and locations where you can incorporate this beautiful material into your home.

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July 21, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Walker-Woodworkign-custom-cabinets-backsplash-quartz-countertop-range-hood-corbel-white-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 Walker2020-07-21 12:47:052025-07-31 12:47:35Where can Tile be Used in the Home?
a kitchen with a large windowGreenbrook Design

Designing for Connection

Design Notes

No one would argue that we are connected, but in what way? Now more than ever, we are connected through technology; a quick DM here and a text there tells someone that we are thinking of them, but what about a physical connection among people? Today, homeowners are looking for spaces in the home that encourage interaction and connection with each other. Designers have realized this need and begun to create connections using certain design elements. We will share our top three ways to build connections within your home.

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July 14, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Fabuwood-Cabinets-Greenbrook-Design-Frameless-Painted-Blue-kitchens-24-inch-Kitchen-Aid-dishwasher-Ruvati-workstation-undermount-sink-blue-cabinets-KBL.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 Walker2020-07-14 12:53:012025-07-31 12:53:17Designing for Connection
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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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