Life, Styled
Considering a kitchen remodel but feeling uninspired by the usual neutrals? While classic stained wood tones and the ever-popular white and gray palette have their place, they’re not the only options available. For those looking to make a bold, personal statement with color, exploring less conventional combinations can bring fresh energy to the space.
To help spark ideas, we’ve curated a selection of unique color pairings that go beyond the standard choices. Browse these inspiring combinations before finalizing your palette—they may help you discover the perfect balance of personality and style for your new kitchen.
This kitchen showcases a beautifully stained wood perimeter paired with a uniquely toned island in a subtle blend of gray, blue, and green hues. The island is finished in Rialto, accented with a delicate chocolate brown glaze, creating a soft, inviting look that stands apart from more traditional palettes.
What makes this color choice especially versatile is its range of undertones, which can be enhanced depending on the materials it’s paired with. Countertops, tile, flooring, and hardware all contribute to drawing out the warmer or cooler aspects of the finish, allowing the space to feel both cohesive and cozy. This type of color flexibility makes it an excellent option for those looking to incorporate personality without overwhelming the overall design.
This transitional mountain kitchen showcases a painted perimeter in a non-traditional color, yet the color is still neutral enough to blend with the darker stained island. The paint color used here is Feather Gray with a thin silver glaze. We also incorporated a dry brushing technique over the base color, adding depth to the door and drawer front molding. This taupe hue is becoming one of our popular colors since it can be paired with other natural tones, or even a stand out louder tone if needed.
There’s nothing subtle about the striking blue island featured in this inviting kitchen. The client, in collaboration with the designer, chose Colonial Blue 1677 by Benjamin Moore—a bold yet timeless hue. Our team matched the color in-house using the exact formula to ensure a seamless finish.
Complemented by softer blue accents and grounded by carefully selected neutral finishes, the overall palette brings both personality and balance to the space. While the island color makes a confident statement, it harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding elements, adding charm without overpowering. The result is a vibrant yet welcoming kitchen that feels right at home in this cozy Carolina setting.
This elegant, traditional home in South Charlotte features many timeless design elements commonly found in stately kitchens: raised panel doors and drawer fronts, inset cabinetry, integrated appliance panels, seeded glass accents, and intricate moldings. These details contribute to a sophisticated and cohesive aesthetic.
What truly sets this space apart is the unexpected yet stunning use of color. The clients and their designer selected Chappell Green from the Farrow & Ball palette, applied with a matte topcoat for a soft, understated finish. This distinctive hue is paired with one of our signature stained finishes—Cinnamon on Select Cherry—which adds depth and warmth to the overall design.
To maintain the focus on the cabinetry, neutral tones were selected for the backsplash and countertops, resulting in a balanced and visually appealing composition. The combination of muted green and rich cherry wood offers a refined yet distinctive look, giving this classic kitchen a fresh and memorable personality.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.





Greenbrook
Greenbrook
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking