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.
Walker WoodworkingThere is more to color than simply a large selection of hues. Color sends a message and can represent thought and emotion, especially in the world of design. Each year, Pantone announces its choice for the color of the year, a tradition that started in 1999, and designers everywhere eagerly await the news. Classic Blue was this year’s choice of color, a color that represents the future.
As we prepare to close the door on one decade and begin anew, many are filled with anticipation of what the coming year will bring. Blue has always been associated with stability, relaxation, and tranquility, as is seen in nature with the ocean and sky. We understand that hectic schedules and stressful office days generate a need for a place to unwind and completely relax. Here are a few ways to incorporate the color of the year into your home and give it that welcoming environment that will last throughout the coming decade and beyond.
Walker WoodworkingLight is one of nature’s most captivating elements, and its presence has the power to transform a space. In the world of interior design, natural light plays a vital role—not only by enhancing aesthetics but also by elevating the overall atmosphere of a room. It can create dramatic contrasts that bring depth and interest to a space, while also highlighting architectural and design features.
Natural light, when thoughtfully incorporated, makes interiors feel larger, warmer, and more welcoming. At Greenbrook Design, we embrace a design approach known as daylighting—the intentional use of natural light to shape how a space looks and feels throughout the day. It’s one of our favorite tools in the design process.
Here are just a few reasons why we love incorporating natural light into our projects…
Walker WoodworkingRugs have long been a staple in interior design, often described as the “shoes” of a room—they complete the look. Whether subtly complementing a color palette or boldly standing out as a statement piece, rugs add warmth, texture, and personality to any space. A well-chosen rug can effortlessly transform the entire feel of a room.
However, traditional rugs come with their share of drawbacks. From frequent deep cleaning (which often means renting equipment and moving heavy furniture) to concerns about allergies and curled edges that pose tripping hazards, maintaining a rug can be more work than many homeowners anticipate.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce an elegant, low-maintenance alternative: Vintage Vinyl floor cloths.
In today’s tech-savvy world, it’s easy to find decorating tips and budget advice with just a few clicks. Popular shows on networks like HGTV make home remodeling look fast and effortless—transforming entire kitchens or bathrooms in under an hour. While these shows are inspiring, what often goes unseen is the extensive planning and detail required behind the scenes to bring those transformations to life.
At the heart of nearly every successful project is one key factor: staying on budget.
Window treatments not only provide shade and privacy, but they also allow the homeowner to show their personality. No person is the same, and neither should their window treatments. They are meant to be a reflection of you and your style. Whether you prefer a more contemporary or traditional style, solar or soft roman shades, wood or pleated, Graber’s vast array of colors, options, and designs will surely suit anyone’s taste. Learn more about Graber on our product page or come visit us in our showroom located in Shelby, NC, and ask to see our Graber display. We would love to help you add the finishing touches to that space where nature and home meet.
Walker Woodworking