Design Notes
Paint companies like Sherwin-Williams have already announced their amazing Color of the Year choice, Redend Point, which draws from nature’s calm color palette. Benjamin Moore’s choice of Raspberry Blush, though, is closer in shade to the color selection made by the one company everyone in the fashion world looks to, Pantone. Designers and manufacturers alike waited with eagerness to hear Pantone’s color of the year announcement, and for 2023, their choice was Viva Magenta, a color described as a “crimson red tone that presents a balance between warm and cool. This hybrid of red and pink is a reflection of our current world’s relationship of living in both a physical and digital world. More and more homeowners are learning to blend their work and home lifestyles, which have become deeply entwined over the last couple of years. We know that color is much more than a splash of paint on a wall or cabinet; it speaks a language all its own, something Pantone seems to grasp and express well. So what influence will 2023’s Viva Magenta have on us? Let’s explore the answers today.
The meaning of Viva Magenta for 2023
A color meant to emphasize how our physical and digital worlds are increasingly merging, Viva Magenta combines the best of pink and red to bring a pop of color into the world. Homeowners have been adapting their lifestyle for the last couple of years as we work from home, further our education online, turn basements into gyms, and even expand our square footage through outdoor spaces. These adjustments have not all been easy and have required some rearranging in our homes, but now many are enjoying the benefits it brings, such as less commute time and more family time. Viva Magenta is a bright, bold, and even brave color that perfectly reflects who we are today and gives us the energy to continue pursuing a better world.
Ways to use Viva Magenta in the home
Color is one of the funnest elements to use in the design world, plus it is one of the best ways to tell your story because it has a voice all its own. Viva Magenta is a beautiful, vibrant color that can add so much to your home, and there are countless ways to do it:
- Accent wall
- Pillows
- Window treatments
- Furniture
- Area rugs
- Artwork
- Home decor
Sometimes, including a bold color in a room can give you a sense of energy, joy, and even delight as you see it pop throughout the space. It can also be done as strong or as soft as you like. Accent walls are a great way to make a statement while still maintaining a sense of balance in the room, especially with neutral furniture such as off-white or even gray, both lovely complements to Viva Magenta. Window treatments are another option to bring a splash of color to a room without overpowering the entire space. They also work well with a softer wall color. Pillows and other linens, such as bedspreads, are an easy way to incorporate this exciting color into your home, and they can be easily exchanged if you want to change it up again later. Opting to have a piece of furniture transformed with Viva Magenta is not a bad thing; it can be a focal point in the room that draws the eye and becomes the centerpiece for everything else. Area rugs are a wonderful option, plus they are functional. Artwork is an expression of what you love, and this color certainly has a lot to say, making it a great option for new art pieces in your home. The design possibilities are endless with Viva Magenta; places like Pinterest will be a great way to find even more inspiration on ways to use it.
The benefit of using Viva Magenta in the home
As bold colors continue to trend, Viva Magenta will complement many of the color schemes emerging on designer mood boards and in interior magazines. It is a color that represents joy, encourages discovery, and empowers us to move forward. Such a color can bring numerous benefits to various areas of the home. Contrast is one of them as it always is a striking combination that results in a visual interest which is a winner for everyone. This color would look great in a bedroom or even a home office that needs a little boost of energy. Consider incorporating it into your space with area rugs, artwork, pillows, or a new office chair or desk. We know that working from home can have its downsides, such as staying in the same space for hours, but this bright color can instantly freshen and excite it. The laundry room could also benefit from a touch of Viva Magenta, consider including some wallpaper as an accent feature, or maybe some backsplash with a mosaic pattern of Viva Magenta and soft whites. This will create an elegant contrast and brighten up a place in the home that can make the mundane chores a little happier. Even though this is a bold shade, don’t be intimidated by it; there are many ways it can breathe new life into your home and make you enjoy it even more. Discuss with your designer the possibility of incorporating Viva Magenta into your next interior design project.
Granite, Quartz, Marble, or Quartzite?
These are the top contenders when it comes to selecting the perfect countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom. Each one brings its own strengths, aesthetic appeal, and practical considerations—making the decision both exciting and a bit overwhelming.
Granite is a natural stone known for its durability and unique, one-of-a-kind patterns. Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered surface that offers a wide range of color options and is prized for its low-maintenance qualities. Marble stands out for its timeless elegance and heat resistance, though it requires more upkeep. Quartzite closely resembles marble in appearance but offers greater durability and easier maintenance.
When making your selection, it’s important to consider factors such as heat and stain resistance, ease of maintenance, and of course, budget. Below, we break down the key differences, pros, and cons of each material to help you determine which surface best suits your lifestyle, design vision, and practical needs.
The kitchen pantry is often one of the most underutilized yet high-potential spaces in the home. While it can easily become a catch-all for clutter, a well-designed pantry is a true hidden gem—capable of transforming the functionality of your kitchen. From storing oversized serving pieces to housing everyday essentials, a thoughtfully planned pantry helps keep countertops clear and mealtime prep more efficient.
Whether you have a compact pull-out pantry, a spacious walk-in, or a dedicated butler’s pantry, innovative organization is key. A well-designed pantry not only maximizes storage but also supports the flow of your kitchen. Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite design ideas and practical tips to help you better utilize your pantry space—and maybe even inspire your next kitchen upgrade.
Our showroom’s grand opening was the culmination of two years filled with vision, planning, and hard work—a dream brought to life through dedication and passion. Now, as we prepare to celebrate our second anniversary, we find ourselves reflecting on how quickly time has passed. It feels like only yesterday that we opened our doors and welcomed our very first clients into the space we’ve come to love so much.
Join us as we take a walk down memory lane and revisit the milestones, challenges, and moments that brought us to Uptown Shelby. This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of time—it’s a celebration of growth, community, and the relationships we’ve built along the way.
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…
Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design