Life, Styled
Many talk about how it was in the good old days when social media meant talking with your neighbors and family dinners were looked forward to as a chance to catch up. Maybe this need to reconnect with our social roots is what makes the farmhouse style so popular. This design is also trending with interior designers as they seek to help their clients have their little oasis. Even HGTV highlighted this growing trend by featuring the show Fixer Upper with the husband-and-wife dream team Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their down-to-earth humor and simplistic approach to design were a breath of fresh air and generated a following of its own. This design trend seems to always be among the most popular, and you don’t have to live on a farm to appreciate this simple, inviting style. In a world that seems never to stop moving, there is often a need to create a space where you can slow down, unwind from the cares of the day, and enjoy the simple things. In this blog, we want to explain precisely what the farmhouse style is and how you can incorporate a little of the past into your future.
What is Farmhouse Style?
This style has its roots in Europe and traditionally was used to describe the way people lived versus how they decorated. Many lived off the land, and this influenced their choice of design materials. They chose function over formal and practical instead of pretty. Wood was a popular element used, from furniture to accent pieces like vases and frames. While living off the land today is the exception and not the rule, the simplistic, warm, and inviting style remains popular today and continues to grow.
Farmhouse Features
The farmhouse style has distinct features and characteristics that make it unique. Here are a few of the things that are typically included in the design.
- Sinks: Commonly known as farm sinks, they are also called apron sinks. The front of the sink extends beyond the cabinet, and the sink base is exposed after installation, making a lovely statement piece.
- Natural wood accents: Exposed beams, wooden trim, reclaimed wood, butcher block countertops, and even good, old shiplap; there are so many ways to incorporate wood into the design. We do, however, recommend limiting the amount of wood you use, as it can overpower the rest of the design. Wood blends well with other elements, such as metal, and adding a splash of color can create a beautiful result.
- Traditional fabric: Utilizing patterns that have simple geometric shapes or designs and soft colors to reupholster an old chair or redo a pillow cover is a great way to bring that quiet farmhouse feel into the design subtly.
How to best showcase it
Some feel that the farmhouse style can be a little dated, but here are a few ways to incorporate a little hint of modernity into the farmhouse mix.
- Color: You are not confined to the dated, traditional colors that are typically associated with a farmhouse design, such as sunflower yellow and country blue. Neutral, earthy tones are a good choice as they complement the natural feel of the farmhouse and also set a relaxed tone in the room.
- Furniture: Wood is the material most commonly associated with the farmhouse style, but it is not limited to just that. Look for pieces that are different, flea markets and antique stores are a great way to find beautiful furniture that can add character to the room.
- Accent pieces: Pillows with a unique texture, home decor items made from metal and wood, and light fixtures made from different materials such as iron or wood can make a statement in the room, helping it stand out or blend.
Windows are one of the most essential elements in any home—yet they’re often the most overlooked. Gone are the days when windows served a purely functional role. Today, they do so much more than provide natural light and fresh air—they enhance energy efficiency, connect us to the outdoors, and contribute significantly to a room’s overall design and mood.
Whether open or closed, windows allow us to enjoy nature from the comfort of home. But their impact doesn’t stop there. With the right window treatments, you can transform the feel of a space, improve insulation, increase privacy, and even boost the value of your home.
In this blog, we’ll explore what window treatments are, the various styles available, and how they can bring both beauty and benefits to your living space—for you, your family, and your home.
Walker WoodworkingWithout a doubt, the most significant statement piece in a bathroom is the vanity, as it is usually the first thing the eye sees. Floating vanities have become increasingly popular, particularly with minimalist, clean, and modern aesthetics. This blog will explore what they are, what designs complement floating vanities best, and the benefits this style can bring to your bathroom.
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.
Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking