Life, Styled
The bare essentials. That is how some would describe a minimalist design style, one void of color and personality. A house designed with this style will only have the necessities needed to function, but that is not the case. While it is true that the minimalist style lacks the extra fluff and sparkle of other styles, it is still a beautiful choice for those who are looking to create a space with simplicity. Let’s unpack this style to see if it suits your home.
What Is A Minimalist Style?
What began as an art movement of the 1960s gradually migrated into the design world. Clean lines, open floor plans, natural light, and simple accessories like one art piece or a delicate vase. The minimal style is minimal. It trades out the trendy for the timeless by eliminating the extra. You won’t find clutter, loads of color, or significant patterns. Instead, you will see natural light paired with a quiet monochromatic palette. Walls are adorned with only a few pieces of art and furniture that serve a practical purpose. White, beige, and gray are the primary colors used with a minimal design style since they create a simple, calming effect.
Is It Right For You?
Some may hear the description of a minimalist style and think it is too dull for their taste. While it is true that this style is more simplistic, it has its own beauty and charm. That being said, how do you know if this style is for you? Can you relate to most of these things on the list?
- Do you have a less-is-more approach to life?
- The focus of the space is not the decor but the view?
- Natural light is essential in the design.
- A simple color palette is what you prefer.
Be sure to talk with your designer about your design preferences and vision for your space. This will help them create a space that reflects you and what is important to your lifestyle.
Design With A Minimalist Style.
If you choose this style, what is considered essential to the design, what elements are key, and what needs to be avoided?
- Remember, minimal is the key: While this seems obvious, adding a little extra color here or hanging one more art piece can be tempting, but a minimalist design thrives on simple form and function.
- Be ready to declutter: Clutter is the opposite of minimalism. Take stock of what’s in each room and think about ways you can remove, reduce, or store what’s already there.
- Neutral colors are king: Subdued and toned-down shades are essential to this style, as they invoke a clean space and highlight the essentials.
- Remember form and function: This is an important element of the design as it allows you to use the space and enjoy it. Pick furniture that is not only functional but also comfortable.
Above all else, the most important thing to remember is that this is your home. While you are encouraged to gather inspirational photos, don’t forget that this is your home and should reflect your style. Talk to your designer about ways to incorporate a few things that say home to you. Here are a few other design tips.
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