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A kitchen with an open floor plan style and with white and walnut cabinetry
Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

Why Have An Open Floor Plan

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While the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.

Focus On The Focal Points

A multi-functional space is a great plus in a home, but it is essential that each space feels distinct, often achieved through unique focal points. For instance, it might be the fireplace in the living room, the light fixture hanging over the kitchen island, and the beautiful art piece in the dining room area. Creating a focal point allows each area to be its own space while still being connected to the other areas. This is a key to the function of the space.

Walker Woodworking custom cabinets kitchen lighting kitchen island white kitchen cabinets inset cabinets

Open Concept Feels Larger

Because it is an open concept, the area can feel less confined and larger, a great selling point, but more on that later. Walled rooms can make a space feel small and restricted, but by allowing it to be more open, there is a great flow from one section to another. It is also nice to be in one spot and still feel connected to your family, no matter where they are in the room. Connection is something many homeowners are looking for in their home, and this layout successfully delivers this. Look at this open concept project.

Easy To Host

If you enjoy hosting family gatherings of all sizes, then an open concept is perfect for you. This layout was designed for gatherings where even the host can feel a part of the fun while still making sure everything is running smoothly. With sight lines into any room available, everyone can gather in small groups to talk while remaining connected to the whole group. Since the kitchen is easily accessible to everyone, it also makes the perfect place to set up your buffet line, making serving a breeze and clean-up simple.

white and grey kitchen with gold lighting
Walker Woodworking

Coordination

Color is an important element in designing any space, and variety adds a lot of personality, but when doing an open concept, it is important that the areas coordinate. Since this large area serves multiple functions, having a similar color scheme can bring it all together in a harmonious way. This does not mean that it needs to be a large amount, but maybe choosing pillows for the living room that have a similar shade to the window treatments in the dining room can be a great way to achieve a cohesive design. Your designer can be a great asset to you in the selection process.

Adds Value

Since many families are looking for ways to stay connected yet enjoy individual spaces, an open concept layout means added value if you choose to sell. Kids can always be in sight of their parents as they get dinner ready, and the kitchen can be the gathering place once everyone gets home. An open concept is a win for those who want to have a beautiful, multi-functional space and for those looking to appeal to a potential buyer.

open and connected kitchen, white and walnut
Walker Woodworking

Open Concept Floor Plan

Do you think this layout is the one for you and your family? Schedule an appointment to meet with one of our experienced designers and discuss the next step in the process. We have assisted numerous clients in finding the perfect space for them. Our service area extends into both western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina and continues to expand. Let us help you design and build a space for your family where you can feel connected through open concepts.

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Dark kitchen cabinets kitchen farm sink stone backsplash inset kitchen cabinets

6 Ways to Freshen up your Home

Design Notes

It is always fun to watch those home improvement shows. It is always a delight to watch designers come up with a plan that completely transforms the space from drab to fab. Often, after watching those shows, you have a tendency to look around your own home, wishing you could give it an update, but a renovation is not conceivable at the moment for one reason or another. The good news is that you don’t have to undergo a renovation to give your home a lift or freshen it up; sometimes it’s the little things —the details —that can completely revamp your space and make a big impact without breaking the bank. Discover six simple ways you can freshen up your home and even make it feel completely new without going through a renovation.

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January 14, 2022/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Dark-kitchen-cabinets-kitchen-farm-sink-stone-backsplash-inset-kitchen-cabinets.jpg?fit=852%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 852 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2022-01-14 17:45:392025-07-25 17:46:086 Ways to Freshen up your Home
25

Designing a Healthy Kitchen

Life, Styled

Here are some steps you can take to ensure your kitchen is healthy and ready for creating dishes that are not only delicious but also beneficial for your family’s health. We know that it is not always easy to stick with the decision to be healthier, but with a well-designed kitchen, it can be. With over twenty years of experience, our design team is well-versed in planning a kitchen design that functions well for your specific needs while also reflecting the style you will love. We serve more than 15 counties and invite you to visit our 5,000-square-foot showroom, where you can walk through multiple kitchen displays to get a feel for the possibilities that await you. Connect with us and let’s start planning a healthy kitchen design.

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January 14, 2022/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/25.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1920 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2022-01-14 17:28:482025-07-25 17:29:11Designing a Healthy Kitchen
A kitchen with three cabinet drawers pulled open with pans and utensils insideWalker Woodworking

What is Organizeology?

Life, Styled

Organization is a key part of a successful life. You make a plan, you know what you need, and how you will accomplish your goals. This strategy requires you to lay everything out so you can be prepared, which is why people love apps that help them stay on track or write it down in an old-fashioned paper planner.  An organization can also infiltrate multiple areas of life, such as time management and home layout, meaning it has made its presence known in the design world. More and more designers are seeking ways to integrate organization into their designs, to the extent that a new term has been coined to describe this approach: organizeology. Let’s unpack what organizeology means!

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January 1, 2022/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-utensil-divider-hardware-kitchen-cabinets-inset-cabinets.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1920 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2022-01-01 17:54:232025-07-25 17:54:52What is Organizeology?
pantone

Color of the Year 2022

Design Notes

If you are looking to hit the refresh button on your home, color is always a great way to start. From simple accent pieces, such as pillows and rugs, to repainting an entire room, choosing a new color can inspire you and help you regain your focus. The color of the year for 2022 are a wonderful place to start and can guide you down the right path for your home. Come visit our showroom in Uptown Shelby, NC, where you can walk through our 5,000-square-foot space and experience the possibilities for your home.

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December 28, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/pantone.png?fit=796%2C450&ssl=1 450 796 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2021-12-28 18:01:222025-07-25 18:01:47Color of the Year 2022
A dining table with chairs and a large living roomWalker Woodworking

Lighting Choices for Seniors

Life, Styled

Lighting is a crucial aspect of interior design; it significantly influences the mood in the home and alleviates eye strain when there is minimal natural light or when it gets dark. More often than not, a home suffers from insufficient lighting instead of overillumination. For seniors, lighting is even more critical, as the muscles in the eye weaken over time and the pupil size decreases, making it harder for light to enter. Better lighting reduces the chance of bumping or falling over an obstacle and lessens the strain on the eyes as you look around. Good lighting also helps create a comfortable and relaxing environment, exactly what you want for your well-deserved retirement. Let’s talk about how you can have the best lighting, what the benefits are, and which lighting choices are best for certain areas in the home.

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December 14, 2021/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-living-room-dining-lighting-home-accent-live-edge-table.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1920 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2021-12-14 18:13:282025-07-25 18:14:02Lighting Choices for Seniors
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112 N. Lafayette St.
Shelby, NC 28150

 

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Jan@greenbrookdesign.com
980-404-9600

 

Showroom Hours:
Monday 9 to 5 pm
Tuesday 9 to 5 pm
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Our showroom is open to the public. Design meetings require an appointment, which can be done by phone or email. CONTACT US

 

Vendors require an appointment. Please contact: Jan@greenbrookdesign.com

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Link to: Your Forever Home: Designing for the Future Link to: Your Forever Home: Designing for the Future Your Forever Home: Designing for the Futurea house with a driveway and a carGreenbrook Design Link to: 3 Popular Colors for Kitchen Cabinets Link to: 3 Popular Colors for Kitchen Cabinets a kitchen with blue cabinets and white countertopsWalker Woodworking3 Popular Colors for Kitchen Cabinets
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