Life, Styled
Fresh air, open outdoor spaces, and cooking on the grill are just a few of the benefits associated with having an outdoor space, which is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. Our homes are our refuge, but an outdoor space is the perfect solution to curing cabin fever without having to pack up and drive somewhere. With spring just around the corner, we thought it would be a good time to highlight the reasons why an outdoor space matters, what elements should be included, and how to bring it all together to create the perfect outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.
Why outdoor spaces matter
A functional home is key to keeping everyone on schedule and operating smoothly from day to day, but as more people work from home, there needs to be a place where we can truly let our hair down and relax. Spending time outdoors is an essential aspect of this break from routine, especially for those whose jobs involve a high amount of screen time. Stepping away from electronic devices is essential and the color green is often associated with good things that can help the mind relax, making an outdoor area which tends to have an excess of green, on the lawn or in potted plants, a great place to spend a few minutes each day. Regular time outdoors can also be beneficial in improving both mental and physical health, as we breathe in the fresh air and let the soft breeze carry away the stress from work. Not everyone has the ability to walk in their neighborhood or drive to a beautiful city park, which is why having your own outdoor space is important, as it brings the best of nature to you and your family. You have the freedom to step outside whenever needed and recharge your battery before tackling the next item on your to-do list or meet that next deadline. An outdoor space is your own private getaway, whenever you need it, and is only a few steps away.
Adding Stoll industries to your design
An outdoor space serves a wide variety of purposes, including kitchen, patio, screened-in porch, and more. Creating a multi-purpose space means adding special features that can bring function with style. Stoll Industries, a metal-working company located in Abbeville, South Carolina, is a great resource to consider when designing an outdoor space for your family. Their products include fireplace doors and surrounds, cabinet doors and drawers, countertops, wall systems, floating shelves, fire pit tables, BBQ grill carts, and even storage compartments. In general, metal is a great material choice for outdoor spaces since it provides protection against the elements plus it can add stunning visual interest to the area. It is a versatile material that blends seamlessly with multiple styles and can be integrated almost effortlessly into any design. If you want to have a partly closed-in porch, think about adding a metal wall system as it brings a contemporary feel to your outdoor area. Metal accents are also easy to clean and don’t have major issues when it rains nor are they likely to fade from sunlight like other materials can over time. The variety of finishes provided by Stoll Industries ensures that they have something for everyone. Explore their full selection here and discuss with your designer how to incorporate metal elements into your outdoor space.
Adding Graber to your design
While not the first thing that comes to mind when designing an outdoor space, window treatments have a lot to offer. Not only do they look amazing, but they provide protection from the sun’s rays and can give a new dimension to the entire project. Graber Blinds is a company dedicated to quality and safety, and they are always looking for new technologies and methods that can improve their products to better serve their customers’ needs. They offer a large selection of products, including cellular shades and motorized options, perfect for those quiet afternoons when you need to adjust the shade as the sun shifts. Graber Blinds has also designed exterior solar shades that can not only block unwelcome sunlight, such as the low winter sun, but lessen the heat it brings, which means a cooler experience for everyone. Another bonus to their shades is their ability to reduce wind and even dust that can be stirred up, while still allowing light and air into your outdoor space, ensuring that everyone stays comfortable. Graber Blinds also has them in several colors, meaning you can equip your outdoor space in a “shade” you love. Having an area for your family to enjoy the outdoors, while prioritizing safety and comfort, is exactly what Graber Blinds delivers every time. Be sure to discuss them with your designer as an option or visit their website to view the full collection.
Designing an outdoor space
Wanting to have an outdoor space is one thing, but bringing it all together is another matter entirely. Though, don’t get overwhelmed. Pinterest and Houzz are excellent sources of inspiration, plus hiring a designer can immediately take the pressure off and leave you excited for your new space. If you are wondering about some of the elements you should include in your design, here is our list of recommendations:
- Lighting
- Comfortable seating
- Food area items
- Storage
- Privacy features
Seating and lighting work together to provide you the perfect place to gather with family and friends and just enjoy a lazy afternoon or a quiet evening. Of course, no place is complete without food, so having something like a fire pit for s’mores or a kitchen always means you are ready to host the best party. Storage for extras like blankets, pillows, and even games is another great feature for your outdoor space. Plus, it helps keep the area clean and presentable. Privacy is something that needs to be considered for an outdoor space, especially when you are in a more confined neighborhood. Shades, good landscaping choices, and even fences are good options for this. Combining these elements together into a beautiful and functional design ensures that everyone has a good time.
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…
Walker Woodworking