Southern Maryland Kitchen Bath Floors & Design

If you’re renovating, remodeling, or simply refreshing your home, new kitchen or bathroom cabinets provide a simple way to make the most impact. The best cabinet styles mix functionality and elegance to transform the room without overpowering it. Regardless of the style of architecture, the right cabinets can elevate it, and reflect the personality of the homeowner, making their daily routine more enjoyable.

However, trending designs of kitchen and bathroom cabinets can change dramatically, leaving many homeowners with outdated ideas that don’t show as well or last as long. If you’re interested in keeping your kitchen and bathroom as current as possible, these four trends will help you design a space that matches what the biggest names in design are doing with their cabinets in 2025.

1. Changing from White to Neutral

Stark white kitchens used to be in, but the look of a blank slate no longer dominates design trends in 2025. Designers in Maryland and elsewhere are opting for more neutral colors like grays, off-whites, and taupes to encourage more relaxing, less stimulating environments.

The logic behind this change is twofold. White is a stark and clean design choice, but it shows every flaw. As homeowners live with their choice for a while, they begin to see every smudge and fingerprint, such that even when it remains clean, it’s too bright and distracting to be relaxing.

More welcoming and versatile spaces require a more refined palette, which is why designers in 2025 are opting for pastels, neutrals, and warmer tones. They’re finding these tones to be a better fit for the wood and stone surface accents that homeowners crave, while also complementing the natural light and seasonal changes in Southern Maryland better than pure white.

2. Wood-Grain Finishes Look Better Than Ever

Sustainability is in, so homeowners are naturally looking for ways to incorporate natural tones, accents, styles, and forms into their cabinet designs. The trick is to invoke the past trends of wooden cabinet designs without relying on them. Glossy oak cabinets can look too formulaic, but with a modern wood finish, homeowners can make a bespoke kitchen or bathroom refresh pop with newfound elegance.

Instead of the glossy finishes of old construction-grade cabinet work, modern custom cabinets are made from textured wood grain with a matte finish, providing graceful yet understated designs. Instead of oak, white oak and walnut are becoming more preferred choices, especially for coastal, contemporary designs. Rift-cut finishes provide subtle, clean lines for a more modern style, perfect for modern takes on farmhouse designs.

Drawing out the wood grain and pattern instead of shying away from it is a way for modern designers to add authenticity and natural warmth to their kitchens and bathrooms. When it’s time to add stone or tile accents or flooring to the room, the contrast with natural wood grain can create the modern look that homeowners crave.

3. Maximizing Space With Hidden Functionality

Clean, modern kitchens and bathrooms have to keep a strict space economy to remain functional and relaxing. Homeowners in Southern Maryland want cabinets that combine spaces smartly and keep their rooms from becoming cluttered and uninviting.

This is why multi-functional cabinetry has exploded in popularity, from hidden trash drawers and custom spice racks to individualized flatware inlays, pull-out pantries, and drawer inserts. Homeowners are looking for any space they can use to double up with creative cabinetry and keep clutter out of view for their visitors.

Popular options include devoting space under the sink to organization, creating deep cabinet drawers for kitchen or bathroom essentials, or hiding charging stations in custom cabinet inserts. Many homeowners are looking for cabinet designs that add functional space to their most-used rooms without changing the overall impression.

4. Inset Cabinets Bring Tradition Back

The classic architectural styles of Southern Maryland, including Cape Cod, Colonial, and Farmhouse homes, can be resurrected in kitchen and bathroom cabinetry with inset doors. The flush appearance of the cabinet frame echoes these traditional styles, and unlike panel doors, they never go out of style. Inset cabinets will run up the cost of the kitchen and bathroom remodel, but for those with high-end property refreshes, they are still widely considered the peak of bespoke cabinet designs.

Partner with Kitchen and Bathroom Designers to Create Your Ideal Cabinets

When remodeling or updating kitchens and bathrooms, the cabinetry can set the tone of the experience, change the palette, and define how the room will be used every day. These trends in color, craftsmanship, materials, and utility are just a few examples of how Southern Maryland homeowners blend timeless designs with modern functionality.

At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, our design team specializes in custom bathroom and kitchen cabinetry. We work with an in-house team of contractors and tradesmen to help homeowners individualize the style, color, and function of their cabinets to the lifestyle they hope to achieve while staying current with the latest trends.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start designing cabinets that can turn any house into a trendy modern home.

Expanding your living space with thoughtful home additions can bring lasting value, though it requires careful planning, budgeting, and patience. When done well, an addition can increase the functionality, value, and comfort of the home. Yet, not all home additions are considered worthwhile. While some can be used to strategically increase property value, accommodate a growing family, or start a home business, others fail to be worth the cost.

We’ve compiled the top five most popular types of home additions, including the benefits and costs that homeowners can expect from them. Our goal is to help homeowners make more informed decisions about their homes and budget to choose the options that best suit their situation.

1. Room Additions

Room additions are the most common types of home additions. Also called “bump-outs,” these projects involve expanding an existing room, commonly to add more guest space or a larger kitchen. For example, by bumping out an existing kitchen, homeowners can add an attractive breakfast nook, walk-in pantry, or workspace. These additions can add a lot of value to a home as homebuyers look for roomy, multi-functional spaces.

The costs of a room addition, other than the construction cost, usually involve expansions to existing home systems such as a plumbing hookup, new electrical systems, or an HVAC expansion.

2. Full Room Construction

Building an entirely new room is an even bigger undertaking, but it remains a popular home addition. New room constructions often involve a new bedroom, bathroom, office space, or family room. As a new construction, the rooms require a full building cycle, including foundational work, roofing, insulation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, flooring, and more.

The results can dramatically improve the functionality and value of the home, such as by turning a normal bedroom into a master suite by adding a luxury, en-suite bathroom, expanding the living room, or adding a guest bedroom.

However, the costs of full-room constructions quickly escalate when multiple system expansions or high-end materials are involved. Cost control will rely on making smart material choices and prioritizing the custom features that matter most to the vision of the homeowner.

3. Sunrooms and Porches

Sunrooms and porches are also popular home additions. They are enclosed spaces, typically on the front or rear of the home, that provide distinct benefits, such as allowing homeowners to enjoy natural sun without going outside. They can quickly become relaxing hobby rooms and appealing spaces, especially during more temperate times of year.

Compared to full room constructions, porches tend to cost less. They are sometimes called “three-season rooms” because they are usually not functional in the winter. However, a glassed-in sunroom or “four-season room” can cost considerably more since it warrants HVAC integration and an expansion of the insulation system.

While these rooms add value to the home, the variable costs warrant careful planning to determine how much value the room will have. The home’s location, sun exposure, materials, and weather patterns can impact the value created by the new addition.

4. Garage Conversion

While garages can be useful, not every homeowner needs enclosed space for car storage. Converting this square footage into something more immediately useful, such as a home office, gym, or in-law suite, is a popular choice. If done correctly, garages can even become rental units for an Airbnb or Vrbo side business.

For homeowners who don’t rely on indoor parking, these home additions are often the easiest way to add new rooms to the home. Since the garage structure is already there, the conversion costs less than a full construction in most cases. However, if adding plumbing or expanding the HVAC system is needed, this can create a cost increase.

5. Open-Concept Kitchens

Turning a conventional kitchen into an open-concept layout is an extremely popular home addition due to the increased utility and aesthetic appeal it provides. Many homeowners consider kitchen islands and open-plan, high-traffic spaces to be the epitome of modern home design. For homeowners who want to host parties, work from home, or interact with house guests, an open-concept kitchen is a great way to create a more consistent and accessible space.

Open layouts can be expensive depending on the additions required. Kitchen islands are a common addition requiring new plumbing and electrical hookups to create an ideal multifunctional space. Custom cabinets, new appliances, and high-end counter materials add up into a sizable project budget, depending on the space and the choices the homeowner makes.

Consult Professional Designers to Make Valuable Home Additions

At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, our team of designers works with in-house material suppliers and contractors to help homeowners plan and execute the perfect home additions start to finish. We know that regardless of the goal of the construction or expansion, careful planning and budgeting is essential to getting the most value for the cost of a new home addition.

Our clients choose us not only for our outstanding quality, but also for our customer service. We work on every project with the same care and dedication we would our own. Contact our team today to start planning the right home addition to add value, beauty, and functionality to your home without breaking the bank.

Strategic renovations can add value to homes by creating lasting impressions on potential buyers. What makes a renovation “strategic” is the idea of making the most impact for the lowest cost. A full remodel is not usually needed to transform a basic property listing into a high-value residence. In a competitive market, even small renovations can make a significant impact.

These 5 renovations or home redesigns offer meaningful advantages when attracting potential home buyers. Regardless of whether the property needs to sell quickly or slowly grow in value in a seller’s market, these changes can help property owners exceed their buyers’ expectations from the very first impression.

1. Modern Kitchen Functionality

Over the last few decades, kitchen remodeling designs have gone from focused on utility to multi-functional work and living spaces that are among the most influential in the entire home. A contemporary kitchen can make a huge impression on a potential home buyer, especially with so many people in the post-pandemic workforce adopting hybrid and remote positions.

Kitchens do not need to be gutted and fully remodeled to achieve an enticing and multi-functional space. Updating cabinets with custom pieces that match the space, adding warm natural materials, upgrading the appliances, and adding attractive finishes can go a long way.

Instead of changing the layout, many modern designers introduce natural light into the space to give an illusion of spaciousness. Simply adding under-cabinet LED lighting, attractive stone finishes, or redone backsplashes can subtly change the impression of the space from utilitarian to luxurious. 

2. Simple Bathroom Refresh

A compact bathroom can be refreshed with strategic renovations to be more attractive to potential homebuyers. Thoughtful enhancements could include a new custom vanity, under-cabinet lighting, upgraded tile, or a shower or tub remodel. Renovations that prioritize both style and purpose can make the biggest impact, such as updating the master bath with dual vanities or investing in a freestanding tub.

Even small renovations can enhance the appeal of limited spaces. Refreshing the palette to be lighter and more neutral, removing unneeded fixtures to make the space bigger, adding heated flooring, or introducing natural light can give any bathroom the impression of a low-maintenance, high-value space.

3. Upgraded Curb Appeal

Upgrading the curb appeal of the home does not have to involve a complete remodel. Simple changes can make the property show better from the street and set a better tone for all potential buyers. A fresh coat of paint, additional exterior lighting, and improved landscaping can radically improve the home’s first impression without costing much compared to structural upgrades.

Other simple changes include painting the door, choosing a neutral color popular with modern homebuyers, washing the siding, and cleaning the gutters.

4. Replaced Worn-Out Flooring

Flooring can be a major aesthetic asset or detractor when homebuyers view a house. Even though flooring is relatively cheap to replace, many prospective buyers look at flooring as part of the finished structure of the house, viewing dirty, old, worn, or mismatched flooring as a major negative and potential decision-maker.

What these buyers may not realize is that flooring is a relatively simple and inexpensive aspect to improve compared to structural issues that require full remodels. Property owners can take advantage of this by replacing or refreshing old flooring to create a better impression without changing the layout of the home.

Old carpet and laminate can instantly date a home. Property owners should replace it with flooring that modern home buyers prefer, including authentic hardwood, artificial wood, tile, and luxury vinyl. Buyers looking for durability or style would be turned off by the sight of old carpet, but a flooring refresh tells a buyer that home is cohesive and well cared for.

5. Expanded Natural Lighting

Natural lighting can be a huge asset to home renovations. Even a smaller living space can be artificially expanded by introducing natural light, such as by removing fixtures, adding a skylight, removing heavy curtains, or using strategic mirrors to redirect existing light.

Floor plans with a greater emphasis on light feel airy, larger, and more functional. Even if they are not open concept spaces and the property owner can’t afford to remove a wall, they can feel attractive to a homebuyer looking for cohesion, authenticity, and cleanliness.

Partner with Experienced Home Remodelers to Make the Right Impression to Future Homebuyers

Home renovations can attract potential homebuyers without costing a fortune. By refreshing kitchens and bathrooms, replacing flooring, and other simple renovations that make the home feel larger and more cohesive, property owners can make a better first impression on their prospective buyers.

At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, our experienced team of local designers and remodelers works with property owners to make their spaces more attractive within their budgets. Contact our team and request a consultation to learn how strategic renovations can make an immediate impact on buyer appeal without requiring a full remodel.

Older home remodels present challenges that distinguish them from all other types of remodels. However, confronting these challenges can also lead to rewarding opportunities to preserve historical charm, accent traditional architecture, update visual flow, and add modern comforts to a heritage home.

With the right information, homeowners can successfully prepare to remodel older homes by keeping the right priorities in mind every step of the way. From mid-century cottages to Victorian-era homes and everything in-between, this advice can translate to any remodel.

1. Past Remodels

Some features of older homes date back to their original periods while others have been added later. The challenges of remodeling are compounded by these complicated histories. If authenticity is the goal of the remodel, current homeowners must learn to recognize which elements of their home are original. Experienced designers can help identify the timeline of these changes to plan a remodel that feels authentic.

In addition to authenticity, safety is a related concern when remodeling old homes. Many chemicals, finishes, and materials used in older eras posed health risks, risks that modern homeowners can encounter during demolition or remodeling. Lead paint and asbestos insulation are two of the most common factors to consider.

2. Architectural Integrity

Architectural integrity is a key factor to consider when remodeling an older home. Most homes still have period-specific design elements such as their original wood floors, moulding, or trim, and these elements preserve the authentic character of the home’s design. While modernization can be convenient, most home remodels aim to preserve historic integrity when possible. With modern interior design techniques, this can be done without sacrificing functionality.

For example, modern appliances and fixtures can be brought in, but they should be integrated in a seamless way that complements rather than contradicts the existing architecture. Additionally, custom cabinetry and millwork can be added to a kitchen remodel to bridge the gap between period accuracy and modern convenience. Time-honored materials like marble and natural finished wood can be tastefully integrated without overshadowing the design.

3. Structural Regulations

While choosing colors, patterns, and styles is often the most enjoyable part of remodeling a home, structural regulations need to be a higher priority. Many older homes have outdated electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and roofing systems that need to be re-evaluated before the remodel can properly begin. Common problems discovered during the remodeling process include:

• Settled foundations
• Water damage
• Outdated insulation
• Damaged wiring
• Leaking plumbing

Maryland has a humid climate, making appropriate moisture management a primary concern throughout the planning process. Basements, bathrooms, and kitchens need to be properly ventilated and waterproofed to avoid further damage while the team works through the process of updating and repairing the existing structure to meet modern safety regulations.

Legal obligations are not the only reason to bring older homes up to code. Homeowners should be invested in choosing moisture-resistant materials and repairing old structures. This process will help protect their investment over the long term. At the same time, they should be prepared to set aside part of their remodeling budget, at least 10% in most cases, for unforeseen structural changes and repairs.

4. Improved Functionality

Older homes were not necessarily built to accommodate modern needs. Many homeowners seek multifunctional spaces with a modern flow, even while preserving the architectural style and flair of an older era. To do this, homeowners must recognize the limitations of many older designs and strategically improve their functionality without losing the essence of the home’s vision.

For example, many older kitchens are smaller than modern homeowners need. Storage space is more limited. Bathrooms tend to have fewer amenities. These are pivotal pain points for most remodels, but most people who own older properties don’t want to bulldoze the charm of their home for the sake of an update. This is a balancing act that often requires expert help.

Experienced modern designers and tradesmen look at cramped kitchen layouts for opportunities to open them up without sacrificing key architectural accents. Better flow can be achieved by making use of vertical shelving space and multifunctional cabinets, freeing the counters for more practical uses. Unused corner nooks can be turned into pantries to take pressure off the limited floorplan.

The same logic can apply to bathrooms, which are often smaller in older homes than modern homeowners expect. Custom millwork can be designed to increase storage while creatively expanding shower spaces. Vanities can be reconfigured to accommodate more users while nodding to the home’s period with vintage accent designs. In any room, natural light can be used to make spaces feel more open and inviting.

Recruit Local Maryland Home Remodeling Experts

Remodeling an older home in Maryland can be a challenge. Improving the flow and accessibility of the rooms without compromising the architectural charm can be a tall order. Additional considerations, such as safety concerns and building regulation changes, can result in a project with a lot of complex moving parts.

Our team of local designers at Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath partners with in-house tradesmen, material suppliers, and contractors to plan and execute thoughtful remodels. Our goal is to achieve the homeowner’s new vision without compromising their property’s heritage. 

Contact our team today to learn how we can remodel your older home, update its vision with new materials and designs, and preserve the charm that makes it distinct.

Even Maryland homeowners who love their homes often still envision improvements. They may start to feel cramped, outdated, or simply anxious to make a change to their space. Remodels and home additions offer two similar options for updating a home’s style, value, or functionality. However, the two processes must be planned, budgeted, and executed differently.

Maryland homeowners should recognize these differences to ensure their approach to home improvements aligns with their needs. This article walks through the home addition and home remodeling processes to compare their scope, process, cost, and value.

These differences can undoubtedly affect the viability of each process for homeowners who not only want to improve their home but also avoid the costly process of fixing a wrong decision.

What is a Home Addition?

An addition is built onto the home to create new spaces. These can be outward, in the case of an expansion or new room, or upward, in the case of second-story additions. Home additions often include new primary suites, bathrooms, kitchens, attics, and more.

The easiest way to classify them is to understand that additions increase the usable square footage of the home. They have comparatively high costs upfront, but provide a higher potential to increase the value of the house when done well.

What is a Home Remodel?

A home remodel changes the structure of an existing space without impacting the overall square footage. This can include changing the layout to an open plan design, removing a wall, converting bathroom fixtures, or making other changes to the floor plan. The goal of a remodel is to maintain the home’s original structure while updating its usability for improved style, flow, or functionality.

Home remodels tend to have lower labor and material costs compared to additions, but cannot always increase the value of the house to the same degree. However, kitchen and bathroom remodels are selling points valued by many Maryland homebuyers. These projects can increase the value potential of well-planned remodels, even if they make no changes to the usable square footage.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addition or Remodel

Here are some of the most important considerations for Maryland homeowners when choosing between a home addition and a home remodel:

1. Space Limitations

Many homeowners begin planning an addition or remodel in response to floor plans that feel cramped, awkward, or underutilized. In some cases, the obvious solution is to simply add a new room, such as a dedicated office or a new bedroom.

However, many spaces can be refreshed with a new layout, new cabinets and appliances, or a change in flow. Without expanding the footprint of the home at all, remodels can bring a space up to date, open the floor, and promote multipurpose use.

2. Zoning Restrictions

Home remodels in Maryland often face fewer restrictions than additions. Though removing walls or changing plumbing and electrical systems can require extra documentation, home improvements that maintain the same footprint are less regulated.

Since they change the square footage of the home, home additions will likely fall under local zoning laws or HOA rules. Maryland homeowners need to know where their property line is and the exact restrictions governing additions near that line. For any addition, architectural planning, home remodeling permits for maryland, and local compliance are essential considerations before the project begins.

Local design firms help Maryland homeowners clarify the restrictions on their projects, the relevant local building codes, and the steps needed to properly permit their home addition or remodel. Asking these questions early in the process can help Maryland homeowners decide between additions and remodels by factoring in their individual restrictions.

3. Lifestyle Changes

Home remodels and additions will impact the usability of the home differently. Kitchen and bathroom remodels can temporarily restrict access to important rooms. Home additions that require heavier construction may not directly impact these essential spaces, but they may require the occupants to relocate if electrical, HVAC, or plumbing systems are involved.

Consider how a remodel or addition will impact daily routines when deciding between them. The project timeline can help put lifestyle disruptions into context.

4. Personal Goals

Remodels and additions achieve different goals, which is why homeowners should consider their intentions when deciding between them. Well-planned additions can expand the home and tangibly increase its value or make it more usable for a growing family. Careful remodels can improve an existing home’s style and functionality without going through a major construction process.

Partner with an Experienced Design Team to Make the Right Decision for Your Southern Maryland Home

At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, our team of experts recognizes the challenges in deciding between home additions and remodels. We partner with in-house installers and tradesmen to give homeowners expert advice on the process, timeline, benefits, and drawbacks of each possible home improvement project.

Our goal is to make sure that Maryland homeowners have all the information they need to make home improvements that benefit their situation and achieve their goals.

Contact our team today to learn more about home additions and remodels in your area. Our in-house team of experts and design team will help address your concerns from all possible angles to help make the best decision for your home.