Kitchen

Designing a timeless kitchen requires a careful balance between elements that are trending now and those that will remain appealing in 5-10 years. Many who want to redesign their kitchens worry that their upgrades will not be solid investments because of a lack of long-lasting appeal. For homeowners and designers, kitchen functionality serves as a strong anchor point for designs since flow and function in a kitchen are welcome design choices in every era. 

This article goes over the design elements that stand the test of time. Home design trends can be satisfying to follow. Still, experienced designers and contractors help homeowners achieve their individual visions for kitchen spaces so that their choices hold value, stand the test of time, and look good forever.

1. Embrace Neutral Colors for Maximum Comfort

Every year, popular paint brands unveil their latest “colors of the year,” suggesting that anyone stuck with last year’s colors is now outdated. However, if these trends are mapped over years and decades, one truth remains: neutrals never go out of style. Gray, taupe, white, beige, or the current favorite, “greige,” gives a kitchen space an unintimidating energy that goes well with any floor, counter, furniture, or fixture.

Neutrals can lean cold or warm, but the most significant factor is to embrace the softness and pair it well with classic palettes. Light blue with white or off-white, for example, remains a classic color pairing that never goes out of style.

2. Mix Stylistic Eras to Mitigate Change

One of the easiest ways to create a timeless kitchen is to mix eras of design. Many designers and owners make the mistake of adhering to a single era for the sake of consistency. However, once that era goes out of style, the whole kitchen becomes dated. Many timeless kitchens strive to assemble a combination of eras that resists change, such as by mixing vintage-style appliances with modern cabinetry, or matching a new neutral color scheme to Mid-Century Modern millwork.

3. Statement Tile Can Be Impressive

Statement tile can create a bold accent in any kitchen, such as an ornate backsplash that contrasts with the cabinets or highlights the appliances. However, statement tile fixtures can be overdone, especially if the pattern is dated. Tile accents that adhere to a stylish palette, especially in modern neutrals or purposeful accent colors, will never go out of style.

4. Simple Cabinetry Transcends Time

Cabinetry is a focal point of kitchen redesigns and a major cost factor. When faced with this significant decision, many owners and designers opt for ornate cabinetry, which goes in and out of style. However, simple cabinetry always looks classy. When combined with stylish modern materials, it can create a timeless feel. Shaker and Craftsman-style cabinets with traditional flat fronts and rich, warm wood tones will always look like home.

5. Be Careful With Overusing Wood

Though wooden cabinetry is warm and inviting, too much wood, especially in a single color, grain, and finish, can make the kitchen seem dated. Kitchens done in dark, uniform mahogany recall decades-old design trends that may not always look classy. To avoid rustic transforming into redundant, use wood as a smart accent rather than a major theme, varying the grain and finish to maximize visual interest.

6. Natural Stone Counters Combine Beauty and Durability

Natural stone materials such as quartz and granite never go out of style. They pair well with light, dark, and neutral cabinet and floor colors, and remain durable additions to kitchen schemes even over decades of change. Sleek, functional, and natural stone will always be a sign of luxury in any kitchen space.

7. Incorporate the Ceiling for Maximum Impact

Kitchen ceilings often go overlooked, but they can be used to the designer’s advantage to add authenticity and true distinctness to the space. Wood beams and other natural palette and material choices can change the shape of the room and pull in the architecture for a more immersive experience.

8. Natural Lighting Remains Beautiful and Relaxing

Kitchens are particularly well-suited for incorporating natural light, since they serve as both utilities and social spaces during the daytime. It’s important for kitchen designs to help users maintain their flow with interesting visual paths and cues. The layout should feel spacious, even if the actual floor plan is small. Incorporating windows, skylights, or warm statement lights can help give kitchens more utility while making users feel comfortable.

Create Timeless Kitchens With the Help of Professional Designers

No single design trend or piece of advice works in every kitchen and in every era. Homeowners and designers should make their decisions with a clear and carefully planned vision to create a space that makes them feel comfortable. However, resale value and other concerns often drive owners to chase trends without realizing that today’s trends are the antiquated renovations of tomorrow. These timeless choices can help mitigate the risk of dated designs by offering simple ways to embrace both classic and modern trends without sacrificing functionality.

At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, our team of designers and in-house contractors personalize kitchen designs for the needs of each space and the intentions of each homeowner. Beyond any singular trends, distinct charm and functionality will always remain timeless.

Contact our team today to learn how the right renovations can help you realize the timeless potential of your kitchen.

Kitchens have become the beating heart of the modern home. They’re the cooking space, workspace, and social focal point wrapped into one room. For different lifestyles, kitchens can be adapted to fulfill these roles more effectively, and the approach a designer takes to each specific element can drastically affect the space’s ability to support residents’ desired routines.

This article takes a closer look at modern custom kitchen designs to offer homeowners strategic ideas for layout, materials, finishes, and features that fit their lifestyle. These steps help designers transform kitchens into the ideal space for their clients’ needs.

1. Recognize the Advantages of the Space

The first thing a kitchen designer does when customizing kitchens for a lifestyle is examine the space for its advantages. How much available area do they have to work with? What shapes fit the area best? Kitchens can be U-shaped, L-shaped, galley-style, and more. They can use islands of various sizes to break up the area and add utility without using up limited wall space.

This assessment will lead kitchen designers to the options that are available to achieve the homeowner’s vision. If the homeowner uses their kitchen for socializing, the designer will look for ways to incorporate a home bar, which, in a limited space, might take up the room normally reserved for a pantry. Once the qualities of the space are recognized, the designer and owner can work together to decide which features matter the most to their lifestyle.

2. Assess the Limitations of the Space

Assessing the kitchen’s limitations is as important as recognizing its advantages. In a space that lends itself well to an open-concept design, the designer may suggest a one-wall kitchen, augmented by an oversized island. These can also be useful in more contained spaces, especially with high walls. Storage, appliance displays, shelves, and hanging lights can trail up the walls to provide utility while preserving the limited counter space.

When assessing the kitchen’s limitations, the designer will look for features that would be difficult to incorporate. Not every kitchen can fit an island while maintaining a proper functional flow. Designers can create work surfaces in one-wall kitchens, partial islands, and other fixtures instead, if they can achieve the owner’s desired style. Agreeing on these limitations is a significant step toward collaboration between the designer and homeowner as they work together to adjust the vision to fit reality.

3. Choose the Right Materials and Finishes

While material and finish choices should align with an intended aesthetic, designers also strive to match the owner’s intended lifestyle. The connection between durability, style, and tone in material choices helps designers match the space’s usability to its family’s needs and habits.

For example, the kitchens of busy families often double as workstations, especially if someone in the family is a remote worker. Kids may be coming in and out in the mornings before school, dragging their books and bags across the counters. Laptops may be used on the countertop or island as people write things down, accidentally spill drinks, and more.

This high-traffic use calls for a material with low-maintenance resilience, such as quartz, which is durable and functional. By contrast, marble may be a better fit for kitchens that are more of a social showplace, prioritizing aesthetics. Tile, butcher block, laminates, and other materials all have their uses.

Some questions designers may ask to determine the right material choice for the household may include the number of residents, the typical morning activity, the frequency of social gatherings, and the age of the youngest member of the home. Even the cabinet materials may be changed to accommodate different needs. For example, a glossy lacquer cabinet may be beautiful, but it shows every scuff and fingerprint, which would be high-maintenance for a busy household. Matte cabinet finishes achieve a sleek, modern look without retaining every touch.

4. Integration is Key

Modern kitchen designers look for ways to integrate lifestyle into design to suit a family’s needs. If technology is an important part of their flow, designers can recommend built-in charging stations, smart appliances, and hidden screens to enhance the space’s usability. If quiet dining or entertaining is prioritized, they may suggest built-in banquette seating with hidden storage to provide amenities without cluttering the space.

Local Design Teams Can Bring Your Vision to Life

Each kitchen deserves a distinct identity, but your family’s lifestyle can help guide the functional and aesthetic choices that make the most sense in your space. Every kitchen space comes with advantages and limitations that designers must acknowledge, work around, and overcome with their choice of layout and materials.

At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, our team of in-house designers and contractors works with homeowners to achieve their intended vision and fit their ideal lifestyle through stylish yet functional design choices. Contact our team today to learn how to express your family’s needs in a freshly renovated or designed kitchen, regardless of its size or other limitations.

In the ideal luxury kitchen redesign, a homeowner can include all of their desired premium finishes, appliances, and upgrades. However, in most cases, homeowners must pick and choose upgrades to achieve the most important parts of their vision while staying aligned with their individual budget. The kitchen is often considered the high-performance workspace, social gathering site, and engine room of the home.

With such a high level of importance, remodeling the kitchen warrants paying attention to how the money can be used most efficiently and economically to make the biggest improvements to this all-important room.

This selection process includes choosing features and materials that suit the style as well as the function. The decisions should be made from the top down, starting with the must-have features that make the biggest improvement within the individual’s budget.

This article highlights must-have luxury features for modern kitchen remodels, targeted for high-value Maryland homes but based on principles that anyone can use to improve their kitchens.

1. Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets can redefine luxury in a modern kitchen. Homeowners often spend around a quarter of their remodel budget on cabinets alone, and it’s easy to see why. The choices of luxury materials, finishes, and designs invite the owners of high-end kitchens to design their dream cabinets before choosing anything else.

While cabinets need to fit in the budget, they are a must-have feature for any complete kitchen remodel. The choice between natural wood grain, laminate finish, paint, and other designs can define the tone and color temperature of the room. Custom cabinet artisans can create tailored wood designs, build vertical cabinets that take advantage of high ceilings, and conceal hidden storage compartments, pull-out shelves, toe-drawers, and other built-ins for added luxury. Appliances can even be built into the cabinets to show them off and save space.

Custom cabinets don’t just look good on the outside. By offering homeowners the ability to conceal appliances, utensils, and implements to save valuable counterspace, they can transform a crowded kitchen into a space that feels well-appointed and clean.

2. Islands

Kitchen islands are hallmarks of luxury kitchen designs, and while not every space can accommodate them, they remain important additions for many homeowners. In expansive kitchen spaces, oversized islands can be used to great effect by incorporating built-in appliances, food prep space, storage, and even seating.

Integrated cooktops, cutting boards, and other prep surfaces contribute to the impression of luxury that most high-end homeowners aim for in their kitchen remodels. Other high-end built-ins that take advantage of custom kitchen islands could include warming drawers, beverage refrigerators, and prep sinks.

3. Crown Molding

While not a functional addition, crown molding can add a sense of luxury and cohesion to a high-end kitchen remodel. This often-overlooked aspect of remodeling takes details from the architecture or the custom cabinetry and pulls them into the edges of the room, creating a more immersive and complete experience.

4. Natural Lighting

Natural lighting is an essential feature of luxury kitchen spaces, enhancing both design and functionality. When produced from natural sources, lighting expands the perception of the room, which can make large spaces feel more expansive and small spaces less cramped. Windows, doors, or skylights add warmth while also adding functionality since the space can be used more easily without relying on artificial lighting configurations.

Studies show that natural lighting can boost serotonin, encourage relaxation, and improve sleep. With so many people working partly or fully from home in the post-pandemic economy, exposure to natural light is an important part of our daily routines and an even more significant sign of luxury.

5. Stone Accents and Counters

Natural stone can set the tone of the room, increase its value, and make it seem larger. A popular current design trend is to continue the countertop’s stonework on the backsplash, creating a sense of continuity. Stone accents and counters are available in many varieties, including Caesarstone, Silestone, quartz, Cambria, and granite. For a more sustainable and distinct look, recycled glass and butcher block can be used to create refined utilities that combine modern luxury with durable materials.

6. Integrated Lighting and Smart Systems

Integrated lighting under cabinets or appliances can increase the utility of the room, guiding users to focal points while illuminating work surfaces. Adding dimmers to recessed and ambient lighting can add more functionality, while cove and toe-kick lighting can add drama to built-in storage and display niches.

Smart lighting systems can be added for greater control, with discreet wall stations or in-counter pop-ups concealing panels or charging stations while maintaining the clean surfaces of the design. Technology can be a luxury provided it’s properly concealed and optimized for the space, reducing the burden on counter space rather than adding to it.

Bring Your Luxury Kitchen Vision to Life in Maryland

At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, our in-house network consists of designers, contractors, and tradesmen who plan and build luxury kitchen remodels for homeowners in Maryland. Our goal is to customize luxury designs for the budget and goals of each homeowner, helping each kitchen have luxury features they envision.

Contact our team today and schedule a consultation to learn more about luxury kitchen plans and trending designs in Maryland.

Kitchen remodels can turn into expensive ventures, especially when delays or repairs cause unexpected issues. Yet, when executed with proper planning, remodels make up for the cost by enhancing the home and increasing its value. Despite the allure of choosing countertops and paint colors, homeowners should note that a successful remodel starts with asking the right questions.

Though a kitchen designer can answer many remodel questions, we believe that the most important questions are those that homeowners ask themselves as they begin the planning phase of their remodel. We compiled this list of questions to help homeowners clarify their intentions to their designers by first clarifying it for themselves.

1. What is the primary goal of the kitchen remodel?

This is a significant question because the priority of the remodel will determine its budget, process, and timeline. Homeowners may wish to update the style, expand the floor plan, find more storage space, accommodate accessibility issues, increase their home’s value, improve the room’s functionality, or a combination of goals.

In many cases, growing families are looking to expand the usable area of their kitchens to accommodate more chairs, storage, or workspace. In other cases, homeowners want to get their kitchen’s aesthetic in line with the architecture of the home or current stylistic trends. Additionally, remodels can help homeowners sell their homes for a higher price if they focus on marketable aspects.

Having a well-defined primary goal helps homeowners in the planning phase of their remodel. When a designer is hired, they will be able to make specific recommendations for the remodel that align with these established priorities.

2. How much longer will I own the home?

This is an important question to set the right goals and expectations before beginning the remodel. Homeowners who only plan on living in the home for a few more years may not want to invest in personalized design decisions. Those who plan on moving should look for design traits that will increase the value of the home without overspending on features with limited appeal.

On the other hand, homeowners who plan on staying in their homes for longer should prioritize bringing their dream designs to life. Since they will be the ones more likely to reap the benefits of an expensive remodel, they may prefer to prioritize their personal vision over potential resale value.

3. How do I use the kitchen?

A kitchen should reflect the lifestyle needs of its owner. A homeowner who enjoys cooking elaborate meals from scratch should design a different kitchen than one who prioritizes simplicity and convenience. Kitchens that entertain guests, double as remote workspaces, or need to accommodate multiple cooks at once should be designed with different amenities, flows, appliances, space allocation, and more.

By considering how the kitchen will be primarily used, designers can make other essential decisions concerning the floor plan, the selection of appliances, the design of cabinets, the distribution of counter space, and more. This question acknowledges that great kitchens should be designed for the owner, not just the home.

4. What is my realistic budget?

Budget is an important consideration before beginning a kitchen remodel, but the question encompasses more than the price of cabinets, counters, tile, and appliances. Homeowners need to set a realistic budget for the project that also includes potential project delays, hidden repairs, and other compromises.

For example, if a designer needs to change electrical or plumbing systems to accommodate new appliances, this can lead to higher costs and unexpected repairs or delays. Homeowners should not budget the project to the exact spending limit of the tangible materials and other purchases. Instead, they should budget with a buffer of at least 10-15% of the project cost to account for unexpected issues.

Experienced kitchen designers help homeowners evaluate their proposed remodels and compare them to their budgets to scale the project up or down according to their needs.

5. What is my timeline?

Depending on the complexity of the remodel, the timeline can vary significantly. For many homeowners, a specific event or deadline is a significant driving force of their remodel, so flexibility may not be an option. For example, the remodel may need to be finished for a family reunion, party, or other gathering.

For other homeowners, the timeline is not as strict. In either case, the planned length of the project should include not only the remodeling time but also lead times on materials and a margin of error for potential delays.

Contact Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath to Start Your Kitchen Remodel the Right Way

At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, we partner with experienced tradesmen, designers, and material suppliers to customize kitchen remodels for each client. This list is designed to help homeowners mentally plan their kitchen remodels, set the right emotional and financial expectations, and start the process the right way.

We have an expansive selection of floors, cabinets, and more to help you visualize your new kitchen. Contact our team today to continue planning your kitchen remodeling, answering the essential questions, and turning your dream design into a reality.

Creating a dream kitchen takes more than choosing the right countertops and cabinets. Turning an idea for a functional and stylish kitchen space into a practical reality requires a process-oriented mindset executed by experienced kitchen designers. Many homeowners have an idea of their dream kitchen but lack a clear strategy for executing it.

This article demonstrates some of the process involved in turning kitchen inspiration into a tangible reality. Our goal is to give a rough outline of the design process for homeowners to use as a roadmap to communicate with their kitchen designer and create an inspiring and practical new kitchen.

Step 1: Communicate the Vision

The first step of a kitchen redesign or remodel is the initial conversation. Homeowners communicate their intentions to their designers, including the features they want included and the budget they have to work with. A rough outline of the space can get the designers started, but the significance of this step is in the homeowner’s ability to tell their kitchen designer about their concerns, limitations, and plans.

A kitchen that needs to be the centerpiece of regular family gatherings will be designed differently from one that needs to hold top-tier appliances for a private chef. Today’s kitchens can incorporate seating and workspace with updated layouts, focus on storage, or utilize limited counterspace to expand storage and display options vertically. Homeowners should be upfront and specific with their visions. It’s the designer’s job to take these details and translate them into an actionable design plan.

Step 2: Explore Sample Ideas

Once kitchen designers have a general idea of the homeowner’s vision, they can begin customizing their design plan. One of the ways they do this is by presenting samples to help the homeowner explore the possibilities. They are also receptive to sample designs from the homeowner that visualize what they have in mind.

For example, homeowners often bring Pinterest boards, magazine photos, or blogs to show their designers as an example of the style they hope to achieve. Kitchen designers can use visual tools, materials, and examples from their showroom to help refine these ideas into a plan that will work in the homeowner’s specific space.

These examples can include tile, flooring, cabinets, textures, finishes, designs, and hardware in the process of bringing the kitchen vision to life. The focus should be on balancing the homeowner’s practical needs with their aesthetic ideas.

Step 3: Customizing Your Kitchen Design Plan

As inspirations materialize into a kitchen design plan, designers begin personalizing the style and function to the specific space. Using material specifications, floor plans, or 3D visualization tools, designers can build comprehensive layouts that simulate the look, feel, and function of the new kitchen.

As these sketches are tweaked, they become the designer’s roadmap for achieving the homeowner’s goals within their constraints. At this point, the measurements of the space will be completed, and the designers will begin preparations to buy the needed materials. Any final accessibility concerns or other design requirements should be mentioned at this point before the materials are ordered.

Step 4: Choosing the Materials

Material selection is an essential part of turning a kitchen idea into a tangible reality. Long-lasting and high-performing materials should be the priority, but the style should also suit the designs. For example, quartz countertops are durable, easy-to-maintain options, but designers offer a large range of natural wood, tile, and other high-quality materials to give homeowners choices when bringing their vision to life.

Step 5: Beginning the Work

Once the materials have been chosen and the designs finalized, the designers can get to work. The best kitchen designers use an in-house team of tradesmen and installers whose work they can guarantee. This team can manage every detail of the project from start to finish under one roof, from the initial inspection to the final walkthrough.

Step 6: Bringing the Design to Life

As construction progresses, the design team’s project managers will oversee the execution of the remodel. Skilled craftsmen can handle the details of each step, from plumbing and electrical to tiling and cabinetry, while the managers oversee cohesion and keep clients informed through each step of the process. Feedback and adjustments are welcome to make sure the project progresses according to the homeowner’s vision.

Step 7: Finalizing the Details

Once the work has been completed, the kitchen designer will walk through the final product with the homeowner to make sure the details match the vision. Skilled designers aim to build lasting relationships with their clients, as many homeowners return for additional designs, new projects, or further updates.

Schedule a Consultations with Maryland’s Top Kitchen Designers

Great kitchen designs result from a thoughtful collaboration between homeowners, kitchen designers, and their trade partnerships. At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, we listen to our clients’ visions and plan their kitchen remodels with precision.

Our partnerships with tradesmen, material suppliers, and craftsmen ensure that homeowners receive the best design services possible. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and begin the process of transforming your dream of a new kitchen into a tangible reality.