9 Kitchen Items That Undermine Maryland Style (Plus 9 That Elevate It), According To Designers

Maryland kitchens have a charm all their own, part coastal, part colonial, and always full of character. But even the most thoughtfully designed space can get tripped up by a few sneaky style offenders.

You know the culprits, clunky appliances, dated finishes, or that oddly placed rooster-themed decor (you know who you are). Don’t worry, we’re not just here to call out the faux pas.

We’re also spotlighting the standout pieces that nail Maryland style and instantly elevate your space. Let’s explore the kitchen dos and don’ts that will make your Old Line State home feel anything but outdated.

1. Shiny Chrome Faucets: Too Flashy For Maryland Sensibilities

Chrome might sparkle in showrooms, but it clashes with Maryland’s understated coastal elegance. The excessive shine creates an artificial vibe that fights against our region’s natural aesthetic.

Most Maryland homes thrive with fixtures that age gracefully, developing character over time. Chrome, however, shows every fingerprint and water spot, making your kitchen look perpetually unclean.

Whenever clients insist on chrome, I gently steer them toward options that complement our state’s heritage rather than competing with it.

2. Generic Flat-Front Cabinets: The Maryland Style Saboteurs

Flat-front cabinets scream ‘mass-produced’ rather than ‘Maryland made.’ Their characterless surfaces lack the dimension and craftsmanship our coastal kitchens deserve.

Walking into a Maryland kitchen with these cabinets feels like entering a generic apartment anywhere in America. Nothing says ‘I don’t understand this region’ quite like these featureless boxes lining your walls.

Though budget-friendly, these cabinets ultimately cost you the warm, inviting atmosphere that defines authentic Maryland homes.

3. Cheap Laminate Countertops: A Chesapeake Bay Faux Pas

The laminate countertops might save dollars upfront, but cost tremendously in Maryland style points. Their artificial appearance contradicts the authentic, nature-inspired elements central to our regional aesthetic.

The Chesapeake region celebrates natural materials that weather beautifully with time. Laminate, meanwhile, chips easily and develops unsightly seams that collect grime.

Many homeowners mistakenly install these, thinking they’ll upgrade later. Unfortunately, that temporary fix often becomes permanent, undermining the kitchen’s potential for years.

4. Bright White Appliances: Too Stark For Chesapeake Charm

Ever feel like your kitchen’s giving off hospital cafeteria vibes instead of Chesapeake charm? Bright white appliances might be to blame. Their stark, clinical look clashes with the warm tones and inviting feel that define Maryland kitchens, they’re more scrubbed sterile than Old Bay seasoned.

Over the years, I’ve unplugged more white refrigerators and dishwashers than I can count, all in the name of restoring cozy, lived-in character. These glaring appliances don’t blend, they shout, pulling focus and throwing off the entire design harmony.

And let’s not forget, white surfaces show every crumb and smudge, turning your kitchen into a full-time cleaning gig.

5. Busy Backsplash Tiles: Visual Chaos In Crab Country

Overly colorful or patterned backsplashes fight against Maryland’s subtle coastal palette. These busy designs create visual noise that drowns out the clean, maritime-influenced aesthetic our region celebrates.

Homeowners sometimes choose these thinking they’ll add personality, not realizing they’re actually detracting from authentic Maryland character. The competing colors and patterns make the kitchen feel smaller and more cluttered.

Even worse are the trendy backsplashes featuring random geometric shapes that will look painfully dated within a few years.

6. Plastic Flooring: The Seafood State Deserves Better

the fact is, vinyl and plastic flooring materials immediately cheapen a Maryland kitchen. Their artificial sheen and hollow sound underfoot betray any attempts at creating an authentic space.

Our region’s homes historically featured natural materials that connected interiors with the surrounding landscape. Plastic flooring creates a disconnect, making the kitchen feel like a temporary space rather than a permanent gathering place.

Though manufacturers claim these materials are ‘wood-look,’ no one is fooled. Especially guests who’ve experienced genuine Maryland homes.

7. Oversized Islands: Maryland Kitchens Aren’t Parking Lots

Massive kitchen islands without clear purpose waste valuable space in Maryland homes. These behemoths often block natural traffic flow and create awkward dead zones that make entertaining difficult.

Maryland’s culinary tradition centers on communal seafood feasts and family gatherings. Poorly designed islands can actually inhibit these cherished activities rather than supporting them.

The worst offenders are those enormous islands with no seating, storage, or cooking features, essentially just big boxes taking up precious kitchen real estate.

8. Fluorescent Lighting: Harsh On Seafood And Souls

There’s nothing quite like a Maryland kitchen…until fluorescent lighting crashes the party. That harsh, bluish glare has a knack for making even the freshest crab dip look like it came from a vending machine.

Instead of warm, welcoming vibes that echo a Chesapeake sunset, these outdated fixtures turn your space into a pop-up clinic, with bonus buzzing and flickering. Not exactly the mood for a relaxed crab feast or a cozy family dinner.

In a state known for charm and character, your lighting should do more than just illuminate, it should elevate. Time to ditch the flicker and bring the glow back home.

9. Mismatched Hardware: The Telltale Sign Of Piecemeal Design

Cabinet pulls and knobs that don’t coordinate reveal a haphazard approach to kitchen design. This mishmash creates visual confusion that undermines Maryland’s traditionally cohesive aesthetic.

Homeowners sometimes mix hardware styles thinking they’re adding character, when actually they’re signaling a lack of design direction. The result feels cobbled together rather than thoughtfully crafted.

Some of the worst offenders I’ve seen include combining ornate Victorian handles with sleek modern knobs. It’s a clash that would make any Maryland designer cringe.

10. Warm Brass Faucets: Chesapeake Bay Approved

Is your faucet making waves, or just washing out your kitchen’s personality? Brass fixtures might just be the gold standard for Maryland style. With their warm, sunset-inspired glow, they echo the charm of Chesapeake evenings and pair beautifully with the region’s historic, coastal vibe.

Unlike trendier finishes that sink fast in the style department, brass only gets better with age, kind of like your favorite beach house that’s weathered a few storms and still stands strong. That lived-in patina? It’s less wear and tear, more Old Bay flair.

Clients often say their brass faucets steal the show during crab feasts and oyster roasts. A proof that even your plumbing can be the life of the party.

11. Classic Shaker Cabinets: Maryland’s Timeless Choice

With their clean lines and excellent craftsmanship, shaker-style cabinets honor Maryland’s shipbuilding heritage. The simple frame-and-panel construction provides just enough detail to be interesting without becoming fussy.

These cabinets serve as the perfect backdrop for both traditional and contemporary Maryland kitchens. Their versatility allows them to complement coastal elements without competing for attention.

These cabinets maintain their appeal decade after decade, much like the classic architecture found throughout Annapolis and Baltimore’s historic districts.

12. Natural Stone Countertops: Bringing The Shoreline Inside

Stone countertops echo Maryland’s diverse landscape, from sandy shores to rocky outcroppings. Their natural variations create visual interest while maintaining the organic feel essential to authentic Chesapeake style.

Quartz with subtle veining offers the perfect balance of durability and beauty for families who regularly host seafood feasts. The non-porous surface stands up to lemon juice splashes during crab picking sessions.

Many folks select colors that reference local stone or the varied blues of the bay, strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

13. Sleek Stainless Appliances: Modern Maritime Appeal

Looking to anchor your kitchen in both style and substance? Stainless steel appliances are a shore thing in Maryland homes. Their sleek finish nods to the state’s nautical roots—think silver flashes beneath the Chesapeake’s surface, without making waves in your design.

Unlike stark white or heavy black finishes, stainless plays nice with everything from traditional wood cabinetry to breezy coastal blues, letting your Maryland-inspired details truly shell-ebrate.

And let’s be honest, professional-grade stainless also says you mean business when it comes to steaming crabs or shucking fresh corn. These appliances don’t just look sharp, they’re ready to tackle the tide of serious Chesapeake cooking.

14. Subtle Textured Backsplash: The Perfect Supporting Player

Subway tiles with slight texture or natural stone backsplashes provide depth without overwhelming Maryland’s coastal kitchen aesthetic. These materials catch light beautifully throughout the day, creating subtle movement reminiscent of bay waters.

Clients often select soft blues, greens, or neutral tones that reference the Chesapeake’s changing colors. The right backsplash enhances other design elements without demanding attention.

Handmade tiles with slight irregularities add authentic character that mass-produced options simply cannot match, much like Maryland’s unique coastal communities.

15. Hardwood Flooring: Anchoring Maryland Tradition

Quality hardwood floors ground Maryland kitchens in authentic regional tradition. Oak, maple, or reclaimed pine creates a warm foundation that connects to our state’s abundant forests and shipbuilding history.

The natural grain patterns add visual interest without competing with other design elements. Wood’s natural resilience stands up to the heavy traffic typical in Maryland kitchens where friends and family gather for seafood feasts.

Pro tip, select medium tones that won’t show every speck of Old Bay seasoning that inevitably escapes during enthusiastic crab sessions.

16. Functional Islands: Command Centers For Crab Feasts

Well-designed kitchen islands serve as gathering spots for Maryland’s famous seafood celebrations. The ideal island incorporates practical features like built-in trash compartments for shells and storage for specialized seafood tools.

Proportional sizing ensures the island enhances workflow rather than obstructing it. Counter height seating allows friends to chat while shucking oysters or picking crabs.

The best Maryland kitchen islands feature durable, easy-to-clean surfaces that withstand the inevitable spills of butter, Old Bay, and beer that accompany our state’s beloved culinary traditions.

17. Layered Lighting: Illuminating Chesapeake Charm

Is your kitchen lighting helping set the mood, or just casting shadows on your crab feast? In Maryland kitchens, lighting does more than help you see, it sets the scene.

Pendants above the island shine a spotlight on serious tasks (like picking every last bit of meat from a blue crab), while under-cabinet lights keep counters bright without crabby glare.

Recessed fixtures add that soft ambient glow, whether you’re prepping for a bushel-worthy dinner or winding down with a glass of local wine. With the right layers, your kitchen doesn’t just function. It glows like the Bay at golden hour, showing off charm, warmth, and true Maryland hospitality.

18. Coordinated Hardware: The Jewelry Of Maryland Kitchens

Bronze or matte black hardware unifies Maryland kitchen design with sophisticated restraint. These finishes develop character over time, much like the weathered docks and boats along our shoreline.

Thoughtfully selected knobs and pulls should complement, not compete with, other kitchen elements. The best hardware choices reference traditional maritime details without becoming overly themed.

Many Maryland designers select slightly oversized pieces that provide both visual interest and ergonomic functionality. It’s especially important when hands might be slippery from handling seafood.