Our clients live in a beautiful, lush landscape in Howard County. Traveling often, they were thrilled to offer their son and family the opportunity to construct a significant addition to the family home. This project was all about merged living and space! The large, clean, and modern style throughout gives the feel of an entirely separate home.
The Kitchen
In the open-concept floor plan, we have ample space, including a dining room, living room, entry, and kitchen. The nineteen-foot ceiling adds to the expansiveness of the first-floor main living areas. To achieve a modern kitchen look, we designed single-run white cabinets with simple shaker-style doors and an oversized island. This gave the space a linear feel, equipped with everything you need to make a meal. In the kitchen, a 9-foot ceiling visually separates it from the living room.
Open Concept Modern Style
Everything in this addition screams clean lines, from the beautiful black-trimmed windows that complement the three sets of French doors leading to the porches. Two sets of doors off the dining area lead to a private screened porch and a walkway to the main home. The third set is in the primary bedroom, opening to a private porch. What an excellent way to greet the morning with a cup of coffee while sitting outside your primary bedroom suite! This gave the client’s privacy away from their busy household.
The primary suite features a large bedroom and an expansive bathroom. The bathroom includes a large two-person shower and a fantastic free-standing soaker tub. To keep with the modern theme, the large 12 x 24″ gray tile complements the black framed windows that are throughout the entire addition. Contemporary light fixtures throughout the home add the icing to this design.
Adding to the modern feel of the addition are the pristine, built-in fireplace in the open-concept family room and the open staircase with cable rail. Simple with all the correct architectural elements, including the large catwalk with the cable rail, and is actually designed as the kitchen’s ceiling, giving that space a cozy, centered feel. The overlook from this catwalk on the second floor of the merged living addition offers an unobstructed view of the first floor.
The rich Revwood Plus laminate flooring in chocolate tones adds warmth to this ample, modern space. Low-lying modern furnishings complement the tall ceiling heights and fireplace. With the vast space, the clients added more family fun to the living room with a ping-pong table.
The Den
Everyone needs a quiet place to get away and contemplate the day. Perhaps have a cup of tea and read a favorite book. With a family of four and a busy lifestyle, this home offers opportunities for family time and a place to find serenity in this very inviting space. The chenille modern furniture and the fun angles of the ceiling, paired with the dark slate floor and pellet stove, create a cozy atmosphere for quiet time. While enjoying that time alone, you can still receive a visitor from the second-floor hallway. A long run of stacked glass panels overlooks the den and opens to let the heat from the pellet stove rise to the second floor and share a word or two with a family member.
Merged Living or ADUs
The accessory dwelling unit (ADU) industry is exploding amid the housing crisis. Multigenerational living is trending upward, and the 9.19% annual growth rate reflects the shift in how we approach housing. Single-family exclusivity is shifting toward flexible, multi-unit properties that generate income, provide space for aging relatives, or offer dedicated workspace. The global ADU market was valued at $19.64 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $43.33 billion by 2034, per Mesocore.
Contact us to discuss whether an accessory dwelling unit or in-law suite is right for you and your family. We can research your home to determine whether an addition can be built to accommodate an income-generating unit, an in-law suite for aging parents, or a place for young families to get started.
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