--- title: "Kitchen Encounters — Cabinets & Cabinetry | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/cabinets-and-cabinetry/kitchen-encounters-pfvwus-pf~1829206729 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1829206729.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Kitchen Encounters" category: ["Cabinets & Cabinetry"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/89f3c140014b6895_2902-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "202 Legion Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, United States" latitude: 38.9898 longitude: -76.5501 phone: "(410) 263-4900" website: http://www.kitchenencounters.biz rating: 4.9 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 202 last_updated: 2026-09-04 --- # Kitchen Encounters Original Houzz profile: [Kitchen Encounters](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/cabinets-and-cabinetry/kitchen-encounters-pfvwus-pf~1829206729) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Cabinets & Cabinetry - **Location:** Annapolis, MD - **Serves:** Bowie, Severn, Odenton, Annapolis, Severna Park, Pasadena, Crofton, South Gate, Arnold, Lake Shore, Parole, Edgewater, Cape Saint Claire, Stevensville, Mayo, Londontowne, Davidsonville, Naval Academy, Riva, Selby-on-the-Bay, Gambrills, Hillsmere Shores, Herald Harbor, Arden on the Severn, Crownsville, Trappe, Epping Forest, Gibson Island, Harwood, Historic Downtown Annapolis, Linstead, Millersville, Queen Annes, Sherwood Forest, Shipley's Choice, South River Colony, The Downs - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Award winning - Offers Custom Work - 40 years in business At Kitchen Encounters of Annapolis, Maryland, our unique and effective approach to kitchen design has created more than just rooms—it has created a reputation for exquisite design and exceptional service. A family-owned business since 1981, we understand how important the kitchen is in your home. Owner Mark T. White, a native of Annapolis, developed the Interactive Design Process to ensure that comfort, beauty and function merge successfully in your remodeling or new construction experience. By using numerous sketches to illustrate design possibilities, our clients are able to identify features that fit their lifestyle. The preferred design elements are then combined into the best plan for the project. We can provide custom cabinetry and design options for every room of the home including kitchens, butler pantry, laundry rooms, bathrooms, home offices, and built-ins. We feature five major product lines including: Bentwood, Harmoni, StyleCraft, Seville, Medallion and The Galley Workstation. Our client-driven design reaches homeowners outside of Maryland as well. We proudly offer our innovative process and award-winning designs to clients nationwide. Visit our website to schedule a private consultation: https://www.kitchenencounters.biz/ ### Services Provided - Custom Cabinets - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Custom Built-ins - Custom Bookcases - Custom Pantries - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Home Bars - Custom Cabinet Doors - Custom Walk-in Closets - Cabinet Sales - Custom Shelving - Pantry Design - Closet Design - 3D Rendering - built-ins - butler pantry - custom built-in - home office design - laundry room - organization ### Areas Served - Bowie - Severn - Odenton - Annapolis - Severna Park - Pasadena - Crofton - South Gate - Arnold - Lake Shore - Parole - Edgewater - Cape Saint Claire - Stevensville - Mayo - Londontowne - Davidsonville - Naval Academy - Riva - Selby-on-the-Bay - Gambrills - Hillsmere Shores - Herald Harbor - Arden on the Severn - Crownsville - Trappe - Epping Forest - Gibson Island - Harwood - Historic Downtown Annapolis - Linstead - Millersville - Queen Annes - Sherwood Forest - Shipley's Choice - South River Colony - The Downs ### Typical Job Cost $35,000 - 100,000 Varies depending on the scope of the project, cabinetry, finish, and quality selected. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Kitchen Encounters | | Address | 202 Legion Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, United States | | Phone | (410) 263-4900 | | Website | http://www.kitchenencounters.biz | | License Number | 12602 | | Followers on Houzz | 202 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/kitchen.encounters.3 - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/kitchen-encounters--award-winning-designs - Blog — www.kitchenencounters.biz ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Kitchen Encounters](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/cabinets-and-cabinetry/kitchen-encounters-pfvwus-pf~1829206729) - **Website:** http://www.kitchenencounters.biz - **Phone:** (410) 263-4900 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - CMKBD, CKD, CBD, AKBD, various design awards and recognitions, reader's choice awards, winner of NKBA and other industry competitions - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [National Kitchen & Bath Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-kitchen-and-bath-association-pfvwus-pf~1351084655) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 11 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 40.0 ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — pross2burke, March 2023** > Mark White renovated our kitchen 16 years ago and every day I still find joy cooking and entertaining in it. Mark’s personal and professional relationships continue long after the project has been completed. Recently, I had a question about the cabinets. Mark was prompt to return my call and directed me to the people and resources needed . In all the years that I’ve had home improvement renovations, I can’t recall anyone who had everlasting commitments to their projects. Mark and his family business are truly unique!!! **★★★★★ — Terry Sitz, Mixed Media Paintings, Oct. 2017** > Holy Mackerel--Owner Mark White and Designer Kim Neiss have been amazing in creating my dream kitchen...the attention to detail, creativity, solid relationships with their suppliers, responsiveness were terrific--but most importantly, they were inviting & extremely comfortable to work with. I am in Montgomery County & researched a number of kitchen designers and found many unapproachable and intimidating-- outrageous in their expectations of what I should spend on my cabinets--$90-110K? just for cabinets...Mark & Kim worked with my budget and brought such beauty AND customization with very high end cabinets--they were with me every step of my renovation which included an entire kitchen gutting and facelifting of my master bath. Would HIGHLY recommend--our house looks like something out of a magazine--beyond my expectations. **★★★★★ — hewes3d, March 2016** > From chaos to perfection, our kitchen renovation was a dream. Mark White and his team made the experience fun and rewarding. The final design was so dynamic that it was featured in Magazines and also shows up here in Houzz. They were able to bring my vision and artists contributions into the design for a truly unique and visually stimulating space that goes beyond function. **Comment from Kitchen Encounters:** > Thank you so much! It was a pleasure to work with you, and to have the opportunity to work with such renowned artists on creating this one-of-a-kind space! **★★★★★ — aehaile, Sept. 2015** > They designed and oversaw the installation of our kitchen. The design process was amazing! The owner, Mark White, listened to everything we wanted in a kitchen. After listening to our wish list he came up with a few designs then sat down with us to come up with the perfect combination of the ideas for our personalized kitchen design. We consulted with 2 other designers and they just barely listened to what we wanted. Getting them to hear us was really difficult. With Kitchen Encounters every step of the way they worked to make sure we got exactly what we wanted. When we needed to decrease some of the costs, they helped us. When he gave us his quote it was spot on to what he actually charged. In the whole process of putting on an addition to accommodate our new kitchen he was the only contractor who did that. When the kitchen cabinets arrived Kitchen Encounters did everything they could to make sure they were perfect. There was never an additional cost because we wanted to meet with them again here and there. I cannot imagine that any other kitchen design firm could do a better job. **Comment from Kitchen Encounters:** > Thank you so much!! We had a great time working with you all, and are looking forward to having your project photographed later this month!! **★★★★★ — User, Sept. 2015** > We were so thrilled with our finished kitchen. Mark White listened and understood exactly the style I was seeking. His design concept maximized the small space with which we had to work. He guided us in our selection of cabinets and coordinated the work with our wonderful contractors at FSW Builders. His assistant, Brittany, followed up on all the details and together they made the process go smoothly. It exceeded our expectations and we love our new kitchen and laundry room. **Comment from Kitchen Encounters:** > Thanks so much!! It was a pleasure working you both, and we are thrilled with the final result of your project!! **★★★★★ — TailorCraft Builders, Inc., Oct. 2014** > I can't say enough great things about Mark, Brittany and the entire team at Kitchen Encounters. I recently had the pleasure of working with them while doing an entire whole home remodel for a client of mine. They introduced me to Mark, as they had worked with him in the past. What a pleasant surprise it was to find another professional who is as passionate about their business as I am about mine. The kitchen design was superb, the cabinets were absolutely stunning, and they were there the entire step of the way for me, the builder, when I had questions or needed additional items. Their service to clients is first class all the way. I have happily recommended them since, and very much look forward to the next time we can work together on another amazing project. If you are in the market for a new kitchen idea, you owe it to yourself to go and meet Mark and his team. You won't be disappointed! **Comment from Kitchen Encounters:** > Thank you so much, Aaron! It was a pleasure to work with you as well, and we hope to do more together in the future! **★★★★★ — crsimeone, Jan. 2014** > I am an appliance distributor that works with Mark White and his staff at Kitchen Encounters. My experience with this company has always been positive. Kitchen Encounters designs are featured in many publications. I have always heard rave reviews from their clients. When people ask me for a recommendation for kitchen designers, Mark is on the top of my list. **Comment from Kitchen Encounters:** > Thanks so much! It is always a pleasure to work with you as well! We love bringing our clients to the beautiful showroom at Fretz! **★★★★ — oldhat36, May 2013** > We totally love our kitchen - it's everything we wanted it to be! Open, lots of light, easily accessible to the rest of the house, the island is such a great space to lay out whatever we might be working on...and we actually cook. Even tho we have fabulous views to the water, everyone gathers in the kitchen. It's perfect! So once again, thank you for helping us achieve our goal of making our kitchen the heart of our new home!! **★★★★★ — franceshiggins, May 2013** > Mark White and his team did an amazing job designing our new kitchen. We had some difficult challenges in our condo kitchen because we could not change the location of utilities serving the unit above . But Mark was up to the task and managed to include everything we wanted in our new kitchen. It is now functional and beautiful and we so enjoy cooking again! **★★★★★ — Annapolis Home Magazine, May 2013** > As publishers of Annapolis Home Magazine, we aim to feature the finest designer kitchens. When we are planning a kitchen story, we always turn to Kitchen Encounters to see examples of their recent work. The quality of their work always impresses. We have featured several of their kitchens--each one extraordinary in its own way. **★★★★★ — maryjodickinson, May 2013** > We just completed our second kitchen with Mark White of Kitchen Encounters. We did our first kitchen with him 16 years ago and loved our kitchen so much we gave him a call when it was time to build a new kitchen. > > Mark and his staff are responsive, thoughtful and creative. The toughest part of the project for us was tearing down our beloved kitchen that he designed so long ago but the pain was eased by our new wonderful, show stopping kitchen. > > I would not hesitate to recommend Mark and his staff for your kitchen regardless of the scope of worked needed... from tight budgets to over the top gourmet... Mark can spin his gold! > > Mary Jo Dickinson > Annapolis, Md **Comment from Kitchen Encounters:** > Thanks Mary Jo! We are very proud of how beautifully your project turned out! You made a lot of great selections to tie everything together! ## Selected projects - [Design in the Details](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/design-in-the-details-pj-vj~1520597) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 14 - Description: Our clients had a clear vision of the transitional kitchen they long desired for their home. This model kitchen has great function and details that would be pleasing to an array of clients, but especially the homeowners. The featured design elements include: - Maximized square footage by removing walls to other living areas. - Graphite colored cabinetry give the kitchen depth, while the other lighter selections provide contrast and brightness. - Long, sleek hardware compliment the slab style and… - [Mill Creek Waterfront: Transitional Accessible Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-creek-waterfront-transitional-accessible-design-pj-vj~6749476) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 9 - Description: This family wanted to create a forever home on the waterfront in Annapolis that was transitional in design. Their forever home concept included considerations for accessibility and how they will live and use the home, as they approach their senior years. Accessible design, transitional design elements, and upscale finishes bring the concepts together beautifully. - [Miami on the Bay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/miami-on-the-bay-pj-vj~1520541) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 13 - [Nautical En Suite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nautical-en-suite-pj-vj~1522565) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 10 - Description: The master bathroom and closet in this home were in need of a major redesign. From the hallway you would go through the closet area which also had a vanity sink just to get into the bedroom. To use the bathroom you would go back through the closet area and enter a small poorly organized space with a small shower, another small sink area, the toilet and no tub. There was also a small two-part closet off the hallway that was a poor use of space. The only desirable features were the window (by the… - [History Transitionalized](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/history-transitionalized-pj-vj~1391413) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 11 - Description: The eclectic taste of our clients came together in this transitional kitchen that was long overdue. Being in a historical home the homeowners wanted to feature some of the details reminiscent of the original home. Some of these details along with upgrades to the kitchen include: - Enlarging the existing kitchen space and using it to create a small powder room off of the living room. - Stacked cabinets with multi-layered crown molding above accentuate the taller ceiling height. - White 3 x 5 Matt… - [Retro to Proactive](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/retro-to-proactive-pj-vj~1522639) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 16 - Description: The 80’s kitchen in this contemporary home was in desperate need of an update. Everything from the old tile floors to the unstylish cabinets needed to be replaced and there was significant opportunity to improve the layout for better function and improved flow to the adjacent areas. We started by exploring numerous layout options with the clients then combined the preferred design elements from different sketches to create the plan that would meet their needs and fit the space in the best possib… - [Woodland Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/woodland-retreat-pj-vj~1391592) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 12 - [Artful Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/artful-design-pj-vj~1520503) - Location: Chestertown, MD - Photos: 11 - [A Great Room with A Great View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-great-room-with-a-great-view-pj-vj~1391526) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 11 - Description: This Nantucket style custom home, built by Bayview Builders, has a picture perfect waterside setting along the Chesapeake Bay. The shaker style Seville cabinetry used throughout the house offers a casual feel that compliments surrounding décor. The great room, which includes the kitchen, dining room and family room, encompasses the entire view of the water from the back of the house. By incorporating various shades of blues and using white inset cabinetry in the kitchen, the homeowner’s achieved… - [Cramped to Maximized](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cramped-to-maximized-pj-vj~1391458) - Location: Severna Park, MD - Photos: 12 - Description: Designing for two cooks in the family proves that larger square footage kitchen is a must. These homeowners decided that adding sixteen feet onto the back of their house was the best way to create the kitchen they desired for their family. Some of the custom design elements in the space include: - Ivory painted perimeter cabinets are offset by deep grey island cabinetry. - A vaulted ceiling in the addition provides visual interest and height from the original kitchen space. - Desk area to keep p… - [A Different Take on Cookie Cutter](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-different-take-on-cookie-cutter-pj-vj~1218658) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 10 - Description: When designing this kitchen the homeowners wanted to set themselves apart from the typical layout that is so often seen in neighboring houses, with the same floorplan. Since the original kitchen dated back to 1985, it was long overdue for a face lift. These homeowners wanted to deviate from the cookie-cutter Shaker style kitchen you so often see and put their personal touches into the new kitchen. Some of the design elements are as follows: - Borrowing several feet of space from the oversized of… - [The Brightest White](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-brightest-white-pj-vj~1218636) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 8 - Description: Even though the previous kitchen had white cabinets, the transformation to bright white cabinetry, countertops and painted walls made a huge impact in this once cramped kitchen. By rearranging the configuration of the space, the functionality of this traditional kitchen along with adjoining spaces has vastly improved. Here are some of the highlighted features of the new kitchen: - Eliminating an eat-in kitchen area and having countertop seating around a semi-circular peninsula that creates a gre… - [Master Bath Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-bath-retreat-pj-vj~1218809) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 6 - [Classic Taste Meets Classic Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-taste-meets-classic-design-pj-vj~1218167) - Location: Odenton, MD - Photos: 10 - Description: This traditional home on a large wooded lot was in need of an update to create a more functional and inviting workspace. New, larger corner windows were installed to increase light, and the alcove that the refrigerator was in was reconfigured to create a more open and functional layout. The homeowner frequently entertains and wanted to create separate work zones for cooking, prepping, and gathering in the kitchen and adjoining family room. In keeping with the traditional décor of the home, raise… - [Change of Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/change-of-style-pj-vj~1207444) - Location: Bethesda, MD - Photos: 29 - Description: The original kitchen in the home was nicely done but did not fulfill the homeowner’s desire for a contemporary kitchen with a more functional design. The walk in pantry was next to the bar/butler’s pantry which was rather small. We reorganized the space so the pantry entry is right by the prep area which allowed the bar to be expanded. The new kitchen features: - Two sinks, two dishwashers, 48” range top, and decorative hood - Horizontal grain bamboo cabinets - Lift doors with reeded glass in ke… - [From Basic to Bold](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/from-basic-to-bold-pj-vj~1218079) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 11 - Description: This couple with two active young boys wanted to update their kitchen in their town home in a water front community. While the kitchen space in their 3-story town home could not be expanded, removing part of a wall expanded the pass through, opening the space up and providing more light and clear sightlines to the dining and living space. In addition to the kitchen, a small study area was created for the boys and the custom architectural features added to the fireplace area in the family room ti… - [From Casualty comes Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/from-casualty-comes-contemporary-pj-vj~1207497) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 10 - Description: This contemporary condo needed a new kitchen because of a plumbing leak and subsequent flood. The homeowners took the opportunity to remove the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create an open plan. They loved the previous kitchen, which we had done for the original owners about 20 years ago. They wanted the same high quality design and cabinetry so they called us. The main design feature of the old kitchen that we used again in the new was the cabinet and bench seat in front of the wi… - [Neoclassical Gem](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/neoclassical-gem-pj-vj~1207376) - Location: Trappe, MD - Photos: 21 - Description: This home is graced with the high ceilings, well-proportioned rooms and detailed millwork that is reminiscent of an earlier tradition of elegance and craftsmanship. That is, until one got to the kitchen. The former kitchen was dark, compartmentalized and dysfunctional, with an awkward layout and limited counter space. That absolutely did not work for the client, an avid cook who entertains frequently. Our objective was to create a design that respects the architecture of the home, enlivens the s… - [Shades of Gray](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shades-of-gray-pj-vj~1207348) - Location: Baltimore, MD - Photos: 6 - Description: This traditional Baltimore row home needed a more contemporary kitchen for entertaining. With no opportunity to expand, the only way to increase the size of the kitchen was to raise the floor at the sunken dining area. The extra square footage allowed increased cabinet and counter space. Highlights are: - The cabinets appear curved, but are not- they are against the faceted wall with a curved countertop and bulkhead creating the effect. -Contemporary gray faux wood cabinets contrasted with light… - [Water Views and Islands](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/water-views-and-islands-pj-vj~915856) - Location: Stevensville, MD - Photos: 20 - Description: This waterfront home, though large, has a cottage feel to it, which was epitomized by the old kitchen. It was cluttered and crowded with outdated appliances lined up against one wall. And though it faces the bay, the views were lousy and obstructed. We revived this space without changing its square footage, but doubling the storage capacity and making it open and beautiful. Doorways in the kitchen were moved just slightly to gain more room for counter space and to improve the traffic flow. The n… [See all 31 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/cabinets-and-cabinetry/kitchen-encounters-pfvwus-pf~1829206729) ## Ideabooks - [My favorites!](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14368858/list/my-favorites) — 4 ideas - [High End Country Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57252181/list/high-end-country-kitchen) — 3 ideas - [Wooded Waterfront](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28124707/list/wooded-waterfront) — 15 ideas - [Samples of Kitchen Encounters Projects 2](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13598922/list/samples-of-kitchen-encounters-projects-2) — 49 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/kitchenencounters1981) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the material of these cabinets?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thank you. A: Thank you for reaching out to Kitchen Encounters. The cabinet finish is High Gloss P.E.T. which is a thermoplastic polymer resin laminate. **Q: What type of popup vent do you have or is if stove what stove is it?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am interested in what type of pop up vent it is or is it integrated in the stove? A: Hi - thank you for reaching out to Kitchen Encounters. Unfortunately, the client purchased this vent on their own and we don't know what the brand is. However, most brands have pop up vents that will work with their cooktops or ranges. You don't necessarily need to purchase the same brand as you're appliance. Your appliance dealer will be able to guide you in your purchase. I do know the ceiling mounted vent is from Best. These types of vents are also a good alternative for island applications or if cooking is installed near a window such as in this project. **Q: who makes these pulls** *(in Photo Questions)* Who makes these pulls A: Thank you for your question. The client purchased these pulls on their own so unfortunately, I'm unable to provide any information about them. **Q: Beautiful cabinets - what brand of cabinets are these?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thanks so much in advance! A: The cabinet brand is Bentwood. **Q: Lovely Kitchen** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the name of the granite please? Very pretty! A: Thanks for your inquiry and we're glad you like the kitchen. We did not supply the counter top for this project so unfortunately we do not know the name of the stone. **Q: what made the decision to to cabinet door hardware horizontal?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am completing modern kitchen and have solid bar style hardware. Struggling with horizontal vs. vertical for doors. A: The horizontal placement of the handles compliments the clean contemporary design of the cabinets the client chose. Also, with the placement of 3 or more cabinets together it is a way to have a non-directional, uniform appearance no matter which way the cabinet doors open. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*