Real Wood vs. Laminate Finishes: Understanding the Difference

The Return of the Rec Room: Why the Ultimate “Playroom for All Ages” Is Making a Comeback

The bonus room is back, and it is getting a serious upgrade. Once called the rec room or rumpus room, this flexible, often-overlooked space is quickly becoming one of the most valuable rooms in the home. Today’s homeowners are reimagining these spaces into versatile, multi-functional retreats that reflect how we actually live, work, and play.

A Space That Adapts to Every Stage of Life

What was once a casual basement or spare room is now being transformed into a space that adapts and evolves with the household. For families with young children, a bonus room can become a safe, creative playroom designed to grow as they do. It might begin as a soft, toy-filled space for toddlers, then evolve into a homework and reading zone for school-aged kids, and eventually become a media or hangout room for teens.

For adults, it is becoming a highly personalized retreat. Some are turning bonus rooms into hobby studios complete with built-in storage for art supplies, music equipment, or crafting essentials. Others are designing home theaters, gaming lounges, or yoga and meditation spaces that offer a place to recharge, unwind, and enjoy time together.

Multi-Purpose by Design

One of the most exciting aspects of the modern rec room revival is its flexibility. With thoughtful design and custom cabinetry, the same space can serve multiple purposes without feeling cluttered or chaotic. Built-in shelving keeps games and books organized, hidden storage conceals toys and hobby materials, and versatile furniture makes it easy to transition from kids’ playtime to grown-up gatherings in minutes.

When extra sleeping space is needed, the rec room can also convert into a comfortable guest suite. A built-in Murphy bed or pull-out sofa, paired with custom cabinetry for linens and essentials, means overnight guests feel welcome without sacrificing everyday functionality.

Designing for Joy and Connection

Ultimately, the resurgence of the rumpus room is about creating a space that brings people together. It is about carving out a place where creativity, play, and relaxation coexist, whether that means hosting game night, practicing yoga, building Lego towers with toddlers, or curling up with a good book.

At Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets & Cabinetry | A Division of Artisan Interiors Group, we specialize in designing multi-purpose spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional. Our team of designers and artisans creates custom cabinetry, built-ins, and storage solutions that make every inch of your home work harder and look better, including those often-overlooked bonus rooms.

From flexible family playrooms to adult hideaways and everything in between, today’s rec rooms are no longer an afterthought. They are becoming the heart of the home, places for hobbies, connection, creativity, and lasting memories

Design Ideas: Texture and Depth in Cabinetry

Beyond Flat: Elevate Your Cabinetry with Texture, Design, and Depth

At Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets & Cabinetry, we believe cabinetry should be as expressive and unique as the people who live with it. Our team has been attending top interior design shows across the country, and one trend is clearly on the rise: texture. Cabinetry is no longer just a background feature. It’s becoming a focal point through bold materials, layered finishes, and dimensional designs that bring a space to life.

From Storage to Statement

Flat panel cabinetry has long been a standard, but we’re seeing a shift toward options that add depth, character, and tactile interest. These finishes aren’t just about style—they transform functional storage into statement-making furniture. Whether you’re designing a walk-in closet, media center, home office, or bar, textured finishes can enhance the space in subtle yet powerful ways.

Design Trends We’re Loving

Raised Panels
A timeless look with a modern twist. Raised panels create architectural interest and are ideal for built-ins in formal spaces like dining rooms, libraries, and executive offices.

High Gloss Finishes
Polished and dramatic, high gloss cabinetry reflects light and brings a sleek, contemporary energy to kitchens, offices, or entertainment areas.

Leather and Faux Leather Inlays
Warm, luxurious, and unexpected. These surfaces add a sophisticated edge to closets, cocktail bars, or statement furniture pieces.

Pebbled and Textured Surfaces
Inspired by organic textures and natural elements, these finishes bring softness and movement to modern spaces, from bathrooms to mudrooms.

Wood Grains and Reclaimed Looks
Rich with texture and visual warmth, natural wood veneers and distressed laminates give cabinetry a grounded, earthy elegance that feels both timeless and trend-forward.

Why Texture Matters

Textured cabinetry does more than look good—it invites interaction. The depth and detail can change how a space feels, making it warmer, more dynamic, and more personal. It also helps define the tone of a room, whether you’re going for bold sophistication, understated luxury, or natural ease.

Your Vision, Brought to Life

Our experienced design team will guide you through a wide range of materials, finishes, and design options to create something that reflects your taste and enhances how you live. We don’t just build storage. We build furniture-quality pieces that elevate every corner of your home.

Ready to bring texture home? Let’s talk about cabinetry that goes beyond the flat front and creates a truly customized experience.

Visit www.bcdclosets.com to get started.

Real Wood vs. Laminate Finishes: Understanding the Difference and Making the Right Choice

When it comes to cabinetry and storage solutions, the choice between real wood and laminate finishes is a crucial one. At Behind Closed Doors, we pride ourselves on offering both options to cater to a variety of needs, styles, and budgets. Understanding the differences between these materials, and knowing when to use one over the other, can help you make an informed decision for your next home project.

Real Wood: Timeless Elegance and Natural Beauty

Characteristics: Real wood is a natural material that exudes warmth, beauty, and character. Each piece is unique, with its grain patterns and natural imperfections adding to its charm. Wood can be stained, painted, or left in its natural state, offering versatility in design. Our extensive product line includes a wide range of wood species, from rich mahogany to elegant oak, ensuring that you find the perfect match for your style.

Why Choose Real Wood?

Durability: Real wood is incredibly durable and can last for decades when properly maintained. It’s a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens or living rooms, where you want your investment to stand the test of time.
Aesthetic Appeal: There’s nothing quite like the look and feel of real wood. It adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to any space, making it an ideal choice for those who value craftsmanship and quality.
Resale Value: Homes with real wood cabinetry often have higher resale value, as buyers recognize and appreciate the quality and longevity of natural materials.

Project Examples: We’ve completed numerous projects using real wood, from elegant kitchen cabinets to custom-built bookcases and living room cabinetry. These spaces not only look stunning but are built to withstand daily use, providing our clients with long-lasting beauty and functionality.

Laminate: Modern, Affordable, and Versatile

Characteristics: Laminate is a synthetic material made by fusing multiple layers of paper and resin. It’s available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns, including convincing wood-look finishes. Laminate is a popular choice for those looking for a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing style.

Why Choose Laminate?

Affordability: Laminate is typically less expensive than real wood, making it a great option for homeowners who want a stylish look without breaking the bank.
Durability: Modern laminates are highly durable and resistant to scratches, moisture, and heat. They’re perfect for areas that see a lot of wear and tear, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Low Maintenance: Laminate is easy to clean and maintain, requiring no special treatments or refinishing, making it a practical choice for busy households.

Project Examples: Our laminate projects include sleek and modern home offices, durable laundry room cabinets, and stylish bathroom vanities. These spaces benefit from the practicality and affordability of laminate while still offering a high-end look.

Why We Offer Both: Tailored Solutions for Every Home

We believe in providing our clients with choices that fit their unique needs. While many of our competitors shy away from using real wood due to the higher costs and complexity involved, we embrace the challenge. Our team of skilled craftsmen and designers is equipped to handle both real wood and laminate projects with equal expertise, ensuring that you get the best possible outcome, no matter which material you choose.

Extensive Product Line and Finishing Touches

Beyond the material choice, we offer an extensive product line that includes a wide variety of door and drawer faces. From traditional raised panel designs to sleek, modern flat panels, we have options to suit every style. To complete your cabinetry project, we offer high-end countertop options and a large selection of hardware, including handles, knobs, and pulls that add the perfect finishing touch.

Crowning Your Project

The final piece of the puzzle is choosing the right countertop and hardware to crown your cabinetry. Whether you prefer the luxurious feel of granite or the modern appeal of quartz, we offer a range of countertop options that enhance the beauty and functionality of your space. Our hardware selection further elevates your design, providing the finishing touches that make your cabinetry truly unique.

Let us help you create a space that’s not only beautiful but also perfectly suited to your lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore the possibilities!

Manageable Fall Upgrades for your Home

September is here, which means it won’t be long until Fall settles in. There’s something about this time of year that leaves us itching to organize and refresh our home. Maybe it’s because we know we’re going to be spending a lot more time indoors in the months to come! And while a large-scale renovation can seem daunting in the Fall—with the holidays looming—there are plenty of small remodels you can tackle that are much more manageable. Here are our recommendations for projects to get started on this month!

Closets

If you’re finally ready to ditch your builder-grade closet, now is the perfect time to upgrade—before your winter wardrobe hits the shelves! Start with an in-home consultation, sit down with one of our designers to talk specifics, and then enjoy a quick and easy install to wrap things up. Let’s get started designing your new closet today!

Pantry

Pantry remodels can also be quick—depending on your selections—making them an ideal Fall project as well. How great would it be to have your pantry remodel complete before the holiday baking season?! If you’re looking for inspiration for your new pantry, check out our recent blog post on five ways to elevate your pantry renovation.

Murphy Bed

If you’re planning to host guests from out of town over the holidays, now is a great time to add a Murphy Bed to your office, play room, or spare room! This space-saving wall bed is one of the hottest trends in home design right now and for good reason. It’s an extremely cost-effective way to make the most of your space.

Wine Storage

Holiday hosting is right around the corner. Are you ready with ample wine and beverage storage? From wine walls to rooms to staircase displays, we offer storage solutions of all kinds for your wine collection!

Powder Room

A powder room refresh is another great Fall project to tackle! We offer custom cabinetry and several lines that promise a quick turnaround to best accommodate your timeline!

Now that we’ve laid out the options, the hard part is going to be choosing which project to get started on first! Once you’ve decided, contact us to get started!

Think Dual Purpose when Designing Your Home

Over the past few years, we’ve definitely seen a shift in design mentality from single-purpose rooms to dual purpose rooms. It’s such a simple concept, but one that hugely improves the functionality of your home! Why have a laundry room AND a mudroom when you can combine the two? Why dedicate an entire room to guests who only visit a few times a year when you can add a Murphy Bed to a home office? As the preeminent leader in storage solutions in Coastal Maryland and Delaware, we offer tons of creative solutions to take advantage of one of the hottest trends in home design right now: dual-purpose rooms. See our top tips below to start making the most of every room in your home!

Laundry + Mudrooms

2022 06 30 0001 — Photo Credit: Joanna Gaines

Typically located off the garage or a side entrance, lots of people are opting for a combined laundry and mudroom rather than dedicating a separate space to each. If you think about it, it makes sense. Both rooms require similar materials—durable, water-resistant flooring and cabinet or cubby storage—and both serve as a dumping place (whether it be dirty clothes in the laundry room or jackets, shoes, backpacks, etc., in the mudroom). When combining the two rooms, most clients opt for a combination of cabinets, cubbies, lockers, hooks, and benches to accommodate all those dropped items and to store all your typical laundry room necessities.

Office + Guest Room

This one is a no-brainer. Home offices were once a neglected, sterile space used only sparingly, but they’re now a worthwhile addition thanks to the increase of people working from home part or full-time. As home offices become more coveted, it only makes sense to double up these spaces as guest rooms with the help of a Murphy Bed. The great thing about wall beds is they’re the ultimate space-saving solution. When not in use, they fold back and out of the way. Plus the lines we carry are so much more attractive than the Murphy Beds of past!

Wine Storage + Basements

Whether you’re looking to incorporate a wine wall, room, staircase or cellar into your home, the basement is the perfect location! Not only does it typically stay cooler temperature-wise, but who doesn’t love the idea of a basement bar?! If you want to up your game, incorporate a makeshift tasting room by adding barstools, a countertop and lighting. Your guests will not be disappointed!

Closet + Bathroom

There’s something so luxurious about a master bathroom that flows into a master closet. We love when clients choose to blend these spaces together for a smooth transition throughout the master suite. It gives you easy access to all the things you need while getting ready—clothes, shoes, accessories, hair products, makeup, and more! And it makes you feel like you have your own little apartment inside your house. Who wouldn’t love that?!

Are you planning a new home build or renovation? Let us help make the most of every room in your house! Contact us today to get started!

Voted Best Closet Company

We are extremely honored and humbled to be voted the Best Closet/Home Organization Company in Sussex and Worcester counties for the seventh consecutive year! We want to extend a huge Thank You to all our customers who voted for us in Coastal Style Magazine’s Best Of Awards. We take great pride in our reputation and work very hard making sure we go above and beyond for our awesome customers!

We’re best known for our closet work, but that’s not all we do by a long shot! Here are all the services we offer at Behind Closed Doors:

Closets

Building a custom closet is a great way to get organized and create a functional space to store clothing, shoes, ties, jewelry, handbags, linens, pantry items and so much more! We specialize in both walk-in and reach-in closets of all shapes and sizes. Our large selection of real woods, laminates, textures, colors and accessories allow you to build a closet that reflects your personal style while creating optimal storage. All real wood materials are fabricated locally at our shop in Coastal Delaware—which means we can complete any size closet in a quicker timeframe without sacrificing on quality.

Murphy Beds

Maximizing every inch of space is our goal, and the best way to make a spare room multifunctional is to add a Murphy bed for out-of-town guests. This space-saving wall bed is one of the hottest trends in home design right now and for good reason. It’s an extremely cost-effective way to make the most of your space.

Garage Storage

Turn your cluttered garage into an organized paradise. Make space for your car, bikes, kids toys, sporting equipment, tools, kayaks, paddle boards and surfboards with our innovative and attractive space-saving solutions. Our material options are specifically engineered to withstand moisture and heat to protect against the Coastal climate of the Delaware and Maryland beaches.

Pantries

Spice up your pantry with accessories such as sliding shelves and vertical dividers to provide organization, all while saving space. Customized pantries help cut back on cooking time by creating designated spaces for pasta, rice, soups, condiments and so much more.

Wine Storage

Wine storage, but make it art! That’s our philosophy when we approach residential and commercial wine storage projects. Whether you’re looking to fit a display into an unused space or create a stunning focal point, we’re here to make your wine storage look as good as it functions. Let us help create your dream wine wall, room, cellar or staircase today!

Mudrooms

Mudrooms do more than store coats and backpacks. From custom cubbies to lockers to benches and hooks, a well-designed mudroom helps you reduce clutter in the busiest area of your house.

Laundry Rooms

Laundry rooms that actually make you want to do laundry—our specialty. Let our experts help customize your laundry room with creative storage solutions for laundry supplies, hampers, ironing boards, folding areas, hanging space and more.

We also offer custom built-ins and storage solutions for home offices, kids rooms, and family rooms. Schedule your in-home consultation today!

Why Customers Keep Coming Back to BCD

At Behind Closed Doors, we not only take great pride in our product but our customer service as well. That’s why so many of our customers are repeat customers and so many of our referrals come from personal recommendations. As such, we’re going to take this opportunity to share the Top 3 reasons our customers trust us time and time again with their closet and home storage needs!

1.Quality

When it comes to quality custom closets and cabinets in Coastal Delaware and Maryland, there’s no other name but BCD. We design, manufacture and install all of our custom closets, cabinetry and storage solutions, ensuring quality products as well as a quality experience. Just ask our recent customer Stacy:

“Without hesitation, I recommend BCD. We did a home office and garage with them. Leatie was great to work with, allowing us to use design features we wanted from our former home, and making sure she tweaked them in a way that worked. She listened to us to make it happen the right way. The install team was professional, clean, and very mannerly. They were a pleasure to have in our home.”

2. Superior Service

We are always striving to give our customers the best experience possible. From design to fabrication to installation, we are here to listen to your needs and bring your closet or home storage needs to life as efficiently as possible. Recent customer Debbie had this to say about our customer service:

“We recently had our closets done. From the beginning design through installation, everything was done professionally and on time. It’s refreshing to deal with a company that delivers excellence in all aspects of its service. You will not be disappointed with these folks.”

3. Timeliness

We know how important your time is, which is why we’re dedicated to delivering quality home storage solutions in the timeliest manner possible. We offer a range of products to fit your desired timeframe—from cabinet lines that offer a quick turnaround to fully custom designs. Recent customer Karla had this to say about her experience with us:

“I was at the end of my renovation project where I took my beach condo down to the metal studs. After a couple attempts to hang poles in the closets, which ended in closets collapsing and damaging the drywall (which they gladly fixed), I contacted BCD to design and install my closet system. It was not an overly complicated design, but it was a straightforward process right up to, and including installation. Everything happed exactly as scheduled and planned, which is amazing enough, but I coordinated my general contractor to be there, and he was equally impressed with the quality and service. Great job!”

Add your name to the list of satisfied customers! Contact us today to get started on your closet or home storage project.

New Year’s Resolution: An Organized Home

Now is the time to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions! Here at BCD, we believe strongly in the connection between an organized home and an organized life. So if your New Year’s resolution involves tackling some overdue home organization projects, we’re here to help! Here are the most popular spaces our clients reimagine in January:

Closets

The first step to a more organized home is always the closets. While you can de-clutter without changing a thing in your closet, if you really want storage solutions that works for your wardrobe and your lifestyle, it’s time to ditch the builder-grade closet for a custom Behind Closed Doors system. From drawers and shelving to doors and rods, our custom closets reflect your individual needs and style. If you’re looking for something even more luxurious, check out our blog post on the top five upgrades to consider.

Pantry

After all that holiday cooking, baking, and entertaining, you might feel disappointed with your pantry storage—or lack thereof. Whether you’re looking to make an existing space function better or create a new one, we’re here to help. We offer an array of pantry designs that include varying height shelves to accommodate all sizes of items you need to store, pull out drawers and shelves for easy access to deeper items, racks to organize spices and oils, and cabinet dividers for large plates, baking pans and Tupperware.

Entryway/Mudroom

It’s the first thing you see when you enter the house, and the area that can attract the most clutter. So naturally, we love helping clients reimagine their entryways and mudrooms with custom lockers, cubbies, benches and wall systems. There’s nothing more satisfying than having a stylish and functional place for all the shoes, coats, bags, and dog leashes that get dumped upon entry.

Offices

Home offices were once a neglected, sterile space used only sparingly, but they’re now a worthwhile addition thanks to the increase of people working from home part or full-time. We love helping our clients create offices that suit their needs, and often times making them multi-functional as well with the addition of a Murphy Bed. The great thing about wall beds is they’re the ultimate space-saving solution. When not in use, they fold back and out of the way. Plus the lines we carry are so much more attractive than the Murphy Beds of past!

Let’s start 2023 off on the right foot! Contact us today to discuss your next home storage project.

Our Favorite Space-Saving Solutions

If you’re anything like us, you’re constantly reevaluating how your home storage can work better for you! There’s nothing more satisfying than a high-functioning home, and you can’t get there without talking about storage. Enter our Top Five space-saving solutions for your home!

Murphy Beds

The best way to make a spare room multifunctional is to add a Murphy bed for out-of-town guests. This space-saving wall bed is one of the hottest trends in home design right now and for good reason. It’s an extremely cost-effective way to make the most of your space.

Garage Systems

Whether you’re looking to store taller items like rakes and ladders or smaller items like tools and nails, track and rail systems are a great choice! The best part? They’re interchangeable so they can evolve as your life (and stuff) does.

High and Low Vertical Space

Be sure to take full advantage of high and low storage opportunities in your closets, pantry, garage, kitchen and laundry room. Take your cabinets all the way up to the ceiling to maximize your high vertical space. Down low, think about custom drawers that can fit under beds for increased storage or baskets and bins that can fit under console tables and bookshelves add additional storage.

Optimizing Closet Space

The best way to optimize your closet space is with a custom closet design. This will allow you to make every inch of your space work the way you need it to! Some of our must-haves include an island to store jewelry and accessories—as well as functional add-ons like a laundry hamper and fold-out ironing board—and a mixture of open shelving, drawers, and cabinets.

Dual-purpose Rooms

We’re all about maximizing functionality at Behind Closed Doors, which is why we’re big fans of dual-purpose rooms. Why have a laundry room AND a mudroom when you can combine the two? Why dedicate an entire room to guests who only visit a few times a year when you can add a Murphy Bed to a home office? Dual-purpose rooms are one of our absolute favorite ways to maximize space in your home.

Are you ready to make your home storage work for you? Contact us today!

Design Trend: Dual-Purpose Rooms

At Behind Closed Doors we’re all about maximizing functionality, which is why we’re big fans of dual-purpose rooms. Why have a laundry room AND a mudroom when you can combine the two? Why dedicate an entire room to guests who only visit a few times a year when you can add a Murphy Bed to a home office? As the preeminent leader in storage solutions in Coastal Maryland and Delaware, we offer tons of creative solutions to take advantage of one of the hottest trends in home design right now: dual-purpose rooms. See our top tips below to start making the most of every room in your home!

Laundry + Mudrooms

Office + Guest Room

Closet + Bathroom

Are you planning a new home build or renovation? Let us help make the most of every room in your house! Contact us today to get started!

+ More

The Return of the Rec Room: Why the Ultimate “Playroom for All Ages” Is Making a Comeback

A Space That Adapts to Every Stage of Life

Multi-Purpose by Design

Designing for Joy and Connection

Beyond Flat: Elevate Your Cabinetry with Texture, Design, and Depth

From Storage to Statement

Design Trends We’re Loving

Why Texture Matters

Your Vision, Brought to Life

Real Wood: Timeless Elegance and Natural Beauty

Laminate: Modern, Affordable, and Versatile

Why We Offer Both: Tailored Solutions for Every Home

Extensive Product Line and Finishing Touches

Crowning Your Project

Join Our Team

Get Started