--- title: "RAO Design Studio, Inc. — Cabinets & Cabinetry | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/cabinets-and-cabinetry/rao-design-studio-inc-pfvwus-pf~881353985 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~881353985.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "RAO Design Studio, Inc." category: ["Cabinets & Cabinetry"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4a8380b1022b554d_8363-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "905 Juniper St. NE Suite CU-B, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, United States" latitude: 33.7984 longitude: -84.3883 phone: "(404) 815-5655" website: http://www.raodesignstudio.com rating: 5 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 64 last_updated: 2026-09-18 --- # RAO Design Studio, Inc. Original Houzz profile: [RAO Design Studio, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/cabinets-and-cabinetry/rao-design-studio-inc-pfvwus-pf~881353985) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Cabinets & Cabinetry - **Location:** Atlanta, GA - **Serves:** Atlanta, Buckhead Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Smyrna, Brookhaven, North Atlanta, Decatur, North Druid Hills, Vinings, Druid Hills, Avondale Estates, Buckhead, Chastain Park, Midtown Atlanta - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2017–2019), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - 17 years in business RAO Design Studio is an Atlanta-Based Kitchen and Bath Design Studio and Showroom featuring the work of designer Matthew D. Rao, CKD. RAO Design Studio, Inc. works from a position of premier design ethics, skill and experience. RAO seeks to create functional, sustainable living and working environments that deeply express our clients' highest intentions, in the U. S. and abroad. RAO Design Studio, Inc. imagines that everyone, everywhere, everyday might experience the spontaneity, camaraderie, satisfaction and fulfillment embodied in our DESIGN FOR LIVING philosophy. ### Services Provided - Custom Cabinets - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Custom Bathroom Vanities - 3D Rendering - Comprehensive Kitchen & Bath Design - Gaggenau Appliances - Interior Architecture - SieMatic Cabinetry ### Areas Served - Atlanta - Buckhead Atlanta - Sandy Springs - Roswell - Smyrna - Brookhaven - North Atlanta - Decatur - North Druid Hills - Vinings - Druid Hills - Avondale Estates - Buckhead - Chastain Park - Midtown Atlanta ### Typical Job Cost $125,000 - 375,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | RAO Design Studio, Inc. | | Address | 905 Juniper St. NE Suite CU-B, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, United States | | Phone | (404) 815-5655 | | Website | http://www.raodesignstudio.com | | License Number | 123510LGB | | Followers on Houzz | 64 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/raodesignstudio/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [RAO Design Studio, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/cabinets-and-cabinetry/rao-design-studio-inc-pfvwus-pf~881353985) - **Website:** http://www.raodesignstudio.com - **Phone:** (404) 815-5655 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) - Kitchen of the Year Winner (Atlanta) 7 times - Bathroom of The Year (Atlanta) winner - SubZero-Wolf Design Contest Finalist (4 times) - SieMatic ID Contest Grand Prize Winner (Classic) 2019 - SieMatic ID Contest Finalist (Pure) 2025 - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2017–2019), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — HU-686872, June 2016** > Matthew is a very talented and successful designer. Over the years he has done three kitchens for us and they are all perfect......even though one is 24 years old. His designs are truly timeless. Matthew is very special to us and has become a close friend. **★★★★★ — HU-398932, June 2016** > I am an architect and hired Matthew to work on my personal kitchen. Matthew is a very talented designer, knows kitchens, and is a pleasure to work with. I'd recommend Matthew to anyone. **★★★★★ — Elizabeth Sealey, June 2016** > He's a consummate professional with both extraordinary knowledge of the industry and extraordinary talent! I'm about to do another job with him. **★★★★★ — Stuart Aynsley, June 2016** > We hired Matthew's firm to design three separate projects for us, which should tell you a lot about how we feel regarding the quality of his work. The first was a very small bathroom renovation which ended up being published. The second was a total remodel of our kitchen; he delivered a product which far exceeded our expectations. Finally, he designed the renovation of our master bathroom. Again, we were delighted with the result. Matthew's key ability, aside from his design taste, is his ability to listen to our needs and translate them into design ideas. Hire him, you will be delighted. **★★★★★ — Robin L., June 2016** > Matthew did my kitchen design and handled the installation. Everything was perfect and it still looks new! Great layout and beautiful products. I enjoy it every day. I highly recommend RAO Design. **★★★★★ — Barbara Barton & Associates, June 2016** > I have known Matthew over 25 years as another professional colleague and have been truly amazed at his original creativity in design, warranting him so many prestigious awards. His architectural background, his cooking ability and attention to detail, it's no wonder people from all over the country want him to take over their projects! I admire his levelheadedness in construction, project management and client rapport as well. **★★★★★ — HU-891036, June 2016** > Amazing attention to detail leads to beautiful, functional design. Matthew takes the time to understand his clients needs and wants and has the talent to combine these into a beautiful space in the home. He works with the finest products. The end product of our new kitchen is close to perfect and the process of getting there was easy thanks to the talents of Rao Design Studios. **★★★★★ — Ross Design Inc., June 2015** > I have had the pleasure of working with Matthew on many jobs through the years. I find his approach to design always surprising and inventive, while remaining timeless. I know that any kitchen he provides will stand the test of time and more importantly work well for the cook. He listens to his clients and provides them more than they expect. ## Selected projects - [Bedfordshire Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bedfordshire-home-remodel-pj-vj~7578704) - Location: Decatur, GA - Photos: 12 - Description: RAO Design Studio is an Atlanta-Based Kitchen and Bath Design Studio and Showroom featuring the work of designer Matthew D. Rao, CKD. RAO Design Studio, Inc. works from a position of premier design ethics, skill and experience. RAO seeks to create functional, sustainable living and working environments that deeply express our clients' highest intentions, in the U. S. and abroad. RAO Design Studio, Inc. imagines that everyone, everywhere, everyday might experience the spontaneity, camaraderie, sa… - [Above It All](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/above-it-all-pj-vj~6142908) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 6 - Description: This sleek hi-rise remodel more than 30 stories up in the air was a challenge in both design and materials. Flooded with intense natural light and open to sweeping urban views during the day, the kitchen quickly becomes dark and inward at night, relying solely on artificial light. Kitchen Designer Matthew Rao and Architectural Designer Suzanne Williams worked together on this balancing act of night and day, function, and art to bring a whole new lifestyle to their clients, who had left a free st… - [Palm Springs Modern Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palm-springs-modern-kitchen-pj-vj~7578698) - Location: Palm Springs, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: RAO Design Studio is an Atlanta-Based Kitchen and Bath Design Studio and Showroom featuring the work of designer Matthew D. Rao, CKD. RAO Design Studio, Inc. works from a position of premier design ethics, skill and experience. RAO seeks to create functional, sustainable living and working environments that deeply express our clients' highest intentions, in the U. S. and abroad. RAO Design Studio, Inc. imagines that everyone, everywhere, everyday might experience the spontaneity, camaraderie, sa… - [Within The Lines](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/within-the-lines-pj-vj~1718238) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 11 - Description: This Master Bathroom is a complete remodel in 1960's ranch. The clients love their mid-century home, and didn't want to expand the bath to the rear garden, but did want to have a spacious and complete bath with as many of the modern appointments as possible. Floating vanities with wall-mounted faucets, recessed Robert mirrors with toiletry storage, ample linen storage, a separate water closet, and a curb-less walk-in shower all are unified visually. A large barn door which remains open most of t… - [Meant To Be Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/meant-to-be-modern-pj-vj~1722288) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 7 - Description: For the client that wanted a modern kitchen, but needed something transitional to fit in a more traditional home. The kitchen was a union of two completely separate rooms. Traditional elements like a trey ceiling, brick, and retaining the moldings and details from the rest of the house form a "container" for this modern one-room kitchen with SieMatic cabinetry and Gaggenau/Miele appliances. Sleek central island with linear pendant and attached rustic table on wheels form the counterpoint to more… - [Opulence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/opulence-pj-vj~6144052) - Location: Mountain Brook, AL - Photos: 6 - Description: It's not everyday that a designer gets to reinvent a classic. An addition to this estate home allowed for a bathroom that relegates much of the function of the original bath to the new added space, and opens up and makes elegant the original bath's footprint with fewer visual interruptions and more sweeping lines. Kitchen and Bath Designer Matthew Rao and Interior Designer Gay Dyar Shorr worked hand in hand with very involved clients whose sense of style, clear aesthetic preferences, and opennes… - [Ranch Redux](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ranch-redux-pj-vj~6142999) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 5 - Description: Kitchen Designer Matthew Rao and Architect Julia Stainback have a collaboration that goes back a long way. Together with Stainback sister and interior designer Lauri, the three fashioned a space for their client, a professor and musician. Free flowing space that had to function perfectly was the challenge. Julia had "taken of the roof" and vaulted the entire length of the combined public space, and created a wall of windows that looks out onto a pool and golf course. Kitchen Designer Matthew Rao… - [Architectural Harmony](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/architectural-harmony-pj-vj~2518129) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 10 - Description: A new kitchen in an historic home. Challenges included historical appropriateness and creating a modern function with all the appointments the luxury customer expects in a kitchen today. Timeless lines, multiple finishes, grand scale, and still a sense of casual relaxation are all components. - [Master Bath Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-bath-retreat-pj-vj~320393) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 5 - Description: Old houses often present the biggest challenges, when clients want a new bathroom within existing space. We simply live differently and in a larger footprint than we used to! This client and his spouse wanted a bathroom for two, a private water closet, and steam shower were all part of the program, as were tall storage area for hanging robes and storing linens. Reclaiming old closet space and re-working the entry from the master bathroom allowed the footprint of the bathroom proper to increase w… - [Therapy In The Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/therapy-in-the-kitchen-pj-vj~320429) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 3 - Description: Morningside Atlanta Kitchen Remodel in an extension of a 1930's cottage. The kitchen forms a bright and welcome refuge to a busy life, a relaxing evening haven for small or large entertaining, and a gathering place for family and friends. 3 workstations allow groups to play in the kitchen together! - [Historical Meets Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historical-meets-modern-pj-vj~320417) - Location: Warm Springs, GA - Photos: 5 - Description: It's not everyday that a truly historic antebellum home needs an update. The challenge was making the update work visually and practically. So we created a story of a kitchen that evolved over time, one which had the "wear" to show it, the mix of materials to distinguish the various additions, and the thought behind each of those materials and their relationship both to each other and the room as a whole. For quiet evenings in the country, or for large parties to entertain friends, the design ha… - [Sustaining](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sustaining-pj-vj~320407) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 2 - Description: Small is Beautiful is the mantra for this kitchen, which is an example that a young, growing family can do more with less. There is no apology for style, luxury, or convenience here. The kitchen is front and center in a living-dining space, and needed to be minimally modern and not read as a typical kitchen. There are no traditional wall cabinets, and the extensive use of white tall cabinetry forms a backdrop to the space as well as a container for all the everyday food, utensils, plates, and gl… - [Minimalist](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/minimalist-pj-vj~1718169) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 7 - Description: This third kitchen over twenty-five years for the same client was the most minimal and most pleasing. After years of living and cooking inside Matthew's designs, this client knew what was essential. And Matthew knew how to create the essence of that in a timeless way. - [Atlanta Family Friendly Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/atlanta-family-friendly-kitchen-pj-vj~320397) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 5 - Description: The remodel of the kitchen was the last in a series of projects these clients with small kids took on before settling into this home. The front part of the house is a 60's ranch, and the rear addition which included the kitchen space, was an 80's barn-like room. The only visual element that everyone agreed should stay was the real, masonry, wood-burning fireplace. The look that worked is transitional here, and that means combining traditional elements with modern ones in both classic and unconve… - [More the Kitchen That Was Meant To Be](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/more-the-kitchen-that-was-meant-to-be-pj-vj~321467) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 7 - Description: They say that the average kitchen remodel has a life of 20-25 years. When we met Charles and Nancy through interior designer Sharon Kiss of Ambiance Interiors, they'd lived in their home about that long, and the remodel they'd done in a hurry when they moved in 23 years before was showing its age. I knew that if we did it right, the new kitchen would look like it had always belonged in their 1916 2-story Craftsman, and that the materials would last as well. We opened up the space, and created zo… - [Eclectic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eclectic-pj-vj~2522467) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 5 - Description: Originally a sleeping porch, this master bath including morning bar was falling apart when we met the clients. A complete remodel was in order, both to fix some of the issues such as rotting original windows and doors, but also to add closet space and a feeling of spaciousness and privacy that hadn't existed before. Interior Designer Sharon Kiss wanted a light and airy yet regal feel to this bath, and kept pushing for that. All the while, we maintained allegiance to the idea that this space had… - [East Meets West](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-meets-west-pj-vj~320424) - Location: Mendocino, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Even a galley kitchen can be full of excitement and serenity at the same time. With a view of the Pacific ocean on one side, and a "shoji" screen style pocket door concealing a walk-in pantry on the other, this is a kitchen for a client who not only cooks for herself, family, and small to large groups, but looks at her kitchen as a place to live. The challenge was how to make it so while keeping the action of the kitchen separate from the dining and living space beyond, and at the same time maki… - [Sonoma Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sonoma-retreat-pj-vj~5693070) - Location: Sonoma, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: Completely gutted, remodeled, and added square footage to this home in Sonoma. What we call the Sonoma retreat has several styles, bright colors and the hardwood floors are salvaged Pine. - [Atlanta Kitchen "Pivot Point"](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/atlanta-kitchen-pivot-point-pj-vj~320390) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 4 - Description: This kitchen in the lower level of a 50's ranch forms the "pivot point" between the old house and a spectacular modern addition. The kitchen opens to the addition, which features soaring ceilings, exposed cast structural concrete, and a connection to a walled courtyard. Matthew and Architect Hank Houser partnered with interior designer Monika Thiels to make this in-between space look and work like the heart of the home. The green Caesarstone "table" which joins the sleek white handle-free SieMat… - [Guest Bath "Unlimited"](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/guest-bath-unlimited-pj-vj~320386) - Location: Atlanta, GA - Photos: 2 [See all 21 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/cabinets-and-cabinetry/rao-design-studio-inc-pfvwus-pf~881353985) ## Ideabooks - [Shuck Exterior Decking](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117679861/list/shuck-exterior-decking) — 12 ideas - [Wood Ceilings for Shuck Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117112093/list/wood-ceilings-for-shuck-residence) — 16 ideas - [Photo Ads](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68321444/list/photo-ads) — 1 idea [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/raodesignstudioatlanta) ## Community Q&A **Q: who makes the cooktop and vent? Beautiful kitchen.** *(in Photo Questions)* Exploring induction options A: Judy, at the studio we have more than one induction cooktop live, and perhaps you would like to come and learn more….. I am at jury duty today but the studio number 404-815-5655 (don’t give your email or number out here they say) you can schedule a time with me….. **Q: Beautiful home design and finishes. Could you share the wood flooring** *(in Photo Questions)* sreese1212@gmail.com A: Thanks for your interest in this design! The floor here was a simple strip oak floor, finished and stained on site. The species is white oak. Matthew **Q: what is the make and model of the appliance pull handle on the cabinet** *(in Photo Questions)* what is the make and model of the appliance pull handle on the cabinets? Looks beautiful!!! A: Isabell, thank you for the shout out and nice words. The pulls and cabinets are from SieMatic. One interesting detail about the pull is that is it solid stock metal material that is milled and then finished. A very nice detail. If you wish to find out about purchasing pulls, please email me or call my office and I can help. **Q: Beautiful countertops! Could I ask the type of stone and name?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Michelle, thanks for the inquiry. Those worktops are marble, Calcutta Gold. It was a special variety, so I recommend you look locally where you are at the variations and current availability of material. -MDR **Q: Love the range and oven combo, who makes it?** *(in Photo Questions)* Doing a kitchen remodel and looking for ideas. A: Tom, thanks for your query. The range here is a Wolf Dual Fuel range, with black instead of red knobs. If you look within the other project photos, there are other views of it, and also of a wall oven, which is a Gaggenau Combi-Steam Oven. I would be glad to answer questions. Send and email or call us at the studio. See also other work we have on our website that might be helpful to you. RAO Design Studio **Q: I like these cabinets -- who makes them?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Melanie, there are actually 3 manufacturers shown in the photograph. The blue and white base cabinetry is from SieMatic, a line from Germany of which we are a dealer. We are also representatives for DBS custom cabinetry from Pennsylvania, which make the walnut recessed panel cabinetry. All the other millwork/cabinetry is custom from a resource I use here in Atlanta. Would be happy to discuss your project with you. -Matthew Matthew D. Rao, CKD RAO Design Studio, Inc. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-18.*