This project features a modern transitional kitchen with clean lines and natural tones, designed to open up the space, improve functionality, and create a more refined everyday living experience. Located in an upscale private enclave in South Charlotte, the home sits within a setting known for its balance of quiet residential living and proximity to areas like SouthPark and Quail Hollow Club. The original kitchen felt closed in, so one wall was opened up and the layout was reworked to create a more open flow, allowing for better movement, improved sightlines, and a more natural gathering space around the island. The design leans modern while maintaining warmth through transitional elements. Perimeter cabinetry in L&C Shallow Green introduces a muted, earthy tone that moves away from traditional white kitchens while still keeping the space light and inviting. The cabinet style remains shaker but with slimmer profiles and minimal detailing, paired with Amerdeco brushed satin hardware featuring clean, straight bar pulls. Calacatta Elysio countertops add subtle movement and contrast, while the Zellige Pearl Opal backsplash in a horizontal stacked layout delivers a clean, modern texture that is enhanced by under-cabinet lighting. A Kraus Kore stainless steel apron-front sink provides a streamlined, modern take on a classic feature, and a Z Line stainless steel range hood serves as a strong visual focal point with its exposed chimney design. Decorative end panels and consistent cabinetry throughout maintain a cohesive and intentional look. Functionality was a key priority throughout the project. The updated layout improves workflow, while integrated storage solutions maximize usability without adding visual clutter. The result is a space that feels open, efficient, and easy to live in. The overall design balances modern simplicity with subtle warmth through elements like shaker cabinetry and natural flooring, preventing the space from feeling overly stark. This kitchen reflects a clear shift toward a more modern aesthetic while maintaining the comfort and familiarity that define transitional design.

Master Bedroom with Red Bed Frame and custom drapery and bedding.
Bedroom - traditional master light wood floor bedroom idea in Charlotte

This entire kitchen was torn down to the studs and brought back to life one detail at a time. After selecting the appliance package we then began to design the cabinet work. We chose a Rift Sawn Oak Cabinet in order to contrast the wood flooring, but keeping a contemporary look and feel. Quartz Counter Tops were once again used here to maintain consistency throughout the home and addition. Many custom aspects were assimilated into the cabinet work, leaving the client with a minimum ilistic look and feel. Undercabinet lighting, and plug strips complete the space. RRS Design + Build is a Austin based general contractor specializing in high end remodels and custom home builds. As a leader in contemporary, modern and mid century modern design, we are the clear choice for a superior product and experience. We would love the opportunity to serve you on your next project endeavor. Put our award winning team to work for you today!

The kitchen in this 1950’s home needed a complete overhaul. It was dark, outdated and inefficient. The homeowners wanted to give the space a modern feel without losing the 50’s vibe that is consistent throughout the rest of the home. The homeowner’s needs included: - Working within a fixed space, though reconfiguring or moving walls was okay - Incorporating work space for two chefs - Creating a mudroom - Maintaining the existing laundry chute - A concealed trash receptacle The new kitchen makes use of every inch of space. To maximize counter and cabinet space, we closed in a second exit door and removed a wall between the kitchen and family room. This allowed us to create two L shaped workspaces and an eat-in bar space. A new mudroom entrance was gained by capturing space from an existing closet next to the main exit door. The industrial lighting fixtures and wrought iron hardware bring a modern touch to this retro space. Inset doors on cabinets and beadboard details replicate details found throughout the rest of this 50’s era house.

Located in Argyle, Texas, this comprehensive whole-home renovation was conceived by USI Design & Remodeling who reimagined the home's interior architecture, transforming a collection of compartmentalized rooms into a cohesive environment designed for modern living, entertaining, and daily comfort. The project encompassed the kitchen, family room, dining room, lounge, office, primary bathroom, and supporting circulation spaces, creating a unified experience that feels both expansive and intentional. Throughout the home, refined materials, custom millwork, and carefully curated finishes establish a sense of understated luxury while maintaining warmth and livability. At the heart of the renovation is a completely reconfigured kitchen and gathering space designed around functionality, hospitality, and visual connection. Architectural barriers were removed to improve sightlines and circulation, allowing the kitchen, dining, and family spaces to function as a single integrated living environment. A dramatic five-foot workstation sink anchors the kitchen, while custom cabinetry and furniture-inspired details elevate the space beyond conventional residential design. Adjacent to the kitchen, the former pantry, laundry, and service corridor were reimagined as a hybrid scullery and utility suite, creating a highly functional support space that discreetly accommodates food preparation, storage, organization, and household operations without compromising the elegance of the primary living areas. The renovation extends beyond aesthetics to create a home tailored to the family's evolving needs. The primary bathroom was transformed into a spa-inspired retreat, while the lounge, office, and dining spaces were redesigned to support both everyday living and entertaining. Consistent architectural detailing, layered textures, and thoughtful proportions establish continuity throughout the residence, allowing each room to feel connected to the larger design narrative. The result is a sophisticated yet approachable home that balances practical performance with timeless design, delivering a renewed living experience that is both highly functional and distinctly luxurious.

Hidden away amidst the wilderness in the outskirts of the central province of Sri Lanka, is a modern take of a lightweight timber Eco-Cottage consisting of 2 living levels. The cottage takes up a mere footprint of 500 square feet of land, and the structure is raised above ground level and held by stilts, reducing the disturbance to the fauna and flora. The entrance to the cottage is across a suspended timber bridge hanging over the ground cover. The timber planks are spaced apart to give a delicate view of the green living belt below. Even though an H-iron framework is used for the formation of the shell, it is finished with earthy toned materials such as timber flooring, timber cladded ceiling and trellis, feature rock walls and a hay-thatched roof. The bedroom and the open washroom is placed on the ground level closer to the natural ground cover filled with delicate living things to make the sleeper or the user of the space feel more in one with nature, and the use of sheer glass around the bedroom further enhances the experience of living outdoors with the luxuries of indoor living. The living and dining spaces are on the upper deck level. The steep set roof hangs over the spaces giving ample shelter underneath. The living room and dining spaces are fully open to nature with a minimal handrail to determine the usable space from the outdoors. The cottage is lit up by the use of floor lanterns made up of pale cloth, again maintaining the minimal disturbance to the surroundings.

Photo: Kayla Stark © 2016 Houzz
Example of an eclectic dining room design in New Orleans

This Ashburn primary bathroom remodel showcases a clean, modern aesthetic with high-end materials and thoughtful custom craftsmanship throughout. The space is anchored by large-format 10" x 4' porcelain wall tile, creating a seamless, expansive look that enhances both scale and sophistication. A fully custom walk-in shower features premium Kohler fixtures, including a luxurious rain shower head, paired with a frameless custom glass enclosure for an open, spa-like feel. The shower floor is finished with 2” x 2” matching porcelain tile, providing both visual continuity and slip resistance. The flooring throughout the main space is a striking matte black tile, offering bold contrast against the lighter wall finishes and cabinetry. A freestanding soaking tub is elegantly encased in custom quartz, creating a refined focal point while maintaining a cohesive material palette. Custom cabinetry plays a central role in the design, including a handcrafted white shaker vanity paired with a custom quartz countertop. A matching custom hardwood linen cabinet provides additional storage while maintaining design consistency and warmth. Finishing touches include dimmer-controlled lighting for adjustable ambiance, allowing the space to transition effortlessly from bright and functional to calm and relaxing. This project balances modern design with timeless elements, delivering a highly functional and visually cohesive primary bath retreat.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open concept light wood floor living room remodel in Boston with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

The kitchen in this 1950’s home needed a complete overhaul. It was dark, outdated and inefficient. The homeowners wanted to give the space a modern feel without losing the 50’s vibe that is consistent throughout the rest of the home. The homeowner’s needs included: - Working within a fixed space, though reconfiguring or moving walls was okay - Incorporating work space for two chefs - Creating a mudroom - Maintaining the existing laundry chute - A concealed trash receptacle The new kitchen makes use of every inch of space. To maximize counter and cabinet space, we closed in a second exit door and removed a wall between the kitchen and family room. This allowed us to create two L shaped workspaces and an eat-in bar space. A new mudroom entrance was gained by capturing space from an existing closet next to the main exit door. The industrial lighting fixtures and wrought iron hardware bring a modern touch to this retro space. Inset doors on cabinets and beadboard details replicate details found throughout the rest of this 50’s era house.

The 722 Ash Street residence consists of a 1500 sf primary house with a contiguous 500 sf accessory dwelling. The project is set in the rich culture of North Lawrence, its rear property line abuts the Lawrence levee trail which runs for nine miles along the north bank of the Kansas River. North Lawrence is known for its quality soil, large trees, curbless streets and random size parcels before it breaks into larger farms further from the urban center. It is built on the typical orthogonal grid of American development, but it represents the older growth of the city prior to urban planners and zoning regulations. The rumble of freight trains and farm trucks in the shadows of the towering grain elevators are only blocks away. It is home to many who enjoy being only a bridge crossing away from Lawrence’s vibrant downtown but are far enough away to maintain their independence from many of the restrictions on living near the historic district. They can work in their large gardens and toiling in their garages and shops in a manner more rural than urban. The house on 722 Ash St. is imbued with the character of North Lawrence and the Levee Trail area. The design was inspired by the Midwestern farmstead vernacular of the region. These timeless vernacular qualities house all the accommodations necessary for modern, sustainable living. A unique feature of this house is the Accessory Dwelling Unit permitted in the zoning district. It is a small separate residence on the same lot that can be used for income property or for extended family members. It also supports the city of Lawrence’s goals of increased density close to downtown rather than continued sprawl into the countryside. The buildings use technology and common-sense design to reduce the building’s footprint and assure the owners low energy use and costs. A 4.9 Kw solar collection system is located on the only south facing gable and the super insulated envelopes (r-62 roof and r-35 walls) of all three forms easily exceeds the standards. Studio 804 continues their long standing pattern of maintaining the highest level of sustainable design while remaining contextually sensitive to the surrounding community. This house, like every Studio 804 project since 2008, is USGBC LEED Platinum Certified.

In the summer of 2012 we embarked on a remodel of our 1912 Craftsman. We wanted to redo the kitchen and the upper floor which contained the master bedroom, bathroom, guest room and office. We interviewed approximately 5 other architects prior to finding Mark. We knew right away he was the right person for the job. He was patient, thorough and we could tell he truly loved our home and wanted to work with us to make it even better. His vast experience showed through during the interview process which validated his portfolio. Mark truly became a trusted advisor who would guide us through this remodel process from beginning to end. His planning was precise and he came by many times to re-measure to get every detail accounted for. He was patient and helpful as we made decisions and then changed our minds! He was with us every week of the 10 weeks of the remodel. He attended each weekly meeting with the General Contractor and was at the house numerous other times guiding and really looking out for our best interests. I came to trust him enough to ask his opinion on almost everything from layout to colors and decorating tips! He consistently threw out ideas....many of which we took. Additionally Mark was a tremendous help in referring us to contractors, designers, and retailers to help us along the way. I am ecstatic over the results of the remodel. The kitchen and bath are truly beautiful and full of modern conveniences while maintaining the integrity of the 1912 structure. We were right about our decision to hire Mark and we wholehearted recommend him as an outstanding architect, and more!!

The Lakota Residence occupies a spectacular 10-acre site in the hills above northwest Portland, Oregon. The residence consists of a main house of nearly 10,000 sf and a caretakers cottage/guest house of 1,200 sf over a shop/garage. Both have been sited to capture the four mountain Cascade panorama plus views to the city and the Columbia River gorge while maintaining an internal privacy. The buildings are set in a highly manicured and refined immediate site set within a largely forested environment complete with a variety of wildlife. Successful business people, the owners desired an elegant but "edgey" retreat that would accommodate an active social life while still functional as "mission control" for their construction materials business. There are days at a time when business is conducted from Lakota. The three-level main house has been benched into an edge of the site. Entry to the middle or main floor occurs from the south with the entry framing distant views to Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier. Conceived as a ruin upon which a modernist house has been built, the radiused and largely opaque stone wall anchors a transparent steel and glass north elevation that consumes the view. Recreational spaces and garage occupy the lower floor while the upper houses sleeping areas at the west end and office functions to the east. Obsessive with their concern for detail, the owners were involved daily on site during the construction process. Much of the interiors were sketched on site and mocked up at full scale to test formal concepts. Eight years from site selection to move in, the Lakota Residence is a project of the old school process.

2013 PROFESSIONAL REMODELER, SILVER AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN Located in the new Trump International Golf Course Community, this contemporary home has a great location overlooking the golf course. The current layout, however, prevented the owners from taking advantage of its breathtaking view. Goals of the remodel were to open up the first floor layout by taking down the partition walls between the kitchen and dining room. The homeowner also wanted to update the home’s galley kitchen, replacing its dark cabinets and counters. Once the walls were removed, major obstacles because they were load bearing, the new design could evolve. The ten foot ceilings provided the opportunity to stack up decorative glass cabinetry and highly crafted crown moldings on top, while maintaining a considerable amount of cabinetry right below it. The custom made brush stroke finished cabinetry with bells and whistles such as corbels and chimney style wood hood surrounded with leaded glass cabinetry. Pillars were all part of detailed craftsmanship of this project. A large 5’ x 14’ island is the focal point of the design. The island consists of main sink with a pedal style control disposal, dishwasher, microwave, second bar sink, beverage center refrigerator and still has room to sit five to six people. Its darker cabinetry provides a beautiful contrast to the opaque white cabinets on the surrounding walls. White marble counters and backsplash brighten up the kitchen and two crystal chandeliers create a timeless yet elegant feel. High-end Thermador appliances covered in custom inset panels are part of this featured project to implement the classic look the homeowner wanted for this kitchen. Finally, a featured cabinet arch with leaded glass separates the kitchen from the dining room and displays the homeowner’s fine china. Finally, large windows and French doors offer beautiful golf course views from multiple vantage points.

The white painted double glass door-armoire can be useful in many rooms of your home. In the kitchen plates, pots, cups and glasses can be easily seen and stored. Of course this vitrine will display your china perfectly in your dining area. In the library collectibles can be presented next to books and photos. Approximately 75” in height, 40” in width and almost 16” in depth this armoire can serve as welcome storage space almost in any room while showing the contents the way a modern and freshly influenced vitrine does. Halifax furniture is made out of plantation mahogany wood and perfectly kiln-dried for low moisture manufacturing conditions. The quality and craftsmanship of this product is excellent as only high grade material and machinery is used to ensure consistency and quality. The combination of antique hardware look and the smooth layer of semi-gloss white paint is easy to maintain and delivers a classy feel and ambience to every home. Fully assembled and ready to use, this furniture set will live up to and exceed your highest expectations. • Solid Plantation Mahogany Wood • White Distressed Finish • Classy, cozy and yet modern • Combine with many different interior designs • Easy assembly, just connect the legs to the table top • Rustic Design • Strong and durable construction

Combining Form and Function of Wine Cellar In collaboration with Chicago based interior designers, Stones Throw Interiors, we were able to provide a speak-easy style wine cellar in a beautiful Chicago high-rise. We combined our expertise and design skills with lead designer, Lonnie Unger, to create this one-of-a-kind experience for our customer. From the wine cellar door and custom wine racks, to the cooling system, we were able to utilize all of our products to their highest potential. Our expertise relies heavily on custom design, so we were delighted to be brought on to this project to showcase our abilities. We are able to build our products to fit any space limitation. Luckily for us, our client had a space with 14′ high ceilings and wanted to utilize as much of the space as possible. Custom Wine Racking Designs We used a classic crossed shelving design that is consistent with the ‘old-world’ speakeasy era. The use of dark Mahogany wood was ideal for this moody and dramatic wine cellar. Keeping with traditional styles, we stuck to our classic X racking technique from top to bottom. This style of racking is consistent with the era that the rest of the project was emulating. Custom Wine Cellar Cooling System One detail that is crucial to the project, is the temperature controlled cooling system. Wine is strongly encouraged to be kept at a strict 55 degrees in order to stay preserved. For collectors, this feature is crucial to maintaining and prolonging the life of each bottle. With such an extensive wine collection, preservation was a top priority while working on this project. Our goal was to ensure that this collection would withstand the test of time. Function and form are fused together with this classic speak-easy style wine cellar. We love working with designers and our clients to create timeless products that are reputable in their appearance and purpose.

This gorgeous buffet with double door, rattan baskets and four drawers is the kind of furniture you want in your kitchen or dining area. The white painted mahogany with the nice antique look hardware is so good looking it will complement and uplift the settings in any room. Young, fresh, romantic and modern – this piece of furniture is made out of mahogany, a hardwood from plantation grown timber, coated with a white distressed finish which makes maintenance easy. For spots and dust just wiping the buffet with a damp towel will do the job and keep it nice for many years to come. Very well put together, the dimensions of this counter are not only right for larger areas. With a width of just over 49” and a depth of not quite 20” it will find a spot in a small kitchen or dining area. The height of 33 ½” is just right to set plates and bowls on it and cut or serve the prepared meals. The quality and craftsmanship of this product is excellent as only high grade material and machinery is used to ensure consistency and quality. The combination of antique hardware look and the smooth layer of semi-gloss white paint is easy to maintain and delivers a classy feel and ambience to every home. Halifax furniture is made out of plantation mahogany wood and perfectly kiln-dried for low moisture manufacturing conditions.

The 722 Ash Street residence consists of a 1500 sf primary house with a contiguous 500 sf accessory dwelling. The project is set in the rich culture of North Lawrence, its rear property line abuts the Lawrence levee trail which runs for nine miles along the north bank of the Kansas River. North Lawrence is known for its quality soil, large trees, curbless streets and random size parcels before it breaks into larger farms further from the urban center. It is built on the typical orthogonal grid of American development, but it represents the older growth of the city prior to urban planners and zoning regulations. The rumble of freight trains and farm trucks in the shadows of the towering grain elevators are only blocks away. It is home to many who enjoy being only a bridge crossing away from Lawrence’s vibrant downtown but are far enough away to maintain their independence from many of the restrictions on living near the historic district. They can work in their large gardens and toiling in their garages and shops in a manner more rural than urban. The house on 722 Ash St. is imbued with the character of North Lawrence and the Levee Trail area. The design was inspired by the Midwestern farmstead vernacular of the region. These timeless vernacular qualities house all the accommodations necessary for modern, sustainable living. A unique feature of this house is the Accessory Dwelling Unit permitted in the zoning district. It is a small separate residence on the same lot that can be used for income property or for extended family members. It also supports the city of Lawrence’s goals of increased density close to downtown rather than continued sprawl into the countryside. The buildings use technology and common-sense design to reduce the building’s footprint and assure the owners low energy use and costs. A 4.9 Kw solar collection system is located on the only south facing gable and the super insulated envelopes (r-62 roof and r-35 walls) of all three forms easily exceeds the standards. Studio 804 continues their long standing pattern of maintaining the highest level of sustainable design while remaining contextually sensitive to the surrounding community. This house, like every Studio 804 project since 2008, is USGBC LEED Platinum Certified.

The project consists of a renovation and additions to the Saas Residence designed by Charles Zehnder in 1963. The house was built by Albert and Bob Rose for a cost of fourteen thousand dollars. The living room on the West side was modified and expanded in 1976. When built, the main house was intended only for summer occupancy. It was uninsulated, had single glazed windows and no heating or ventilation systems. There was no laundry facility and had a small kitchen and bathrooms. In order to ensure the building’s survival well into the future and provide modern amenities, a plan was developed to lift the original house and place it on a permanent concrete foundation. Once stabilized and preserved, the kitchen and master bedroom were extended slightly at each end. These new additions contain a mechanical room, laundry room, closet and Owners’ bath and allowed the enclosing envelope to meet the State energy code. All proposed changes have been designed with sensitivity to and respect for the original architecture. The existing house was only 1670 square feet in area; the area of the final design is a modest 2204 square feet. The resulting building maintains the appearance from the road of a long modern shed-roofed rectangle. The new section replacing the later living room addition is at the rear of the house and offers expansive views of the South Truro landscape and Cape Cod Bay.