Rhino Builders Remodel + Design

Aug 2015

Adjacent to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art this single family home was transformed from its rustic contemporary style to a work of modern art! The creative vision of our client led the way as we redefined the interior of the home with coordinated materials that include ornate glass, wall tile, and stacked stone, featuring an in-wall gas fireplace with floating quartz hearth. A cohesive flow was created by removing a wall between the kitchen/dining room while soft-spoken paint throughout compliments an expressive lighting fixture, the focal point in the dining area. Euro frameless construction cabinets elevate the kitchen with varied tones of grey stain on white oak wood and a wired bronze acrylic finish on the refrigerator and pantry fronts. Caesarstone eggshell countertops complete the picture! The home’s exterior appearance also took shape as siding was preserved or replaced providing a fresh look that greets visitors at the door! You won’t want to miss the charm and grandeur of this remodeling masterpiece!

Kansas City, MO

Apr 2015

"Fascination with illustrated manuscripts of medieval England, the Landisfarne gospels, the Book of Kells and a lifelong love of all things Tudor led me to a Website where I met William Morris. He, too, loved all things medieval and Tudor. Born on March 24, 1834, William Morris -- (1834-1896) -- grew to become the father of the Arts and Crafts Movement in England. He and a group of his friends began making wallpaper, carpets, fabrics, tapestries, ceramic tiles and other household furnishings. Using the stories, drawings and designs of the medieval period as their inspiration, they eventually offered their products for sale to the social elite of England through the company William Morris began, Morris & Company. A Socialist at heart, Morris worked to produce quality merchandise the working class could afford as well. Morris & Company designs are still in production today. In September 2012, Whitecroft Tours offered a William Morris tour and the rest, as they say, is history. Seeing his original wallpaper drawings and watercolors, carved wooden print patterns, his homes and homes entirely decorated with his wallpaper, carpet and ceramic tile designs was an inspiration. But it wasn’t until I experienced Morris’ beloved Kelmscott Manor and read the poem he wrote about his bed that I began seriously thinking about creating a William Morris inspired Tudor room of my own. I put together a three-ring binder full of design elements I’d thought about over the course of many years; items I’d visualized my dream room having. It also contained the Morris designs I liked most. After finding Susan Sage, an interior designer for Picture Perfect Interiors, and showing her my notebook we set to work making that room a reality. She contacted companies and talented individuals who provided the products and design elements necessary to create the Tudor ambience I desired. Key to achieving the goal was Terry Skilling with Rhino Builders, Inc. Terry was the general contractor who took my ideas and found craftsmen and artisans skilled enough to turn them into a tangible reality."

Kansas City, KS

Nov 2014

This home was featured in the NARI 2015 Remodeled Homes Tour. It was a typical 3 bedroom Ranch with a closed off living spaces and paint colors that were bright and overwhelming! Two walls were removed to open the space which created flow from the entryway into the dinning room, kitchen and hearth room! The dinning room was crafted from a small bedroom and a sliding glass door replaced the window to mirror the indoor and outdoor dinning areas! The kitchen was updated with the removable of the soffit which allowed for custom European cabinetry to align with the ceiling which created height while the back splash in larger 4 X 13 pieces added depth to the space! Custom shelving was built in the hearth room which hid all the wiring for the entertainment system with a drop box for all the outlets and electrical work to hide! A sound system was incorporated into the ceiling of the hearth room and kitchen to enhance the space with sound! A laundry room was also designed with custom cabinetry and shelving for a pantry as well. The selection of fresh taupe colors for the walls and the addition of the homeowners personal taste for artwork from local artists transformed this space into one that projects the feeling of a brand new home! The clients were thankful for a festive Thanksgiving holiday when they celebrated with family in their new cohesive living space!

Leawood, KS

Jun 2014

The Design: Our Master Bathroom project was created in a turn of the century 2-story brick home overlooking downtown Kansas City, Missouri. We were tasked by our client, to design and build a Themed Master Bathroom based on the look of a 15th century sailing ship. When bathing, our client wanted to feel as if he was on the inside of the ship looking out. We enlisted the help of Elizabeth Rishel Design by Orion to create the mood, feel and look of an old sailing ship. Her design blended old timbers, antique iron and original brick with modern tile, blue glass and quartz. Other elements of the design included a large window view, LED shelf lighting and the clients own collection of nautical elements. The Build: We were able to keep Elizabeths design within the existing space. Layers of tile, old wall plaster and floor finish were removed to reveal the original brick wall and the existing plumbing and electrical. The steam shower and 150 gallon bathtub were framed in the exact spots needed for the best bathing view. The brick required cleaning, repair and finish however when completed the wall turned out perfectly old. An ancient porch floor was reclaimed to make the ceiling. A maple door complete with port hole was discovered in a warehouse and set with antique hardware. Custom wood trim was designed to match the existing and installed around the windows, door and floor base.

Kansas City, MO

Dec 2013

Our project goal was to create a cool modern bathroom suite out of a large bedroom and awkward hall bath while not forgetting the home's character. We borrowed space from the master bedroom to create a large walk-in closet (including laundry) and closed off the bathroom to the hallway creating room for a large curbless shower and double vanity. Coolness is not only found in the layout but also in the finishes! Marble and white subway tiles lay the foundation and lend a nod to tradition. The fixtures have a modern twist and the custom mirror design with integrated lighting is stunning!

Kansas City, MO

Dec 2012

2013 Remodel of the Year; Interior Specialty Award Winner: Our first conversation concerning the Grand Library occurred at the Remodeling Show. Our clients spoke of wanting to create the perfect room to read and relax. They also spoke of changing the main entry to make it "more grand". The design phase took three months and involved the clients, our designer, cabinet maker and our lead carpenter. We also relied on the knowledge of our window, door and trim distributor when making selections. The Grand Library involved a complete demo of all finishes. The design team created a French country theme for the entry transitioning through a 48" pocket door opening into the library. Material selections for the grand staircase included hand forged iron balusters with copper highlights. Red oak was chosen for all of the staircase wood, interior doors and trim. The red oak looked incredible when stained and glazed. Three lighter to darker shades were installed to create the deep transition of color and the match up we were looking for with the cherry cabinets in the library.

Leawood, KS

May 2012

Elegant Kitchen Remodel: More details coming soon!

Prairie Village, KS

Nov 2011

Custom Master Bedroom: More details coming soon.

Prairie Village, KS

Sep 2011

2012 Remodel of the Year Award Winner: With owners motivated threefold to create a clean, uncluttered look; remove "hideous" white tile; and implement a unique lighting plan, this kitchen transformed unexpectedly well. Bird's-eye maple cabinets in custom European-style flat fronts, complemented by green and black quartz countertops and deep red walls, achieve the look the homeowners desired. Built-ins were maximized on one entire wall, while the other shows off multi-colored stone tile. A skylight and window were widened, and wall sconces, under-cabinet and overhead lighting were installed with dimmers. A mid-wall fireplace, LED-enhanced glass edges and dark wood floors add an edgy style to the atmosphere.

Fairway, KS