Atlanta’s Morningside neighborhood is known for its charming walkability, mature tree canopy, and tight-knit community vibe. “The client had been hoping to move to this specific neighborhood for years—so when this home unexpectedly came on the market, he moved quickly to make it his own,” says Hill Rondero of Ro House Studio.

The homeowner is a single executive in his early 40s who works long hours and travels frequently. “As a repeat client, he returned to us to help create a fully furnished, comfortable retreat that felt elevated and tailored to his lifestyle,” Hill explains. “His must-haves included a crisp, clean design that wasn’t too fussy, a masculine-but-warm aesthetic, and rich, substantial materials. Because he’s often away, it was also important that the home feel effortless and turnkey—easy to lock up and leave.”

Hill and her Charlotte-based design team set out to create a modern gentleman’s sanctuary—refined, masculine, layered, and textural. “This was a full-home furnishings and lighting project,” she says. “Our team reimagined the newly built modern Tudor cottage using a mix of pieces from the client’s previous home and newly specified elements tailored to the architecture. We replaced every light fixture, layered in custom window treatments, furnishings, and décor, and took creative liberties in key areas like the moody basement theater and patterned wallpapered powder rooms.”

Lighting played a pivotal role in the overall design. “The home was originally built as a spec house with builder-grade finishes,” she recalls. “One of the biggest challenges was replacing every light fixture—a massive three-day install that required eight electricians. Designing remotely while the client was frequently traveling also meant relying heavily on our trusted subcontractor network.”

The homeowner was eager to settle in and requested a quick turnaround. He reached out to Ro House Studio in August 2024, and by September, the team had presented the full design and kicked off procurement. While waiting on lead times, The Shade Store installed custom linen drapery, and wallpaper was added in both powder rooms. By January 2025, the full install—including all lighting and furnishings—was complete.

When Hill walked the home with him after installation, he was genuinely elated. “He said he was most excited about the gas fireballs in the family room—something he’s never had in any of his homes before,” she shares. “He also loved how the layout between the kitchen and family room flowed naturally, noting that this would be the space he’d spend the most time in. The basement theater room was another standout—he mentioned how cozy and tucked-in it felt. Most of all, he appreciated how we gave some of his existing pieces a second life in a completely fresh setting.”

Explore the full transformation in the slideshow.