High-End Interior Remodeling in Plymouth, MA | Millhawlk Design & Construction
Millhawlk Design & Construction had just two months to complete the full design and construction of Rio Restaurant at 318 Court St, Plymouth, right before Mother’s Day. This tight deadline was a challenge, especially with custom finishes, international shipments, and permitting timelines.
Some materials, such as the Form At Wood Arch panels from Poland and Porcelanosa Copper Brushed tiles from Spain, took more than a month to arrive. The custom walnut wine rack cabinetry was fully handmade by our team, adding another layer of craftsmanship and complexity. On top of that, the permitting process created additional pressure.
To overcome these challenges, our team executed a detailed strategy, working in parallel on multiple fronts:
Submitting technical plans while updating amendments during permitting.
Skipping the conceptual phase by providing finish references, with the client granting full trust in our design choices.
Coordinating design and planning simultaneously, while securing logistics and deliveries.
Starting demolition and selective construction tasks before permit approval, with overtime work to maintain progress.
This bold approach allowed us to get 90% of the design approved on presentation day and deliver the entire project one week ahead of schedule, giving the restaurant crew time to train before the big holiday weekend.
Project Goals & Design Vision
The client’s main goals were to:
Add a buffet station to complement the existing Brazilian barbecue concept and attract a new audience.
Create a more chic, high-end atmosphere to elevate the restaurant’s image.
Improve workflow efficiency with added storage and shelving.
We divided the restaurant into two main areas, each with its own character:
The Bar Area – designed with a glamorous, modern feel.
The Buffet Area – created as the centerpiece with a warm, family-oriented atmosphere.
Throughout the space, our palette combined off-white, beige, travertine, and rich walnut woods, evoking a subtle Bossa Nova-inspired mood.
The bar front was finished with Porcelanosa Copper Brushed 10×10 tiles, which beautifully reflect light, paired with a Silestone Calypso countertop for an elegant touch. Overhead, RH pendant lights create warmth, while the back bar received custom gypsum arches, adding depth and style beyond standard shelving.
To transition into the dining area, we manufactured a custom walnut wine rack with side panels that match the IndoTeak accents, framed by additional Cle Limestone. All surrounding walls were painted in Sherwin-Williams Aesthetic White, and the flooring was upgraded to Mohawk walnut-tone LVT vinyl, tying the entire space together.
Section 2 – The Buffet as the Centerpiece
The buffet area required careful planning for workflow and guest circulation. The solution was to reconfigure the old cold and hot stations into a new layout that included a dedicated BBQ station. This allowed us to design a dramatic accent wall wrapped in Form At Wood Arch panels, featuring integrated lighting and branding.
The surrounding walls were finished with Color Atelier Tadelakt plaster, combined with smooth plaster separated by custom gypsum arch trims. Four recessed arches were inset with Cle Lapidary Travertine tiles, creating a refined, textural rhythm across the wall.
For the buffet base, we fabricated rounded corners wrapped with TileBar 3D Calypso Marble tiles, accented again with Cle Travertine. The countertops for both the buffet and BBQ station used Silestone Calypso, tying them back to the bar design. Built-in storage for plates was also seamlessly integrated into the base.
The ceiling was fully replaced, and new windows were installed for improved natural light. Finishes were complemented by lighting from RH and AD Cola, reinforcing the luxury aesthetic.
The Result
Despite the demanding timeline, Millhawlk delivered a high-end restaurant remodel in Plymouth MA ahead of schedule. With custom finishes sourced worldwide, handmade details, and a cohesive design vision, the new Rio Brazilian Steakhouse blends sophistication with functionality.
The result is a luxury dining space that reflects both authentic Brazilian hospitality and modern elegance, ready to welcome guests for years to come.
