For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

The main corridor, which doubles as a gallery, is differentiated by thin vertical windows that balance the requirement for natural light with the need to provide space for hanging artwork. Photo by Paul Finkel | Piston Design

The Ackerman-Dater House was built in 1745 and is the recipient of the prestigious State of New Jersey Historic Preservation Award. Ensuing years had taken their toll on the house and major intervention was needed when the owners engaged Morpurgo Architects to restore their home. Our collaboration has protected and preserved this house, perpetuating its continued use. Today, the Ackerman-Dater House is a historic residence that incorporates various contextual building periods, each in harmony with the original, producing a cohesive whole. With the sensitively-placed addition of a new wing, compatible with the style of the existing architecture, we enhanced the Ackerman-Dater House and ensured that it would meet the functional needs of a family living in current times. Preservation of the Ackerman-Dater House maintains the character and history of our mutual past, benefiting the entire community. For our exceptional restoration, client, contractor and Morpurgo Architects were presented with the NJ State and the Bergen County Historic Preservation Awards.

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Since moving into her Dublin home two and a half years ago, Nancy Sanford has been peeling off the decades—quite literally. Built in the 1980s, the home was “very well-maintained, but very little had been done to it” in terms of updating the finishes or style, Sanford says. Plush white carpet ran from wall-to-wall-to-wall, almond-colored laminate coated the kitchen cabinets and wallpaper ran rampant—even covering some ceilings. Despite her efforts, Sanford knew it was going to take more than cosmetic editing to shake the ‘80s and make the home her own. Although she lives in the traditional-leaning Muirfield community, Sanford adores a minimalist, contemporary style—and admits to devouring design magazines “ad nauseam.” To implement her thoroughly modern vision, Sanford turned to Brigid Norton, an interior designer and family friend, and Kristi Youles, a kitchen designer with The JAE Company. Working together, the trio created a carefully considered contemporary design that’s easy on the eyes, and the body. In addition to improving the flow of the kitchen—by removing a V-shaped peninsula that angled out into the room—and adding appliances like a stainless steel refrigerator, Sanford’s short list of must-haves included clean, uncluttered lines and no wall cabinets over the countertops. “I’ve found as I’ve aged, I’ve gotten shorter and just don’t use the upper cabinets,” Sanford explains. Easy-access, smooth-slide drawers with clean slab fronts were the answer—resulting in strong visual lines, an open, airy feel and enhanced ergonomics. Starting with a “needs assessment,” Youles and Norton designed the space quite literally around Nancy. By looking at factors such as her height and which items she uses most frequently, they were able to determine the optimum placement for everything from canned goods in the pantry to cutlery, pans and plates in the customized drawers, all of which helped to achieve the ultimate kitchen organization. But there’s more to the kitchen cabinets smooth façade than clean-lined storage. Walnut drawer fronts—found on the oven and the base of the island—are book-matched, allowing the grain to continue from drawer to drawer. And even in spaces where drawers weren’t feasible, beneath the sink and in a desk area, the designers continued the look with cabinet doors crafted to resemble drawers. The visual continuity of these lines might not be as impactful if it weren’t for the careful selection of contrasting finishes. The designers filled the space with pure, glossy white—using a specific type of quartz, White Cliff by Cambria, to accent the bold rectangular design of the island. Then, to break up the expanse of accompanying white painted drawers, walnut was selected to bring the contrasting warmth and grain of wood without red undertones. It is commonly found in modern furniture design, as well as current productions of mid-century designs like the iconic Eames Lounge Chair from Herman Miller, Youles says.

This upgraded traditional kitchen mixes three essential ingredients for creating a drool-worthy cooking space: modern features, rustic elements, and industrial-inspired accents. When blended just right, the result is a sophisticated kitchen that’s also warm and inviting. The colors used on the cabinetry also provide a small nod to classic farmhouse style without feeling too over the top. The design was complete using Wellborn’s Select Series with the Bedford Arch door style on the wall cabinets and the Milbrook Square door style on the island and banquette. The wall and base cabinets are finished in a Shadow stain on Cherry wood which dominates the space, accented by the Drift Slate stain on Oak on the island cabinets and the curved contemporary Oak hood. The use of two different door styles from the same family improves visual interest and interrupts the monotony of the design subtly.

Wood Burning Fire Pit Outdoor Lighting in the Backyard Outside of the screened-in porch, a walking path leads to a sunken fire pit surrounded by boulders and log stumps for sitting. Path lights mark the walking area to improve nighttime safety. "We have an uplight on the cottonwood tree in the distance and another one highlighting the woodwork on the screened-in porch," McKay Lighting designer says, "It provides just enough light to guide you around the backyard and adds to the ambiance as you use the outdoor space. You don't want too much competing light when the fire is going." The walking path continues around the backyard to a gate in the pool area. Read more: www.mckaylighting.com/blog/architectural-lighting-enhance-elkorn-home

The Kiguchi family moved into their Austin, Texas home in 1994. Built in the 1980’s as part of a neighborhood development, they happily raised their family here but longed for something more contemporary. Once they became empty nesters, they decided it was time for a major remodel. After spending many years visiting Austin AIA Home Tours that highlight contemporary residential architecture, they had a lot of ideas and in 2013 were ready to interview architects and get their renovation underway. The project turned into a major remodel due to an unstable foundation. Architects Ben Arbib and Ed Hughey, of Arbib Hughey Design were hired to solve the structural issue and look for inspiration in the bones of the house, which sat on top of a hillside and was surrounded by great views. Unfortunately, with the old floor plan, the beautiful views were hidden by small windows that were poorly placed. In order to bring more natural light into the house the window sizes and configurations had to be addressed, all while keeping in mind the homeowners desire for a modern look and feel. To achieve a more contemporary and sophisticated front of house, a new entry was designed that included removing a two-story bay window and porch. The entrance of the home also became more integrated with the landscape creating a template for new foliage to be planted. Older exterior materials were updated to incorporate a more muted palette of colors with a metal roof, dark grey siding in the back and white stucco in the front. Deep eaves were added over many of the new large windows for clean lines and sun protection. “Inside it was about opening up the floor plan, expanding the views throughout the house, and updating the material palette to get a modern look that was also warm and inviting,” said Ben from Arbib Hughey Design. “Prior to the remodel, the house had the typical separation of rooms. We removed the walls between them and changed all of the windows to Milgard Thermally Improved Aluminum to connect the inside with the outside. No matter where you are you get nice views and natural light.” The architects wanted to create some drama, which they accomplished with the window placement and opening up the interior floor plan to an open concept approach. Cabinetry was used to help delineate intimate spaces. To add warmth to an all-white living room, white-washed oak wood floors were installed and pine planks were used around the fireplace. The large windows served as artwork bringing the color of nature into the space. An octagon shaped, elevated dining room, (named “the turret”), had a big impact on the design of the house. They architects rounded the corners and added larger window openings overlooking a new sunken garden. The great room was also softened by rounding out the corners and that circular theme continued throughout the house, being picked up in skylight wells and kitchen cabinetry. A staircase leading to a catwalk was added and the result was a two-story window wall that flooded the home with natural light. When asked why Milgard® Thermally Improved Aluminum windows were selected, the architectural team listed many reasons: 1) Aesthetics: “We liked the slim profiles and narrow sightlines. The window frames never get in the way of the view and that was important to us. They also have a very contemporary look that went well with our design.” 2) Options: “We liked that we could get large sliding doors that matched the windows, giving us a very cohesive look and feel throughout the project.” 3) Cost Effective: “Milgard windows are affordable. You get a good product at a good price.” 4) Custom Sizes: “Milgard windows are customizable, which allowed us to get the right window for each location.” Ready to take on your own traditional to modern home remodeling project? Arbib Hughey Design advises, “Work with a good architect. That means picking a team that is creative, communicative, listens well and is responsive. We think it’s important for an architect to listen to their clients and give them something they want, not something the architect thinks they should have. At the same time you want an architect who is willing and able to think outside the box and offer up design options that you may not have considered. Design is about a lot of back and forth, trying out ideas, getting feedback and trying again.” The home was completely transformed into a unique, contemporary house perfectly integrated with its site. Internally the home has a natural flow for the occupants and externally it is integrated with the surroundings taking advantage of great natural light. As a side note, it was highly praised as part of the Austin AIA homes tour.