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.

In Piedmont, on a winding, secluded, tree-lined street, atop a thoughtfully-landscaped hill sits a large, stately residence. The challenge: How to merge the tastes and lifestyles of the new owners, a vibrant, young family, while maintaining harmony with the soul of their new, old home. This is a type of client we love: people who have the heart and reverence for architectural stewardship combined with the desire to live authentically. To achieve this goal, we retained and restored many original details, like the ceiling in the living room, the drapery hardware and lighting sconces, and we found modern fixtures and furnishings that played well with the classic style. Photo by Eric Rorer

This meticulously restored Gregory Ain home in Los Angeles is a stunning example of mid-century modern architecture. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the living room to the outdoor patio, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. Natural light floods the space through expansive windows, highlighting the home's original features, such as the exposed brick fireplace and vaulted ceilings. The living room is furnished with a mix of mid-century modern classics and contemporary pieces, including a plush brown sofa, a woven accent chair, and iconic furniture pieces. A curated collection of art and books adds personality and warmth to the space, while the neutral color palette and clean lines maintain the home's minimalist aesthetic. The outdoor patio, accessible through sliding glass doors, offers a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Lush greenery surrounds the space, creating a private and serene oasis. The concrete flooring and white-painted exterior walls create a sense of continuity with the interior design. This stunning residence showcases the timeless elegance of Gregory Ain's architecture, offering a harmonious blend of modern comfort and historical charm. It's a home that celebrates the beauty of natural light, open spaces, and carefully curated design elements, making it a true mid-century modern gem in the heart of Los Angeles.

Thoughtful architectural detailing creates a naturally defined niche for the luxury Jacuzzi soaking tub, transforming it into a tranquil focal point within this biophilic primary bathroom. The recessed alcove enhances the feeling of privacy and retreat while framing the spa-inspired bathing experience with warmth and intimacy. At the same time, the room's architecture discreetly screens the commode, improving both privacy and visual flow. This harmonious integration of architecture, wellness, and natural materials exemplifies luxury biophilic design, where every element is carefully considered to create a serene, restorative sanctuary.

This project restored the historic core of an 18th century farmhouse, and reorganized the remaining spaces for effortless flow into a new addition featuring updated kitchen, living room, and family room spaces—bringing light, life, and a fresh sense of harmony to the whole.

This meticulously restored Gregory Ain home in Los Angeles is a stunning example of mid-century modern architecture. The home's clean lines, expansive windows, and open floor plan create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The restoration process has carefully preserved the original character of the home, while incorporating modern updates for comfort and sustainability. The exterior of the home features a low-pitched roof, white stucco walls, and a harmonious blend of wood and glass elements. Lush landscaping surrounds the house, creating a private and serene oasis. A large wooden deck extends from the living area, offering an inviting space for outdoor dining and relaxation. The deck overlooks a sparkling swimming pool, which is surrounded by greenery and reflects the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The interior of the home is equally impressive, with high ceilings, exposed beams, and an abundance of natural light. The living spaces are furnished with a mix of mid-century modern classics and contemporary pieces, creating a comfortable and stylish atmosphere. The kitchen has been updated with state-of-the-art appliances and finishes, while still maintaining its original character. This stunning home is a testament to the enduring appeal of mid-century modern design and the timeless beauty of Gregory Ain's architecture.

Melissa Kaseman Photography Countertop: Luca di Luna Quartzite Chandelier: Restoration Hardware Sconces: Shades of Light Cabinet Hardware: Top Knobs Appliances: Albert Lee Hood: Custom Built with Tiger Wood Wrap Backsplash: Heath Tiles both 3 x 5 and Hexagon Refrigerator: Liebherr Dishwasher: Miele Range: Bluestar Hood Insert: Zephyr Faucets and Pot Filler: Waterstone Sinks: Kohler White Cabinet Color: SW7005 Pure White Island Cabinet Color: SW6516 Down Pour Wall Paint: SW7666 Fleur de Sel Wallcovering: Koroseal Dining Table: Custom Built Banquette: Custom Built

Engineered cedar siding creates beautiful gray-blue tones at the exterior of the home, while adding a textural element to activate the simple exterior 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.

The living room of Historic Haven blends historic character with modern-day comfort. Light streams through restored original windows, illuminating a space defined by soft neutrals and tailored furnishings. A mix of classic and contemporary pieces—like the plush swivel chairs, brass-accented lamps, and built-in cabinetry—creates a setting that’s both refined and welcoming. Subtle textures and layered materials evoke quiet luxury, while thoughtful design details ensure harmony between the home’s architectural heritage and its fresh new chapter.

This project restored the historic core of an 18th century farmhouse, and reorganized the remaining spaces for effortless flow into a new addition featuring updated kitchen, living room, and family room spaces—bringing light, life, and a fresh sense of harmony to the whole.

Crisp and elegant, this primary bathroom exudes modern luxe at its finest. Dewils Athena cabinetry in “Just White” and Top knobs “Emerald” hardware in chrome are the perfect, traditional backdrop for the Striato Olimpo “Leather” marble floors and Jeffrey Court Calcutta Mini Sticks accent tile to shine. Caesarstone Calacatta Nuevo countertops complete this classically-inspired design while the bold floors and shimmering chrome Hansgrohe “Puravi” plumbing fixtures give a hint of modern glam. Dunn Edwards Grey Owl paint gives this monochromatic space some depth and contrast; frameless Robern medicine cabinets and Restoration Hardware sconces balance out the Duravit oval tub to achieve a stylish and harmonious design. Clarified Studios

This project restored the historic core of an 18th century farmhouse, and reorganized the remaining spaces for effortless flow into a new addition featuring updated kitchen, living room, and family room spaces—bringing light, life, and a fresh sense of harmony to the whole.

This project restored the historic core of an 18th century farmhouse, and reorganized the remaining spaces for effortless flow into a new addition featuring updated kitchen, living room, and family room spaces—bringing light, life, and a fresh sense of harmony to the whole.

Summary of Scope: gut renovation/reconfiguration of kitchen, coffee bar, mudroom, powder room, 2 kids baths, guest bath, master bath and dressing room, kids study and playroom, study/office, laundry room, restoration of windows, adding wallpapers and window treatments Background/description: The house was built in 1908, my clients are only the 3rd owners of the house. The prior owner lived there from 1940s until she died at age of 98! The old home had loads of character and charm but was in pretty bad condition and desperately needed updates. The clients purchased the home a few years ago and did some work before they moved in (roof, HVAC, electrical) but decided to live in the house for a 6 months or so before embarking on the next renovation phase. I had worked with the clients previously on the wife's office space and a few projects in a previous home including the nursery design for their first child so they reached out when they were ready to start thinking about the interior renovations. The goal was to respect and enhance the historic architecture of the home but make the spaces more functional for this couple with two small kids. Clients were open to color and some more bold/unexpected design choices. The design style is updated traditional with some eclectic elements. An early design decision was to incorporate a dark colored french range which would be the focal point of the kitchen and to do dark high gloss lacquered cabinets in the adjacent coffee bar, and we ultimately went with dark green.

The Manor Cove Residence was carefully edited to restore and respect its modern character from 1983. Over time the purity of the home’s design had been lost, and the floor plan was not up to date for current lifestyles. Careful attention was paid to create a harmonious vision for the architecture, interiors, and landscape of the project. A new color palette now graces the home inside and out for a seamless flow from interiors to the landscape creating a gallery-like atmosphere to showcase art, while large format windows crafted from Mahogany open the home with expansive views to the private landscape. The interior Millwork is crafted from the same wood adding warmth and sophistication. The original concrete floors were restored with an ebony stain which complements steel detailing along the homes’ exterior facades. Interiors: Carlton Edwards in collaboration w/ Greg Baudouin

This project restored the historic core of an 18th century farmhouse, and reorganized the remaining spaces for effortless flow into a new addition featuring updated kitchen, living room, and family room spaces—bringing light, life, and a fresh sense of harmony to the whole.

With stunning views of the Annisquam River, this beautiful first period home was constructed in 1690 for Nathanial Harraden, sailing master of the USS Constitution. It is believed to be the oldest remaining house in this neighborhood of Gloucester. Our extensive historic restoration preserved the integrity and historic details of the original structure, which had been altered significantly over time. Deteriorated structural elements were repaired or rebuilt, and historic elements including beams were revealed. A bright new kitchen and bathrooms provide a functional layout suited for modern living, and use authentic natural materials that will patina and weather in harmony with the rest of the home. The new island counter was hewn from a large decaying tree on the site, and hand-painted marble tiles adorn the backsplash. New cabinetry was hand-crafted using methods authentic to the time. We preserved the kitchen’s existing brick floor, which originally provided a durable surface for milking animals inside during cold winter months. Using authentic materials and craftsmanship of the era, this special house celebrates its historic character and embraces modern updates that will welcome home generations to come.

This project restored the historic core of an 18th century farmhouse, and reorganized the remaining spaces for effortless flow into a new addition featuring updated kitchen, living room, and family room spaces—bringing light, life, and a fresh sense of harmony to the whole.