Designer Melanie Morris Reimagines a Family's Historic East Hampton Home

Timeless details, sculptural lighting, and custom furnishings create a home that feels both beautifully preserved and effortlessly livable.

Architecture is by James McChesney Architect, and construction is by Jon Avedon and Koral Building Co. Photograph by John Musnicki

Designer Melanie Morris was thrilled when she was able to work with existing clients on a second project.

“They really appreciate old-school architecture and history,” says Morris of the couple who have three children. The wife, in particular, is very passionate about design and loves the process. Morris had previously worked on their pre-war Upper East Side apartment before being commissioned to design their historic East Hampton home, which underwent an extensive renovation and addition. It’s also much more than a weekend home; they spend their entire summers there, so it has to live quite comfortably.

Chairs by Sebastian Herkner of La Manufacture and a bench covered in a Romo fabric are placed as seating areas. Photograph by Reid Rolls

“I wanted it to be beautiful, and I wanted it to be amazing, but I don’t want anything too precious,” Morris says of the revamped property, which often welcomes extended family and friends for entertaining.

Pendants from Allied Maker hang above a Calacatta Vagli Gold honed marble from BAS Stone on the island. Photograph by Reid Rolls

To do that, Morris turned to sinuous forms, a variety of custom pieces, and a soft palette to unify old and new. With open-minded clients, Morris was able to indulge her passion for one-of-kind furnishings and décor.

The bar is custom by Melanie Morris Interiors and fabricated by CIC Cabinets. The stone is from BAS Stone, and the bar stools are from Grazia & Co. Photograph by Reid Rolls

“I tend to prefer curved lines because they’re softer, but especially with this home, it has very strong lines architecturally, especially on the exterior, so I wanted to soften it on the inside.”

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Photograph by John Musnicki

Architecture is by James McChesney Architect, and construction is by Jon Avedon and Koral Building Co.

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Photograph by Reid Rolls

A hallway leads to the sinuous staircase. The bar is custom by Melanie Morris Interiors and fabricated by CIC Cabinets. The stone is from BAS Stone, and the bar stools are from Grazia & Co.

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Photograph by Reid Rolls

Chairs by Sebastian Herkner of La Manufacture and a bench covered in a Romo fabric are placed as seating areas.

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Photograph by Reid Rolls

Coffee tables from The Invisible Collection complement an RH sofa in the living room.

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Photograph by Reid Rolls

The bar is custom by Melanie Morris Interiors and fabricated by CIC Cabinets. The stone is from BAS Stone, and the bar stools are from Grazia & Co.

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Photograph by Reid Rolls

Pendants from Allied Maker hang above a Calacatta Vagli Gold honed marble from BAS Stone on the island.

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Photograph by Reid Rolls

A ceiling fixture from De Troupe hangs above a table from Atelier BB in the dining room.

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Photograph by Reid Rolls

The ceiling of the den is covered in a hand-painted covering by Porter Teleo. The sofa is from Roche Bobois, the chairs from 1stDibs are by Faye Toogood, and the ceiling fixture is from Le Lampade.

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Photograph by Reid Rolls

A mirror from Assembly Line hangs above a custom vanity by Melanie Morris Interiors in a bath.

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Photograph by Reid Rolls

A ceiling fixture from Trella Studio hangs in a bedroom above a vintage Ligne Roset sofa.

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Photograph by Reid Rolls

A wall covering by Black Crow Studios envelops a daughter’s bedroom. The dresser is custom by Melanie Morris Interiors.

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Photograph by Reid Rolls

A custom fireplace surround by Melanie Morris Interiors is covered in a marble from BAS Stone in the primary bedroom. The bed frame, also custom by Melanie Morris Interiors, includes sconces from Allied Maker.

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Photograph by Reid Rolls

In the primary bath, the vanities are custom by Melanie Morris Interiors, the sconces are from Apparatus, and the tub is from The Water Monopoly.

Those soft curves can be seen in everything from the dining chairs, to a curved wall in a bathroom, to an undulating built-in bench seat in front of a large window. Welcoming, plush upholstery also provides comfort with their rounded curves. But they’re not the only moments that give the house its charm.

The ceiling of the den is covered in a hand-painted covering by Porter Teleo. The sofa is from Roche Bobois, the chairs from 1stDibs are by Faye Toogood, and the ceiling fixture is from Le Lampade. Photograph by Reid Rolls

“To me, lighting is everything,” says Morris. “It’s my favorite thing about interior design.” Indeed, in both rooms small and large, dazzling fixtures on the walls and ceilings are like sculpture in their respective spaces and add an artistic flair with their illumination.

Another element that continues throughout the home is natural stone—particularly marble—and it provides a grounding element to the various spaces and is a nod to the home’s historic past.

In the primary bath, the vanities are custom by Melanie Morris Interiors, the sconces are from Apparatus, and the tub is from The Water Monopoly. Photograph by Reid Rolls

“I always say going to the marble yard is like being a kid in a candy store,” says Morris. “Marble was super important for this home. It adds depth and color without overpowering the rooms.”