North Carolina's Research Triangle is a hub for midcentury modern homes, which local architectural enthusiasts are eager to preserve as classic American gems. However, the faded gabled roof ranch house in Raleigh's Hampton Hill neighborhood hardly sparkled when it came up for sale in 2014. The overgrown exterior and poorly executed addition of a sunroom left an underwhelming first impression, and a '70s-era interior renovation resulted in a reconfigured floor plan that was difficult to navigate. Nevertheless, Joseph Amory eagerly made an offer, having long dreamed of a midcentury abode to house his collection of modernist furniture.

"There are a lot of these houses here, and they're getting destroyed," says Joseph, who moved to the area after finishing a veterinary radiology residency. "People tear them down and build a McMansion. We wanted to save one."

Over the course of two years, working with award-winning design firm Fine Craftsmanship INC., Joseph brought the 3400-square-foot home back to its former glory inside and out. The house now features a spacious open floor plan on both levels, skylights above the entry and master bath, and new Jeld-Wen windows, which make the house feel light and airy. A slatted guardrail on the stairs and the use of frosted glass to create partitions in the master bath and basement bedroom let light flow freely, while low-profile modernist furnishings create a refined and uncluttered living space.

Outside, the sloping roof was extended over a carport and deep single-car garage that replaced the sunroom. The exterior flourishes of a floating wrap-around deck, white pavers, AstroTurf patio, and bold yellow front door are more reminiscent of Palm Springs than suburbs in the Southeast.

"I wanted to bring some of those cool California styles here," says Joseph. Thanks to his vision and persistence, this Carolina midcentury home now shines once again.