They Fell for Its 'Old Soul' – Now This New Jersey Home Is a Masterclass in Understated, Modern Elegance

The house had an old soul, which I loved,’ says Joan Enger, founder of J. Patryce & Co, of her clients’ rambling property in New Jersey, built in 2004 in a classic colonial style. ‘It had a great layout and some very pretty architectural details,’ Joan adds, and this foundation allowed her to reimagine it into an effortlessly chic family home.

The clients, originally from Australia, had worked in a variety of countries. ‘I remember them telling us that in each of the locations they resided, they had very different homes, from historic properties to modern luxury apartments, so they weren’t really married to one particular style,’ explains Joan.

‘The interior of this house design was originally very frilly and the finishes and palettes didn’t fit the clients’ aesthetic, but they felt a connection to the space and the light, so they knew that they could eventually update it.’

Cue Joan to work her magic. Originally envisaged as simply an update of the kitchen, boot room, powder rooms, office, and main suite, the project snowballed.

‘We literally touched every single part of the house,’ notes Joan.

Relatively simple updates breathed new life into the jaded interior. Dated, chunky staircase balusters gave way to custom-blackened steel uprights, with the handrails refinished and stained, resulting in an elegant statement staircase.

Fussy mantels were replaced with simpler designs that were more architecturally interesting and provided streamlined focal points in the rooms.

The original knotty orange pine floors were stripped and refinished into what Joan describes as ‘the most perfect shade of pale honey’.

‘It made all the difference since they run throughout the whole house, resulting in a very understated Belgian feel, which worked well with our aesthetic,’ she says.

Reinvention is undoubtedly a key weapon in Joan’s arsenal. ‘We kept many of the original details in the home and made subtle improvements and enhancements. We introduced an abundant amount of custom joinery – that’s something we’re renowned for.

Connecting the spaces, as well as looking at the existing footprint and examining the elements in detail, was the first step, then deciding what should stay and not just ripping everything out.’

The studio is also known for its considered, timeless, and classic designs. ‘We want our spaces to feel layered, warm, and current, without feeling trendy,’ says Joan. ‘The bones of the house lent themselves to our style.’ The functionality of each space was a priority.

The clients love to entertain, so although their desire was for a chic and beautiful home, they also wanted it to feel comfortable and family-friendly.

To that end, a guest suite area upstairs comprising a kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom, and family room was created for family and friends who are visiting from afar.

Cornerstones of the palette are deft touches of the clients’ favorite color blue, while warm neutrals and rich earthy moments, such as mossy greens and golden ochres, that beautifully complement the blues were also leaned into. Meanwhile, in the basement, where there is no natural light, plums and navy blues prevail.

‘A house has many chapters, but it must read as one cohesive story,’ says Joan. ‘Everything has to connect, with some sense of continuity.’

Natural fabrics were teased through the rooms to infuse abundant texture. ‘Mixing different fabrics is important so you’re not just using one singular texture throughout,’ notes Joan. ‘Wovens blended with linens and velvets – fabrics that feel textural and different, but all work together – is key. It’s very much about a curated mix of materials.’

Pattern was kept subtle and understated, apart from in the son’s bedroom, where exuberant geometrics flirt with dapper stripes, evoking a sense of playfulness.

Joan’s signature style melds custom joinery, vintage pieces, artwork, and bespoke furniture designed by the studio. ‘The clients allowed us a lot of creative freedom in this project and it’s important to introduce these different layers and elements as we believe they add soul to the home,’ she says.

This carefully considered home certainly has that.

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