Located on a picturesque 20-acre property in Tewksbury, New Jersey, this expansive 11,000-square-foot residence was originally built in 1995. Principal designer Joan Enger of J. Patryce Design was tasked with transforming the home into a full-time residence for a family with two young children. The property, with its classic center-hall colonial design and stunning countryside views, needed more than just cosmetic updates.
Enger’s vision was to modernize the space while maintaining the home’s “old soul” character. She focused on creating a functional flow that allowed for ample natural light while respecting the original architectural style. The result is a blend of serene aesthetics and practical updates, ideal for family life.
Opening Up the Space for Everyday Living
One of the most significant changes Enger made was reconfiguring the home’s layout to optimize the flow of natural light throughout the house. This renovation included the addition of a sizable kitchen and the reworking of the floor plan to enhance connectivity between spaces. Enger explains, “The new floor plan helped pull the light through the home,” turning the space into a bright and inviting family sanctuary.
Another key update was the integration of a more intuitive flow between the kitchen and foyer. Enger redesigned the original kitchen, which was disconnected from the rest of the home, making the entire ground floor feel more open and seamless.
Retaining Classic Features While Embracing Modern Design
While the home’s public rooms were grand in scale, Enger didn’t want to lose the charm of the original features. She worked to preserve the large living and dining areas, which remain the heart of the home. Enger’s goal was to refresh the traditional interior without overwhelming it with excess decor.
She opted for wide quarter-sawn oak floors, soft hues on the walls, and custom millwork to maintain the warmth of the rooms. The design also included coffered ceilings that added texture and elegance to the expansive spaces, enhancing the welcoming ambiance. Enger says, “We transformed an outdated home into something spectacular through floor plan edits and design updates.”
A Cozy Yet Elegant Family Room
To create an inviting family room, Enger intentionally made the space darker than adjacent areas. The room was designed to be cozy and intimate, providing a comfortable atmosphere for everyday living. Tailored ceiling beams enhance the room’s charm, and Enger chose a moody palette to create a sense of warmth, distinguishing it from the lighter, formal living room.
Dining Room with Spectacular Views
In the grand dining room, Enger added coffered ceilings to “bring a sense of proportion” to the expansive space. The room features large glass windows and doors, offering breathtaking views of the valley outside. Enger used a rich Farrow & Ball hue to complement the warm wood tones, creating a serene and harmonious dining environment.
Kitchen Design Focused on Flow and Comfort
For the kitchen, Enger designed a built-in banquette next to the island to optimize space while preserving the flow of the room. This innovative design allowed the kitchen to blend seamlessly with the rest of the home, giving the family a cozy spot to relax while still being part of the action. The kitchen’s features, such as a custom range hood and marble countertops, make it a functional and elegant space.
Creating Warmth in the Primary Bedroom
Enger’s design for the primary bedroom focused on creating a tranquil and understated atmosphere. The space is designed to feel serene and peaceful, with soft, subtle tones throughout. Enger used a quiet, refined palette that helped make the room feel like a calming retreat, with a careful mix of textures and materials.
Designing with Care for the Family
Throughout the home, Enger balanced playfulness with timelessness, especially in the children’s rooms. The boy’s room features a striped rug and bedding that adds a youthful spirit, without being overly childlike. The design incorporates patterns and artwork to create a space that will grow with the child.
The playroom, on the other hand, is a sophisticated space with a serene, comforting atmosphere, achieved by using a calming color palette and luxurious materials. Enger’s thoughtful design choices ensure that every room in the house serves a purpose, while also creating a harmonious and peaceful environment.
Conclusion: A Home Reimagined for the Future
The 11,000-square-foot New Jersey residence, originally built in 1995, has been transformed into a space that balances old-world charm with modern updates. Joan Enger’s thoughtful design reimagined the home, turning it into a functional, full-time residence for a growing family while retaining the timeless elegance of the original structure. Every room now exudes warmth, comfort, and serenity—qualities that will ensure this home stands the test of time.