“I have a weak spot for classically informed architecture paired with more modern touches,” says Joan Enger, the stylish designer behind J. PATRYCE DESIGN in New Jersey. Enger’s recent townhouse design in Hoboken proves her point: neoclassical plaster mouldings are rejuvenated with chic textures and standout neutrals, and ornate cased openings contrast with contemporary, metal light fixtures and natural woods.
For the project — which was completed in three phases over the course of six years, beginning with the master bath — the designer incorporated the client’s extensive collection of English antiques, brought over when she moved from London in 1989. Her antiques complemented the 100-year-old brownstone, yet before Enger’s interventions, the design risked falling too far into an outdated style. “We turned back the dial a bit and leaned into ‘eclectic,’ which was harmonious with the bones of the house, and our client allowed us to mix in her English treasures,” the designer says. Here, we tour the luxe brownstone to see how Enger mixed a range of styles to achieve an entirely unique design.
Throughout most of the house, Enger worked with the architect, Mowery Marsh Architects, to lighten up the overall environment; here, however, the dark elements of the entryway remain. Enger selected a warm shade of gray called Skipping Stone from Benjamin Moore to offset the statuesque, original elements of the architecture. A gray washed lighting fixture from trans-LUXE strikes a contemporary note; the brass and smoked glass console table from Modern Living Supplies is simple and elegant.
Photo by Christian Harder
An engraved fireplace references the home's 100-year history. The circular coffee table in the center of the room was a choice find from Chairish; the textured table upholstered in linen was originally crafted in the style of 20th-century German product designer Karl Springer. On either side of the fireplace, vintage chairs by Jens Risom, the Danish master of Midcentury modern design, are upholstered in Toile Chenonceau fabric from Claremont. Draperies designed with Holly Hunt silk let in light from the large windows. Artwork by Heidi Kurko and Jean Wolf enhance the beauty of the space, and the sofa and antique side table are the clients' own.
Photo by Christian Harder
Throughout the different phases of the redesign, Enger's relationship with the client grew. "With any solid designer / client relationship, the trust builds," she says. "You know you’ve reached the project pinnacle when the clients say 'whatever you think is best.'" Underneath the staircase, Enger accessorized a comfortable desk nook with a vintage desk chair. The wall sconce is from School House Electric, and the metal waste basket is from CB2.
Photo by Christian Harder
In the kitchen, the cerused rift white oak cabinetry was custom created by NR Wood Design in Brooklyn. Bright calacatta marble countertops from Langley Stone and Marble further lighten the look of the wood cabinetry. The sleek island pendant lights are from Allied Maker, and the bleached walnut stools are from Dennis Miller.
Photo by Christian Harder
Just outside the kitchen area, a contemporary chandelier from Brendan Ravenhill Studio contrasts with the industrial brick wall, original to the house. NR Wood Design built the custom curved dining table and cozy banquette, the later of which Enger outfitted in silvery fabric from Holly Hunt. The textured dining chairs are from Ligne Roset.
Photo by Christian Harder
When Enger approached the guest bedroom, she could see that the client's sleigh bed was a perfect fit for the space. Designing around the bed, she chose a contemporary light fixture from O'lampia that featured interlocking brass rings to accessorize the room; black and brass Arteriors reading lights likewise bring energy to the space. Architectural details are enhanced by ample texture, from the ABC Carpet and Home rug to the layers of bedding, also from ABC Carpet and Home. The barrel chair near the marble fireplace is a vintage Milo Baughman, which the designer reupholstered with chunky woven fabric from Rogers and Goffigon. The linen navy nightstands (of which only one is visible) are from Bungalow 5, and the artwork over the bed is by Jean Wolf.
Photo by Christian Harder
A grasscloth wallcovering from Sonia's Place in a natural hue covers the walls and is visible through the built-in media cabinet, custom created by NR Wood Design. Enger selected Claremont fabric for the window shades, Holly Hunt fabric for the custom sectional, and Claremont velvet for the Environment lounge chair. A custom wool flat weave runs underneath the furnishings, matching the color of the custom linen drum shade. The bookcase lighting is from A. Rudin; the occasional table is from Gabby, and the faux shagreen coffee table is from Dwell.
Photo by Christian Harder
J. PATRYCE DESIGN began the first phase of the project when the client's child was only six years old. However, by the third phase of the project, in which Enger was enlisted to update the guest room and daughter's bedroom, the daughter was requiring a new kind of design that could transition with her into her teenage years. Shades of blue and bright patterns, mixed with a light Sterling paint from Benjamin Moore, give the bedroom a calming, contemporary look. Rebecca Atwood printed fabric was used to design the window shades, while the custom pillows in citron fabric from Holland and Sherry pop agains the textured bed (from Wayfair) and neutral bedding from ABC Carpet and Home and West Elm. Offsetting these textured elements, a stark light fixture from Horne offers a modern sensibility, as does the white accent table from Safavieh. A wool rug from All Modern ties the design together. The pair of Ikea floor lamps are accessible and stylish, and the Platner stools are vintage.
Photo by Christian Harder
Enger also created a clever workspace within a small alcove of the child's bedroom. Kensington Blue paint from Benjamin Moore decorates the accent wall. A lacquered Hayneedle chair with Rebecca Atwood fabric on the seat is set in front of a Blue Dot desk. The orb-style chandelier is from Horne, and the vintage artwork was sourced through J. PATRYCE DESIGN; the designer curates a collection of vintage goods that her clients can choose from for their projects.
Photo by Christian Harder
The master bath features a mix of serene, glossy textures and subtle colors, as well as elegant furnishings. The designer was inspired to choose a double open-legged washstand after she was inspired by a boutique hotel in Florence. Mosaic floor tile from Waterworks injects a dose of personality into the room. Elegant medicine cabinets from Restoration Hardware are flanked by Waterworks wall sconces; the fixtures and toilet are by Lefroy Brooks.
Photo by Christian Harder
Outdoors, the designer decorated the existing balcony space overlooking the neighborhood with Wayfair chairs, a vintage side table, and custom pillows, available at J. PATRYCE DESIGN.
Photo by Christian Harder
