Inside an Expertly-Edited Modern Tudor by J. Patryce Design & Company

Rip & Tan: How would you define your interior design ethos? Is there anything you might consider one of your signature design elements?

Joan Enger: We are all about creating an interesting, layered, mix with unexpected details. My practice utilizes quite a bit of vintage combined with custom furnishings to create authentic, yet timeless environments. Designing beautiful custom millwork is one of our signature trademarks. We take our inspiration from history and are continually in search of interesting details, including elevating classic cabinetry with unique hardware applications.

Rip & Tan: Whether a feeling or a style, how would you best describe this space?

Joan Enger: We refer to the house itself as a ‘Modern Tudor’. I would describe our design as livable, sophisticated, classic, layered, textural, warm, and edited.

Rip & Tan: In terms of a truly inviting home, what are your absolute must-haves?

Joan Enger: Timeless, unique, collected, layered, textural, art and object infused, warm, comfortable.

Rip & Tan: Can you tell us a bit about your journey to interiors? How did J Patryce Design & Company come to be?

Joan Enger: I began my career in luxury branding, a highlight being my time at Ralph Lauren Home surrounded by inspiration. I paid close attention to the talent surrounding me (skills which I still reference today). After a decade in, a growing family, and an encouraging spouse, I enrolled in design school at NYSID.

With the goal being to end up at a design firm, I started on the sales side initially at Claremont, where I would assist many well-known designers. I made it a point to ask specific questions about their interiors, assist them with their schemes pulling textile options to test and share. I was especially passionate about the antique fabric documents and loved learning about the weaving nuances of European textiles.

I was then hired by an up-and-coming designer who was expanding his business. I worked as a freelance designer for four years while establishing my own business. A former colleague recommended me for an UWS project, and so it began. I initially worked from a small desk in our bedroom, growing organically while we raised our family. I have always been interested in art, antiques, travel, and fashion so my transition felt more as a ‘coming home’ rather than a re-invention.

Rip & Tan: With respect to this interior specifically, can you share some details from your process?

Joan Enger: This was our second time working together so the trust and relationship were already established. It was a newly built spec home with a great layout, lovely oak flooring and wonderful light and ceiling heights, however, some of the original selections felt off in scale and lacked the warm, organic touches we are known for.

We began by reviewing the floor and lighting plans as well as the architectural details. We reworked the scale and materials for the living room mantle (originally much larger and shinier) and updated the living room and office millwork (formerly light grey) with richer Farrow and Ball tones and new cabinetry hardware.

We updated the lighting fixtures throughout in addition to designing custom millwork for the living room walls, kitchen, entry and upstairs den, all of which transformed the spaces.

Once the more permanent details were worked through, we moved on to the furnishings, sourcing a combination of vintage and custom with a few revivals from our initial project. The goal was livable, classic, warm, family-friendly yet sophisticated. We turned to richer, warmer tones this time around. The wonderful light and open spaces complemented our palettes and design perfectly.

Rip & Tan: What are some of your favorite ways to incorporate a sense of livable luxury into a space?

Joan Enger: First and foremost, a good lighting plan and a thoughtful furniture layout. Next, a cohesive palette and design story. Finally, a collected space—interesting and well-placed art, objects, and greenery.

Rip & Tan: What advice do you have for those who are after a classic interior feeling and aesthetic?

Joan Enger: Don’t worry about what is trending. Look to the classics, reference architectural and design books. Educate your eyes by visiting new exhibits, shop vintage galleries, Salon shows, museums and collect! There are so many ways to buy affordable, original art and vintage accessories. If you buy what you love and keep experimenting with placement, you will find what works for you.

Rip & Tan: What does living well mean to you?

Joan Enger: Follow your passion and it will never feel like work. Cherish your loved ones, spouse, children, good friends. Make time for others—which is challenging with busy lives, but community is everything. Take care of yourself mentally, physically, spiritually. Lastly, dream big and believe in yourself.