The most compelling books are irresistible, with storylines that dance back of mind all day until the hour you can curl up in your favorite chair and dive into the pages again. For designer Joan Enger, a great home is like an engrossing novel and the rooms within are chapters. “While each space is slightly different, they all work together to advance the story,” she explains.
Enger became the author of this Colonial-inspired abode’s tale after it was purchased by an Australian family of globe-trotters looking to put down roots in Morristown, New Jersey—a place where they could realize their dream of experiencing all four seasons. The spacious home had a great floor plan and was surrounded by lush, park-like gardens, but it needed a good rewrite to shine. “Even though the house was built in 2004, it has an old soul,” says Enger, who worked with architect Stephen Kowalski and general contractor Brinton Brosius to realize the new look. “The home was not to their tastes prior to the renovation. However, when I looked at things carefully, I saw this was more of an ‘update’ than a ‘change everything’ project.”
