My Houzz: 1920s Colonial on the Lake
New renovations and handmade wood furnishings create a New Jersey couple's dream lakeside home
Rikki Snyder
February 9, 2012
Houzz Contributor. Professional photographer and stylist specializing in food, products, still life and interiors. Contributing home tour photographer and writer for Houzz.
Houzz Contributor. Professional photographer and stylist specializing in food, products,... More
A serene view of Lake Hopatcong, a woodshop getaway, and vintage kitchen cabinets are just a few upsides of Paul and Barbara Barnish's 1920s hillside Colonial-style home. Using Paul's engineering, woodworking and architecture skills, the couple added a new wing with an open living room, renovated the master suite, kitchen, entryway, and an extra bedroom for when grandchildren come to visit.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Paul and Barbara Barnish
Location: Hopatcong, New Jersey
Size: 3,000 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Paul and Barbara Barnish
Location: Hopatcong, New Jersey
Size: 3,000 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths
An open layout connects the dining room and kitchen. The green cabinetry and countertop, added during the renovation, serves as a buffet area. A large window looks out onto Lake Hopatcong.
To match the green cabinets and countertop the room was painted a pale green. Beyond the dining room table, a set of glass doors open up to a sunroom.
The sunroom doubles as an office space for Paul and as an extra playroom for the grandkids. A door leads outside to the front porch.
The Barnishes kept the original charming kitchen cabinetry. When the couple renovated this space, they removed two walls, which removed some existing storage. To make up for it, Paul designed a large walk-in pantry.
Here is where one of the walls used to be that divided the kitchen and dining room space. Tearing down the wall opened up the space and allows for views of the lake from the kitchen. This decision also created more counter space for Barbara, who loves to bake and spend time in the kitchen. A small wall-mounted TV was also added during the renovation.
One of Barbara’s biggest design dilemmas was integrating Paul’s masculine, wood-inspired style with her feminine style. They agreed Paul could have the masculine leather couches in the living room if Barbara could have the seafoam green and coral accented countertop.
One of Barbara’s biggest design dilemmas was integrating Paul’s masculine, wood-inspired style with her feminine style. They agreed Paul could have the masculine leather couches in the living room if Barbara could have the seafoam green and coral accented countertop.
Barbara and Paul enlarged the living room, adding a stone fireplace along with built-in wooden shelves and cabinets. The space is inspired by the lake and mimics the feel of a cozy library. Paul made several of the wood pieces.
This downstairs powder room was added during the renovation.
The central stairwell goes up three floors.
The newly expanded master bedroom includes a breathtaking view of the lake. Right behind their bed is the chimney, which extends up from the living room below.
The renovated master bathroom features a large shower and whirlpool tub.
There were virtually no closets when they purchased the home, so Barbara was especially happy to install a custom walk-in.
Next to the master bedroom is a guest bedroom frequently used by visiting granddaughters.
Also in this room is Barbara's favorite desk, where enjoys reading near the lake view.
This bedroom is a favorite room for the Barnish grandsons, and its exposed wooden planted walls and oar accents create a lakehouse feel.
Above the garage is Paul's getaway space: the woodshop where he makes furniture for his house and grandkids, and where can enjoy watching a game of football while working.
A large wraparound porch serves as a perfect spot to sit and eat while enjoying the view with friends.
An original stone walk leads down the hill to the lake and boathouse. They redid the top deck and added an arched stairway, which also serves as another great spot for entertaining.
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I would love to know if the blue and yellow rug on the floor in the sunroom is painted on or where it was purchased.
Wow...I thought this was awful...