Amagansett Lanes Dutch Colonial by J. Patryce Design

Bringing warmth and charm to a 1920s Dutch Colonial house in the Hamptons, interior designer Joan Enger of J. Patryce Design has transformed her Amagansett home into a soulful family retreat.

Enger has long considered Amagansett her ‘happy place’, having spent her formative years there with her husband and returning each summer as their family grew. This attachment to the coastal hamlet led her to rent, buy and sell in adjacent areas before finally securing this historic Dutch Colonial home, nestled on a charming, tree-lined street just a short walk from town and the ocean. While Enger was enamoured with the home’s classic layout – adapted through previous renovations – its contemporary interior lacked the warm, organic touches her family craved. “I wanted to turn back the clock – in a J. Patryce Design kind of way – and dial the decor back to what the house might have originally looked like,” says Enger.

“I wanted to turn back the clock – in a J. Patryce Design kind of way – and dial the decor back to what the house might have originally looked like,” says Enger.

Embracing a warm and inviting atmosphere with a collected, lived-in feel, Enger transformed the once stark interior by incorporating shades of cream, accented by rich tones from Farrow & Ball. Glossy modern vanities were replaced with custom oak cabinetry, and both the kitchen and bathrooms received updates featuring new tapware, cabinetry and a mix of bespoke and vintage lighting, adding a crafted quality. The introduction of wall panelling and extensive custom timberwork brought a renewed sense of detail, with Enger describing the overall impact on the home’s mood as “transformative”.

In the main living spaces, the previous owner replaced two structural columns with a nine-metre beam, creating an expansive great room. Enger enhanced its character with a 14-seat dining nook and a generous family zone featuring multiple seating areas, providing an ideal setting for cooking, entertaining and hosting large family gatherings. Natural light and views of the rear deck and garden are softened by linen curtains and blinds, adding warmth and softness to the room’s perimeter.

Throughout the home, Enger approached the interior with a layered sensibility – the result of years spent carefully collecting art, furniture and decor.

Throughout the home, Enger approached the interior with a layered sensibility – the result of years spent carefully collecting art, furniture and decor. “I turned to vintage for most of the objects and furniture, with a bit of custom mixed in. Almost all the art was purchased from local artists or galleries. I wanted to support the community,” she says. As a ceramics enthusiast and collector, Enger reserved her most cherished pieces for the property, showcasing them in the home’s timber cabinetry and blending them among vintage tables and dressers.

While Amagansett Lanes Dutch Colonial exudes warmth and charm, it remains an evolving project for Enger and her family. “Last summer, we changed the small, narrow driveway to a circular footprint for additional parking. We added bluestone paths to connect the spaces, lovely side gates, a large bluestone patio and a small but functional outdoor kitchen,” she says. Lush grasses, hydrangeas and flower gardens – designed in collaboration with Nic Patrick Landscapes – now complement the towering evergreens surrounding the backyard and pool, providing privacy from neighbours.

While Amagansett Lanes Dutch Colonial exudes warmth and charm, it remains an evolving project for Enger and her family.

A reflection of Enger’s passion for restoring homes, Amagansett Lanes Dutch Colonial honours the property’s evolving narrative. Thoughtfully layered with texture and grain, the house harmonises with the neighbourhood’s charming architectural vernacular while celebrating Enger’s commitment to balancing everyday functionality with a desire to live beautifully.

Interior design by J. Patryce Design. Build by Thomas Lavin Contracting. Landscape design by Nic Patrick Landscapes.