My Houzz: 1920s Colonial on the Lake
New renovations and handmade wood furnishings create a New Jersey couple's dream lakeside home
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. Private Comment
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| 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. Private Comment
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| 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. Private Comment
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| 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. Private Comment
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| 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. Private Comment
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. Private Comment
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This downstairs powder room was added during the renovation.
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| The central stairwell goes up three floors. Private Comment
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| 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. Private Comment
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| The renovated master bathroom features a large shower and jacuzzi. Private Comment
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| There were virtually no closets when they purchased the home, so Barbara was especially happy to install a custom walk-in. Private Comment
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| Next to the master bedroom is a guest bedroom frequently used by visiting granddaughters. Private Comment
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| Also in this room is Barbara's favorite desk, where enjoys reading near the lake view. Private Comment
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| This bedroom is a favorite room for the Barnish grandsons, and its exposed wooden planted walls and oar accents create a lakehouse feel. Private Comment
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| 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. Private Comment
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| A large wraparound porch serves as a perfect spot to sit and eat while enjoying the view with friends. Private Comment
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| 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. Private Comment
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Comments
Becky Harris says:
It makes me so happy that they kept the original cabinets. This is what a real lake house should look like!
4 months ago ·
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cosmolm says:
I live on this lake! I wish our house had a view like the one from their sunroom!
4 months ago ·
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Adam says:
Nice waterfront location, all the wood paneling, cabinet style, light fixtures, and decor looks a bit out of date though even for a 1920s home.
4 months ago ·
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fredericklc says:
This is a lovely home. I always try and not feel envious when looking at the different homes on this site and instead try to take away ideas to spruce up my own, much humbler, home. But I have to say, this home is a place I can see myself being VERY happy with. It is open and welcoming and that is a killer view. Thanks for sharing.
4 months ago ·
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mugsy1703 says:
Beautiful home and setting. The decor reminds me of my mother-in-laws with all its tacky knick knacks. Each to his own :-)
4 months ago ·
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Ellen T. says:
What lucky grandkids to have a home and grandparents like that to visit. I'll bet they have lots of wonderful time together!
4 months ago ·
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linbar says:
What a wonderful place to call home. I don't think I would get much reading or writing done sitting at that desk. The view is too distracting.
4 months ago ·
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Clem Doyle says:
The workshop alone would make this a perfect house, the rest is a wonderful bonus.
4 months ago ·
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jmb63blue says:
What an absolute visual delight. Absolutely gorgeous. Gave me a couple of ideas too for my renovation as we also live on the water but in Australia.
4 months ago ·
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vikingmom says:
I love the 'red' in this home..I know some of it is for Christmas but not all of it and it lends to such a cheerfulness....and the natural light coming in thru all of the windows that adds to the cheerfulness or if the weather is dark...the coziness. My home has lots of natural light and it is the best feature of my home.
4 months ago ·
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jadeplatinum says:
Wow what a special home. It's not my style but I bet it's a wonderful home to live in.
4 months ago ·
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smartldy1 says:
Lucky Grandkids! These Grandparents have the right priorities! Such a warm, cozy home.....and that view!!
4 months ago ·
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purdygirlpeg says:
Adorable! Nice work by the owners and it looks like they got the masculine/feminine mix they were looking for. I'm thrilled to see they kept the wood paneling--it gives such warm character. Congratulations to the Barnishes.
3 months ago ·
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mysewsweetstudio says:
Love the decor in this house and it's location is wonderful
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.
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.
3 months ago ·
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