Located in Hoboken, New Jersey, this 2,500-square-foot duplex occupies two levels of a former industrial building dating back to 1909. Now known as Wonder Lofts, the building was originally home to Schmalz Bakery, which produced baked goods for Wonder Bread. More than a century later, it’s been transformed into loft-style residences.

“I’ve always been drawn to Hoboken’s character and its mix of old and new,” says interior designer Joan Enger. “The city has a rich industrial history, lovely historic buildings, and a strong sense of community, with great proximity to NYC. I love the fact that the original structure was thoughtfully repurposed rather than torn down. Wonder Lofts is a wonderful example of preserving a building’s history while breathing new life into it.”

Joan’s clients, a young couple with two children, were ready to trade their smaller Jersey City apartment for a home with more room to grow. “They discovered the building while walking through Hoboken and were immediately drawn to its history, expansive ceiling heights, natural light, and practical floor plan,” she notes. There was just one catch. “While the apartment checked nearly every box, the interiors lacked the character and architectural details they were hoping for. It was essentially great space without any soul.”

The couple envisioned a home that balanced sophistication with warmth. “Storage and function were important, but they were equally interested in craftsmanship, natural materials, and furnishings that felt special without being too precious,” Joan recalls. “Our goal was to create something that felt collected and personal rather than overly designed, a home that would grow with them while remaining timeless.”

Despite the building’s extensive conversion from industrial to residential, the apartment itself was something of a blank slate, with generic finishes and little architectural distinction. Joan and her team set out to change that, introducing custom millwork, wall and ceiling treatments, updated lighting, and thoughtfully layered furnishings.

“Much of our work centered on creating visual continuity between the spaces while introducing warmth, texture, and additional storage,” Joan explains. “We incorporated a mix of custom furnishings and vintage pieces to give the home the sense of individuality our studio is known for, with a timeless quality that would stand the test of time.”

At J. Patryce Design & Company, Joan is known for her restrained palettes, natural materials, and sculptural furnishings, all of which lend a sense of quiet sophistication without sacrificing comfort. Here, that signature approach carries throughout the home, from the soaring, double-height living area to the cozy, multifunctional den. The result feels cohesive without being overly coordinated, a balance Joan credits in large part to her clients’ trust.

“I truly believe that the most successful projects are born from a strong relationship between designer and client,” Joan shares. “This project was such a wonderful example of how mutual trust, open dialogue, and a shared appreciation for good design can lead to a great outcome.”