Interior designer Joy Moyler has completed an ambitious renovation of a sprawling 25-acre estate in upstate New York, transforming a historic property that includes an 1790 Federal residence and a 19th-century barn designed by the renowned Gilded Age architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. The Elle Decor A-List designer, known for her work with Hollywood celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, John Mayer, and Adrien Brody, embraced the challenging project with characteristic enthusiasm, recalling that she "squealed" when she first saw the property.
Moyler's extensive background prepared her well for this large-scale undertaking. After earning her bachelor's degree in architecture, she honed her skills at prestigious New York firms including Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the office of Thierry Despont, and the studio of the late designer John Saladino. She also gained valuable experience in the interiors departments at Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani before launching her own firm in 2012. Her portfolio now spans from a villa in Portofino to a resort in Boca Raton, with her former Armani clients encouraging her transition to independence despite her initial fears about leaving corporate life.
The project became even more complex when Connecticut architect Ralph Mackin was brought in to add a modern poolhouse structure to the property. The Connecticut-based homeowner envisioned creating a rugged retreat surrounded by nature where family and friends could gather, relax, and entertain. Moyler was tasked with designing interiors for both the historic structures and the new contemporary addition, creating what she describes as "a gathering place" that would function like a luxury resort while maintaining the warmth of a family home.
Moyler gave each building on the estate a distinct character and purpose. The main Federal house features antiques and cozy elegance, including a salon where a portrait of Ray Charles by Norman Seeff hangs above an heirloom Steinway piano from the wife's family. The room is decorated with pendants from 2Modern, rugs by Patterson Flynn, and walls painted in Simply White by Benjamin Moore. The modern poolhouse serves as a chic wellness retreat complete with a flotation tank and sauna, while the historic McKim, Mead & White barn was converted into a spectacular party space surrounded by ponds, orchards, and gardens.
The estate's recreational amenities rival those of a luxury summer camp. Beyond the swimming pool, the property boasts multiple tennis courts, a putting green, a bocce court, a dirt bike track, and even a pumpkin launcher for autumn entertainment. The barn transformation includes two guest apartments, a lounge furnished with vintage Pierre Chapo seating, a terrace overlooking the gardens, and a bar and stage area specifically designed for the client's musician friends, plus a large screen for watching football games.
Dining functionality was a major priority throughout the design process. Moyler created five custom kitchens across the property: a period sage-green kitchen in the main house, minimalist indoor and outdoor kitchens in the poolhouse, and two utilitarian yet stylish kitchen setups in the barn, including one specifically designed for catering large events. "I could be incredibly happy in any one of those five kitchens," Moyler noted about her varied designs.
Personal touches were carefully woven throughout the estate to reflect the family's history and preferences. Antique automotive tools made by the client's grandfather and great-grandfather are displayed museum-style in the mudroom, while color palettes throughout the property incorporate the owner's favorite color, green. The landscape design was handled by Starr Whitehouse, complementing Moyler's interior work. Every space was designed to cater to enjoyment and relaxation while maintaining full functionality.
The client praised Moyler's ability to understand and execute his vision, saying "Joy is highly perceptive. I think it's her superstrength." For Moyler, who is based in New Rochelle, the key to success on such a large-scale project was treating it like a resort development while never losing sight of the real people who would call it home. "It needed to have everything and be fully functional," she explained, "but still be a home."
