Visualize a retreat where the rhythm of the land shapes every detail—this is Wildflower Farms in Hudson Valley. Designed by Christie Ward and Staver Gray of Ward + Gray, the resort combines modern design with rustic, vintage-inspired touches that reflect the surrounding natural beauty. Electric Bowery‘s architectural design skillfully blends Swiss and Dutch influences, offering a fresh take on these classic styles. Read McKendree captured every detail, from the foraged wildflowers in the lobby to the vintage-inspired quilts in the guest cabins, nods to the land’s rich history and the artisans of the region. With its layered, collected design, Christie and Staver have created a resort that offers guests an immersive experience that feels both timeless and deeply connected to nature.
From the designer… In concepting the interiors of this hotel, we looked to the surrounding area – past and present- as our entry point to design. We took countless trips to site — visiting local artisans, antique shops and walking the property to familiarize ourselves with vegetables being planted to eventually be used in the restaurant. We even colonized mushrooms. This led to an extremely inspired creative process.
The architecture of the hotel is inspired by a long tradition of Swiss & Dutch design, tailored to the specific site and programmatic requirements. With a modern take on the vernacular building typologies of farmhouse and barn, the buildings were designed to frame the surrounding mountains, nestled harmoniously into the site. The material palette is composed to create a more direct connection with nature and a rich backdrop for the interiors.
The architecture is designed to create an experiential narrative that introduces the guests to the site and then reveals the property’s spectacular views upon arrival at a grand covered porch that connects the lobby and restaurant. This narrative approach allows the guest to fully immerse themselves in nature as they inhabit the space, left with a feeling of awe as they are removed entirely from their everyday life.
The main buildings are a series of asymmetrical barn-style structures. The lobby was designed to feel like the homeowners’ potting shed- we imagined guests wandering throughout the property, foraging and coming back inside to arrange wildflowers. The sitting room is dressed with massive, pressed and framed botanicals that were foraged for artwork to carry through the concept.
In the restaurant, we designed four large tapestries to hang from above the fireplace. They represent the land as we imagine it throughout the four seasons- fall harvest, winter solstice, spring rebirth and long summer evenings. Beneath the fireplace, the sofas are arranged in a communal conversation pit formation, as a nod to the area in the 60s and 70s.
The hotel’s 65 free-standing cabins are optimally placed for privacy and to make the most of their tranquil views. Their color palette was inspired by nature and many of the furniture pieces were influenced by antiques we found locally. We designed over 450 unique pieces for the project — furniture, lighting, rugs and fabrics. The patterns on these fabrics were inspired by vintage items from the 60s and 70s like corduroy, plaids and stripes.
On antiquing trips, we came across beautiful early Americana quilts and wanted to celebrate this craft. Custom quilts for each bedroom pull in the sage green stalks of Queen Anne’s lace and the burnt orange of the changing leaves in autumn. The custom rugs continue this balance— in magentas and burnt oranges with pictorial imagery of local flora and fauna.
Featured Rug: Blue Moon by Ward + Gray
Like what you see? Take a peek at the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Christie Ward & Staver Gray, Ward + Gray · Photography: Read McKendree/JBSA · Architect: Electric Bowery · Venue: Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection
