In Conversation With Wildflower Farms' Ward + Gray

Rip & Tan: Can you walk us through your general process? Any highlights or stories you care to share?

Christie Ward: We started the project before the cabins were built and it was an open plot of land. We took pictures of where the cabin windows would be in early October. At the time, the leaves were just changing and creating this magnificent color scheme of acid greens, deep burgundies and mustard tones. We started to build on these images, throughout the seasons as the project continued, and used the surrounding landscape to inspire the entire color scheme for the project. We felt this was the best way for the property to feel integrated with the land, not alienated or out of place. We also made frequent visits to the area, scouring antique shops to find inspiration for custom furniture and rugs. We wanted to be sure the property felt like a lived-in, collected home, including shapes and designs of what someone might actually find Upstate. We were fully inspired by the Hudson Valley to create as authentic an experience as possible. 

Staver Gray: We always use research as our entry point to design—the history of the place and the landscape that surrounds it. We wanted Wildflower Farms to feel like it was always part of the fabric of upstate New York. The furnishings were designed to feel like something you might find in an upstate home and the color palette was meant to compliment the surrounding landscape—to bring the outdoors in. We kept the material palette honest and natural, so nothing feels too jarring against the landscape.

Rip & Tan: The majority of furniture, textiles, and décor were created custom—what influenced that decision? How would you describe the impact on the overall design?

Christie Ward: We love to design an entirely custom ‘catalog’ of furniture, lighting rugs and fabrics for every hotel project we do. For Wildflower Farms, we produced about 400+ unique, custom pieces for the property and were as thoughtful as possible with each of them. For example, there are Arts & Crafts inspired cutouts in the furniture, each unique showcasing a wildflower that is native to the property or the phases of the main. In the rugs in the Bower Cabin, we highlight animals found near the property, such as fox and bear as well as Queen Anne’s Lace flowers designed in a folk way woven into the rug. We liked that this created discovery moments that a guest could stumble upon each and every time they go back to visit.  

Staver Gray: We always have an extremely specific vision of the narrative of a project and it’s through creating custom furniture that we can execute on this vision. For example, we were inspired by the quilting craft we spotted at many antique stores upstate and wanted to incorporate this into the project. It was important to us that it wasn’t just a fabric printed to feel like quilts, so we found a quilter who was able to sew together 5 different fabrics to make the outdoor pillows. The color of the thread and the style of stitch were informed by vintage textiles we had photographed. Everything is in the details. 

Rip & Tan: Both interior and exterior, how does the resort integrate itself into the surrounding landscape?  In what ways did your design immediately draw from the landscape? 

Staver Gray: We didn’t really differentiate between indoor and outdoor spaces for this project—the outdoor areas are designed to feel like interior living rooms with comfortable furniture, throw pillows and antique-inspired lighting. The color palette of the interiors was completely informed by the colors of the surrounding farm. 

Rip & Tan: How did the Hudson Valley community influence the way you approached this project?

Staver Gray: We wanted Wildflower Farms to feel like a beautiful home in the area. We visited many antique shops and imagined what this fictitious homeowner would have bought or inherited for the space. The property is meant to feel like it’s always been part of the community, and not to introduce a foreign or trendy design sensibility. 

Rip & Tan: Do you have a favorite season here? Or perhaps a favorite thing about each season in Hudson Valley? 

Staver Gray: Every season has its merits but in the winter when the snow is falling, the property feels so cozy—it’s a perfect weekend escape to enjoy the spa and the Great Porch.

Rip & Tan: After check-in, what’s the first thing you recommend a guest do or see? 

Christie Ward: Wildflower Farms has some amazing hiking trails near the river by the property and around the farm. I would drop my bags in a cabin and head straight for the trails! From there, I’d head to the indoor pool and sauna in my robe. 

Staver Gray: A good book and a glass of wine on the Great Porch!

Rip & Tan: Imagine your ideal Hudson Valley morning—what’s on the agenda?

Christie Ward: I’d go for a trail hike on the property, head over to the spa for a trip to the sauna and a massage, change in time for lunch at Clay next to the fire, and then head out to a few antique shops, particularly Maple Lawn near our very favorite one we found there. 

Staver Gray: Breakfast at Clay followed by the local farmer’s market and a few antique shops.

Rip & Tan: And for an ideal evening out? 

Christie Ward: I’d sit outside the Great Porch between the lobby and Clay, the restaurant, and have wine by the fire. I’d likely stay there for the entire evening. Live music and cocktails in. 

Staver Gray: The Green Room! 

Rip & Tan: Can you share a few of your favorite local shops and artisans?

Christie Ward: Maple Lawn is an incredible antique shop about a twenty-minute drive away. It’s a beautiful space and Ron, the owner, has so much spirit which translates in everything he finds. We also worked with a local metal worker in the Hudson Valley, Doug Newton, who did all of the brass mirrors in the cabins by hand. He’s an incredible resource up there and a wonderful guy to work with. 

Staver Gray: Agree about Maple Lawn Antiques—it’s very special. Westwind Orchard for cider and a great evening ambiance. Arrowood Farms is a lovely local brewery.

Rip & Tan: What are your absolute must-visit restaurants when you’re in town? 

Christie Ward: Mountain Brauhaus is the perfect way to end a day. It’s a German alpine-inspired restaurant, classic and feels like it’s been there forever. The food is just as warm and cozy as the interiors. 

Staver Gray: The restaurant at Inness is beautiful—go early for a drink by the fire.