Hudson Valley and the Catskills are rich in history, natural beauty, and local crafts. Decorating your Airbnb property using these authentic elements not only enhances its appeal but also offers guests a unique experience. In this article, we’ll explore how to incorporate local design by using local materials, antiques, and themes.
Incorporating Locally-Inspired Interior Design Themes: Decorating Your Hudson Valley & Catskills Airbnb with Authenticity – Experiential Hospitality Design 101 with Maxwell Alexander, MA(FIT), BFA(SVA)
1. Local Materials – Embrace the Region’s Natural Elements
The Hudson Valley and Catskills are abundant in natural resources. Incorporating them into your Airbnb design can create a harmonious and grounded feel.
- Wood: Think rustic wooden beams, barn wood accent walls, or hardwood flooring. Local mills often have a selection of reclaimed or sustainably harvested woods.
- Stone: Stone countertops, fireplace surrounds, or even stone wall accents can tie a space to the local geology.
- Straw: Home decor elements, lamp shades, floor rugs, and wall coverings present an opportunity to create wellness-focused interiors with sustainable local materials.
2. Antiques – A Nod to the Past of the Beautiful Hudson Valley Region
Antique shops abound in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, each offering a treasure trove of items with stories to tell.
- Furniture: Seek out handcrafted dressers, vintage settees, or colonial-era tables to add authenticity to your space.
- Décor: Look for old maps of the region, vintage postcards, or historical photographs to adorn your walls.
3. Local Themes – Celebrate the Region’s Heritage
Incorporating local themes can be both subtle and overt, but always ensures that guests feel the essence of the place.
- Agricultural Motifs: Given the area’s farming history, decor like barn images, apple orchards, or farm animal motifs can resonate.
- Art: The Hudson River School of painters celebrated the region’s landscapes. Reproductions of these iconic paintings can be a fitting tribute.
- Textiles: Incorporate locally made quilts, throws, or pillows. Patterns like the Catskills’ iconic maple leaves or Hudson Valley apples can be a nice touch.
4. Collaborate with Local Artisans
Consider hiring local craftsmen for custom pieces or sourcing decor from regional artisans. This can include:
- Pottery: Handmade mugs or plates with local clay.
- Textiles: Rugs, drapes, or linens made by nearby weavers or sewists.
- Art: Commission local artists to create pieces that resonate with the property’s location.
5. Incorporate Local Books & Guides in Your Airbnb Home Interior Design
Adding a collection of local literature, both fiction and non-fiction, can offer guests insight into the region’s culture and history. Consider titles that delve into local lore, guidebooks, or works by local authors.
6. Warm and Rustic Lighting Design in Hudson Valley & Catskills Airbnb
In the charming realms of Hudson Valley and the Catskills, the right lighting can elevate the atmosphere of an Airbnb property, making it not just visually appealing but emotionally resonant. When it comes to creating an intimate, rustic ambiance, the choice of lighting design plays a pivotal role.
Handmade Pendant Lights with Natural Materials: One of the most popular lighting choices for achieving a rustic charm is pendant lights crafted from natural materials. Imagine a light fixture made from intertwined branches or wrapped in twine, hanging gracefully above a dining table or kitchen island. The organic textures and earthy tones of these fixtures can seamlessly blend with the Hudson Valley’s natural surroundings, providing a feel of both sophistication and earthiness.
Straw Lamp Shades: There’s an undeniable allure to lamp shades crafted from straw. Their organic, woven patterns allow for a gentle diffusion of light, casting a warm and mottled glow around the room. When illuminated, these shades can create patterns on the walls, evoking feelings of coziness and nostalgia, reminiscent of old country homes.
Warm LED Edison Lights: Modern technology meets vintage design with LED Edison bulbs. These lights provide the antique charm of classic filament bulbs but with the energy efficiency of modern LEDs. Emitting a warm, amber glow, Edison bulbs can be used in various fixtures, from wall sconces to table lamps, adding a touch of historical elegance to the space.
String Lights for Coziness: Nothing says ‘cozy’ quite like a string of delicate fairy lights. Draping them along the rafters, around windows, or even outdoors in a garden or patio area can instantly elevate the ambiance. They not only provide a soft, twinkling light but also add a touch of whimsical magic, especially during the twilight hours.
Vintage Candle Lamps & Table Lamps: Candle lamps, with their flickering flames protected by ornate glass or metal casings, can transport guests back in time. These, combined with vintage table lamps, often featuring patinaed bases and fabric shades, offer both functional illumination and decorative charm. Placing them on side tables, dressers, or even in hallways can cast a gentle glow, enhancing the rustic character of the property. Incorporating these warm and rustic lighting elements can significantly transform an Airbnb property in the Hudson Valley and Catskills region. Not only do they illuminate the space, but they also tell a story, creating a memorable and authentic experience for guests.
In the picturesque landscapes of the Hudson Valley and Catskills, sustainable design and interior practices play a pivotal role in preserving their inherent beauty and the planet’s ecological balance. By adopting sustainable interior design, which emphasizes low-impact materials like straw, natural stone, bamboo, cork, and reclaimed wood, we not only create harmonious spaces that resonate with both hosts and guests but also protect local ecosystems and support community artisans. These conscious choices, while rooted in local preservation, ripple outwards, promoting global efforts against climate change, resource scarcity, and ecological degradation, ensuring that the natural splendor of regions like the Hudson Valley and Catskills remains undiminished for future generations.
Incorporating local design into your Hudson Valley or Catskills Airbnb is more than just aesthetic appeal—it’s about creating a holistic experience. By using regional materials, antiques, and themes, you can make your property stand out, ensuring guests leave with memories of an authentic Hudson Valley or Catskills stay.
