Callicoon Hills: 11 Design Ideas to Steal from a Catskills Retreat

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If Dirty Dancing were made today, it might take place against a backdrop like this one.

Summer leisure-seekers first headed to Callicoon Hills in Callicoon Center, NY, in 1905, and they kept coming through the 1940s, when it expanded into a summertime Catskills resort. Now, vacationers come to the 73-room property in pursuit of its slow summer rhythms and natural beauty (“our air is clean and cool, our water pure and clear”, the website promises)—and for its design-minded interiors, too. The resort offers lodgings in its Boarding House, Pool House, and Ridge Rooms, plus several eateries, swimming spots, and newly opened A-frame cabins and saunas.

Here are 11 design ideas to inspire.

Photography by Read McKendree, except where noted.

the main building at callicoon hills. 17 — Above: The main building at Callicoon Hills.

1. Add pattern of every stripe.

pattern mixing isn&#8\2\17;t only for textiles: in the rise & shine cof 18 — Above: Pattern mixing isn’t only for textiles: In the Rise & Shine Coffee Shop, one of the resort’s gathering places, wood-clad walls, painted wood ceilings, and cushions and throw pillows all add stripey effect.

2. Employ drips and swoops.

balance out straight lines with a little whimsy, as in the drippy edge counter 19 — Above: Balance out straight lines with a little whimsy, as in the drippy-edge counter that provides window seating in a dining area.

3. Paint floors black.

the guest rooms are primed for summer, but that doesn&#8\2\17;t mean they&a 20 — Above: The guest rooms are primed for summer, but that doesn’t mean they’re all pale hues: Dark-painted floors add a nice dose of contrast (and are hard-wearing, too).

4. Embrace board and batten.

the next shiplap? board and batten paneling spans the height of the walls and a 21 — Above: The next shiplap? Board and batten paneling spans the height of the walls and adds an informal cottage feel to guest rooms. (We also like the pleated lampshades and old-school quilts on every bed.)

5. Lean a mirror in a corner.

arched shapes are a recurring theme, as in this wooden standing mirror and clev 22 — Above: Arched shapes are a recurring theme, as in this wooden standing mirror and clever half-moon shelf. When placed in a corner, a standing mirror adds light and smooths edges.

6. Go for thick over thin.

forget slim, lithe dimensions: furnishings at callicoon hills, from scalloped d 23 — Above: Forget slim, lithe dimensions: Furnishings at Callicoon Hills, from scalloped daybeds to chunky floor lamps, have thicker proportions. (For more, see Trend Alert: 21st Century Scalloping.)

coffee is served in classic mugs. photograph by moriah aslan. 24 — Above: Coffee is served in classic mugs. Photograph by Moriah Aslan.

7. Keep cool with heat pumps.

the resort is fitted with eco friendly heat pumps which, contrary to their name 25 — Above: The resort is fitted with eco-friendly heat pumps which, contrary to their name, also keep rooms cool on hot summer days. (Read more in Remodeling 101: Everything You Need to Know About Heat Pumps.)

8. Bring back the luggage rack.

an essential worth bringing back, at the summer lodge and in the guest room ali 26 — Above: An essential worth bringing back, at the summer lodge and in the guest room alike: a good-looking luggage rack for easy unpacking. (In search of an attractive option? Here are our picks.)

9. When in doubt, paint.

in the restaurant, log clad walls are transformed into a modern scalloped effec 27 — Above: In the restaurant, log-clad walls are transformed into a modern scalloped effect when painted entirely in green.

10. Add paper lights.

paper lights, both pendant and table, are particularly sculptural against a dar 28 — Above: Paper lights, both pendant and table, are particularly sculptural against a dark backdrop. (Also pictured, in the previous image, is Ingo Maurer’s iconic Floatation Suspension light: see High/Low: Modern Tiered Suspension Pendant Light.)

11. The patio = a blank slate.

outdoors, dining spaces are kept simple, with white painted decking and minimal 29 — Above: Outdoors, dining spaces are kept simple, with white-painted decking and minimal canvas chairs. Photograph by Moriah Aslan.

ikea decanters adorn the tables. photograph by moriah aslan. 30 — Above: Ikea decanters adorn the tables. Photograph by Moriah Aslan.

the hill family, who ran the resort in the \1940s, once touted the many hiking 31 — Above: The Hill family, who ran the resort in the 1940s, once touted the many hiking trails in the area: “If walking or hiking, which are scientifically proven to be the healthiest sports of all time, are on your list of activities, then we have plenty of quiet country trails for your enjoyment.”

for more info, head to callicoon hills. 32 — Above: For more info, head to Callicoon Hills.

And for more classic summertime escapes, might we suggest:

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Frequently asked questions

What is the source of the design ideas from the Callicoon Hills Retreat in the Catskills?

The design ideas from the Callicoon Hills Retreat in the Catskills are sourced from various interior design elements found in the house.

Where can I find more information about the Callicoon Hills Retreat design?

You can find more information about the Callicoon Hills Retreat design on the Remodelista website. The link to the specific article is provided (https://www.remodelista.com/posts/callicoon-hills-retreat-catskills-design-ideas-to-steal/).

Are the design ideas suitable for any home or just specific to the Callicoon Hills Retreat?

The design ideas presented in the article can be adapted and applied to various homes and spaces. They are not specific to the Callicoon Hills Retreat.

Is the article focused solely on design ideas or does it cover other aspects as well?

The article primarily focuses on design ideas, but it may touch upon other aspects such as the location, architectural features, or the overall aesthetic of the Callicoon Hills Retreat.

Can I directly contact the designer or architects mentioned in the article?

The article does not provide contact information for the designer or architects mentioned. If you wish to contact them, you may have to conduct your own research or reach out to the Remodelista website for assistance.

Can I purchase the featured furniture and decor items directly from the Remodelista website?

The Remodelista website does not sell furniture or decor items directly. However, they often provide information about the sources and brands of the featured items, which may include links to purchase from external websites.

Are there any additional resources or related articles about design ideas in the Catskills?

The Remodelista website may have additional resources or related articles about design ideas in the Catskills. You can explore their website or use their search bar to find more relevant content.

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1. Add pattern of every stripe.

2. Employ drips and swoops.

3. Paint floors black.

4. Embrace board and batten.

5. Lean a mirror in a corner.

6. Go for thick over thin.

7. Keep cool with heat pumps.

8. Bring back the luggage rack.

9. When in doubt, paint.

10. Add paper lights.

11. The patio = a blank slate.

Frequently asked questions

What is the source of the design ideas from the Callicoon Hills Retreat in the Catskills?

Where can I find more information about the Callicoon Hills Retreat design?

Are the design ideas suitable for any home or just specific to the Callicoon Hills Retreat?

Is the article focused solely on design ideas or does it cover other aspects as well?

Can I directly contact the designer or architects mentioned in the article?

Can I purchase the featured furniture and decor items directly from the Remodelista website?

Are there any additional resources or related articles about design ideas in the Catskills?

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