Upstate Retreat Designed Around a Grand Fireplace and Built-In Book Nooks
A family of four commissioned a cabin renovation in Carmel, New York, centered on a massive stone fireplace that survived from the original structure. Designers Amanda Jesse and Whitney Parris-Lamb added cozy reading corners and layered textiles to create a warm, inviting escape for a household of avid readers. The home sits within the Trail Club, a 100-acre woodland community founded in 1924.
The renovation centered on the home's original stone fireplace, which survived decades of outdated décor including cheetah-print upholstery and a tiki bar. The Trail Club community, founded in 1924, spans 100 acres with roughly 84 homes, a clubhouse, tennis courts, and hiking and biking trails throughout the woodland setting.
Designers anchored the interior with cherry wood millwork, Douglas fir flooring, and Benjamin Moore's Jade Romanesque green paint to evoke an Adirondack forest atmosphere. The family—two parents, two daughters, and a miniature poodle—requested a space welcoming muddy tennis shoes while offering cozy reading retreats. Notable furnishings include a Lyon Daybed from Boyd & Allister, Amsterdam School armchairs sourced on 1stDibs, and kitchen counters in New Cardoso Slab with a leather finish.
This story reflects a broader trend of urban families seeking rustic retreats that balance durability with refined comfort. The emphasis on reading nooks and layered textiles suggests a cultural shift toward intentional, book-centered leisure spaces. Such renovations could inspire similar projects in established woodland communities, potentially influencing how designers approach multi-generational vacation homes. The project may also reinforce the appeal of preserving historic architectural elements while modernizing interiors for contemporary family life.