DWR works with Piaule on furnishings for its Catskills hotel


On fifty acres of forest in upstate New York, Piaule it sits as a small constellation of modernist structures connected by pathways neatly tucked away on a west-facing rise that overlooks the Catskill Mountains. The horizontal hotel first debuted in 2021 with two dozen cedar guest cabins on stilts, along with a common area, a restaurant focused on local dishes, a spa and wellness facility within walking distance, and an intricate network of trails that criss-cross the site.

A modern design armchair with an orange cushion and a gray throw sits next to a floor lamp and a large window overlooking the green trees.

Double cabin

A minimalist room with wooden walls and floor features a metal Design Within Reach chair near a large window overlooking the leafless trees and fall foliage outside.

Double cabin

For founders Nolan McHugh and Trevor Briggswho conceived Piaule after creating a homeware line of the same name, design decisions have been guided by contemporary precedents and respect for the natural environment. That focus now carries over into a new partnership with Design Within Reach (DWR)featuring updated furnishings in common areas, cabins and the newly completed Oak House. From dining rooms with Arne Jacobsen’s Series 7 chairs to fireplaces flanked by John Pawson’s low Drift sofa, regular works of modern design appear alongside new classics and original Piaule furniture, shaping the interiors and their relationship with the landscape beyond.

A modern room with walls lined with Design Within Reach, a large glass window, a brown leather armchair, a glass coffee table, a wooden stool and a floor lamp with a view of the trees outside.

Double cabin

Modern living room with wood paneled walls, Design Within Reach brown leather sofa, glass coffee table, wooden armchair, floor lamp and large window with a view of the trees.

Double cabin

Collaboration is based on shared references built up over time. From the early stages of Piaule, McHugh and Briggs drew from DWR’s portfolio, incorporating pieces that resonated with the property’s architectural restraint and material sensibility. “We share a belief in the role of contemporary design as both educational and experiential,” says Debbie Propst, President of Global Retail at MillerKnoll.

Modern bathroom with rectangular mirror above white sink and wooden sink, dark tiled walls, soap dispensers, towel roll and glass shower cubicle inspired by Design Within Reach.

Double cabin

“Piaule’s vision of how architecture, interiors and nature intersect strongly aligns with DWR’s longstanding commitment to inspiring people through well-designed spaces.” As DWR’s range expanded to include a wider range of projects, the partnership evolved gradually. The choices emerged through continuous dialogue, with particular attention to material and proportion.

Modern living room with fireplace, leather furniture by Design Within Reach, glass coffee table and large windows revealing trees and outdoor views.

Oak House

Modern living room with large windows, leather sofa by Design Within Reach, glass coffee table, armchair with ottoman and wooden pendant lamp. Neutral color palette enhanced by natural light.

Oak House

In addition to Piaule’s main cabin complex, the Oak House occupies a twenty-acre parcel uphill from the Main House. Formed as a three-bedroom residence, it is oriented to the landscape on all sides, allowing light, weather and sound to be continuously recorded inside. The view changes from room to room, opening out to meadows and mountains, pines and stands of mature oak and wild foliage. Each advantage is registered differently in the interior.

Modern kitchen with wooden island and stools, white cabinets inspired by Design Within Reach, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a large window above the counter.

Oak House

A modern kitchen with tiled walls, a wooden island, a gas stove with a vent hood, a large window and minimalist decor that includes a vase of dried flowers—styled with touches inspired by Design Within Reach.

Oak House

The furniture follows suit, with most made of solid wood and placed in direct relation to the landscape. “Placing these pieces in this context gives them even more beauty and weight and gives the visitor a greater appreciation for the artistry of each piece,” says McHugh. “The original material, decades old and 60-plus feet high, is visible in all its glory just outside.” Seating by Herman Miller and Fritz Hansen is paired with tables and storage from USM and Cassina, along with furniture developed in-house by Piaule.

A modern dining and living room with a long wooden table, brown chairs, wooden furniture from Design Within Reach, pendant lights, a mural and a fireplace with a TV above.

Oak House

A row of wooden chairs with brown seats are lined up along a light wood dining table in a modern, well-lit dining room, echoing the elegant style of Design Within Reach.

Oak House

Vaarnii’s lighting brings a soft, diffused presence to the interior spaces and continues to the outdoor deck, where dining and seating frame the fireplace and views beyond. “Each room has its own door to the deck, so everyone can control the interactions between the inside and the outside – leaving the door open to let in the breeze, walking in one of the chairs with a cup of coffee, or gazing at the stars while lying comfortably in bed,” adds McHugh.

A minimalist bedroom with a king-sized bed, neutral bedding, two pillows, a side table, a simple chair draped with a brown blanket, and light-colored curtains framing large windows — effortlessly chic in the spirit of Design Within Reach.

Oak House

A minimalist room with two wooden bedside tables, two abstract beige artworks on the wall, a Design Within Reach glass vase with flowers, a floor lamp and a woven chair on a gray rug.

Oak House

A minimal bedroom with a wooden bed and dresser, neutral bedding, a gray rug, and a round paper ceiling lamp—with Design Within Reach accents. an open door leads to a sunny adjoining room.

Oak House

Piaule’s twin cabins and 3,200-square-foot main house display the same modernist sensibility. For the hotel’s signature two-bedroom accommodation, which connects to a communal lounge, furniture from DWR’s collection was chosen with a focus on design that enhances the spaces without imposing on the site. “Inspired by our surroundings, there is a whole palette of materials that ensure a luxurious experience for guests, but do not distract from the landscape outside,” says Briggs.

Modern bathroom with double sink vanity, Design Within Reach mirrors, tiled walls, wall lights and beige towels on metal racks.

Oak House

Shower cubicle with tile. Next to it there is a stool and a towel.

Oak House

Updates to the main residence are based on references already in place throughout the property. The Oak Tabouret stools designed by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina echo the three-legged form of traditional Alpine milking stools, a traditional object that Piaule has long incorporated throughout the hotel. “When we are so closely connected to both the starting material and the finished product, a deeper gratitude for these earthly gifts emerges,” says McHugh.

A long wooden Design Within Reach table with benches sits on a deck next to a modern wood-clad building. a vase of flowers and a draped blanket are on the table. Trees with autumn leaves are in the background.

Oak House

A modern wooden house with metal roof, large deck and outdoor seating inspired by Design Within Reach, surrounded by leafless trees in an autumn landscape.

Oak House

The collaboration between Piaule and DWR is based on contemporary precedents and sources of material based on the conditions of the site itself. The furniture is placed in direct relation to its surroundings, allowing the landscape to remain a constant presence that evolves with the interiors over time.

A minimalist room with a Design Within Reach wicker daybed and a small wooden stool near a large window overlooking dry grass and distant mountains.

Central House

Indoor pool with views of fall trees and misty hills, framed by a wood-paneled ceiling and concrete walls—a welcoming retreat reminiscent of Design Within Reach style.

Central House

Modern restaurant interior with Design Within Reach wooden tables and chairs, large floor to ceiling windows, wood paneled walls and a central fireplace, with natural light streaming in.

Central House

Modern living room with large windows, brown leather sofas from Design Within Reach, woven chairs, central fireplace and views of the tall grass and distant mountains outside.

Central House

Modern living room with large windows, wooden furniture from Design Within Reach, metal fireplace and view of the autumn landscape outside.

Central House

A modern living room with a wooden ceiling, large glass windows, brown leather sofas, woven chairs, a rug and a glass coffee table Design Within Reach, overlooking an outdoor patio and the natural landscape.

Central House

Modern home with a pitched metal roof, large glass walls, wooden accents and a paved patio with outdoor chairs Design Within Reach, surrounded by dry grass and trees.

Central House

Modern wooden house with large windows and overhanging roof. Outdoor living room with fireplace. mountains and trees in the background.

Central House

Hayley Arsenault is a writer and editor covering architecture, interiors and product design. Her background in design studies shows an interest in material, process and how spaces are constructed and used.



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending now

12 tricks designers use to instantly make rooms look bigger
How Long Does Drip Irrigation Take: Use this simple calculator
Why the Viral Succulent Tweezing Trend Is So Therapeutic
Isn’t Lust wonderful? 8 ways to do it