A New York Cabin Blends Vintage Charm with Modern Reading Nooks
A family retreat combines Amsterdam School armchairs with built-in literary escapes.
1Historic community setting
The cabin is part of Trail Club, a 1924-established outdoor community in Carmel, NY, spanning 100 acres with 84 homes, tennis courts, and trails. Architects preserved the original stone fireplace while updating other elements like cheetah-print upholstery. The redesign balances historic character with contemporary family needs.
2Client-driven design philosophy
Homeowners (an editor and lawyer) prioritized 'moments of delight' over resale value, working with Jesse Parris-Lamb. Key requests included abundant reading nooks and spaces for muddy shoes. The team used cherry wood millwork, Douglas fir flooring, and Benjamin Moore's Jade Romanesque green to establish an Adirondack forest tone.
3Vintage meets custom craftsmanship
Amsterdam School armchairs from 1stDibs were reupholstered in Susan Deliss Imani fabric. Boyd Allister created a woven wood headboard/room divider that took over a year to craft. McNamara Carpentry installed the piece, which diffuses morning light through slats—a standout among custom elements like the Lyon Daybed reading nook.
4Textile-rich interiors
The home features fabrics by Jim Thompson, Rose Tarlow, and Pierre Frey, with Wiener Werkstätte-inspired Viennese geometrics. A nine-year-old co-designed her bedroom, selecting Benjamin Moore's Sheraton Beige and a vintage bamboo headboard. Artist Christopher Holt added Hudson Valley floral motifs and a hidden narwhal in her closet.
5Spatial innovation
Architect Steve Silverstein (a Trail Club member) created 'peekaboo' walls separating living/dining areas, allowing beams to remain visible. This post-open-floor-plan approach defines spaces while maintaining flow. Floating walls enable glimpses of trees and light, making the interior feel connected to the 100-acre woodland setting.
6Material selections
Kitchen counters use New Cardoso Slab with leather finish from ABC Stone, paired with Arto Tiles backsplash. Primary bath features Commune Design's abstract tiles. Lighting mixes Urban Electric pendants with 1940s Italian brass lamps and Josef Hoffmann chandeliers. Each material was chosen for texture and durability alongside aesthetic appeal.
7Reading-focused design
Boyd Allister built a deep daybed beneath living room windows for group reading/movie nights. Multiple nooks accommodate the family's book collection, including a prime window spot with Lyon Daybed in de Le Cuona Ragamuffin fabric. The design satisfies the homeowners' request for 'a million places to read' throughout the cabin.
8Legacy of personalization
Unlike typical projects constrained by resale considerations, this cabin fully embraces the family's identity. From the nine-year-old's design input to the lawyer/editor's literary lifestyle, every element reflects their passions. The result—a mix of Amsterdam School vintage finds and custom Adirondack-inspired millwork—shows how deeply personalized spaces outperform trend-driven designs.