New York: Design Inspiration from the Coast to the Mountains

There’s no denying the joys of travel. Exploration of a brand new place, immersing yourself in its history, eye-opening conversations with locals… I could go on and on. Whether near or far, if you love to travel, too, I’m sure you understand the exhilaration.

As a designer, I feel fortunate to take away yet another layer of insight from my travels: design inspiration. I love sharing design tidbits through my monthly newsletter, but like my Morocco trip, my latest excursion to New York deserved its own place.

I explored two very different parts of New York recently, the Hamptons and the Berkshires. Both were soul-filling, rich in history, and packed with visual inspiration.

Hamptons

If you haven’t been to the Hamptons before, I’ll bet you have a picture in mind of what it’s like: charming, coastal communities where NYC’s wealthiest enjoy summer in their grandiose second (or third or fourth) homes. And you’re not wrong. The homes there… just wow. They certainly lived up to all expectations. (Side note: Of course, I had to drive by the Summer House, but sadly no Bravo sightings for me.)

Beyond the sheer grandeur of these residences, a weekend in the Hamptons brought me something very different, thanks to the Airbnb I stayed in.

This adorable cottage was designed with maximalist British style. I know it’s not to everyone’s taste, but I thought it was so charming. The owners clearly love England and made the space fully layered. Airbnbs and short-term rentals have a reputation for being sterile and cold, but there was no shortage of personality and warmth here. 

Every space felt like a hug. I bet you’re thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot of wallpaper,” but believe it or not, it wasn’t actually wallpaper. The hosts really thought outside the box and upholstered the walls. That’s right, they were soft and cushy, adding to that feeling of being enveloped in cozy British warmth. 

This Airbnb was proof that even rental properties can (and often should!) be designed with personal connection in mind. As a guest, I can tell you that I fully understood the feeling the hosts wanted to evoke, and I loved being immersed in it.

The Berkshires

Okay, so technically I wasn’t in New York, but Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA is basically a stone’s throw from the state border. And I definitely got the full “NY Berkshires” experience. 

Canyon Ranch

A client-turned-friend and I visited this beautiful area for a mahjong retreat, so there was already plenty of inspiration with the many beautiful tiles and table set ups and the overall atmosphere of the property. Seriously, the entire experience there was a mahj girl’s dream…

The Mount Mansion

We had the chance to go off property to tour The Mount, an old mansion from the gilded age, and that became a highlight of the trip. Not only was the mansion awe-inspiring, but it pushed me to think about how the approach to designing homes has evolved throughout history. Styles and trends have certainly changed, but at the end of the day, the goal has always remained the same: creating spaces for how people actually live.

One of the most interesting tidbits was the bedroom design philosophy. This sign was displayed in the room:

Obviously, the way we design bedrooms has changed significantly. Interestingly, though, Wharton and Codman’s philosophy still has the same focus on calm and peace we do today – just a different approach.

It made me think about “design rules” and how there really are no rules because they will continue to evolve. It further reinforced my own theory of slow decorating and intentionality: resist trends and do what you need to do to make your space feel personal, restful, etc.

My client-friend and I are currently wrapping up her dining room design, and as we walked through the mansion, we stepped into the room above. It took her breath away, and she said, “This is granny-chic and what I love.” We’ve incorporated similar floral wallpaper on the panels in her room, used multiple patterns and mixed in vintage furniture – I have to say, we got pretty darn close.

I know I’ve talked before about how “timeless” means something different for everyone, and this is such a great example. For me, the mansion felt timeless because it was so well-preserved and truly felt like stepping back into another era. For the right person, though, like my friend, it felt like a dream design in 2026.

Design Themes in Travel

It is no secret that I love color and pattern, but I’d say that my own personal approach runs in a “mediumism” use. That said, I have immense respect for other designers that lean hard into pattern and can find the perfect amount of restraint.

During my time in New York, I found myself gravitating towards the spaces that had layers of color, pattern, and unique pieces with special stories. I’ll be tucking that morsel of self-discovery away for further reflection and integration into my own approach.

Another observation I made during this trip was the consistency of surroundings that felt peaceful. It seemed that everywhere I went, I found spaces to relax and unwind. The idyllic yard of the Hamptons Airbnb, the breathtaking scenery in the Berkshires… I loved simply noticing what was around me. From color combinations and organic shape pairings found in nature to interior and exterior architectural details, there was so much to take in.

Key Takeaways: Bringing Travel Inspiration Home

Aside from the smaller tidbits I’ve already shared, I left New York full of fresh ideas, inspiration, and a few broader takeaways I’d like to share with you:

• Embrace color. So many of us have an inherent fear of color and its permanence, but trust me: color and pattern can do incredible things when layered together the right way.
• Take the risk. Go ahead and make the design choice that maybe scares you a little. It will probably spark some joy, and you won’t regret it as much as you think.
• Notice details. Even if something isn’t your exact style, I think we can all find inspiration in the smaller details. The stone on a fireplace, the trim of the windows, the shape of a chair. It doesn’t have to be big. Collect these details you like and let things build upon each other.

I’m happy to say that my travel inspiration this year will continue. Next up, Romania! I can’t wait to explore and soak in the nature, art, and history and share it with you.

If your next adventure involves a home project rather than a suitcase and passport, though, I’d love to connect with you and discuss your goals for your home. Reach out here, and let’s begin the conversation.

Warmly,
Kristen