In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Christie Ward and Staver Gray know how to craft a well-layered interior. The duo behind New York–based design firm Ward + Gray rely on an eclectic mix of antique items, storied prints and of-the-moment raw materials to create spaces that exude authenticity and character.
When tasked with designing the guest rooms for the picturesque Wildflower Farms resort in the Hudson Valley, they crafted their flat lay with a similar ethos. “The inspiration for the mood board came from the landscape surrounding the property,” says Gray. “It was important for the design to convey a strong connection to nature.”
The pair used photographs of the wildflower-filled fields that encircle the site to guide the color palette of the scheme, which brims with time-honored patterns, rich mineral tones and patinated pieces. “An assortment of reclaimed, hand-made and worn finishes bring in a rustic feel,” says Ward.
Here, the designers break down the details, from a hand-knotted wool rug to a check print fabric.
1. PHOTO OF WILDFLOWER FIELD
“This photo of wildflowers was taken on our first visit to the site in October. We were so inspired by the natural color scheme throughout the land and felt [that honoring it would be] the best way to blend the interiors seamlessly with the property.”
2. BERGAMOT RUG BY WARD + GRAY
“We designed this hand-knotted wool rug custom for the cottages. The colors were pulled from the natural landscape, and we used a wildflower motif.”
3. BURNISHED BRASS FINISH SAMPLE BY DOUG NEWTON METAL
“This brass finish is from a local metalworker, Doug Newton, who can make anything you can dream up. We used it throughout the project, as we felt it had the perfect natural patina.”
4. INTERIOR RENDERING
“The rendering of the Ridge Cottage looks very similar now that it’s installed!”
5. CUSTOM RUG BY WARD + GRAY
“We designed this rug for the entry of the cottages in a Swedish flat-weave style. We wanted to bring out the colors from the property’s wildflowers to create a unique palette for the rug.”
6. PHOTO OF WILDFLOWERS
“We took this photo of the wildflowers before construction began. We had this pinned up in our office throughout the concept phases to stay true to the color scheme of the land.”
7. FUZZY FABRIC IN IVORY BY PINDLER
“This is the perfect tone for a faux shearling fabric. We used this on the chairs in the cottages for cozy nights by the fire.”
8. DYNA FABRIC IN GREEN TEA BY FIL DOUX TEXTILES
“We used this 100 percent recycled knit on the tops of the bedside tables. It’s a very durable option that gives the worn-leather look.”
9. SILVER TRAVERTINE VEIN CUT BY ABC STONE
“We used a honed and tumbled silver travertine finish throughout the bathroom vanities. The natural veining in the slabs adds to the rustic charm of the cottages.”
10. PHOTO OF RECLAIMED OAK WOOD FLOORING
“We looked to this image for inspiration throughout the cabins and public spaces due to the floor’s knots and imperfect nature, and used reclaimed oak from Madera Surfaces for the walls of the restaurant to bring in texture and warmth.”
11. HAND-MADE ZELLIGE TILE
“We wanted to use a hand-formed tile for the cottages that gives a natural and organic feel, and these tiles have a beautiful, imperfect rice-paper finish. We sourced these directly from a factory in Vietnam, but Clé Tile offers similar styles.”
12. OTTOMAN FABRIC IN LAMPAS BLUE BY ROBERT KIME
“These rich, moody tones reminded us of the antiques we found sourcing inspiration upstate.”
13. WOOL THREADS FOR CUSTOM RUGS BY WARD + GRAY
“We love to design custom rugs for our projects. For this project, we pulled colors from the landscape of the property to inform the wool threads.”
14. ACADIA LEATHER IN IRON BY MOORE & GILES
“We love a natural leather that wears throughout time to show its age and use.”
15. ALDER FABRIC IN PATINA BY ERICA SHAMROCK TEXTILES
“The olive tones in this striped fabric by Erica Shamrock Textiles are reminiscent of the greenery outside.”
16. PHOTO OF INDIGO PLASTER WALLS
“This image inspired the entryway of the cottages, where we aimed to create an intimate, mudroom-like feel.”
17. WYATT CHECK FABRIC IN INDIGO BY RALPH LAUREN AT DESIGNERS GUILD
“We used this woven gingham fabric on all of the bed pillows to bring in a rustic farmhouse feel.”
18. DIAVOLO FABRIC IN NO. ZFDV-02 BY ZAK+FOX
“We love the spirit of this fabric and the beautiful woven quality.”
19. CUSTOM MOHAIR FABRIC BY VALLEY FORGE FABRICS
“We custom-colored mohair from Valley Forge Fabrics in a deep green hue inspired by the landscape surrounding Wildflower Farms.”
