In the scenic enclave of Stone Ridge, New York, designer Hillary Kaplan transformed a spec house into a bespoke mountain retreat. Her primary intentions were to infuse the property with a personal touch and maximize accommodation capacity, reflecting her role as host to family and friends. With her design firm partner Miriam Silver Verga, Kaplan embraced the vibrant charm of the Hudson Valley, crafting a haven tailored for familial gatherings and seasonal activities in this picturesque locale.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: INC Architecture & Design
Developer: NevelHaus
Designer: Hillary Kaplan
Design Firm: Mimi & Hill
Location: Stone Ridge, New York
Collaboration Partner: Miriam Silver Verga
Kaplan collaborated with NevelHaus and INC Architecture & Design to bring her vision to life, reconfiguring the main floor to swap the initially proposed dining and living rooms. This strategic switch created space for both a Samsung Frame TV and a wood-burning stove that serves as a cozy focal point in the living area, accommodating the warmth of family moments. Lighting played a crucial role in transforming the house’s atmosphere; additional recessed lights, sconces, and pendants infused the expansive 4,400-square-foot interior with character and warmth, turning the space from a typical new build into an inviting sanctuary.
The basement was redesigned to allocate communal and private spaces effectively. By dividing an open-plan layout into a shared bedroom and a spacious family room, Kaplan created a multifunctional area serving both as a movie night venue and a pool house. The two lofted areas underwent reimagining as well, with one converted into a reading nook and the other into a flexible bedroom space featuring a pullout daybed. This approach not only added utility but did so without the need for costly structural changes, staying true to the original spec-house plans.
In the living room, Kaplan embraced the mountain ambiance by incorporating an earthy and muted color palette. Tall windows frame the scenic mountain views, while local pottery and mid-century art enhance the space with a timeless feel. The inclusion of vintage furnishings, crafted from natural materials, alongside textured accents, lends a grounded and soulful atmosphere. The deliberate scale of the main living area promotes an airy and open sensation synonymous with the grandeur of mountain settings, aptly reflecting the expansive surroundings.
The artistry extends into the kitchen, where the striking waterfall edge of the silver wave marble creates a noteworthy fusion of form and function, reminiscent of petrified wood. This organic yet practical detail becomes the centerpiece of the culinary space, complemented by sleek, cerused black oak cabinetry and elegant pendants. Elsewhere in the home, a small pantry adorned with patterned wallpaper from Peter Fasano and glass-door enclosure adds an understated touch of elegance and functionality.
Bedrooms in the retreat continue the theme of serene elegance. The primary bedroom exudes calm with Roman Clay walls, handwoven window shades, and thoughtful furnishings, supporting the house’s overall tranquil aesthetic. For the kids’ room, a neutral color palette ensures adaptability and a sense of peace, while a row of beds caters ideally to sleepovers. Additional areas like the primary bathroom boast spa-like qualities with soft marble tones and light woods, providing an indulgent escape. Each design decision reflects Kaplan’s commitment to creating a cohesive and inviting sanctuary amidst nature’s beauty.
