Modern Rustic Zen Spa

Wow, where do we even start with this project?! It feels like we worked on the inspiration boards for this space only a hot minute ago, but we’ve actually been working on this project for almost 2 years. It just didn’t feel like it because we all had so much fun - even the client!

So… is it possible to take a little slice of heaven on the Salmon River in Altmar, NY and create a property that’s appealing as both a fishing lodge and a romantic wedding venue??? I know you’re asking, “Seriously, how can those even be related? You’d have worn out (and maybe slightly aromatic!) fishermen coming in from being on the river all day while somewhere else on the property is a girl gang getting zenned out and beautiful with spa treatments before the big event!”

Yup! You’ve got the picture now.

Designing for such diverse clientele was definitely challenging, but we were up to it. After Modern Farmhouses, Modern Rustic spaces are my next fave to work on, plus the owner of the property was absolutely the best client ever. OK, I can’t lie - that client is actually my dad!

He started the lodge 6 years ago and since then, it has totally blown up in popularity. The whole endeavor has become a family affair with just about my entire family coming together with an all hands on deck approach to create this world class Hilton Tapestry Collection property in Upstate NY.

The modern rustic design of the Tailwater Lodge front desk

We wanted to create a place that was the epitome of modern rustic, elevated from what you might expect in a lodge setting (i.e. lots of deer heads and stuffed fish on the walls). We kept that cozy, rustic lodge feel but made it upscale - even a little romantic. We left the fish and game outside and instead brought nature inside with river rock, birch logs, twig lighting and lots of natural rustic shiplap.

And then there’s the spa…

Modern Rustic Interior Design by Teaselwood Design

You’re guided to the center of the spa on a riverbed-like pathway of pebbles and swimming fish.

Birch logs line the hallway walls.

The Quiet Room is an oasis of tranquility with the amazing art of Travis Walker setting the scene in the background.

Treatment rooms are tranquil and cozy with wood shiplap surrounding each room and luxurious navy draperies beautifully filtering the light.

To preserve that cozy tranquility for guests, it was important that we bring the Modern Rustic details all the way through the spa and into the locker rooms. Each private locker room has its own sauna where we continued the spa’s flooring seamlessly and brought more stone work into the space for texture and visual appeal.

The rustic pebbles are repeated in locker room showers, as well.

Ah! Do you feel as zenned out as I do just looking at these photos?

You can see even more of this amazing property here: Tailwater Lodge. Or better yet, head to Altmar, NY to see (and experience) it in person.