The Great Outdoors

At Ease

Holly Laughridge, Old Edwards Inn and Spa & Acorns Boutique

Designer Holly Laughridge of Old Edwards Inn and Spa and Acorns Boutique kept the design approach of her Cashiers glamping tent simple: “I was inspired by the feeling of peace and calm,” she says. To evoke a feeling of serenity, Laughridge selected neutral fabrics accented with hints of green in accessories and plants. To tie the space to its verdant surroundings, a floral painting through Artists Guild of America serves as a focal point, welcoming guests to sit back and relax in the two chaise lounge chairs that Laughridge selected not only for their poise but for their comfort as well. And that was the goal: a place for guests to sit down and stay awhile. “I imagine someone who loves nature, but maybe not so much being outside, would enjoy this space to the fullest,” says Laughridge. “This is the perfect spot to curl up with a book and immerse yourself in the world you are reading about.” —Written by Lauren Iverson

CHAISE LOUNGE GO Home ORIENTAL RUG Persian Point CHANDELIER Visual Comfort ARTIFICIAL ORCHID AND FERNS New Growth Designs ARTWORK Artists Guild of America BAR STAND and TABLE Jan Barboglio

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Warm Welcome

Parker Platt & Katie P. Jackson, Platt Home 

With functionality and easy living at the heart of their design, Parker Platt, principal of PLATT, an architecture, construction and interiors firm, and Katie P. Jackson, design director for Platt Home, created the perfect space for a couple to relax as well as entertain. “The inspiration was to transform what can be a primitive experience into a comfortable and somewhat luxurious environment that could accommodate all the aspects of a relaxing weekend in the mountains.” As one makes their way to the tent platform, they are greeted with an Argentine-style firepit enclosed by Westport-style Adirondack chairs. With festival lights hanging overhead and neighboring greenery by Alex Smith Garden Design, guests can share s’mores and stories while curled up next to the fire. Inside, the linen-draped walls and ceiling act as a backdrop for two beds outfitted with plush comforters and Ralph Lauren for Kravet pillows. Anchoring the furniture, a sisal rug layered with a cowhide softens the overall feel of the space. —Written by Evan Edwards 

FURNITURE, ANTIQUES and ACCESSORIES Platt Home BEDDING Parachute, Anthropologie PILLOWS Ralph Lauren for Kravet

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Budding Beauty

Tori Alexander, Alexander Interiors

When Tori Alexander pictures Cashiers, North Carolina, the recurring themes that come to mind are family, tradition and natural beauty. “My goal was to create a whimsical retreat that captures a nostalgic feeling of childhood,” she says. “Incorporating floral prints and garden accents marries nature within the space and is intended to inspire the gardener within us all.” Chintz fabric from Cowtan & Tout seen on the arm chairs, pillows and backdrop launched the design for Alexander by reminding her of her own childhood bedroom. Vintage and antique pieces placed throughout are rich with meaning, including a twig-style child’s chair, pair of twin beds and hanging garden containers, all elements inspired by each of Alexander’s three daughters. “Children love intimate spaces that inspire imaginative play,” says Alexander. “I wanted this to be a place to encourage dreaming and cultivate a love for nature’s beauty.” —Written by Lauren Iverson

FLORAL CHINTZ FABRIC Cowtan & Tout GREEN STRIPES AND CHECKS FABRIC Fabricut WOOD TWIG HEADBOARDS Full House Gallery COVERLETS Matouk RUG Looms & Lighting

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Pattern Play

Melanie Couch & Nancy Dyleski, Spruce Interiors

Inspired by the tradition of campfire storytelling, Melanie Couch and Nancy Dyleski of Spruce Interiors transformed their tent into a conversational oasis ideal for late-night chats among friends and family. Lush greenery, mimicking the surrounding brush in the area, greets guests as they make their way into the small yet stylish canvas shelter. The concept “dark, moody and boozy” guided the Spruce team when it came to design decisions—think cool tones and playful patterns, which are represented heavily throughout the space. Inside, the tent is camouflaged with a wool tartan plaid, which “is indigenous to the Appalachian mountains that surround the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.” Four rattan chairs with cushions covered in Arley by Lee Jofa take center stage and surround an upholstered ottoman that acts as the perfect resting place for campside cocktails. The ottoman, which is covered with a Mulberry Home velvet fabric called Game Show, takes a cue from the neighboring wildlife and showcases flying ducks. —Written by Evan Edwards

FABRIC Mulberry Home, Lee Jofa NEWCOMB MEDIUM TABLE LAMPS Visual Comfort WICKER PENDANT LIGHTS Regina Andrew

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Great Outdoors

Susan Peace-Vernon, Tribus Interior Design

When creating the storyline of the person who would most enjoy her glamping tent, designer Susan Peace-Vernon of Tribus Interior Design imagined an art-focused, outdoorsy individual. So, when she and her team found a patchwork oriental rug on Etsy that reflected the creative spirit she wished to instill, it was a no-brainer. “We fell in love with that rug and we knew that it was the perfect application,” she says. “It was the true inspiration of the feel and color scheme for the space.” A rainbow of jewel tones commingles effortlessly with pops of pinks and blues. Rattan and wicker accents, such as a chest from Gabby and a chandelier from Palecek, elevate the earthy allure the Tribus team wished to create. The final touch: a scenic painting from local artist Diane Condon, chosen for its outdoor appeal and as an encouraging note to guests to explore beyond the tent. —Written by Lauren Iverson

RUG Etsy CHANDELIER Palecek RATTAN CHEST Gabby ARTWORK Diane Condon 

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Crowned Jewel

Douglas Hilton, DWH Interiors

In a space fit for royalty (designer Douglas Hilton jokes it would be the tent Marie Antoinette would go camping in), European influences played a major role in many design choices. As one makes their way inside the tent, plush jewel-tone fabrics, velvets and embroideries fuel the senses. A nature-inspired screen made of bifold closet doors and wrapped in Cowtan & Tout grasscloth acts as the heart of the space and beckons eager campers to take refuge from the outside elements. A handcrafted chandelier from Egypt illuminates a Strathmore Carpet One Floor & Home tiger rug, which adds the perfect amount of flair among the antique furniture that occupies the entire tent. Hilton notes that antiques make for the best travel items because “they already have a few nicks and have survived revolutions.” —Written by Evan Edwards

FABRICS and WALLPAPER Cowtan & Tout SISAL AND TIGER RUGS Strathmore Carpet One Floor & Home