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Hotel Indigo By IHG
North Conway, NH

The design begins with a story – one that was already here, rooted in place, carried forward through material, and reinterpreted through interior form.

At the center of that story is the “Harmony Tree,” a maple long known to the community and once located on this site. Its presence is carried forward overhead – reclaimed wood slabs from the tree are integrated into the ceiling at reception, creating a direct material connection to what once stood here.

A monolithic front desk of Belgian bluestone establishes a contrasting counterpoint – grounded, weighty, and precise – anchoring the point of arrival with a sense of permanence. Behind it, a custom wallcovering and integrated open shelving form a continuous backdrop. The composition draws from Diana’s Baths, a nearby series of cascading waterfalls in the White Mountains, translating that movement into an abstract, textural field. Shelving is set directly in front of this surface, displaying a curated mix of local objects, vintage finds, and books sourced from nearby shops, including titles specific to the history of Intervale – bringing the narrative of place into direct view.

A Space Defined by Light, Symmetry, and View

Directly opposite reception, the marketplace extends the arrival sequence – integrating locally made goods into the architectural language of the space. Anchored by a round slab table set on a vintage rug, it reads less as retail and more as a continuation of the lobby – another point of engagement reinforcing the connection to place. The lobby expands outward and upward into a double-height volume framed by expansive views of the White Mountains. Natural light shifts constantly across the space – snow glare, overcast softness, late-day warmth – becoming part of the interior experience. Overhead, a sculptural installation inspired by the Harmony Tree rises through the space – its form derived from the silhouette of maple leaves, abstracted into a suspended composition that reads as both canopy and structure. The installation carries the presence of the tree upward – shifting from something grounded and tangible to something atmospheric and diffuse. Positioned against the mountain landscape beyond, it creates a precise alignment between interior and exterior – tree, space, and horizon held in a single view. From within the lobby, it draws the eye outward toward the mountains, while from the street, it pulls attention inward – slowing passerby and establishing the hotel as a presence within the town. Defined by symmetry and proportion, two fireplaces clad in dimensional Belgian bluestone tile ground the space with mass and texture. Set against the openness of the glazing, they establish a composed and balanced volume. Round vintage rugs anchor seating areas in front of each hearth, softening the geometry and introducing a quieter, more intimate scale within the larger volume.

Spaces for Gathering and Retreat

Furniture is resolved with precision – low, structured forms with softened edges and solid, intentional planes. A communal table anchors the center of the room, reinforcing the social nature of the space. Along the perimeter, quieter seating moments are positioned adjacent to the large-scale windows, where the experience shifts from central gathering to pause. These areas are intentionally understated – allowing the landscape and shifting light of the White Mountains to take precedence. Adjacent to the lobby, the library lounge shifts the experience inward. Vertical wood grain, integrated shelving, and concealed lighting create a more immersive environment. Books and objects personally sourced from local shops are arranged within a blackened metal framework. A continuous work surface creates a focused edge for work and pause. Upper levels extend the experience vertically. On the second floor, a railing overlooks the doubleheight space below. On the third floor, a locally sourced vintage trestle table introduces a quieter, more personal moment – an unexpected layer of history within a space typically defined by movement.

A Study in Material Precision

Guestrooms carry this approach forward with a more refined level of detailing. Material continuity, lighting, and millwork are resolved with precision. Fluted wood panels define the wall behind the television and continue into the hospitality center, creating a consistent vertical expression. The upholstered headboard and surrounding wood elements share the same tonal color – differentiated only through texture - creating a subtle interplay between material and surface. This tone extends throughout the room, with casegoods and wood-look flooring matching exactly and echoed again in the area rug. Rounded corners at the bed and integrated nightstands soften the geometry. The metal detail and finish at the top of the full-length mirror match the bedside sconces exactly, creating a repeated profile that ties these elements together. Blown glass sconces introduce a softer layer of light, offset by the more structured forms of the surrounding elements. In the bathrooms, material shifts introduce contrast through tile, stone, and clean-lined fixtures while maintaining the overall tonal palette.

Grounded in Landscape, Refined in Detail

Artwork throughout the hotel reinforces the narrative of place. In public areas, pieces reference the character of North Conway and the surrounding White Mountains through abstraction – capturing movement, topography, and seasonal variation without literal representation. In guestrooms, artwork shifts to a more intimate scale. Soft washes, layered neutrals, and moments of contrast create a sense of calm within the room. Grouped arrangements and varied scales introduce a more residential quality, maintaining continuity while adjusting to the quieter, more personal nature of the space. Material decisions support this clarity. Light wood flooring establishes a continuous ground plane, while deeper elements introduce contrast. Upholstery – boucle, woven textiles, and matte finishes – add texture without relying on strong color shifts. Fabrics were carefully curated and refined in close collaboration with the IHG project team, shaping both the palette and tactile experience of the interiors. Statement throw pillows – used across public spaces and guestrooms – introduce moments of pattern, color, and contrast, acting as a more expressive layer within a restrained material palette. Underfoot, custom carpet patterns trace abstract paths inspired by local hiking and ski trails, creating subtle movement tied to the surrounding landscape. Rather than relying on overt references, the design carries its story through material continuity, proportion, and placement – allowing the connection to place to emerge through the interior itself. The result is a hotel that feels both rooted and immediate – where the narrative of what once stood here is carried forward through design, shaping how the space is experienced from arrival through the stay.

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