A data-driven, nature-inspired reawakening of a tired condo retreat.

What began as a dark and disconnected condo has been transformed into Wilder — a welcoming, grounded retreat that feels deeply connected to the Vermont landscape and thoughtfully attuned to the rhythms of rest, creativity, and reconnection their guests crave.

We focused on creating a sensory experience that encourages calm and clarity — balancing visual coherence, natural light, and touchable textures to reduce cognitive load and evoke comfort. Every color, texture, and layout decision was informed by the science of how our brains respond to beauty, symmetry, and space. The value of bringing nature into living spaces guided our material choices: warm wood tones, nature-inspired palettes, and layered lighting all help blur the line between indoors and out.

We reimagined the layout to include a proper primary suite, a fully upgraded kitchen, and a fire-safe, code-compliant living room-to-deck transition — all designed to support groups of up to six guests with both functionality and flow. Every improvement was guided by data on guest behavior, spatial needs, and the importance of ease in communal living, especially in an idyllic Vermont setting like this.

We paired high-performing updates with subtle, story-driven details — reimagining tight quarters with multifunctional zones and custom millwork. The space highlights some of our favorite Vermont makers, including ceramics from Rory Pots, Lunaroma body products, artwork by Mntn Girl Studios and Beenanza, as well as local pantry and hospitality touches like Abracadabra Coffee and Baird Farm maple.

Thanks to these strategic design and layout changes, this vacation rental is now positioned to charge more than three times its previous nightly rate, dramatically increasing Average Daily Rate (ADR), Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR), and year-round occupancy — proving that intentional design isn’t just beautiful, it’s highly profitable.

Wilder is a celebration of rooted design — grounded in science, shaped by story, and elevated by the people and products of Vermont.