05 Mar DESIGNING THE WEST: BEYOND THE EXPECTED

Alder & Tweed holds a distinguished niche among interior design firms by specializing in second homes in exclusive communities and hospitality spaces. Their reach has expanded from the ski resorts of Park City, Utah, to Big Sky, Montana — and most recently to another community in New York’s Hudson Valley, where they completed an 11,000-square-foot barn at the Silo Ridge Field Club. The project features a farm-to-table dining space, an arts-and-crafts area, a bowling alley, and a theater.

This kitchen comes alive with French white oak flooring in a herringbone pattern that complements the book-matched backsplash and island countertop in Calacatta Gold marble. Photo: Loren Branca

A family-owned company, Alder & Tweed was founded by siblings Lynsey, Reed, and Heather Humphrey. Their brother, Ryan, oversees the wholesale furniture side of the business. “Lynsey and I both feel like we’ve always had an eye to bring beauty and special awareness to a project,” says Heather. “So now we help develop a vision for the client and then bring it into reality. Reed has a real keen sense for business.” The company now has locations in Park City, Utah, Big Sky and Bozeman, Montana, and Millerton, New York.

Specialty ceiling millwork and industrial steel beams add interest to a room with a neutral-toned, geometric-patterned rug from District Loom and a Calacatta Viola marble coffee table from Menu Design Shop. Photo: Loren Branca

“Our parents had a successful business importing lighting, which they sold to retail stores, including Lowe’s and Neiman Marcus,” says Reed. “When they retired, we thought it would be good to import furniture. We had a store in Salt Lake City and others in California, but the timing was off. It was 2008. We were plugging along when we discovered the market in Park City; it was a bright spot where homeowners had to furnish an entire vacation home before they could begin to ski.”

A Holly Hunt-inspired wall covering and a dark marble fireplace with geometric tile create an inviting seating area.

In the bedroom, Alder & Tweed selected a Ralph Lauren graphic area rug, a shearling upholstered bed, and gold geometric nightstands for a mix of textures. Photos: Loren Branca

Working with developers of high-end resort communities felt natural to the Humphrey team. “Given the economic climate at the time and the resulting halt in development, we saw an opportunity with developers who wanted to clear out their remaining inventory in Park City,” says Heather. “Given the entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen of our roots, the opportunity to cater to the business minds of developers while designing beautiful interiors for their clients fit us perfectly. We began by designing entire packages for a home, and that’s how it got started and [how] we made a name for ourselves.”

Local artisans created the custom walnut dining table in a high-lacquer finish and the frame for the Slim Aarons vintage ski print. Photo: Loren Branca

Alder & Tweed curates such packages from concept to completion. The team will work with architects on designs; select finishes; supply furnishings, fabrics, and lighting; and specify the housewares, down to the soaps and shampoos.

The Glitz and Glamour bar features drapery from Greenhouse Fabrics, a Phillip Jeffries metallic wallcovering on the ceiling, and Alex Turco backlit panels for the backsplash.

This children’s bedroom was decorated with organically shaped Room & Board ottomans, Missoni throw blankets, and sheepskin runner rugs. Alder & Tweed selected a JF Fabrics butterfly wallcovering for the ceiling over the beds. Photos: Loren Branca for Alder & Tweed

“With a niche in vacation homes and hospitality spaces in luxury communities, we have sought to be different from other firms in that we’re very client-centric. So we can deliver any aesthetic and bring our clients’ visions to life, whether it’s a beach home in Costa Rica, a penthouse in New York, or a mountain home in Big Sky,” says Reed. “We started with a vision, and it has flourished into our current business that employs approximately 80 people today.”

In Glitz and Glamour’s bar, accents include a Marc Phillips rug, an Eichholtz sectional, and a marble coffee table. Photo: Loren Branca for Alder & Tweed

The designers at Alder & Tweed have the freedom that comes from their devotion to the second-home market. Many clients they work with are willing to take design risks that they may be hesitant to make in their primary home, thus allowing the designers to push creative boundaries.

For a project in Costa Rica, senior designer McKenzie Dickson chose a custom pool table with Guanacaste millwork and a large sectional sofa for ample seating near the bar. Photo: Andres Garcia for Alder & Tweed

One example is a project titled Glitz and Glamour, where the clients desired something other than a traditional cabin interior for their mountain home. They wanted to echo the majestic elements of the mountains, but they also hoped for a glamorous look — something fun and different. By using elements like graphic marble, metallic finishes, and bold colors, especially a favorite spring green, Alder & Tweed accomplished this mission. “Like the immersive technology of light and sound that enhances the ambiance of the entertaining spaces, this green is omnipresent in the main bar area through the curtains, wallpaper, and upholstery,” says Heather. “We sought to create unique moments throughout the home through custom details such as a hair-on-hide mural for when the television is not in use. We created unconventional ways to display the artwork; for instance, in the dining room, an iconic Slim Aarons ski photograph was highlighted by a custom-painted border, creating a bespoke feel. While these elements are surprising in a mountain home, when paired with some of the heavier rustic elements, it works.” The result, adds Reed, is an “edgy, Parisian-style mountain home.”

A bathroom features a locally sourced slab in a leathered finish to highlight the beauty of the stone. Photo: Andres Garcia

Says Heather, “The clients that we cater to have an expectation of a higher level of design that they are accustomed to in major metropolitan areas. That can often be a challenge to find in these ritzy, smaller communities of their second homes, so it makes sense to bring in a team that is local to the area but can still execute at that high level and provide a five-star experience. We ensure that the design intent is carried out in the project. That is where we excel and why many of our clients return with other projects.”

This living area in a hilltop home in Costa Rica, called Pura Vida, incorporates custom sectionals for generous seating areas in the living room. The industrial steel beams in the ceiling were left exposed.

Spun light fixtures of varying sizes and heights work their magic over an island designed for entertaining. The cabinetry and millwork were custom-made by local Guanacaste artisans. Photos: Andres Garcia

One returning client chose Alder & Tweed for their third vacation home in Costa Rica’s lush tropics. The goal for the project was for it to be a comfortable entertaining space, perfect for friends and family to gather. The home is on a hillside overlooking the ocean, and bringing the beauty of the setting indoors became a focus.

Soft motorized drapery opens to reveal Costa Rica’s lush outdoors in this bedroom with a free-floating bed frame and locally made nightstands. Photo: Andres Garcia

Inside, Alder & Tweed chose indigenous materials, including custom Guanacaste millwork and natural stone surfaces procured locally. A spacious living area segues into the outdoor spaces, providing guests with an organic experience. Another feature is the stand-alone bar and entertaining space next to the pool. Keeping things clean and minimalistic allowed the surroundings and materials to speak for themselves. “It was built with the thought of creating spaces that feel cohesive in their surroundings,” Reed says.

This indoor-outdoor bathroom in the Pura Vida project utilized slab stone for its shower. Local artisans made the cabinetry and millwork. Photo: Andres Garcia

That locally cohesive approach has earned Alder & Tweed respect from developers. The ensuing partnerships with them have been key to the company’s growth, opening doors to opportunities while stretching the design firm to craft fresh, innovative spaces that honor the unique character of each location. Looking to the future, the Humphrey team is delighted that some of their partnerships will see them designing projects in extraordinary destinations such as the Bahamas and the Hamptons.

WA&A senior contributing editor Shari Morrison has been in the business of art for more than 40 years. She helped found the Scottsdale Artists’ School and the American Women Artists and directed the Santa Fe Artists’ Medical Fund for some years.

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Q&A

Heather Humphrey of Alder & Tweed shares inspirations for elevated interior style.

Q: Are there ways to make an open, airy living space feel cozy?

A: Designing an open, cozy space involves thoughtful textile layering and intentional furniture placement. It starts with spatial planning — arranging furniture to create intimate areas, such as a conversational nook or

a cozy lounge corner — while maintaining the room’s flow. Larger-scale furniture works beautifully here; it fills the space and is inviting to sink into. Choosing soft, plush fabrics in a mix of textures and colors adds warmth to the space, which creates depth and visual interest. Beyond what you see, sound systems play a great role in crafting comfort and transform the atmosphere into one that feels immersive and inviting. Lighting is the final layer, where dimmable fixtures allow you to shift the mood effortlessly, whether it’s a softly lit evening or a brighter, energizing daytime environment. Together, these elements weave a space that feels light and airy while cozy and comfortable.

Q: Are open shelves in a kitchen a good idea?

A: Open shelving in the kitchen isn’t as prevalent as it once was, but when done thoughtfully, it can still be a beautiful design choice. If you’re considering adding open shelves, it’s essential to curate items that are both functional and have utility while being aesthetically pleasing — think dishware with character, serveware, stylish cookbooks, or even cooking utensils. These elements bring personality to the space while maintaining practicality. However, we’re finding that a cleaner, more refined look is taking center stage recently in kitchens, as people move away from open shelving. We like to combine closed millwork with glass-front cabinetry to achieve a sense of openness while offering a clean and polished way to showcase accessories. Closed millwork ensures storage remains functional, and this combination allows for a polished yet inviting kitchen that feels cohesive and intentional.

Q: Is there a way to make a small child’s bedroom interesting without the clutter?

A: It’s all about clever storage solutions. Built-ins are a fantastic way to achieve this while keeping the design elevated and intentional. We love incorporating built-in wardrobes for organized clothing storage, under-bed drawers for toys or seasonal items, and benches with hidden compartments that double as seating. These elements maximize space and maintain a clean, streamlined look. Adding thoughtful details like playful wallpaper, curated décor, or colorful textiles ensures the room feels vibrant and lively without being overwhelmed by excess items. It’s all about blending functionality with design to create a practical and timeless space for a child to grow into.

Q: How can you update a traditional, Old-World home without destroying its original design?

A: It’s all about celebrating the original character while thoughtfully incorporating modern touches. Highlight the existing architectural elements by pairing them with fresh finishes and furnishings that enhance their beauty. Opt for modern pieces with clean lines in a neutral palette to create a seamless blend of styles, achieving timelessness and sophistication. Lighting is a key component in tying the design together; select simple, elegant fixtures that feel current while honoring the home’s historic roots. In this approach, less is more. By curating furnishings and décor with intention, you can refresh the space while maintaining the enduring beauty of its original design.