A Serene Hotel in Carmel, California

The Carmel Valley Ranch recently received an expansion courtesy of San Francisco–based interior designer Nicole Hollis. In the 12 new suites, Hollis riffed on California ranch–style interiors, translating the comfortable, cozy, and rustic elements for which the style is known. "The ranch theme touches on the locale and history of the original ranch in Carmel Valley," Hollis says. "Our approach in this regard was materials based. We incorporated elements from the property, like salvaged wood and rope. These are simple details and honest materials."

The 12 new suites range from 400-600 square feet, including an outdoor living area. The sofa and occasional tables are from Restoration Hardware and the proch railing is made from woven willow branches.

"My philosophy is to keep it simple," Hollis says. "I prefer to work with natural materials such as wood, steel, concrete, rope, and burlap, and to see how they interact with each other." A live oak tree shades the deck. The lanterns are from Restoration Hardware, with custom wiring and modifications from Hollis's team.

Concreteworks cast the custom outdoor soaking tub.

Hollis designed the custom outdoor bed, which is suspended by ropes. "We hope that visitors come away relaxed and refreshed and have the feeling they had the one-of-kind experience of the valley," she says.

With their neutral tones and natural materials, the rooms feel like an extension of the landscape. "The spectacular area where the property is situated inspired the color palette and materials," Hollis says. "We used reclaimed wood on the walls, simple lighting fixtures, and vintage and found furnishings. All this works together to support the views. It was important to create a seamless transition between indoors and out and make full use of the outdoor living area. Several elements blur this line this such as the outdoor soaking tub, the double sided fireplace that you view from indoors and out, the custom hanging daybed and also the lanterns, which are actually hardwired lighting fixtures." The leather headboard is from West Elm, the linens are from Frette, the throw blanket is from Pendelton, and the desk is Hollis's own design.

A vintage wood lamp and turned bowl stands next to the bed. "We wanted to incorporate elements used in residential homes," Hollis says of the eclectic medley of accessories and furnishings in the space. "These would be items that you would collect over time. They don't exactly match, but they all work together—they create a relaxed casual environment while still elevating the interior and amenities to what you expect from a world-class luxury property."

The rooms look out onto the foothills around Carmel.