ABOUT

ABOUT

Emily Tillery interior designer working on laptop in Hudson Valley New York home office by Reclaimed Retreats

Hi, I’m Emily!

I’m Emily Tillery, interior designer, Airbnb host, and founder of Reclaimed Retreats. My passion for design started early, sketching house layouts on scraps of paper, and evolved through a career in fashion where I developed a deep understanding of color, texture, and how our surroundings shape creativity and well-being.

Before transitioning into interiors, I spent over a decade in fashion design. Surrounded by constant production cycles and discarded materials, I became deeply aware of the impact our environments have on both people and the planet. That perspective continues to shape how I approach every space today.


In 2015, I began renovating my own properties, intentionally sourcing reclaimed and repurposed pieces to create spaces that feel layered, personal, and enduring. What started as a personal design philosophy quickly evolved into a signature approach that blends sustainability, storytelling, and functionality.


Today, I help homeowners and short-term rental hosts transform their spaces into environments that feel welcoming, intentional, and built to perform. Every project is rooted in thoughtful design, operational insight, and the belief that the best spaces don’t just look beautiful, they create meaningful experiences.


LET’S DESIGN YOUR SPACE!

Hi, I’m Emily!

I’m Emily Tillery, interior designer, Airbnb host, and founder of Reclaimed Retreats. My passion for design started early, sketching house layouts on scraps of paper, and evolved through a career in fashion where I developed a deep understanding of color, texture, and how our surroundings shape creativity and well-being.


Before transitioning into interiors, I spent over a decade in fashion design. Surrounded by constant production cycles and discarded materials, I became deeply aware of the impact our environments have on both people and the planet. That perspective continues to shape how I approach every space today.


In 2015, I began renovating my own properties, intentionally sourcing reclaimed and repurposed pieces to create spaces that feel layered, personal, and enduring. What started as a personal design philosophy quickly evolved into a signature approach that blends sustainability, storytelling, and functionality.


Today, I help homeowners and short-term rental hosts transform their spaces into environments that feel welcoming, intentional, and built to perform. Every project is rooted in thoughtful design, operational insight, and the belief that the best spaces don’t just look beautiful, they create meaningful experiences.

Emily Tillery interior designer working on laptop in Hudson Valley New York home office by Reclaimed Retreats

AS FEATURED IN

The Journey

2006

I began my career in fashion design, creating couture bridal and evening wear. This foundation shaped my eye for color, proportion, texture, and storytelling through materials.

2014

Launched my freelance fashion design business, collaborating directly with clients and developing a deeply personalized, process-driven approach to design.

Cozy Tiny Catskill Cabin in Kerhonkson, New York surrounded by forest with a fire pit, string lights, and warm rustic cabin exterior at dusk.

2015–2018

Purchased and renovated three homes. Through hands-on renovation and styling, I refined my design perspective. Contractors and collaborators began referring clients after seeing how intentionally each space came together.

-

2019

Joined Sonder, a global hospitality brand, as a freelance designer. Gained advanced operational experience executing designs remotely across a worldwide portfolio.

2020

Expanded into residential and remote design through Decorist. Growing visibility and long-standing industry relationships led to consistent demand from short-term rental owners and property managers.

Tiny Catskill Cabin in Kerhonkson, New York featured in Better Homes & Gardens Cozy Cabins & Retreats magazine for its cozy rustic vacation rental design.

2020

Featured by Better Homes & Gardens and House Beautiful. What began as my personal escape, the Tiny Catskill Cabin, quickly evolved into a full-time short-term rental and a living case study of how intentional design drives bookings.

Aerial view of Hilltop Campground in Wassaic, New York featuring a secluded Airstream site, outdoor gathering spaces, and nature-focused hospitality design surrounded by trees.

2023

Launched The Hilltop Vintage Campground, restoring two retro campers and expanding into experiential hospitality, site planning, and non-traditional stays.

Present

More than two decades of layered creative and operational experience. A process shaped by real projects. Spaces that are not only beautiful, but built to perform.



The Journey

2006

I began my career in fashion design, creating couture bridal and evening wear. This foundation shaped my eye for color, proportion, texture, and storytelling through materials.

2014

Launched my freelance fashion design business, collaborating directly with clients and developing a deeply personalized, process-driven approach to design.

2015–2018

Purchased and renovated three homes. Through hands-on renovation and styling, I refined my design perspective. Contractors and collaborators began referring clients after seeing how intentionally each space came together.

-

2019

Joined Sonder, a global hospitality brand, as a freelance designer. Gained advanced operational experience executing designs remotely across a worldwide portfolio.

2020

Expanded into residential and remote design through Decorist. Growing visibility and long-standing industry relationships led to consistent demand from short-term rental owners and property managers.

2020

Joined Sonder, a global hospitality brand, as a freelance designer. Gained advanced operational experience executing designs remotely across a worldwide portfolio.

Aerial view of Hilltop Campground in Wassaic, New York featuring a secluded Airstream site, outdoor gathering spaces, and nature-focused hospitality design surrounded by trees.

2023

Launched The Hilltop Vintage Campground, restoring two retro campers and expanding into experiential hospitality, site planning, and non-traditional stays.

Present

More than two decades of layered creative and operational experience. A process shaped by real projects. Spaces that are not only beautiful, but built to perform.



Interior design mood board featuring modern rustic furniture, layered textures, neutral tones, dining room styling, and curated decor selections for a hospitality-focused home design project.

Our Design Approach

At Reclaimed Retreats, design begins with intention. Every project starts by understanding how you live or how guests experience your space. Function comes first, because the most beautiful environments are the ones that work effortlessly day to day.

 

We prioritize thoughtful sourcing and sustainability, incorporating reclaimed and enduring materials whenever possible. The result is spaces that feel layered, warm, and personal. Interiors that are not only visually compelling, but designed to support real life, meaningful stays, and lasting memories.

Our Design Approach

At Reclaimed Retreats, design begins with intention. Every project starts by understanding how you live or how guests experience your space. Function comes first, because the most beautiful environments are the ones that work effortlessly day to day.

 

We prioritize thoughtful sourcing and sustainability, incorporating reclaimed and enduring materials whenever possible. The result is spaces that feel layered, warm, and personal. Interiors that are not only visually compelling, but designed to support real life, meaningful stays, and lasting memories.

Interior design mood board featuring modern rustic furniture, layered textures, neutral tones, dining room styling, and curated decor selections for a hospitality-focused home design project.

Why Work With Reclaimed Retreats

We thoughtfully repurpose existing pieces and prioritize locally sourced materials whenever possible, helping you create a beautiful, layered space without unnecessary waste or overspending.

SUSTAINABLE AND VALUE-DRIVEN

With a decade of hosting, renovation, and design experience, we understand how to create homes and short-term rentals that work seamlessly for both everyday living and unforgettable guest stays.

HOSPITALITY-DRIVEN EXPERTISE

Every project is grounded in your lifestyle and vision. We curate spaces that feel personal, intentional, and reflective of the story you want your home or property to tell.

DESIGN ROOTED IN STORY

Why Work With Reclaimed Retreats

SUSTAINABLE AND VALUE-DRIVEN

We thoughtfully repurpose existing pieces and prioritize locally sourced materials whenever possible, helping you create a beautiful, layered space without unnecessary waste or overspending.

HOSPITALITY-DRIVEN EXPERTISE

With a decade of hosting, renovation, and design experience, we understand how to create homes and short-term rentals that work seamlessly for both everyday living and unforgettable guest stays.

DESIGN ROOTED IN STORY

Every project is grounded in your lifestyle and vision. We curate spaces that feel personal, intentional, and reflective of the story you want your home or property to tell.

Ready to reimagine your space?

If you’re ready to create a home or stay that feels intentional,
welcoming, and built to last, we’d love to help.

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