Spellbound Spaces

SPELLBOUND SPACES

TABLE OF

08–11

NEMACOLIN - THE CHATEAU

Discover how guests become enveloped in a world of regal wonder.

12–15

NEMACOLIN - THE GRAND LODGE

Experience the delight of stepping into storybook-inspired charm.

16–17

KBAA TEAM REFLECTS

Explore the most enchanting places our team has ever encountered.

18–19

TREND REPORT

Uncover how Curated Escapism shapes art, fashion, and design.

20–23

Peruse our cozy, campy art program and Q&A with Workshop/APD.

24–27

PORTRAITS OF POSSIBILITY

Peer into the future with oracle visions and ethereal soundscapes.

The Art of Enchantment

At KBAA, we’ve long been known for elevating everyday spaces. But what about the spaces that are anything but everyday? some places invite us to push limits, embrace imagination, and create something truly one of a kind. In this issue, we explore our art program for Nemacolin, one of the most distinctive properties we’ve had the pleasure of working with. This family-owned resort in the hills of Pennsylvania transports guests into an immersive world where every corner sparks delight and curiosity.

Travel has a way of awakening that sense of wonder. When you’re surrounded by a space that feels fully imagined, it lets you step away from routine, find inspiration, and return renewed.

One of the first places that ever made me feel that way was Paris. While the entire experience is alway magical, a trip to Le Meurice, on Rue de Rivoli, introduces a gilded frame filled with frosted glass, inviting guests to leave their mark. It is simple yet poetic, one of those unexpected moments of art that lingers long after you leave. The concept was inspired by surrealist artist salvador Dalí, who regularly stayed at the hotel. Each day, the “canvas” changes.

I’ve always been drawn to details like that. Installations made with mirrors or objects that feel found and reimagined make a space feel personal. They tell a story and invite you to be part of it. Our work for Moxy Banff, also featured in this issue, carries that same spirit. There is something about hotels in colder climates where you spend your days seeking warmth indoors that heightens the experience. I’ve noticed designers in these places often go bolder with color, texture, and concept to bring energy when the world outside feels still.

As our 30th anniversary year rounds a corner, I want to thank our clients and friends for their continued trust and collaboration. May this issue inspire you to find a bit of magic in the everyday, and in the not-so-everyday spaces that change how we see the world.

Warmly, Allison Barry

HOMES

REAL LIFE

THE CHATEAU

Nemacolin is a sprawling luxury retreat spanning 2,200 scenic acres in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. With five distinct lodging options, Nemacolin offers immersive journeys of wonder, storybook charm, and timeless romance, each with its own unique character.

MAGIC

KBAA partnered with Nemacolin to enrich the art program in two remodeled spaces: The Chateau and The Grand Lodge. Each tells a magical narrative through art, thoughtfully curated by our advisors to bring Nemacolin’s design vision to life in fantastical guest experiences. Discover the enchantment in detail on the pages ahead. THE GRAND LODGE

NEMACOLIN / THE CHATEAU

The Chateau offers Parisian perfection on the Nemacolin property. Recently renovated to reach new levels of luxury, the space was designed to immerse guests in European grandeur at every turn. Rooms feel truly fantastical, evoking the lifestyle of 18th and 19th-century French aristocracy and creating an atmosphere of romance, intrigue, and extravagance. Guest suites are splashed from top to bottom with color, from stunning pinks to calming blues. Our art advisory team worked closely with Nemacolin to build on their vision and bring their storytelling to life through art.

To carry the theme through every detail, our team created custom works and collaborated with artists to perfectly match the story. A standout element is the toile pattern we developed, printed on natural cotton weave to bring a story of romance into the suites. Toile fabric originated in France in the mid-18th century, became a hallmark of the French Empire style, and remained fashionable well into the 19th century.

One of our dreamiest collaborators was self-taught artist BAHMAN. His work, seen on this issue’s cover and throughout The Chateau’s guest suites, comes from his La Mouche series. As he explains, “La Mouche (literally translating to “a fly”) was a beauty spot women wore on their faces in the 18th century. Its placement carried meaning (I am shy, I am bold, I am flirtatious) and became part of a secret language.” These monumental pieces bring texture, story, and intrigue, perfectly fitting the baroque spirit of the space.

Everywhere you look, moments of storytelling await. Along the corridors, fine art paper prints reveal intricate antique garden designs. Our art advisors at KBAA sourced authentic plans from historic French designers to evoke the elaborate grounds once reserved for aristocrats. studying these drawings transports you to your very own stroll through a budding French garden, parasol in hand, gossiping about the previous evening’s lavish party. It’s this sense of playful escapism that makes every moment at The Chateau so enchanting.

Even the court jesters make an appearance! Known for their tricks, dances, and vibrant costumes, they brought color and delight to the soirées of the elite. To honor their role in French cultural history, we curated a gallery wall featuring jesters from different eras. This collection captures the spirit of performance, celebration, and spectacle that defined the time.

NEMACOLIN / THE GRAND LODGE

Combining woodsy charm with the height of luxury, the newly reimagined Grand Lodge offers its own suite of magical moments. The space was inspired by the imagination and curiosity of fairytales and earthly wonders, with deep-rooted stories and distinct color palettes for every guest room.

The Grand Lodge was designed to feel collected, as if gathered over centuries. Our KBAA art advisors brought this mix of folklore and whimsy to life through portraits that feel like heirlooms and landscapes that pull you into the world of storybooks. Each unexpected detail invites curiosity and discovery.

Each room includes a diptych of two painterly classic portraits of characters, paired with torn paper that perfectly complements the room’s colorway. seen on the left, in The Elf’s Forest suites, are

intriguing classical portraits from Old Masters Anthony van Dyck and Paulus Moreelse. Our graphics team had both images printed on canvas and layered with torn dimensional paper to create the final pieces, giving them the presence of beloved storybook figures.

As you wander through this timeless Tudor lodge, every moment feels spectacular. Papier-mâché animals, hand-folded paper sculptures, mixed media collages, and dimensional details are tucked throughout. It feels like being lost in a favorite childhood fairytale, only this time with five-star butlers at your fingertips.

At check-in, guests are greeted by “Book Wall” from artist Benjamin Wieler. The sculptural piece is made of intricate paper cogs crafted from the pages of fairytales. When asked how to experience the work, Benjamin shares, “I hope the viewer is transported to some other realm in the same way a book can take you to another world, which is the most enchanting part of this piece.”

The storybook motif continues throughout the property, carrying that sense of wonder into each space. Guests can uncover delicate curiosities to admire up close or take in larger works that transform the guest rooms. Among them is Caroline Bullock’s Abstracted storybook Landscapes (seen right). “The backdrop for all of my work is the cyanotype photographic process,” Caroline shares. “It captures multiple layers of meaning: place, time, atmosphere, object, and shadow.”

“Book Wall” by Benjamin Wieler. Folded book paper sculptures mounted in gold shadow box.

“Key to the Forest” by Various. Antique skeleton key, mirror, dimensional brass insects, and print on paper.

“Abstracted storybook Landscapes” by Caroline Bullock. Print on canvas with gold borders.

“Tea Time” by John Johnson. A close-up look of the large installation of found vintage teacups and saucers.

KBAA TEAM MEMBERS WEIGH IN

DESCRIBE A PLACE YOU’VE VISITED

Katy Wright

John Barry

Project Developer Principal

“Florence, Italy left me awe-struck. I went to study art, but walking across tiles laid more than 1,200 years ago felt surreal. The experience invigorated me, sparking a desire to explore, learn, and take in as much as possible. To me, a truly Spellbound Space is one that makes you pause in wonder—everything about Italy did just that.”

“Orcas Island, Washington. On a hike amongst the trees, the way the sunlight came through the canopy, the shadows danced and the varying elevations on the hill gave way to unique micro climates, one minute warm, the next a cool mist in the air. Moss, bark, and beautiful flora and fauna were abundant. The silence was peaceful, and the walking path was sparse with other hikers. It was incredible.”

Chloe Salk

Creative Services Manager

“A truffle farm in the south of France. In the middle of the French countryside, with rolling hills speckled with vineyards and farmhouses, the only sound being the croaks of toads or the occasional “moo” of a cow. It was one of those moments where the sky was extremely dark yet full of stars. I saw a shooting star! I felt like I didn’t need to be anywhere but there at that moment–the truest sense of inner peace.”

THAT FELT TRULY ENCHANTING

Caley English

“Point of the Arches on Shi Shi Beach, Washington. My friend and I arrived at sunset after a long hike, and the mist on the sand caught the fading light, scattering it into golden beams between the massive rock arches. Tidepools brimmed with starfish and sea urchins, the whole scene extraordinary. It left me filled with gratitude for nature, for shared moments, and for the gift of being present.”

Julia Stenderup

Leanne Waters

“Definitely the Southern tip of the South Island of New Zealand. The landscape feels wild and untamed, yet with a quiet stillness that we don’t often find in our daily lives. From jagged mountains to icy blue lakes, and cloudy mists drifting across the valleys where sheep graze - the views are so dramatic you have to remind yourself that it is real.”

“I’d have to say Banff National Park, Canada. When I had the opportunity to see it in real life, I was filled with awe and wonder. The towering peaks, emerald lakes, and wide-open skies left me feeling small in a good way. Exploring nature is so important for inspiration because it unlocks fresh ways of thinking, making the ordinary feel extraordinary.”

FALL ‘25 TREND REPORT

Artists embrace surreal layers and framing, from Brandin Hurley’s tactile nature studies to Cathy Camille’s ethereal cloudscapes on wood.

Kristen Giorgi’s “Portals” series layers acrylic and oil on heavy linen, blending sharp architectural lines with a dreamlike depth that transports the viewer.

Curated Escapism can be playful too, seen in Christian Siriano’s Spring 2026 collection of billowing fabric folds and in Ben Cowan’s oil and acrylic works that reimagine urban landscapes.

CURATED ESCAPISM

Jennifer E Moss’s process-driven textiles and mixed media, rooted in nature, transport you to another realm.

There’s nothing like Donna McCollough’s sculptural pieces forged from steel and scrap metal into feminine forms.

Art expands beyond the frame with Cathy Camille’s painted glass in a gold-foiled mount and Linda Männel’s textural ink-and-yarn works.

In interiors, the Curated Escapism trend comes to life through rich tones, immersive environments, and artful moments that invite you to forget about the outside world.

Moxy Banff creates a retro ski escape.

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Canadian Rockies as you step into the newly refreshed Moxy Banff. Part of Marriott Bonvoy, this recently renovated resort revives the spirit of Banff’s first motor hotel from the ‘60s, The Voyager Inn, with a bold, playful edge.

Wildlife, mountain scenery, and regional motifs appear throughout, reimagined with Moxy’s signature playfulness. From vintage-inspired graphics to social-media-ready moments, our program balances the unapologetic personality of Moxy with the cultural heartbeat of Banff. The result is an art experience that feels immersive, youthful, and entirely unforgettable.

In the lobby and public spaces, the art program comes alive through the stunning work of Calgary-based artist Kirsten Bollen. With her deep connection to the Canadian landscape, Kirsten was the perfect partner to translate Banff’s natural beauty onto canvas. s he created sixteen original paintings, each capturing the authenticity and spirit of Banff. Reflecting on the collaboration, Kirsten shared, “The brief was every artist’s dream. KBAA gave me the dimensions and simply asked me to create original artwork inspired by the local mountains. That creative freedom was one of the most exciting parts of the project.”

KBAA worked closely with local artists to curate artful moments that channeled the golden era of skiing. With vintage posters, textured patterns, and cheeky lodge-inspired kitsch, our advisors aimed to create a space that feels both nostalgic and unexpected. A custom KBAA pattern, used as both wallcovering and curtains, further envelops guests in this sense of nostalgia.

and curtains

DESIGNED TO TRANSPORT

A Conversation with Andrew Kline, Principal, Workshop/APD

Tell us about Workshop/APD’s design philosophy and how it came to life through the vision for Moxy Banff.

At every scale, Workshop/APD’s philosophy centers on highly customized, contextual design. Each project is tailored to the people who will inhabit or experience it, the place it is located, and its purpose. Craft is at the heart of everything we do, elevating modern design and giving it soul. I think that Workshop’s aesthetic is literally rooted in early American modernism—you look at so many iconic spaces, and they are exceptionally modern but also layered and crafted; everything was still made by hand.

At Moxy Banff, our conceptual lens was rooted in the project’s constants: the locale—Banff being such a unique place— the amazing existing building we wanted to pay homage to, and Moxy as a brand. In Banff, there’s a common ski lodge aesthetic, and we knew that—thanks to the existing midcentury building—we could create something unique that was still very true to the place and its history.

From your perspective, why is having an art advisory team like KBAA important to enhancing the design experience?

For a hospitality project to be successful, I believe the art concept has to be closely tied to the interior design concept. Otherwise you lose the thread or feel a dissonance in the space. In hospitality, we view all design decisions through that original conceptual lens in order to transport guests, and the artwork should reflect that same goal.

You can see this immediately in the Moxy Banff lobby—those round paintings are of areas in Banff, and having artwork of places like Lake Louise and the ski slopes was really important. Commissioning pieces allows us to honor local artists, create something that feels cohesive, and stylistically the space feels modern.

How did our teams collaborate to bring the vision to life?

It’s always a pleasure working with the KBAA team. They are extremely collaborative and have amazing ideas and resources. To ensure that this property felt unique, they sourced artists based on our narrative, and then we commissioned custom pieces with those artists. The team was extremely open to collaboration and took tons of feedback, creating a seamless process for everyone involved.

I’m so proud of Moxy Banff. Our team, KBAA, the clients, all bought into the concept whole-heartedly and we’ve created a property that’s already beloved by guests.

Read the full Q&Aon our blog.

“Vintage Banff Postcard.” Archival print on textural paper floated between plexiglass.

“Lights” by Alyson Fox. Prints on paper with monochromatic custom-painted green frames.

The Portraits

of Possibility

TURN THE PAGE TO REVEAL THE VI s ION IT HOLD s FOR YOUR YEAR AHEAD

01 TURN CHALLENGES INTO GOLD

It’s time to step into the fire of transformation. What once felt heavy will alchemize into clarity and strength, leaving only what is essential for your next chapter.

02 WAKE UP TO POSSIBILITY

The veil is lifting, and you are being summoned to rise. Next year calls for presence, awareness, and the courage to follow the signs that are already before you.

Scan QR code for free “Awaken” image download.

03 THE POWER OF RELEASE

Old worries are ready to dissolve. As you exhale, control loosens its grip and space opens for calm, renewal, and the freedom to move forward unburdened.

04 MOVE WITH QUIET GRACE

A gentle current surrounds you. The year ahead brings healing, compassion, and the chance to walk with softness, knowing unseen forces are carrying you onward.

05 BRIGHTEN WITH DELIGHT

Time to seek laughter and find joy. Moments of levity will be your compass this year, guiding you toward connection, lightheartedness, and the simple magic of play.

06 SHINE BRIGHTER THAN BEFORE

A radiant spirit stirs within. You are being called to glow, to cast off heaviness, and to let your light illuminate the road that lies ahead.

07 STEP INTO STRENGTH

A fire awakens inside you. The year ahead is one of courage, power, and unapologetic presence. It’s an invitation to take up space and embody your fullest self.

08 STIR YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Energy longs to move. By shifting your rhythm, you invite possibility, expansion, and the unlocking of doors that once felt closed.

Behind the Oracle

The luminous artwork is just a glimpse of Zoë Pawlak’s full Oracle Deck. Based in Vancouver, Pawlak is known for expressive palettes that balance technical mastery with an airy sense of calm. Each card in her deck blends contemporary artwork with poetic writing and thoughtful journal prompts, offering a moment of pause and self-discovery. Discover more of her work at kevinbarry.com/artist/zoepawlak

Enjoy our KBAA Spotify soundtrack for magical moments and wandering imaginations.

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