For decades, luxury spas have embraced a familiar aesthetic: pale palettes, spare interiors, and a quiet ambiance. At Folklore, the newly unveiled spa at Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, that narrative has been rewritten. Designed by Camp Lucy Co-Owner and Chief Creative Officer Kim Hanks, in collaboration with British interior designer Charlotte Smiley, the retreat is layered with rich color, antiques, handcrafted finishes, and a warmth that feels more like a stately, well-loved home than a traditional wellness destination.
"Our design ethos breaks the traditional spa mold," Hanks says. "We wanted to challenge the status quo by replacing sterile, quiet isolation with vibrant, shared experiences that elevate the spirit."
That philosophy is also evident in rooms covered in colorful wallpapers, richly patterned textiles, handmade Mexican tile, and an eclectic collection of global folk art gathered over years of travel. Rather than using items for decoration's sake, each piece is meant to create an emotional connection.
The design at Folklore goes beyond the treatment rooms. Shared spaces, including the bar, terrace, and light-filled hallways, encourage conversation and creativity. "We believe true healing flourishes in connection," Hanks says. "Layering lush wallpapers full of color with patterned furniture, both new and vintage, provides the perfect atmosphere for a mind and body reset.”
Although the interiors embrace maximalism, they never feel chaotic. Hanks credits this balance to the elegance of antique wood furnishings. "My design secret to balancing a maximalist style is grounding the space with antiques," she says. Rich brown woods add warmth to bold palettes, while layered textiles and artisan-crafted materials create rooms with depth and character.
Color also plays a large role in the guest experience. Each space features a dominant hue inspired by chakra traditions, creating distinct moods while helping visitors connect emotionally with their surroundings. "Color greets you when you enter a room," Hanks says. "I wanted guests to feel the spaces as they walked through them."
Although Folklore draws inspiration from cultures around the world, its foundation is firmly rooted in the Hanks family's history and in the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. The result is a wellness destination where every curated detail tells a story. They prove that bold interiors can feel every bit as restorative as they are beautiful. folklorespa.com
Design Lessons From Folklore
According to Hanks, the most beautiful interiors are created over time, not purchased all at once. Although it may be tempting, she advises preserving antique wooden furniture rather than painting over it. Next, add colorful wallpapers, patterned upholstery, and handcrafted decorative details. She also encourages travelers to bring home meaningful souvenirs that serve as reminders of their adventures, even some that seem a little unconventional at first. Thoughtfully displayed collections create homes that feel authentic rather than staged. Finally, she recommends using color with intention by choosing a dominant hue for each room to establish mood while maintaining visual balance. All of these elements work together to create welcoming spaces that feel collected, comfortable, and personal.
We believe true healing flourishes in connection through spaces that feel collected, welcoming, and deeply personal.