(Photo by Kristina Albaugh)
If you’re looking to decorate and furnish your new Hudson Valley house or freshen up an existing residence, the blossoming of home design, housewares and furniture stores in the area means that you no longer have to travel far to get the job done. The latest entrant is Hundred Mile, a purveyor of top-name furniture brands like 122 design that recently opened in Rhinebeck. Described by its owners, husband/wife team Josh Ingmire and Kristina Albaugh, as a “lifestyle showroom dedicated to creating a luxury lifestyle through good design,” the 1,500-square-foot space, located on the second floor at 6380 Mill Street – a historic building that houses Asher House Antiques on the first floor – displays furniture, fashion, lighting, design objects, fragrance, jewelry and art. Hundred Mile represents dozens of top-shelf brands, including Moooi, Fritz Hansen, Carl Hansen, Jack Craig, Kristalia, Bocci, FTF Design Studio, Design House Stockholm and Flos.
Originally from Oklahoma – the couple met at the University of Oklahoma, where Josh earned a degree in Architecture and Kristina got a degree in Advertising and Journalism – Ingmire and Albaugh honed their design chops in Chicago, where Ingmire managed the Luminaire showroom and Albaugh worked in luxury retail management, including Gucci. They later moved to New York City, where Ingmire most recently represented Paola Lenti and Albaugh worked for MaxMara on Madison Avenue. The relationships that they have established within the design community allow them to carry lines that would normally be reserved for major metropolitan areas.
Two years ago the couple bought a weekend house in Rhinebeck and found themselves liking the area so much that they decided to start their own store as a way to live here full-time. Hundred Mile also was the answer to a dream to be able to work side-by-side in design.
Here’s more from the couple about their upscale furniture and design emporium, based on their response to questions from Almanac Weekly’s Lynn Woods:
What’s the latest trend in high-end furniture?
We meet a lot of people who are looking to minimize their interior spaces, so that each item they own has a sense of importance. Many of our clients enjoy mixing contemporary/Minimalist design with more rustic or antique pieces. Clients love our range and selection of accessories, because even the most common household item can function as a well-designed piece of “sculpture.”
We also know that people value the experience of shopping almost as much as the items they purchase. The relationships we build with our clients are very important to us. They trust us and know that we want the best for them and their home. Each item is important and meant to be enjoyed over the long term; it’s not disposable or frivolous.
What do you like about Rhinebeck?
We were drawn to Rhinebeck because it just feels like home, and we’ve enjoyed tremendous support from the Rhinebeck community and surrounding areas. For our Grand Opening in October we joined forces with Spruce Design & Decor and bluecashew Kitchen Pharmacy in Rhinebeck for an evening celebrating good design. We also dedicated the entire space in the showroom to the work of local artist and jeweler Sheva Fruitman. We’ve met many talented local photographers and artists whom we plan to collaborate with for exhibitions and events.
We are already active members of the Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce and participate in events supporting local organizations such as the Wilderstein Historic Site, the Storm King Art Center and the Rhinebeck Sinterklaas Celebration. We look forward to being even more active in local events in the years to come.
What makes Hundred Mile different from other stores in the area?
By offering items that are unique to the area, we are strengthening the “design hub” that has formed. We work closely with other design/home décor businesses in the area and collaborate on projects. We’re able to do this because we offer completely different lines, chosen based on the quality of the product and its exclusivity. Our Minimalist aesthetic is very different, but also compatible.
Who is your target audience?
We have enjoyed a variety of clients ranging from local residents, people from all over the Hudson Valley, designers (both locally and from New York City) and weekend visitors from the City and surrounding areas. Local support is extremely important. We’ve even had groups of people drive in from Connecticut to meet us after hearing about Hundred Mile.
We have lots of repeat clients who like to come in and just hang out and talk. Our showroom feels like a home, so people feel very comfortable to sit and relax. We greet everyone with an offer of espresso or water, just as we would at home.
Hundred Mile, 6380 Mill Street, Rhinebeck; (845) 516-4522, www.100mileny.com. Hundred Mile is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays are reserved for appointments and site visits.