The 70-room Hotel De Novo Springdale was built in the early 1990s. Tapestry Collection by Hilton After undergoing a thorough renovation, the hotel was not only a refreshed property, but also a carefully curated refuge in harmony with its surrounding. Situated near the entrance to Zion National Park, the 70-key hotel—originally built in 2003 as a rustic, Southwestern-themed lodge—was reimagined by DyeLot Interiors to meet the soft-brand’s standards while honoring the spirit of its landscape.
Jackson Thilenius is senior principal at DyeLot Interiors. He said that the design team deliberately avoided the most obvious approach. “Hotel De Novo lies at the entrance to Zion National Park. It would have been very easy to rely upon literal references to the canyon wall,” he explained. “We didn’t want to do that, so we built our design story around a balance between the rugged environment and an elegant and approachable materiality.”
The team chose materials that had a natural and worn-out quality to achieve this. He said that the team used materials which reflected the patina and rawness of the natural surroundings, such as honed stones, dark bronze metals, and deeply grained wooden. We chose a warm, neutral palette to reflect the changing views of the exterior and change with the natural light. Interior sightlines have been deliberately cleared and aligned in order to draw the eyes outward. This anchors the guest’s experience from the moment they arrive to their privacy.
The use of color was crucial in connecting the hotel with its surroundings. “Our palette is derived from the local topography and regional geology—specifically, the desaturated warmth of Navajo sandstone, the earthy reds of the canyons and the mineral hues of river rock,” Thilenius said. We balanced these tones by adding elements that are cooler and more grounded, such as charcoal metal accents or weathered wood. This gives the room a feeling of refuge and comfort.
To create energy in public areas, use contrasts to highlight the key touch points for guests. He said that warm ochres, deep desert browns, and luminous neutrals were paired together. The mood is softer in the guest rooms, he said, adding that “the palette is quieter and intimate, focused on taupe, soft beige and dusty rose with dark bronze hardware and matte black to provide balance and contemporary.”
The connection between indoors & outdoors was also studied. Thilenius stated that “we coordinated with the architect team to bring interior and exterior in conversation.” The exterior wood finishes and paint choices were tested in natural light compared to interior material boards. This was done to ensure that the design of the lobby, guestrooms, and outdoor common areas is consistent.
Arrival was a complete overhaul of the first impressions. “Originally, the arrival experience was disjointed—guests entered through an unassuming vestibule and were funneled into a narrow, dimly lit check-in area with no sense of destination or anticipation,” Thilenius said. “We completely restructured that zone to give a sense of arriving that feels grounded, spacious and welcoming.”
The transformation involved addressing architectural challenges that were unexpected. Initial exploratory demo revealed that the walls were immovable and loaded with weight, dividing planned spaces. “We found a way to reprogram the spatial volume and encased the wall timbers—salvaged from the 1988 Yellowstone fire—in glass as a design statement, turning a challenge into storytelling.”
Guests are welcomed with a view of the cliffs in a frame before entering a full-height lobby. Thilenius explained that they designed a new, monumental reception desk made of local stone and fitted with integrated lighting. The former lobby is now a communal space that can be used for many different purposes, anchored by the fireplace and flexible seating. He said that the use of layers of lighting, textured plaster, and handwoven fabrics creates a tactile and calm environment. The subtle scents and carefully curated playlist reinforces the feeling of “a sanctuary after an adventure.”
Reimagining the food and beverage venues was equally comprehensive. Thilenius stated that the restaurant and lounge had been completely reconceived, with a new flow pattern and cohesive identity. “We reoriented our bar to serve as a social hub that can transition from day to evening, while softening out the restaurant so it feels more inviting to both solo and group travelers.”
The design details strengthen the connection with the land. “Natural finishes and organic shapes echo the surrounding terrain—think stone countertops, leather seating and custom tabletops with live edges and inlaid metal detailing,” Thilenius explained. The bar is anchored by “a bespoke metal canopy structure that visually anchors the space and nods to the mining history of the region.” Materials were chosen for durability and “their ability to patina over time, adding character rather than reducing it.”
Thilenius attributed a special significance to guestrooms. “The guestrooms are where we felt the most responsibility to create an experience of personal retreat—especially considering that guests here often arrive after a long day of travel or time on the trails,” he said.
The new design is a combination of natural materials and a reduced palette. Thilenius explained that “custom headboards have wood panels with subtle carvings that refer to sediment layers. Built-in nightstands offer modern conveniences and intuitive functionality.” Custom media units were designed to include storage for hiking equipment and laptop workstations.
Lighting was designed for guests to change gears. Thilenius explained that they incorporated dimmable sconces, indirect cove lighting and multi-level lighting controls to help guests move from the bright desert sun into a restful evening atmosphere. For a modern spa-like experience, bathrooms have stone tiles, matte black fixtures and walk-in showers. Textured curtains, wool throws and artwork inspired by local culture add to the “moments… of discovery and comfort” that Thilenius described.
The renovation of Hotel De Novo Springdale is a story that tells of place, craftsmanship and care. Thilenius said that the design “unifies an experience, and allows nature to be the hero.”
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