Textiles and tradition intertwine at Cumberland House Knoxville, Tapestry Collection, creating a luxurious space scattered with industrial details that pay homage to the city’s manufacturing roots.
In the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee, just north of the University of Tennessee’s vibrant Fort Sanders campus, the Cumberland House is a living thread that artfully stitches the present-day bustling community with cherished remnants of its Victorian heritage. Part of Hilton’s exclusive Tapestry Collection, the hotel is a canvas that captures the spirit of the past while embracing the city’s forward-thinking energy. It’s a celebration of the people, stories, and industries that helped shape Knoxville, from its iconic textile mills to its ever-evolving community.
From the outset, the design intent for Cumberland House was clear: honor the city’s industrial roots in a luxurious and immersive guest experience. The design pays homage to Knoxville’s once-thriving fabric-manufacturing legacy that gave rise to thirteen textile mills that contributed to the city’s industrial identity.
“Knoxville’s textile history isn’t just a point of pride—it’s literally the fabric of the city,” says Principal, Terri Callaway, AIA, RID, LEED AP. “We aimed to create a space that was more than just a place to rest your head but a destination where guests could experience the essence of Knoxville’s past, woven seamlessly with its future.”
The hotel’s design takes this heritage to heart, with a particular focus on the often-overlooked button—an emblem of craftsmanship and utility that has ties to Knoxville’s history. This motif is subtly integrated into the interior design, appearing in unexpected places like custom furniture, signage, and artwork. Much like the guests who pass through its doors, these buttons are diverse and unique, each with a distinct story to tell. But like the city itself, they are connected by a shared desire to honor the past while embracing the future.
Upon check-in, guests are greeted by the combined reception desk and bar, enhancing the hotel’s signature community-first experience. Rich leathers and textiles layered with polished concrete and wood accents set the stage for an authentic and moody ambiance. The juxtaposition of modern forms with ornate, Victorian-inspired detailing creates intrigue and depth while offering a level of comfort to guests evoking a connection to the history around them.
Beyond the reception area lies the Weaving Room, an interactive sitting area that honors the city’s nickname, “The Maker City.” This room features a stunning vintage sewing machine art installation, symbolizing the area’s industrial history while celebrating present-day craftsmanship. The installation tells the story of Knoxville’s roots while making guests a part of that story. It’s a space for conversation, relaxation, and connection; a reflection of the community-focused spirit that defines the area.
Another major objective was to reimagine the property, once a Four Points by Sheraton, as a boutique destination through the thoughtful transfiguration of the existing hotel footprint. Both the interior and exterior were elevated using refined and moody finishes. Rich golds are balanced by rustic woods, creating an opulent and authentic experience that celebrates the district’s continuous growth and evolution, while providing guests a glimpse of the past.
“The renovation offered a unique opportunity to redefine the property’s identity, transforming it from a select-service hotel into a premium offering,” says Callaway. “The design balances rich, sophisticated finishes with raw, tactile materials, updating the building to reflect the district’s ongoing revitalization.”
Cumberland House’s balanced design has not gone unnoticed, earning accolades including the 1st Place Hospitality Award at the IIDA Virginia & West Virginia Chapter Interior Design Excellence Awards and the Interior Design Renovation Award at the LIV Hospitality Design Awards.
Project: Cumberland House Knoxville, Tapestry Collection
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Design Studio: Baskervill
Photo Credits: Lauren Rubinstein Photography
Website: baskervill.com
