LAUNE x Nicole Elizabeth
Nestled in the heart of the Catskills, The Gin Cabin Collective is more than just a cozy escape—it's a distilled expression of passion, place, and process. With its cozy charm and forest-framed mornings, the cabins invite guests to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with the moment throughout each and every season. Below, co-owner Nicole shares more on what inspired The Gin Cabin Collective, local recs in both New York and the Catskills, and design tips.
1. Tell me about yourself and your work.
I work in Finance in New York City as my main job. On the side, I have many creative outlets! My husband and I own and run two short-term rentals in the Catskills (known as The Gin Cabin Collective), I am also a content creator on TikTok, and take on interior design clients when time allows.
2. Tell me about The Gin Cabin. Where is it located and what inspired it?
The Gin Cabin(s) are located in the beautiful Catskills Mountains. My husband Rob (then boyfriend) and I bought our first property in 2020 as a personal escape during COVID. We didn’t plan to rent it out at first, but once life resumed to “normal”, it felt like the right move. Fast forward to today, we now have two properties in the same town and have hosted hundreds (if not thousands) of guests, brand retreats, influencer stays etc. When they’re not booked, we’re there with friends and family. You can learn more about the story, the design, and the name at thegincabin.com.
3. What is your LAUNE (mood)?
I love when things feel collected, elegant, and elevated without trying too hard. Whether it’s an outfit, a home, or a table setting, everything should feel intentional but relaxed. My mood leans classic and layered, but never overly styled.
4. In your opinion, what makes a space?
I think the best spaces are layered—collected over time, not just decorated all at once. I love when a room feels personal, whether through vintage finds, textiles, or something a little unexpected. Lighting, scent, and sound all matter too—it’s not just how it looks, but how it makes you feel.
5. What is your favorite room in a house or apartment to decorate?
Definitely a guest bedroom! Since it’s not a space you’re in every day, you can be more playful with paint colors, wallpaper, and fabric. I also love creating a hotel-like feel for guests, where everything is thoughtful and a little indulgent.
6. What inspires you?
Vintage markets and antique shops. No matter where I travel, I make time to visit one. My homes are filled with objects collected from my travels, which makes each space feel personal and lived-in. My husband is a very good sport for knowing to pull over if we pass an antique store now!
7. What do you love about New York City and The Catskills?
Well on one hand, New York City energizes me - there is ambition, creativity, and inspiration around every corner. The Catskills are my reset. It’s where life slows down, and I can truly unwind. One fuels me and the other resets me and together they make me feel balanced and very happy.
8. What’s next for you?
We just launched a souvenir shop for The Gin Cabin, with more designs coming later this year. The concept is to grow it into a full upstate lifestyle brand, so even if you can’t visit, you can still experience the essence of The Gin Cabin. I’d love to expand our properties and do another house—either another upstate outpost or a Gin Cottage Hamptons edition. Long term I would love to run and design a small boutique hotel. TBD!
Rapid Fire:
1. Describe your style in three words.
Classic, chic, sophisticated
2. AM or PM skincare?
Definitely PM. I shower at night and do my full skincare routine then and keep the AM very simple.
3. Morning or evening light?
Evening—for the glow, and for how it makes a table setting look at golden hour.
4. What’s one product you couldn’t live without?
My gua sha. It’s such a simple ritual but makes me feel refreshed instantly. And I use this pressed serum balm that works perfectly with it and really elevates the entire experience
5. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
This is hard! I really love Sandro Paris pieces because they take me from the office to the weekend very easily.
6. Early mornings or sleeping in?
Early mornings, for sure. I love coming back from Europe because the jet lag gets me up super early—those days feel so productive and energizing.
7. Favorite place?
The English countryside. I dream of retiring there one day, where my only responsibility is maintaining my garden.
8. Favorite drinks spot in NYC/The Catskills?
NYC: Fouquet’s for a fun, dressy night out or North Bar for a more casual Tribeca evening—both are in my neighborhood. (EM: Love these both!)
Catskills: Stumble Out, it is our favorite local spot in town, they have a great cocktail program.
9. Favorite restaurant in NYC/The Catskills?
NYC: King — I go here at least 2–3 times a month. The menu is always evolving and very seasonal.
Catskills: The DeBruce — It’s a hotel just five minutes from our house, and the food and setting are both incredibly special.
10. Dream collab?
Soho Home x The Gin Cabin—or a tableware or home décor collab that captures the feeling of a countryside escape.
11. Favorite brand?
I’m loving Sir the Label right now. Especially their really tailored looking pieces.
12. Favorite style icon?
A cross between Victoria Beckham and Morgan Stewart
13. Favorite movie?
Notting Hill—it’s my go-to airplane movie and comfort watch. Who doesn’t love Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant?!
14. What are you loving right now?
My homemade matcha with vanilla almond milk cold foam, Upstate in the summertime, white Negronis, weekly fresh tulips in my house, and Sundays that start at the farmers market and end with al fresco dinners with my family.
