Chalet design has evolved with startling speed reminiscent of bobsleigh duo Robin Dixon and Tony Nash at the 1964 Winter Olympics ; one moment it was all stripped pine, gingham checks and glühwein, the next it was Minimalism, fur rugs and negronis.
‘The current trend is for a timeless luxury,’ says interior designer John Beven of Wilkinson Beven. Beautiful natural materials, such as grey-washed timber and rough-cut stone, chosen to reflect the rugged mountain environment, are combined with luxuriant textures, including wool, cashmere and faux fur.
After a day on the slopes, comfort is king, so sofas are deep and mattresses cloud-like. But all of this doesn’t mean that traditional Alpine style is completely lost; designers such as Andrew Laughland and Russell Jones use horn beakers to make a contemporary pendant light and Nicky Dobree specifies traditional timbers for wall panelling and floors with unique textured finishes.
Spa bathrooms and cinema rooms regularly make it on to the luxury wishlist, while heating and home entertainment systems have become increasingly sophisticated. Even a modest chalet will benefit from plenty of thought on its lighting; a variety of light sources, including lamps, downlights, uplights, feature lights, picture lights and niche lights, are now de rigueur.
But Nicky is quick to emphasise the need to stay with chalet interiors that reflect the mountain environment. ‘Creating a sense of place – a reminder of where you are – is very important,’ she says of the reason she likes to use the traditional palette of natural materials, albeit in more contemporary and clean-lined ways. ‘A chalet in the mountains represents escapism from day to day life – it’s not some slick apartment in the city,’ Nicky declares. ‘It’s all about creating a cocoon – a place where you will play games around the fire and celebrate good times with family and friends.’
Chalet design ideas
A look into how an interior designer achieves a certain look or atmosphere. This week: the chalet.
Chic ski properties near Michelin-starred restaurants
Liz Rowlison tracks down chic chalets in resorts dusted with Michelin-starred resturants.
Top 10 Alpine idylls
It’s never too soon to book next year’s ski holiday. Megan Jenkins recommends the ultimate Alpine chalets
-
London's Tate Modern celebrates its 25th birthday with the help of a giant arachnid and crustaceous telephoneArtwork by Louise Bourgeois and Salvador Dali, among others, will be on display for the gallery's Birthday Weekender event.
-
'The watch is Head Boy of men’s accessorising': Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin's Summer Season style secretsWhen it comes to dressing for the Season, accessories will transform an outfit. Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin, both stylish summer-party veterans, offer some sage advice.
