Chalet Style Without The Clichés

Chalets and mountain retreats are some of our favourite spaces at Howark, there’s nothing like fresh mountain air and wide-open vistas to bring a smile to most people’s faces. 

Classically,the interior design of chalet’s has been a little one dimensional, so we have loved seeing a new generation of chalet design shifting away from the kitschy taxidermy-and-tartan aesthetic, and the glitzy grey cliches. 

“Welcome to our first post in our new journal series, exploring monthly interior design topics that have piqued our interest. We’re going to be writing about design that’s close to our hearts, whilst giving insight into some of Howark Design’s projects. There will also be interior design tips and tricks, Interiors shopping lists, and highlights from some of our favourite interior design projects globally. We’ll be drawing from our years of experience as architectural interior designers and speaking to some of the talented consultants we work with too to bring their expertise to the table. We hope you enjoy our musings!”

Chalet interior design is moving toward a philosophy of more artistic, globally inspired interiors, and leaning into the juxtaposition between the mountainous landscape outside and the soft, tactile refuge inside. Taking inspiration from chic, jet-set hotels, their design can be playful and glamorous and utilising bold textures and colours, rather than sticking to the traditional checks and stripes.

Even when the classic pine features are left in place, these can be contrasted with more contemporary materials such as pyrolave, bronze and marble, lifting the original features and helping the overall feel of the space feel more modern, without compromising the character.

Contemporary chalet design considers the "hidden" elements. In a non-cliché chalet, the luxury is in the utility. A boot room shouldn't just be a pile of boots and skis; it should be a high-tech "transition chamber" with integrated patinated brass drying racks and textured stone drainage floors. Making utilitarian features such as drying racks and drains feel luxurious and more bespoke makes every space a pleasure to spend time in rather than an afterthought.

Chalet Inspiration: Projects We Love

There are some amazing chalet and mountain retreat projects out there that have caught our eye recently that showcase just how far contemporary chalet interior design has come. Below are some of our favourites.

Le Coeur Du Ferret

We love the acidic chartreuse glossy pyrolave island in this cabin in Cap Ferret found on Iconic House, which really sings against the classic timber framed chalet ceiling. 

Alpine Chic

The contemporary fireplace and oversized stone hearth in this chalet interior we found on AD Germany by Hruby Studio  juxtaposes with the timber walls, and the rich burnt orange sofa gives the sitting room a vintage feel.

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Nestled Retreat in Courchevel

The fabulous addition of the electric blue window seat contrasted against the muted mountain landscape outside feels bold and interesting and the slight vintage feel the mid-century chairs and lamp give makes the interiors of this chalet feel fun and lived in. Found in Elle Decor – Project by Josephine Fossey Office – For rent by Sothebys International.

We adore the design details in this chalet sitting area from the same project. The sculptural central fireplace and hearth sit perfectly against the traditional exposed timber roof and we love the additional decorative detailing on the rafters. The crisp off-white upholstery is a clean contrast with the classic timber walls.

Art Deco Reimagined in the French Alps

This fun kids bedroom interior in a chalet we found on Remodelista, recently updated by Paris-based studio Claves, feels fun and contemporary. With warm tones and vintage styling, it’s the attention to the small details that makes a difference such as the fun zig zag skirting, and warm textural privacy curtains for each bunk.

The styling of this chalet pool in the same project feels more akin to a glamorous, jet-set hotel than a mountain retreat and we love it!

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Cozy Aspen Retreat

These oversized, statement teddy chairs in this mountain retreat sitting area are a real statement, and although the colour scheme is muted, the texture and scale keep the interior feeling modern and fun. As seen in AD by AD 100 Reath Design.

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The Ultimate Howark Chalet

Picture gorgeous soft, oversized shearling sofas, spaced perfectly for intimate chats around the fire after a vigorous day on the mountain, with bright mohair throws the colour of the clear blue mountain sky. Textured cashmere woven rugs would feel warm and soft underfoot and make the acoustics in the space feel cosy and intimate. 

Vintage iconic designer chairs would add an element of intrigue and surprise, and lighting would be layered with plenty of low-level ambient light, creating cosy reading corners. In the kitchen, patinated metals would introduce a sense of character and texture, contrasted with unique honed marble surfaces that are both tactile and hardwearing. 

The chalet bedrooms suites would include cosy oversized headboards in warm tones, and of course a beautifully crafted copper bath for an après ski soak. Bathrooms would be neatly crafted in a mixture of stone and tile, with aged brass faucets adding warmth and character.

By stripping away the expected alpine tropes and focusing on interiors bold and beautiful enough to match their stunning mountain backdrop, attention to the smallest details and well thought out floor planning, chalets and mountain retreats can feel like truly special spaces to inhabit with global design merit.