Chalet Time
Design: Bénédicte Ferrari; Image: Patrice Binet for Elle Maison
Winter has its pros and cons, don’t you agree? The weather is sometimes awful, the holiday season can be stressful, and then there’s all that food and the extra pounds it brings. On the other hand, it’s the time of year we get to reflect on the previous year and resolve to be or do or have something different in the New Year, the holiday season can be joyful, and then there’s the family chalet to escape to where you can ski off all those extra pounds.
Wait a minute. You mean you don’t have a family chalet to escape to? There’s not a snow-covered mountain cottage where you can enjoy a hot toddy by the fire after a day of skiing and perhaps escaping from other international spies… oh, sorry, I got my interior décor blogging mixed up with my action novel manuscript for a moment there.
Well it should come as no surprise that I don’t have a chalet either, but that won’t stop me from stealing great design ideas from this one I found in the French Alps.
Design: Bénédicte Ferrari; Image: Patrice Binet for Elle Maison
Don’t let the traditional exterior of this place fool you; the inside mixes the warmth of wood with cool contemporary design and mid century pieces. This living space is clad in wood, but balanced by large windows and a focal point fireplace.
Design: Bénédicte Ferrari; Image: Patrice Binet for Elle Maison
The use of wood continues throughout the house, but never feels rustic or antiquated. The contemporary kitchen appliances and use of stainless steel counters help bring a feeling of today to this space. As does the chandelier fashioned from multiple clear glass globes.
Design: Bénédicte Ferrari; Image: Patrice Binet for Elle Maison
A bedroom, which again is wrapped in wood. Beams and built-ins help keep the space from feeling to closed in, while a mixture of antique furniture, art, and modern lamps help to bring interest to the room.
Design: Bénédicte Ferrari; Image: Patrice Binet for Elle Maison
When you’re creating the chalet feeling at home, remember to include your outdoor space. Weather-resistant teak pieces are always a good choice, and a blanket or two (plus that hot toddy I mentioned earlier) will help to keep you warm.
Are you ready for chalet time at your home?
