January 2024 | For the Love of Chalet

So 2024 is here. Crisp and Fresh. Like an English morning. Ready for some changes? Maybe not. Or actually maybe yes. Slight ones? Ok, ok.

If you are lucky enough to have visited one of the private residences or resorts that grace the slopes of some of Europe’s or America’s mountains during Festive Season, then for sure you desperately want to bring some “chalet” back home.

Chalets are and will always be the definition of cozy luxury. A look that is home-loving and comforting. It’s actually hard to find another interior design style as elegant, yet cozy, as this one. The wooden corners and the fluffy textures of pillows and rugs, the stone walls combined with the audiovisual effect of the fireplace – make them the perfect winter getaway in all its glory.

So if you want some help to bring that seemingly vacation-only aesthetic into your everyday lives I am here for some little tips.

While log cabins and sheepskins (I hope faux ones) have their place, there is plenty of room for creativity.

You may not have slopes covered in snow as a morning view, but you could always frame a momentum of explorers on top of Everest Mountain or your own shots of snowy trees in wide wooden frames.

Tartan, fleece, wool, rags, and sofa blankets can help you achieve the coziest look. In fact a tartan blanket is the best way to bring alpine vibe into your bedroom. Plus it’s super warm. Just make sure to use tartan in light colors with a hint of red or green. Avoid too much red or too much green as it will result bringing a Christmassy vibe. And we don’t want that.

A fluffy faux fur or a plush faux sheep skin rug in your dining area or in your study room ultimately gives a relaxed vibe.

Chalet-style furniture looks somewhat rough, massive and antique. When it comes to furnishings, the chunkier the better.So gorgeous farmhouse tables with a raw wood top or wicker carved chairs are perfect choices for your dining area. Surfaces should respond to touch and age, changing color and pattern over time. Don’t be afraid to mix them with contemporary pieces already there if you have any. Hide away any artificial materials such as plastic or inox. This is a raw rustic style to the core and it will tolerate mostly eco friendly materials.

If you are now in the process of designing your space and would love to add a winter getaway touch that can be multifaceted for all year round use, then I would suggest exposed-beam ceilings for indoors and cobbled walls or tumbled stone paving. Investing in outdoor pieces is a key move. Go all out with sleek and sexy sun beds such us Venice by Talenti or install an outdoor fireplace that is more of a stove. Also have in mind that floor-to-ceiling windows a maximize winter light.

I find that chalets and winter getaways are the perfect nest for quality family time and togetherness which I really love.

Speaking of togetherness, I just ordered my fondue pot by KUHN RIKON as I plan a family cheese and meat fondue dinner.

For some strange reason its deliciousness kind of melts away my everyday worries.

ELENI NODARAKI

Creative Editorial Director

Write to me on eleni@decorationrunway.com