How to create sleek, stylish Alpine retreats.
The project: This is the sitting room of a chalet in the Swiss skiing resort of Klosters that the designer has completely transformed to create luxurious family accommodation.
The designer: Nicky Dobree’s ability to combine sleek, contemporary design with textural finishes and calming colour palettes has gained her a huge following, particularly among those keen to create sleek, stylish Alpine retreats.
Oscar Norton says: The aim was to double the number of bedrooms, including creating a master suite on the top of its four floors. This space—one of the two living rooms in the property—is double height, with a galleried library on the upper level. The focal point of the lower level is a large stone fireplace, either side of which hang lambswool curtains that add texture and absorb sound.
The sofas are arranged in a large U configuration that creates a feel that’s both convivial and relaxing, creating what the designer describes as ‘the perfect retreat after a day on the piste’. Against the backdrop of exposed stone walls and textural timber as well as steel and chrome, she created a calm, relaxing scheme based on soft whites and greys. The art on the walls includes paintings by Alex Calinescu and photography by Tim Flach.
How to get the look:
Furniture
Interdesign UK sells Italian modular sofas, including designs by Flexform. The showroom is at G30, Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, London SW10 (www.interdesignuk.biz; 020–7376 5272).
Fabrics
The Oxford collection of lambswool from Kirkby Design (01623 756699; www.kirkbydesign.com) comes in a range of rich neutral hues, creating warmth and texture.
Lighting
OKA (0844 815 7380; www.oka.com) sells a wide range of traditional-style lighting to offset a simple, contemporary scheme such as this.
Accessories
The White Company (020–3758 9222; www.thewhitecompany.com) sells throws and cushions that add a warming layer to a scheme.
