How to Recreate the Luxury Ski Chalet Look in your Home

The 2021-2022 ski season is well and truly underway and it’s at this time of the year that we all long to curl up in a luxury ski chalet. Even if you can’t jet off to the nearest slopes this year, you can still add some key ski chalet elements to your interior. We've spoken to ski chalet specialist interior designer, Nicky Dobree, to get her top tips to recreate the luxury ski chalet look in the home…

1. Use Local Materials for an Earthy Feel

Try to use local materials such as timber and stone which create a homey, earthly look and feel. I like to clad walls in reclaimed timbers and create a feature wall out of local stone.

2. Make your Log Fire a Focal Point

A roaring log fire is a must in any luxury ski chalet look, so if you are lucky enough to have one, make it a focal point. I like to stack logs up the side to create added interest or clad the chimney in stone or slate for total wow factor. If you don’t have space at the side of your fireplace try stacking in small piles either side of the fireplace for a winter look and feel.

3. Invest in Large, Comfy Sofas

Try to have large comfortable sofas in which to sink into at the end of the day layered with throws and pillows in soft luxurious fabrics. If space allows I would suggest opting for oversize sofas but if space is at a premium opt for love sofas or oversize single chairs that can accommodate two people but don’t take up the space of a sofa.

4. Utilize Wool Throughout the Home

Wool is a great insulator and very practical. Upholster sofas, chairs and headboards in it. Curtains drape beautifully in it too. Being a natural and soft material, its very look makes a space feel warm and cozy. If you can’t splash out on genuine woolen accessories, there are also numerous imitations available too to get the same look for less.

5. Layer Textures

Layer with texture such as cashmere chunky cable knit throws and furs as they instantly add warmth and add in the odd sheepskin chair and stool too. Layering textures add such depth to interiors. They are not only stylish but practical too and handy for those chilly nights when you want to snuggle up and watch a film or read a book.

6. Mix it Up

Don’t stick to one material or era. Pull up upholstered high back chairs to a reclaimed wood table or layer mid-century seating with plush sheepskins. Don’t be afraid to mix textures and periods. It can look eclectic but with lots of natural materials such as timber and stone in the space, it works.

7. Invest in a Large, Extendable Dining Table

Be sure to have a large extendable dining table around which everyone can gather and recount their stories at the end of the day. Place throws or blankets over the back of the dining chairs for decoration and comfort. Extendable dining tables are perfect for those occasions when several friends or family members visit. Other items of furniture can be moved temporarily and the table given pride of place and decorated in your own choice of candles, napkins and dinnerware to provide the ultimate dining experience a restaurant cannot compete with.

8. Don’t Forget Antlers

No ski chalet would be complete without an antler or two either real or artificial. Hang an antler chandelier above the dining table or use an antler as a wall light or decorative item. Antlers can also be used as a focal point on the fireplace, in the hallway or above the stairs. These rustic features always give a space a sense of belonging and are the most natural accessory to hang and use. If you prefer faux antlers these are available too and create the same look and feel as the real thing.

9. Create More Sleeping Spaces with Bunk Beds

Bunk rooms are a wonderful place for children. I have designed dozens of bunk rooms for clients with up to six beds in one room. It’s a great space saving way to accommodate lots of children, and they are tremendously fun spaces. It’s the ultimate sleep over! Make them cozy even if it’s just camp beds or pop-up beds by adding tartan throws to the beds and curtains to the bunks or bed frames. Add spotlights for bedtime reading. Even simple clip-on spotlights will do the trick if it’s a temporary bunk room used only occasionally.

10. Make the Other Bedrooms Havens

Make sure other bedrooms, particularly the master, are havens of peace at the end of the day to recreate the luxury ski chalet look. Buy the best fine linens whenever possible to enhance the feeling of wellbeing. Investing in the best bed linen you can afford means your bed will feel like heaven wherever it is. Think about adding a fur, faux fur or cable blanket at the end of the bed which can be pulled up for those extra chilly nights. Adding another layer not only creates a luxury chalet look and feel, but it is also practical too.