In an extensive article, Christie’s International Real Estate’s online magazine luxurydefined addresses the question of whether Ski Chalet Chic is capable of redefining alpine aesthetics. Clarity on the question is provided by one person, of whom the article states: “No one knows alpine style like the interior designer known as the Chalet Queen, who has taken après-ski interiors to dizzying new heights.”
Nicky Dobree, an award-winning interior designer, describes her style as “elegant and timeless”. She specialises in ski chalets, contemporary residential interiors, and hotel design.
She loves the mountains more than anything and therefore also her work: “There is something so magical about being in the mountains. You feel as if you can breathe again, you feel alive.” And she raves about her everyday work, even or especially when the tasks are challenging: “will never forget installing a chalet by helicopter in an avalanche zone,” she says nonchalantly. While lesser designers may balk at such a prospect, this is all in a day’s work for here. Dobree has been creating dream chalets across the French and Swiss Alps for two decades.”
In this impressive sitting room, the monolithic stone fireplace is the focal point surrounded by plenty of comfortable seating. The outdoors is ever present thanks to the large picture windows which frame the views. Credit: Philip Vile
In the luxurydefined article she describes, how she retained the traditional Savoyard farmhouse aesthetic on the outside of her own Ferme de Moudon, while opening up the inside space for modern living, including creating two vast picture windows to allow light in. “We installed a contemporary Italian kitchen, mixing lacquer, colored glass, and wenge to sit against the backdrop of the traditional timbers. The furnishings are contemporary classics, too, with a dining table from Christian Liaigre and Italian sofas to sink into at the end of the day. We fused modern lines with traditional vernacular, and introduced contemporary details to timeless effect. In so doing we created a fresh new Alpine aesthetic and opened the eyes of the world to new possibilities in chalet design,” she says.
A welcoming bedroom suite, designed by Nicky Dobree, featuring her signature style of timeless elegance and providing a restful sanctuary after a day on the slopes. Credit: Philip Vile
Unsurprisingly, many of the motifs Dobree incorporated into her own home are found in those she creates for others. “When designing a chalet, it is important to work with local materials such as timber and stone,” she says. “What types of materials these are and how they are used within the chalet to complement the space are key to how the interior will feel. Too much and it can feel oppressive, too little and it can feel bland.”
Read more about how Dobree is redefining the Alpine Aesthetic with Ski Chalet Chic here.
