Charming Chalets: Embracing Alpine Aesthetics in the French Alps

Alpine origins

From humble 18th-century beginnings as the rustic winter dwellings of Swiss farmers and their livestock, Alpine chalets have taken on an air of luxuriousness. Behind their distinctive pitched and cladded façade, modern Alpine chalets as you will find in our French Alps homes, are the epitome of cosiness. Roaring fires, plush furnishings and saunas create an idyllic sanctuary after long, tiring days on the slopes. 

Embracing the mellow spirit of Alpine aesthetics, we renovated our Chamonix ski chalet to retain all the charm of a traditional mountain retreat – elevated with sumptuous home comforts.

‍1. Make room – with a view

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A spacious, open-plan layout celebrates the most important element of any Alpine chalet – the breathtaking mountain vista beyond the balcony. Opening up the living, kitchen and dining spaces draws the landscape in, creating a room with a view – from any angle.  Our ski chalet renovation accentuated the existing open floor plan with a crisp, snow-white palette to pull in every drop of sunlight from the large, floor-to-ceiling windows.

Treasure the view from the window of your own charming chalet by framing it with subdued hues and light drapes, positioning sofas and armchairs for the best vantage point.        

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2. Spotlight natural materials

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Echoing the forest-cloaked mountain panorama, authentic wood panelling receives a contemporary twist in our French Alps chalet. Classic pine meets modern, dark wood in the refreshed kitchen units. For the floor, we added stone tiling to differentiate between the kitchen, dining and relaxation spaces, while referencing the stonework of the hearth. 

Embrace this approach in your own Alpine interior design – sectioning an open plan layout through cleverly contrasting materials.     

3. Cultivate ambience through calming hues

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Showcasing the captivating beauty of our Signature Collection Chamonix chalet’s heart-stopping Mont Blanc view – and to balance the warmth of the pine-cladded fireplace – crisp white, cream and grey define the living space. Subtle flashes of ochre, burgundy and slate-blue mirror the earthy punctuation of wood and stonework throughout the chalet, without diminishing the sunlight pouring in through the large windows. Stepping out onto the sweeping balcony, rustic wooden furniture blends seamlessly with the carved balustrades and decking to keep all eyes on the awe-inspiring peaks beyond.  

Emulate Alpine home décor in your own abode by drawing inspiration for your palette from the majestic mountainous landscape.
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4. Embrace Alpine indulgence
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‍No contemporary Alpine chalet would be complete without the pure, post-ski indulgence of a steam room – quintessence of the cold-weather lifestyle. If budget and space allow, submerge in a comforting, pine-scented haze with a traditional sauna, like the one at our Mont Blanc chalet. Cladded in the archetypal Alpine style, the snug space is entered via a chic, slate-tiled bathroom equipped with a generous bathtub and shower.

Create your own private sanctuary by embracing a textural mix of wood and stonework – the perfect nature-inspired backdrop to a long, luxurious steam.     

5. Celebrate cosiness

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Tactile layering imbues a mountain chalet with a sublimely snug mood. For our spacious Signature Collection retreat, we lavished the pillowy corner couch and beds with woollen blankets, sheepskins and textural woven cushions – emulating Scandinavian hygge in the heart of the French Alps.

The key to creating an idyllically plush corner in your own Alpine-inspired home is to contrast textures, rather than colours. Fringing, woven and shaggy elements, deep, luxurious piles – these are corners that long to be lingered in.

6. Furnish and finish

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The cornerstone of a charming chalet is a sumptuous space for relaxation. Soft, plump couches, armchairs that invite you to recline, and plush rugs provide an inviting focal point for the living space. Amplify the earthy tones and natural materials with chunky wooden tables and a scattering of wicker and woven elements. Then interject the classic Alpine aesthetic with a peppering of clean-lined contemporary pieces – lamps, vases, coffee tables and carefully curated artworks.

Embracing Alpine aesthetics in home décor is a considered blend of subtlety and sumptuousness. Follow our six tips to create the Alpine chalet of your dreams, or bring a touch of the French Alps into your home – wherever it may be.Better still, unlock the lifestyles of Chamonix, Tuscany, Mallorca, the French Riviera and the stunning English countryside when you co-own an August Collection. Take the first step towards multi-homeownership today, request a brochure and discover five enviable homes in five of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.