Chic Ski

Heading for the slopes this month? We’re big fans of a winter getaway but have to admit we’re here for the interiors (and aprés ski) almost as much as the snow-based fun.

In particular, we’re excited to see a new breed of ski resort interior design - whether chalet or hotel, there’s a move to break away from the knotted pine, cow skins and antlers which were a must-have for the ski set in the past. We’re taking a look at some of the most stylish spots for a ski getaway - and jumping into our own collection for pieces that fit the new chalet chic brief.

There’s a real buzz about the new Experimental Chalet Verbier - the place to be this winter in the Swiss resort that’s known as the Alpine Ibiza. Not just for ski bunnies, it’s a super-cool boutique hotel that fans of cocktails and clubbing will also love - you could quite happily spend a week here without strapping on your skis, admiring the slopes from the comfort of your suite’s terrace or relaxing in the spa. 

The interior nails the laidback luxe, mid-century modern look, with the lobby setting the scene perfectly with mirrored panels, vintage tiling and a fabulous colour palette of green, cream and terracotta (the same shades used in our recent HIX London installation). Statement seating gives arriving guests somewhere to settle while they check in - the lounge chairs with a vintage feel and gold fringing also pop up elsewhere in the hotel. 

Another new addition to our collection would add a touch of vintage glamour - the Butaca lounge chair is inspired by the shape, texture and colour of a ripe peach, with a seat upholstered in soft velvety fabric and the back rest fabric bringing a glossy sheen.

The colour scheme continues in Frenchie Verbier - the hotel’s restaurant which serves mountain food with contemporary flair. Cream panelled walls offset the terracotta ceiling, and dark-polished wooden tables set with flickering candles and gleaming glassware. Fixed seating is upholstered in a distinctive chevro fabric, while side chairs have a hint of the classic bentwood bistro chair, with upholstered seat and back to ensure guest comfort.

Our Spirit side chair would sit well in this space - the dark wood frame and natural cane back have a retro feel that works perfectly in contemporary restaurant interiors. The seat can be upholstered in leather or fabric to suit.

Our Dorothea armchair also features a woven backrest, which can be upholstered if preferred. Its leather seat and ash wood frame make this a striking choice for restaurants, bars and hotels.

On the other side of the Alps, St Moritz has impeccable credentials - with a lakeside setting, it’s hosted the Winter Olympics twice, and is home to the Cresta Run and an outdoor Olympic ice rink. Known for picture-book views and ritzy (albeit old-school) hotels, a newcomer to the luxe resort has created quite a stir. Hotel Grace La Margna is the first hotel to open in St Moritz in 50 years - one of the only properties which remains open year-round, it’s sleek, elegant and subtly stylish, without any stuffiness.

The bedrooms feature floor to ceiling windows, making the most of the incredible lake and mountain views It’s a low-key luxe on display here - waxed timber flooring is extended across walls and brushed bras finishes are used on lighting and furniture trims. There’s comfortable seating which invites guests to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Our Hugo lounge chair shares the same high back and flared arms wit generously-padded seat and back cushions.

Our Remus lounge chair is another popular piece - part of a larger family of chairs ideal for any hotel, restaurant or bar environment. The frame is made from solid beech and can be stained in almost any colour.

Elsewhere in the hotel, the focal point continues to be the stunning scenery, with lakeside lunches on offer complete with fur blankets and cosy cushions. From the large picture windows to the listed Art Nouveau walls, there’s plenty to look at in N/5 - The Bar, and it’s a comfortable spot to linger over cocktails. The light and elegant colour palette of greys and soft rose pink works perfectly with the beautiful marble bar.

Upholstered high stools are a really popular choice for restaurant and bar interiors, and our Eclipse bar stool is a great option. Its solid ashwood frame can be stained to almost any colour, with its comfortably-cushioned seat and back available in a range of upholstery fabrics and leathers to suit.

A ski resort at the other end of Europe couldn’t contrast more with The Grace - head to the remote highlands of central Iceland for what Highland Base describes as ‘extreme paradise’. The sustainable resort features Nordic minimalist interiors with lots of natural wood, concrete and matt black iron detailing. Natural fabrics are used for upholstery and soft furnishings, with wool blankets and cushions and linens in the bedrooms.

Our collection of lounge chairs has a wide range of options to suit hotels, bars and lounge spaces - the Magda lounge chair is available in your choice of fabric or leather upholstery, with options for legs and frame finish to suit your interior

Our Godó lounge chair is another great choice for a hotel, bar or lounge space - it’s also suitable for outdoor use, so a perfect option for enjoying winter sun on a terrace or balcony. We love the curved silhouette and geometrically-arranged slats - choose upholstery in fabric or leather to suit your interior.

Texture and layering is an important element of this contemporary chalet chic - we love the look of this adventure outpost in Sun Valley, Idaho. Designer Jennifer Miller has brought warmth and contemporary luxury to the space, using velvets, cotton corduroy and plaid fabrics alongside leather and cedar wood cladding. Our favourite has to be the laid-back lounge chairs upholstered in blond shearling - a perfect cosy spot alongside the oversized sectional sofa in a soft shade of aubergine.

Our Jeff modular sofa is a smart way to create a similar look, with a range of options to suit your space an a great choice for a hotel, bar or lounge interior.

In addition to our main collection, we can also create bespoke pieces to suit every space and project - we love a chance to get creative and work collaboratively with clients and designers.

To keep up to date with our latest collection and new additions to our contract furniture range, join our mailing list and look out for our regular email newsletters, or follow us on Instagram.