Seven Essentials for Designing and Furnishing a Mountain Home
LEVEL UP YOUR SKI CHALET OR APARTMENT
Designing a home in the mountains is about more than just keeping warm; it’s about creating a space that feels like a sanctuary against the wild beauty outside your window. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of designing and furnishing alpine homes and lodges across the Victorian High Country (at Dinner Plain, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham) and I’ve learned what it takes to get that perfect balance of warmth, style and functionality.
One of my favourite projects, Blair’s Chalet of Dinner Plain, even earned a couple of interior design awards for its thoughtful design and clever use of space. Those experiences, combined with my work as Creative Director of Britt White Studio and Curated for KIN, have given me a deep appreciation for alpine living. Whether you’re building from scratch, refreshing a rental property or styling your recently purchased chalet, here are my top seven must-dos to design a mountain home - for an interior that’s both beautiful and practical.
1. Start With Warmth Underfoot
In an alpine home, warmth begins at ground level. I always go for thick loop-pile wool carpets or rugs as they’re soft, durable and naturally regulate temperature. Timber is another must and I don’t stop at floors; ceilings, wall linings and joinery all look stunning in warm natural tones. These materials create instant cosiness while standing the test of time.
2. Layer Texture Like a Pro
Layering is the secret to a space that feels truly lived-in. I love rich velvets, soft-touch fabrics and natural leathers that age beautifully over time. Wherever possible, I take cues from nature. At Blair’s Chalet, we even matched kitchen cabinetry to the pink tones of the surrounding snowgums. This connection to the landscape makes your home feel grounded and authentic.
3. Choose Materials That Elevate
Luxury in a mountain home doesn’t have to mean high maintenance. Natural stone, marble and textured porcelain are excellent for kitchens and bathrooms, offering a polished look while being durable for rental properties. Timber and stone-clad exteriors create a sense of arrival before you even step inside.
4. Master the Art of Lighting
Lighting in alpine homes needs to do more than just brighten a room; it should create warmth and mood. I recommend layered lighting (a variety of pendant lights, wall sconces and floor lamps working in harmony) that bounces off natural materials. It adds depth and makes the space feel inviting even on the darkest winter day.
5. Nail Your Furniture Layout
Furniture layout can make or break a mountain home. Oversized pieces often overwhelm smaller alpine spaces, so I focus on proportion and flow. Every room should feel open, easy to navigate and inviting, just like this apartment in Lawlers at Mt Hotham. Good design isn’t just about aesthetics; a thoughtful layout can directly impact your property’s value, especially if you plan to sell fully furnished.
6. Let Negative Space Breathe
Don’t underestimate the power of negative space. Giving the eye somewhere to rest makes a room feel more polished and thoughtfully designed. A few well-placed focal points: like a mirror; a metallic detail; or a reflective tile, can add a touch of intrigue without cluttering the space.
7. Plan Ahead
Mountain homes are unique and so are their renovation timelines. Spring is the perfect time to start planning updates so you’re ready for next winter’s ski season. Whether it’s a full redesign or a curated furniture plan, investing in thoughtful design now (the winter before or at the latest spring) means your home will feel just as good as it looks when the snow starts to fall.
Embrace the magic of alpine living while surrounding yourself with comfort and warmth. With the right mix of materials, lighting and layout, your space can feel like a true alpine retreat: whether you’re welcoming guests, renting it out or simply curling up by the fire after a day on the slopes.
If you’re dreaming of a cosy winter escape, refreshing a rental property, or planning a complete redesign, now is the perfect time to get started. At Britt White Studio, we specialise in creating alpine homes that are as functional as they are beautiful, tailored to your lifestyle and designed to last for years to come.
For stress-free furnishing solutions, explore our Curated for KIN collections. We have a range of designer curated furniture packages that make styling your mountain home simple and elegant, with enough customisation to ensure it’s entirely you.
