Creating a Fresh, Warm Alpine Design

Photo: Courtesy of Pearson Design Group

As the days get shorter and nights grow colder, our thoughts naturally turn to the comforts of home. And with this turning in comes the perfect opportunity to reflect on our architectural aspirations and explore exciting interior design ideas as we dream of our ideal space. Here, we share three impactful ways to get started.

Bring The Fire

A roaring fire is a must-have feature in any cold weather environment, especially in the main gathering space. Why not expand your vision and consider adding a fireplace to other spaces such as dining areas, sitting rooms and bedrooms. Thinking beyond the traditional and obvious setup opens up the potential of your favorite spaces.

Photo: Courtesy of Pearson Design Group

This fireplace above, featuring a cast stone surround and white washed masonry, is effectively on the side of the room and sitting area. This allows big views and intimate conversations to assume equal importance in the space.  In this open living space, the fireplace is similarly placed to the side of the view and behind the dining area, yet it remains a full participant in the vibe of the space.

Perched unobtrusively in the corner, and open on two sides, this fire feature anchors an otherwise open bedroom suite. A fire feature’s strength can be in its subtlety, as in this bedroom where a corner gas unit is more about a moment, a quality of light, and a peaceful place to unwind.

Photo: Courtesy of Pearson Design Group

Photo: Courtesy of Pearson Design Group

Include Traditional Details 

Beyond the fireplace, traditional details and materials bring tremendous warmth to an interior environment…even when the material pallet is simple and restrained. For instance, in an otherwise very clean and open space, traditional elements such as timber detailing, wood planking, and traditional window massing create a comfortable and modern composition.  Additionally, the monochromatic and restrained wood finishes allow the interior furnishings to take center stage in this alpine gathering room.

Use of reclaimed wood paneling and cabinetry create a sense of time in this bathroom suite. The patina of old wood speaks for itself, and the simplicity of integrated pulls in the cabinet drawers further the sense that something vintage and special has been found. In this alpine kitchen, traditional design details shine as the kitchen hood, legs on the island, coffered ceiling, and decorative lights are layered together.

Photo: Courtesy of Pearson Design Group

Photo: Courtesy of Pearson Design Group

Photo: Courtesy of Pearson Design Group

Warm Up the White

The subtlety of white-on-white variations of sheen and texture can truly warm up nearly any version of white.  Additionally, the addition of complimentary warm woods can make a white interior anything but cold. As seen in this kitchen, the white plaster walls, hood, and backsplash combine for a sophisticated effect. The interwoven use of reclaimed woods makes even the stainless steel range feel rich and colorful.

In this alpine living room, heavily textured interiors and decorative accents warm up an otherwise very simple white plaster room. Inlaying natural wood accents, such as these unique stools, into the whitest part of this kitchen softens the entire space.

Photo: Courtesy of Pearson Design Group

Photo: Courtesy of Pearson Design Group

Photo: Courtesy of Pearson Design Group

Justin Tollefson, AIA is a principal architect at Pearson Design Group, a Bozeman, Montana-based integrated architecture and interior design firm that offers a broad range of design aesthetics. View their profile or contact them at 406.587.1997.

Content for this article provided by Pearson Design Group.