With its stripped-down landscapes and withdrawn aesthetics, winter is paradoxically the most mysterious of seasons. Familiar views are transformed into a myriad of silvery greys and darkened beiges; trees are rendered into skeletal charcoal drawings; sweeps of hillsides are simplified and obscured by accumulated snow. Individuals particularly drawn to winter—and I’m one of them—find these dismal environments intriguing, refreshing and visually dramatic.
With regard to interior design of winter vacation retreats, I rely first and foremost on simple common sense born of necessity and embellished by history and tradition. Thicker fabrics used throughout the house—heavy linens, velvet window treatments and overstuffed upholstery—are a necessity to create a warm and inviting environment. I also love to incorporate a variety of leather pieces, animal hides and antlers for similar reasons: they not only blunt the chill of walls and floors but serve to bring the life of the winter wilderness indoors.
The traditional holiday pairing of crimson and evergreen are always welcome, as they look great by firelight and cue the moods and festivities of hot toddy and tea drinkers year-round. I also like to incorporate the visual fullness of plaid, as it tends to claim space definitively and creates a reassuring sense of enclosure and coziness. Rooms painted in icy tones of blue evoke the European glamour of winter hot spots Scandinavia and St. Petersburg.
Of course, no wonderland is complete without fabulous touches of visual whimsy and fun artifacts that serve to punch up a space—think vintage winter sportswear, distressed signage, provisioning gear, coat racks and foundling mittens, all of which revisit the theme that life in the winter is hard but also breathtaking. Basically, anything natural or man-made that finds its way into a toasty winter getaway has earned its keep—and maybe even pride of place on a mantel.
Primrose Trail
A large-scale sofa faces off with a pair of lounge chairs in a relaxed open space, effortlessly evoking the feel of a luxe lodge. Strokes of red, featured in both the traditional tartan fabric of the adjoining dining area and the upholstery of Barclay Butera Home Somerset chairs, tie the two spaces together.
An exposed staircase with wood railings further conveys the sense of openness.
Two imposing iron light fixtures drop from magnificent timbers that are holding up the structure. The warm, inviting ski lodge vibe inside almost supersedes any incentive to venture outside and hit the slopes.
Rich meets rustic in this handsome leather armchair with oversized nailhead trim.
The home’s den boasts a theme of rugged luxury with a distressed leather sofa and a couple of chunky woven lounge chairs.
A pair of horn accessories and a lantern light fixture enhance the cabin’s cozy ambiance.
Every element exudes graceful charm: the antique chest, organic wood lamp bases, an array of blue-and-white porcelain.
Inviting colors and delightful patterns distinguish this comfortable guest bedroom. An inviting leather chair in the corner provides the perfect place to curl up with a book and a blanket.
Barclay Butera Home Wyland chairs and Sussex sofa are grouped around an antique wood steamer trunk in the master suite.
Elemental and intimate, the master bedroom uses anchor pieces like a grand canopy bed, horn and cowhide chair, and, of course, an alluring fireplace to embody the theme of chalet chic.
The master bathroom is composed of two distinct areas: the vanity on one side and basin with built-in cabinets on the other.
Above and below: Warm, textured neutrals team up to create a pleasant cabin-like bedroom refuge.
This small room celebrates the traditional rustic furnishings: a horned mirror, a chest dressed in cowhide, and a supple leather camp chair.
Minaret Road
Winter is ever present in dramatic expanses of glass, wood and stone. A sophisticated palette of neutrals keeps the look elegant and earthy.
A Barclay Butera Home Manhattan sectional embraces the rustic coffee table. Natural materials warm up the extreme heights and large windows.
Above and below: Wildlife-inspired accessories deftly add touches of whimsy to the environment.
Expansive windows connect this dining room’s interior to its glorious exterior, giving a constant reminder of the beauty just outside. Feed sack dining chairs are a nod to the relaxed environment.
A roomy kitchen the living area is designed for great cooking and entertaining.
A center island and two banks of windows lend a sense of symmetry to the area.
The Barclay Butera Home Townley console and a pair of Claire storage ottomans work in concert to enliven a transition zone. Framed tree etchings and artfully arranged vintage snowshoes animate the expansive wall divider.
The ski lodge theme continues in a mudroom hallway. A drinks table and Sussex chair by Barclay Butera Home offer a restful respite after a day on the ski slopes.
Earth tones impart a warm vibe to a small den that houses a sectional sofa, a pair of Barclay Butera Home Claire storage ottomans, and a view of a breathtaking winter backdrop.
A custom painted cabinet depicts a majestic mountain wildlife tableau.
An upholstered leather bed layered with richly patterned bedding and a roomy lounge chair offer an exquisite blend of contemporary luxury with a traditional aesthetic.
The vibrant, energizing colors and patterns used on the draperies and bedding in this small room make it come alive.
This narrow but efficient bunk room was designed to accommodate visitors who gravitate to this mountain home for winter fun.
Heber Avenue
This darkly elegant den is a warm sanctuary from the cold winter nights, offering up plenty of places to sit and enjoy the warmth of the fire.
A modern cylinder lamp illuminates the sitting area, while varied textures and earthy tones deliver a relaxed, sophisticated style.
A cabinet customized with wildlife art delivers a powerful sense of place.
Glimmering crystal and pewter-rimmed china adorn a table setting in the dining room.
Above and below: Natural elements evoke a woodsy feel, while horns and faux deer heads add to the room’s rustic qualities. A tartan plaid rug keeps things warm underfoot.
Leather, linen, and animal prints complement each other very well in this contemporary bedroom.
Chic winter interiors are all about rich, lush materials.
Enveloping this bedroom in chocolate brown creates a cocoon-like space. Minimal but stylish furnishings include a woven bed, animal-print Soho cubes, and a chunky wood frame floor mirror.
Woven textures, a natural color palette, and dark woods illustrate the dramatic qualities of a winter woods retreat.
Montage Deer Valley
Elegantly appointed, this living room immediately transports the guest to a luxe lodge environment. Hurricane lamps, silver urns, and other decorative items complete the scene in the warmest, most welcoming fashion.
Smart symmetry adds refinement to any space. The winter white palette is set aglow by crystal hurricane lamps and chandeliers. Tufted white upholstery furthers the serene mood.
Beyond the Barclay Butera Home Jacques tufted dining chair against the wall, the dining hall opens onto the living room.
The plaid Hudson host chair by Barclay Butera Home adds a dash of pattern and color to the pale palette.
The muted icy hues of an abstract painting reference the tones of a stripped-down winter landscape in this living room tableau.
A plush leather sectional wraps around this visually striking but eminently livable den.
A velvety brown paint treatment envelops the opulent master bedroom.
A dramatic, eye-catching sunburst mirror bedazzles a niche off the bedroom.
In the retreat’s office, strong, vibrant walls provide the anchor and starting point for the space.
The master bath, centered with a freestanding tub, enjoys an unencumbered view of snow-covered mountains.
Contemporary furnishings are fused with patterned fabric and plush textures. Soothing grey-sage walls allow the artwork and remarkable view to pop.
Empire Pass
A picture-perfect living room showcases the property’s dynamic views, no matter if one chooses to perch on the Barclay Butera Home Harbor sofa, Somerset chairs, or the Claire storage ottomans.
Above and below: The arrangement of the Barclay Butera Home Lido host chairs and Regency dining chairs introduces clean lines while remaining classic.
Well-chosen furnishings in a palette of muted blues and shades of tan and cream create a low-key, sophisticated environment that echoes the polished mountain vibe of the house.
An inset fireplace sets off a scheme of beautifully grained marble tile and gives bath time new meaning in this stunning retreat.
