Forget everything you think you know about 'Alpine chic'! This design trend often conjures images of predictable, overused aesthetics. But what if a chalet could defy those clichés and instead, celebrate the breathtaking Swiss panorama? This is precisely what Antje Hruby of Hruby Studio set out to achieve when tasked with redesigning a four-bedroom home in Gstaad, Switzerland, a location where strict local regulations govern building styles. Her goal? To create a space that felt authentically Alpine, without falling into the trap of generic design.
Luckily, the original 1960s house offered little worth preserving, allowing Hruby to completely reimagine the space. Partnering with Fend & Partner architects, she reoriented the chalet to maximize the stunning views, sightlines, and natural light. The result is a home that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings.
And this is the part most people miss... Hruby ensured the interiors harmonized with the traditional Gstaad exterior, using a base palette of earthy tones and materials designed to age gracefully. Untreated, tactile surfaces were chosen to develop a beautiful patina over time. As Hruby explains, “Patina is not treated as a flaw here, but as something desired and invited over time—a living archive of the family’s everyday life, just as it’s visible on the farmhouses nearby, where weathered wood creates unmistakable charm.”
The use of stone, wood, and textiles echoes the local topography and atmosphere, creating an immediate sense of place. For instance, extensive wood paneling reflects traditional Swiss carpentry, while a hand-carved stone basin in the guest bathroom mirrors the rugged mountains outside.
The heart of the chalet is an open kitchen and dining area, a favorite space for the homeowners. As Hruby describes, it “captures the way this family really wants to live and gather—in a convivial zone where cooking and eating flow together, that can then shift effortlessly from lively togetherness to quiet retreat.” Double-sided glass vitrines maintain visual connections to the landscape even when closed, and the kitchen offers a separate, private space for staff during dinner parties without disrupting the open feel.
One of the biggest challenges was incorporating a lift, as the standard options and fire safety rules left little room for creativity. Hruby's solution? To transform the elevator into another 'room', designing a custom interior with velvet wall coverings for a sense of plush comfort.
The lift also impacted the staircase design, as space was limited. To create a sense of refinement, Hruby introduced a finely crafted metal balustrade. As she explains, “In my view, a feeling of generosity in transitional spaces is what gives a house its true character.”
To add character and emotional resonance, Hruby incorporated vintage pieces throughout the home. These included a painting by Philippe Decrauzat, a green sofa by Sedilia London, and a glossy red Cobra table lamp by Martinelli Luce.
But here's where it gets controversial... The true magic of this chalet lies in the seamless blend of contemporary design and local tradition. It's a space with a unique signature, born from the deep trust of the owners and the exceptional craftsmanship of everyone involved.
What do you think? Does this chalet successfully avoid the clichés of 'Alpine chic'? Are you drawn to the idea of a home that embraces both modern design and traditional elements? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
(Images of the piano, dining table, lounge room, living space, bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways, shelves, wardrobes, and cupboards would be included here.)
