HIGH SPIRITS
Rustic meets glam in a ski chalet split over four levels and set in the dreamy Montana mountains
Avertical climb reaches up through the Montana mountains to two tree-lined crests that open out onto panoramic views across the valley below. At 9,000ft, you would be hard-pushed to find a more perfect location for a ski in-ski out chalet: a dream spot that would encourage even the most reluctant of skiers to rekindle their mojo. ‘It is the most beautiful setting and a wonderful project to have designed,’ says Seattle-based interior designer Kylee Shintaffer.
For Kylee, a rising star in interior design on the West Coast of America, creating a client home starts with getting to know the family’s rhythm then overlaying cues from the location and prevailing architecture to build an authentic space. ‘Home should be a true reflection of the owners,’ says Kylee. ‘Our brief for this escape was rustic meets glam; a chalet where family and guests can kick back.
‘After the clients purchased the land, they worked closely with local architects Miller Roodell to develop the structure of the house and together we worked on the design and flow of the build. The challenge was to create a space large enough to sleep 24, while maintaining a sense of intimacy.
‘Made entirely from reclaimed wood, sourced from old buildings and deconstructed barns, the home has a beautiful soft patina,’ says Kylee. Walls and floors are clad in corral boards, juxtaposed against smooth plasterwork and striking stone fireplaces built from organic Montana Moss Rock stone weathered by the elements and crafted by local artisans. ‘The creative artistry involved in shaping these huge blocks of stone and wood is exceptional,’ says Kylee.
Having worked with the family several times, Kylee was very much in tune with their taste and a mix of European and western chalet styles were considered: think huge open fires, plush bespoke seating areas, oversized entertaining spaces and cosy bedrooms. Covetable design and a sense of connectivity go hand in hand, with a linking glass corridor uniting separate parts of the building and creating a sense of wow.
The house, split over four levels, comprises a lower ground floor with a media and billiards room and two bunk rooms; while the main entertaining space on the ground floor is home to a sitting room, dining area and large open-plan kitchen and breakfast space. Upstairs, four en-suite bedrooms provide elegant retreats and in the top tower, a loft officecum-guest space enjoys panoramic views. ‘Areas have been designed to be loved and lived in, with the family intent on bringing their family and friends together.’
Used predominantly as a winter getaway, the interior is decorated in warm berry hues, punctuated by off-whites, graphite and smoky blues, with layers of wool, cashmere, felt and mohair adding warmth and refinement. Well-selected antiques, such as the Scandinavian breakfast table, period chairs, old ski posters and Moroccan rugs, add character and a sense of provenance; while statement conical-style pendant lights mirror the mountainous vernacular.
‘Textiles and furniture were sourced internationally and shipped to a warehouse in Seattle so that we could review all the pieces before installation,’ says Kylee. ‘For remote projects, this is key and ensures no mistakes. Two years in the making, the build involved many freezing site meetings and lots of thermals! Seeing everything in place – so cosy and welcoming – is very rewarding.’
As the holiday season approaches, the family arrives and the setting comes alive with candles and huge fires: the perfect spot to hunker down and celebrate a white Christmas at its best.
Kylee Shintaffer, kyleeshintaffer.com, Instagram @kyleeshintaffer
INSIDER INSIGHT
Kylee Shintaffer shares her style vision and loves GO-TO COLOUR
For this project, we used berry tones to pop against the greyish reclaimed wood and white plaster walls. GO-TO BRANDS For fabrics, de Le Cuona and for furniture, independent makers. In the UK, I love The New Craftsmen, Howe London and Soane. MUSEUM TO VISIT Musée Rodin in Paris – the perfect blend of art, architecture and landscape. YOUR STYLE IN THREE
WORDS Timeless, refined, comfortable. OBJECT YOU WILL NEVER PART WITH My mother’s wedding ring.
WORDS TO LIVE BY Buy well and buy once. FAVOURITE MATERIALS FOR CHRISTMAS For a home like this, evergreen garlands and a fresh tree, minimally decorated.