CREATING A COZY CHALET

Creating a warm and cozy cabin, home or room that feels authentic can be easy and affordable with a few simple tricks. Take is from the Swiss cabin recreation in Aspen, CO...

1. Use some form of animal taxidermy. I don't mean it has to an actual taxidermy head mount - but you can find antlers which are natural for buck's to lose, cardboard replications, even paper mache forms on etsy, and place them in small groupings. They create presence, but not overwhelmingly so.

2. Use prints and patterns in muted colors that compliment the overall palette. Plaids, basic stripes, even simple not tacky winter scenes can give a room that little jolt it needs to feel like a cabin - rather than your average everyday living space...

3. Use rustic/recycled wood and other local fibers. It will give the place a feeling like the bones of the home have been there for many, many generations - thus holding much character.  It brings a space down to earth, and creates a feeling that welcomes people in.  Instead of your average fabric basket for holding items - think woven. Even if your fireplace doesn't work, fill a great wicker basket with some firewood just for effect.

4. Paint a neutral color palette. Think white not cream, beige, and gray. These colors lay the base for easy design. You can pair other natural elements as well as prints on blankets and bedding well with these choices, and they also reflect the nature of the outdoors brought in...

5. Use cozy textures. Think sheepswool rugs easily and affordably found at Ikea, Linens, and ultra soft cottons jersey knit sheets anyone? Make choices that instantly say "warm" when someone snuggles up to read a book, sip coffee, or watch a movie.

photos via house beautiful

A COZY NEW YEAR

I can't believe how long I've been away from this little blog of mine, and I'm so excited to see what the new year ahead has in store- because afterall, you, my dear readers, have made this year quite amazing!

Here in the sunny Swiss alps, I can't help but be drawn to the rustic interiors, complimented by the bright sunlight which highlights the views outside the windows far and wide...

the cozy textures...

sense of architectural history...

use of what nature provides us mixed with contemporary elements...

the fabulous furs, and at the end of the day, the plush and fluffy beds that await...

[via] decorpad, pinterest, coco+kelley,  ryan korban