The owners accused their new house of being a tad cold and imposing. Designed about 15 years ago by eminent Australian firm Cera Stribley with interiors by Hecker Guthrie, the stone structure presented an impressive modernist take on a ski chalet. “It was conceived as a robust, contemporary alpine house with a strong architectural framework and limited palette, very disciplined and intentional,” says designer Brahman (“Brem”) Perera.
“My clients asked me to step in to soften the interiors,” Brem continues. “They deeply appreciated the architecture, but felt the spaces leaned a little austere and formal for how they wanted to live.” The family retreat, located slope side on Australia’s Mount Buller, has since been given an impressive makeover, courtesy of grained wood paneling, glazed brick, patterned textiles, and a lot of inviting landing spots. Using “humanize” to describe his approach, Brem says, “My role was additive rather than corrective.”
Photography by Timothy Kaye, courtesy of Brahman Perera (@brahmanperera).
Unlike most of the pieces in the house, the midcentury-style wall lights were a surprisingly affordable find: they’re the Amore 2 with pleated linen shades, $129 AUD, from Beacon Lighting.
To diffuse the alpine light pouring into the room and add “another layer of warmth and acoustic softness,” Brem used Flusso Haze sheers and Mokum Eternal linen curtains throughout.
More ski house inspiration:
- Swish Chalet: An Alpine Remodel by Jonathan Tuckey in Andermatt
- Le Sarto: 8 Design Ideas to Steal from an Art Deco Chalet in the French Alps
- 12 Favorites: Snow-Covered Cabins from the Remodelista Archives
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