Decorating & Design
December 30, 2015
Home Tour: A Modern & Rustic Chalet In Mont Tremblant
A family of four with a penchant for the outdoors found their ideal winter getaway in the hills of Mont Tremblant, Que. Designed by Richard Ouellette, of Montreal architecture and design firm Les Ensembliers, this home calls to mind the warm, rustic splendor of the wooden ski lodges in Megève, France – but with a modern edge. “When you walk through this house,” says Ouellette, “all you want to do is sit on a cozy piece of furniture and read.” Click through for a tour of this stunning space.
Designer Richard Ouellette’s approach was all about balance. The modern look of the floating staircase was tempered by wrapping each oak tread in warm, thick carpet. Striking pieces from the homeowners’ art collection are given pride of place throughout the home.
In the grand center hall, two angular stools are a mod counterpoint to the rustic reclaimed-wood harvest table, which can do double duty as a buffet or bar in a pinch. The oak bookcase was designed to match the height of the hall’s huge windows, which flood the space with light.
The living room is a study in symmetry — pairs of sofas, ottomans and stools have a pleasing geometry. Mixing patterns, like the diamond-ridged rug and tribal-style upholstery on the ottomans, brings life to the tone-on-tone palette, while the artwork provides an eye-catching pop of color. Large groupings of pillows add hits of soft green and cozy, plush volume to the expansive sofas.
A huge, diamond-patterned rug connects the living and dining spaces. The height of the snug upholstered chairs is flush with the table, opening up the surrounding airspace. The chandeliers’ slim lines enhance the effect.
Adjacent to the dining area, the kitchen’s generous island makes moving a dinner party from standing appetizers to a full-course meal to after-dinner cocktails a snap. Expansive counters atop the clean, minimalist cabinets contrast the rows of rustic wicker baskets.
This landing is the perfect spot to enjoy the spectacular views, thanks to a bench topped with cozy fur accessories. “All of these windows are huge. They become additional art in the house,” says Ouellette.
Soft hints of color and a nod to traditional Scandinavian needlework are woven into the guest room’s bedding, pillows and throws. Quirky additions, like a tiny painting of a cow, add a youthful note.
In the open-concept principal bedroom, the views are the most important design element. On the bed, soft linens layered with a blanket and chunky knit throw provide plenty of cozy texture, while on the wing chair, a custom pillow fashioned from a vintage fur coat is a playful take on traditional lodge decor.
A two-sided fireplace separates the principal bedroom from the ensuite bath; its starkness is offset by the large windows and vibrant artwork.
The slate floors and floating wooden vanity in the principal bathroom are modern and clean, allowing the views to take center stage. A subtly patterned rug and pouf soften the space’s lines.