How to adopt a modern chalet decor?
Chalet decor is mainly characterized by the predominance of wood, often combined with natural stone. Many textiles are added: plaids, quilts, throws, but also curtains and thick rugs. In terms of materials, wool, flannel, skin and very warm faux fur are in the spotlight.
To create a contemporary atmosphere, we adopt the codes of traditional chalet decoration, modernizing them. We therefore preserve raw materials such as wood, combined with very soft textiles.
When it comes to furniture, we avoid going overboard by adopting, for example, the total wood look. We introduce more contemporary pieces: padded linen bed in the bedroom or leather sofa in the living room, for example.
In addition to furniture that moves away from the rustic style, we favor the rule of “Less is more”, by not overloading the room. A more refined decoration also allows you to enhance a beautiful fireplace or paneled walls.
As for textiles, we forget forest green and red, as well as vintage prints or those with a very wintery connotation: fir trees, snowflakes, animals, etc. We prefer more sober pieces chosen in bright neutrals, in a gray palette or in shades of brown.
If you love the tartan print, choose blue for example, or keep a neutral spirit by opting for brown or gray.
To add color to your interior, choose shades that contrast radically with the iconic palette of classic chalet decor. Exit red or green: we prefer colors full of pep like sunny yellow or ultramarine blue.
In modern chalet decor, priority is given to sober textiles! If fur or wool remain welcome, we use them in small touches. We prefer low-cut fabrics, especially for carpets. To give more character to the decor, think about leather. That’s good: the return of this noble material is one of the major decorating trends for 2024!
The stone fireplace is a key element of traditional chalet decor. To bring a more contemporary look to the decor, you can however dress it in a more minimalist polished concrete version.
The chalet spirit is often associated with chill evenings by the fire, in the glow of the flames. To create a more contemporary interior, we also think about it so that it is pleasant during the day. And we bring in as much natural light as possible!
To lighten the decor as much as possible, don’t forget to choose the lighting carefully: discreet spotlights when the ceiling is low, chandelier or designer pendant light when the ceiling height is more generous.
Chalet decor has things in common with other styles. To modernize it, you can twist it a little by launching into a mix and match. The safe option is to opt for another style that gives pride of place to raw materials: neo-industrial decoration.
For a more natural atmosphere, take inspiration from the hygge spirit. Don’t hesitate to play around with the choice of seats by choosing an armchair, a sofa or dining table chairs with a Scandinavian design – stunning, but also very comfortable!
Adopting a modern chalet decor: the 3 mistakes to avoid
Modernizing the chalet decor is one thing. But it is essential to preserve the codes which give it its personality and its qualities.
We will have understood: the contemporary chalet style decoration is distinguished by a refined aesthetic. So we forget about vintage skis and snowshoes, retro posters or wooden wall decorations cluttering the walls.
That doesn’t mean you have to leave them completely naked, though! The trendy option is the black painted paneling wall, ideal for giving personality to the decor and for structuring the space. You can also choose a pictorial work that you like – canvas, poster or photo.
Modernizing chalet decor codes does not in any way mean eliminating them completely. If we avoid accumulation at all costs, we do not hesitate to keep one or two iconic pieces such as the trophy, which we adopt in a more contemporary version. In an XXL space, you can even fall for the deer antler-style chandelier.
The chalet style is popular because it allows you to enjoy an intimate and comforting interior. If you let in plenty of light, don’t neglect the curtains! On the other hand, we abandon heavy fabrics and prints in favor of more discreet fabrics.