A Charming Chalet in Switzerland

Photography by Myriam Ramel / Lumière du jour

After a long search for the perfect home for their family, Virginie Confino and her husband found this chalet in Val-d’Illiez in the Swiss Alps. “It was love at first sight,” says Virginie. That was, until they saw inside. Built in 1912 and seemingly untouched since the 60s, the interior was old, outdated, without heat or stairs to get to the second floor (there was only a ladder).

Virginie and her husband, a photo editor and science journalist respectively, got to work on the renovation in 2012. Neither had experience in home building or home design projects, but with a little help from books, Youtube videos and friends, the chalet began to look and feel more like a modern home with nostalgic elements.

Nearly everything inside was remodeled, but some of the wood was reclaimed for wall decor and coverings. Virginie wanted to mix the vintage components with more contemporary style. “We have a big entryway and I wanted to have something special. We choose a transparent main door to emphasize the view,” she says.

Inspired by Scandniavian style, this charming chalet is minimalist, natural and gorgeous. The materials in the home are wood and slate, enhancing the light and airy style of the interiors. Most of the furniture is IKEA but her husband built the dining room table. They accented an upstairs wall with chalk paint “to write and draw on when we play games” with their children. Warm throws, animal skin rugs and other cozy textiles bring texture and warmth to the home. The bedding is simple and light so as to not draw attention away from the beautiful architecture of the space.

To top it off, the chalet has a terrace with an amazing view on Les Dents du Midi mountains, “where we can take in the view while enjoying a Swedish bath when it’s snowing,” smiles Virginie.

DESIGN DETAILS
INTERIOR DESIGN Virginie Confino, Gris Souris