Redefining Alpine Chic: A Stunning Chalet in Gstaad (2026)

Are you tired of seeing the same old "Alpine chic" design in every Swiss chalet? You're not alone. The term often conjures images of predictable, uninspired interiors. But what if you could have a Gstaad home that respects its stunning surroundings without falling into cliché? Antje Hruby, the creative force behind Hruby Studio (https://hruby.studio/), faced this very challenge when tasked with redesigning a four-bedroom chalet for a couple in the heart of Gstaad, Switzerland (https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/design/most-popular-home-design-styles-europe/image-gallery/f49e73f8a657782c5c76a43ada4151ca). Given the strict local regulations governing building exteriors, her mission was clear: create something special “without slipping into the clichéd idea of alpine chic.”

Luckily, Hruby had a clean slate. "The old house from the 1960s had no substance worth preserving," she explains. This allowed her to completely reimagine the orientation of the chalet to maximize those breathtaking Swiss views (https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/sarah-ellen-matt-ford-vaucluse/image-gallery/f3461e8e090c5a3ee85e63182e098398), sightlines, and natural light. Working in close collaboration with Fend & Partner architects (https://fend-partner.ch/), she strategically repositioned the home, carefully planning the architecture, window placements, and interior axes to draw natural light deep into the living spaces and perfectly frame the panoramic views of the valley. "The home sits among old Gstaad farmhouses with beautiful frame gardens, with open fields," Hruby continues. "The setting feels authentically Alpine and tranquil—connected to the landscape’s character and history."

But here's where it gets controversial... How do you create a modern, luxurious space that still feels authentic to its location? Hruby's answer lies in embracing the beauty of natural materials and the passage of time. She grounded the interiors with an earthy palette and materials designed to age gracefully. Untreated, tactile surfaces were chosen specifically to develop a patina, a subtle sheen that reflects daily life. "Patina is not treated as a flaw here, but as something desired and invited over time—a living archive of the family’s everyday life, just as it’s visible on the farmhouses nearby, where weathered wood creates unmistakable charm," she explains. Essentially, she's saying that imperfections are not only acceptable but desirable, adding character and depth to the space.

"Stone, wood and textiles echo the topography and atmosphere, so that at first glance it is clear where you are," Hruby adds. Think of it as an interior design language that speaks to the surrounding environment. Extensive wood panelling, a nod to traditional Swiss carpentry and craft traditions, is used throughout the home. And this is the part most people miss... Even seemingly small details, like a hand-carved stone basin in the guest bathroom, cut from a rough block to mirror the mountains outside, play a vital role in creating a cohesive and authentic feel.

At the heart of the chalet is an open kitchen and dining area, which has become a favorite gathering spot for the couple. "It captures the way this family really wants to live and gather—in a convivial zone where cooking and eating flow together, that can then shift effortlessly from lively togetherness to quiet retreat," says Hruby. She beautifully illustrates how communication and privacy can coexist, rather than being seen as opposing forces.

Double-sided glass vitrines, featuring central pivot doors between the kitchen and dining room, maintain a strong visual connection and uninterrupted views of the landscape, even when closed. Functionally, these vitrines also offer a separate and private space for staff during large dinner parties, without sacrificing the sense of openness and light. It’s a clever design solution that addresses both aesthetic and practical needs.

One of Hruby’s biggest challenges stemmed from the client's request for a lift. "The standard surface options and stringent fire safety rules for elevators left almost no room for improvisation," she recalls. "My intention was to create another ‘room’—so that even the elevator feels like a living space." To achieve this, Hruby collaborated with a specialist company to realize her vision of a 'cabin,' designing a custom lift interior with plush velvet wall coverings for a sense of comfort and luxury.

The lift also complicated the design of the staircase, as the available space was limited. To compensate for this constraint and create a sense of refinement and generosity, Hruby introduced a finely crafted metal balustrade that flows seamlessly from top to bottom like a ribbon. "In my view, a feeling of generosity in transitional spaces is what gives a house its true character," she explains. "Entrance halls, corridors and doors are the backbone of a home and shape its atmosphere far more than a single living room ever could." It’s a powerful statement about the importance of often-overlooked spaces.

With the interior architecture complete, Hruby incorporated vintage pieces "to introduce instant character and emotional resonance, and to keep the rooms from feeling merely decorated," she says. These carefully selected pieces add depth and personality to the space. For example, a painting by Philippe Decrauzat, Blind Painting VII, hangs within the fireplace bookshelf, while a green sofa by Sedilia London curves around a low table by Axel Vervoodt in the living room. A glossy red Cobra table lamp by Martinelli Luce punctuates a built-in desk on the upper level, adding a touch of modern flair.