Amadeus

The renovation of these 2 apartments into one big penthouse presented me with a unique opportunity. I have been given a really creative control with simple instructions from my client : build a home that had the look and feel of a high-end alpine chalet, for him and for his family and friends. The contemporary condo now boasts clean lines, a warm and contemporary atmosphere and a soothing palette of masculine colors. The entrance has a high niche with an indirect lighting to start with a Chinese sculpture bought by the owner, representing the Princess of Love. In the guest toilet, because this Princess has a sister, we placed another Chinese sculpture in another smaller niche. I thought this would be a witty way to have her there, smiling and caring about everybody. In the passage to the tail section of the apartment, I mixed old wood and glass on the wall panels to brings life and reflection, also in the idea to cut the traditional way of wood panelling we can find in most of the Swiss chalets. With « LIGHT OAK" wood floor planks , precious Oriental carpets, comfortable custom-made bed, thick headboards, the three bedrooms offer the prospects of personal indulgence after a sportive day in the mountains. As we were not able to enlarge the size of these bedrooms, I created a wooden frame on the ceiling lined with customized wooden cupboards and desks, teamed with grey leather handles. The use of beautiful natural fabrics for the headboard, the curtains and the decorative cushions makes the rooms feel cozy, creating a soothing, welcoming alpine retreat. The sober veins that run through each piece of stonelike "grès cérame" make the two guest bathrooms a bespoke timeless simplicity without any pure sophistication that refines daily functions into a ritual of efficient selfcare. One of these bedrooms is a en-suite room with floor to ceiling doors open out onto a nice balcony with wonderful mountain views, customized night tables all in leather and iconic bedside lamps. Light grey linen was used for the curtains, headboard and bed frame were covered by another light grey textured fabric. One of the 12 antique chairs, newly upholstered, found her place, at the customized desk. The other room has a king size bed nestled in a haven of wood, complemented by a headboard, cushions and curtains in a very light green allowing the colors of the pine trees to dance around the room. The last bedroom in this part of the apartment has a double bed topped with a single bed, ideal for teenagers or kids. Blue curtains have been lined with denim cushions trimmed with red piping, altogether teamed with a beautiful Oriental red carpet. In the small corridor, a clever customized cupboard hides a washing column and all the cleaning equipment. In the master area of the penthouse, in the big living room, the big windows all around the fireplace allow us to enjoy the magnificent view over the surrounding mountains. I am really proud of the majestic fireplace, all in local stone, from ground to ceiling, Sitting there, in the white armchair made of Tibetan fur, just next to it, it’s easy to imagine the cozy night. The neutral curtains in thick linen contrast with the black leather of the sofa and armchairs. Florals and geometrics collide in happy harmony with an antique wooden table, a large Persian carpet and very modern reading lamps. In the very comfortable Italian couch, the chef can enjoy the beautiful wooden ceiling structure, made in old wood by the very skilled local craftsmen. In the back of the living-room, I have created a corner called « bar du soir », integrating a small kitchen, lot of storage for the glasses and bottles, an angle customized sofa, a coffee table and a big television. The shades of blue and grey work together in this small space to create a more understated and warm corner. The kitchen used the codes of the entrance, with this mix of wood and glass, complemented with a black stone top. The backsplash is made of black glass, reverberating the amazing landscape of the Swiss Alps. In the dining-room, a beautiful antique table is accompanied by 10 newly upholstered chairs with intricate pattern designs, also topped by a false-ceiling and its indirect lighting. The beautiful "buffet" has been specially designed, in the same wood than the floor, surrounded by a black frame and a black top on which there are beautiful sculptures and artworks. From the living room, a minimalist staircase made of oak and glass bring the friends' kids to a cozy room, under the roof, where we have painted the yellow wooden structure in light grey, where a thick wool carpet welcomes the little feet and where 4 comfortable mattresses are installed in a very organized way. In the ensuite Southfacing master bedroom, each centimeter has been studied, integrating a customized desk topped by a recess lit, a double bed and a night table, specially made in grey leather, with elegant grey leather handles. The favorite carpet from all the Oriental carpets shipped from the Swedish owner's home to Switzerland has taken its place, with its blue and red pattern designs, lined with the roman blinds, the headboard and the decorative cushions. In the bathroom, a floor to ceiling glass inserted in the partition wall allows the owner to enjoy a great view from his sauna. The floor to ceiling large window open out onto a spacious balcony which overlooks the valley and the Mont-Blanc Massif. In the far corner of this master bedroom, next to the separate toilet, I have created an efficient dressing. On the large balcony, a nice range of chairs, table, side tables and sunbeds have been installed, teamed with faux-fur plaids and cushions. Champagne and petits-fours always wait for their chefs ! With the architect, we really wanted to blend contemporary aesthetics, natural materials and creative use of every square foot of space. We collaborated closely with our client to create the home that fit his active and amazing lifestyle.