This dream apartment in Verbier - the Alpine village in Switzerland's Valais Canton - has me feeling incredibly high. And I'm sure it's not the altitude.
photos courtesy of Alessia Mainardi Interiors
Before we go any further, I suggest you have a can of supplemental oxygen on standby, because this home is going to take your breath away.
The 3-bedroom, 3-bath wonder is surrounded by a wraparound terrace that offers spectacular views. It is situated in the Alpine village of Verbier in Switzerland’s Valais Canton, gateway to the 4 Vallées ski area - a renowned luxury ski resort coveted for its excellent skiing, après ski Michelin-starred restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
When a private client hired Milan-born, London-based designer Alessia Mainardi and team to design their Swiss chalet, they gave her carte blanche. "The Verbier chalet was a great and easy brief," says Mainardi. "We'd worked for these owners on their other homes in France and London, so they trusted us completely." Fulfilling the clients' expectations was the simple part; the execution proved a bit more challenging. "Planning and navigating the project was a task, because in Verbier you are not allowed to carry out building work during the high season," explains the designer. "They don’t want drilling noises when people are there to relax. You also have to comply with Swiss rules, use Swiss workers, or have a company based in Switzerland."
But Mainardi is not one to be deterred. Her goal: to meld her sophisticated Italian design style with that of a more traditional Swiss chalet. "We believe in classic fine design here at Alessia Mainardi. I am Italian after all," she remarks. By infusing modern elements without compromising the warm, cozy chalet vibe, Mainardi achieved the perfect synergy of quaint and modern. One might say she pulled it off with the agility of an Olympic gold medalist in Alpine skiing.
Alessia Mainardi
A bespoke kitchen outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances strikes a modern chord, but Mainardi's use of aged wood (finished both here and throughout with matte bronze ironmongery from Joseph Giles) re-introduces the rustic.
Appliances from Gaggenau and SubZero make a striking modern statement, as do the Grigio Carnico marble work surfaces; aged wood joinery balances contemporary with traditional.
The dining room - integrated with the kitchen - features a custom distressed wood and glass table paired with elegant custom chairs covered in Jim Thompson grey velvet. An antler chandelier from Restoration Hardware hangs above, offering ambient lighting and a nod to Swiss chalet tradition.
The living room furniture is an eclectic mix; a vintage Cassina armchair mod 849 - designed by Gianfranco Frattini and reupholstered in Pierre Frey "Bridget" fabric - faces a bespoke modern couch that is upholstered with de Le Cuona's "Cobbles" linen and adorned by Oyuna cashmere pillows and throw. A pair of marble top accent tables from De Padova are set atop a plush mohair rug from Gallery Zozan Antwerpen, Belgium. Roman blinds fabricated with de Le Cuona's "Seahorse" fabric soften the windows.
The master bedroom retains the chalet theme, pairing aged wood floors and joinery with modern yet warm textures and finishes. The understated, elegant headboard is covered in de La Cuona velvet and set within rustic custom-designed millwork. Pierre Frey "Apolline Crème" sheer woven curtains allow gentle sunlight to stream in.
The elegant master bath showcases Mainardi's meticulous attention to detail and exquisite taste in fine finishes. The room features marble and vanity units from Salvatori, Silk Georgette marble, Cea Design fixtures, and a Vismara Vetro shower enclosure.
In a guest bedroom that doubles as an office, a wardrobe custom-designed by Mainardi is upholstered with Johnstons of Elgin Teviot Lambswool. And a special surprise lies within...
Open the wardrobe doors and presto! A pull-down bed.
On par with the interiors, the ambiance and stunning panorama experienced from the terrace is beyond compare.
Alessia Mainardi's distinct aesthetic - a product of her finesse for combining Italian motifs with retro pieces, and ability to conceptualize bespoke furniture designs brought to life by Italy's most skilled artisans - has led to her becoming one of the most in-demand industry talents in London and beyond.
Having experienced this extraordinary ski home, it's plain to see why. I still can't catch my breath. Can you?
For more about Alessia Mainardi Interiors, visit: alessiamainardi.com
