2013 gold key AwArds Best suite SourceS accessOries: Del Rogers (quartz bowls); fUrniTUre: Christian Liagre; Julian Chichester; LighTing: Anna Lari (table lamps); mirrOr: Porto Romana winner The AlpinA GsTAAd Gstaad, switzerland reno Guntli "The project stood out because it created a luxurious experience with both a macro and holistic approach to the project and beautiful finishes." -Ted Jacobs Designer The Gallery HBA London The brief Take inspiration from the alpine location to make the two top floors into a luxurious duplex style suite. Capitalize on the skylights and a window wall to make the interior design mirror the views of mountains and alpine meadows. Utilize the challenges of the chaletstyle architecture, such as a sloping roof, to foster an escapist, residential mood. Make sure the design has a strong tie to both the local building aesthetic and the tradition of local craftsmanship. The magic Quality, authenticity and simplicity are the building blocks of the new idea of luxury. Instead of steering the design toward formal opulence, the materials and FF&E in the suite create a fearlessly modern mix of classically highend pieces and more unusual choices crafted and finished with a polish that makes them five-star. The materials palette relies on tactile elements like wood, leather and reclaimed stone to elaborate on that design statement. Those stylistic layers start as soon as guests enter the space. A vellum 58 boutiquedesign.com december 2013 console table supports quartz bowls and chicly understated table lamps. Wood detailing dominates the neutral walls throughout the space. Restored antiques and Swiss embroidery on pillows contrast with the cleancut contemporary lines of the custom pieces. Each space's focal point reflects the desire to make this suite feel like an aspirational retreat. The embossed leather wall behind the bed is a study in comfortable cool. The floor-to-ceiling fireplace in the center of the spa space grounds the airy, mostly whitefurnished room. Polished horns and hunting trophies share decorative duties with more traditional art. The Takeaway Forget velvet and marble-what says "luxury" now is more about the "how" than the "what." Even seemingly humble materials can shine in a high-end setting if the craftsmanship is exquisite. A simple wall of wooden slats in the staircase echoes the local "gimmwand" building style, usually seen in farm-land buildings. The chaise lounge is upholstered in a horsehair/linen blend that was woven by hand.http://www.boutiquedesign.com