Modern rustic meets old-school charm in this warm and inviting Swiss chalet

Wood-clad walls and botanical prints combine to create a stylish lodge-luxe aesthetic...

modern rustic living room in Swiss chalet by Sims Hilditch
(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

This beautiful chalet in Switzerland gives a masterclass in bringing a cozy, contemporary touch to a space while maintaining the charm of the existing building, ensuring it is one of the world's best homes.

The renovation was carried out by design studio Sims Hilditch, who are experts in creating tasteful, timeless interiors.

exterior of Swiss chalet decorated by Sims Hilditch

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

Speaking about the project, Emma Sims-Hilditch says: 'Much of the design of this Swiss chalet was authentic and original, however, the interior was in need of redecoration to reflect modern living.

'The brief for this property was to create a cozy interior that maintains all of the chalet’s character and charm.'

modern rustic bedroom in Swiss chalet by Sims Hilditch

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

Emma continues: 'We installed a window in the wall between the kitchen and hallway, allowing the light to filter through to this darker space.'

The welcoming hallway is clad in pine from the original building with a contemporary console providing the backdrop for wicker basket storage and pretty greenery.

wood clad hallway in Swiss chalet by Sims Hilditch

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

'We also knocked through the wall that separated the kitchen and living area on the first floor, creating an integrated space that is full of light.'

cabin style living room in Swiss chalet by Sims Hilditch

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

Wood-clad ceilings add character to the inviting kitchen, while open shelving continue the laidback, rustic feel.

white kitchen in Swiss chalet by Sims Hilditch

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

neutral kitchen in Swiss chalet by Sims Hilditch

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

A soft color palette was chosen with the aim of offering a calming contrast to the hues of the original features.

'When selecting the color palette for the interior, we were mindful to opt for tones that contrasted slightly with the warmth of the existing pine and the terracotta floor tiles,' explains Emma. 

'We used pinky reds, deep green for the stair runner, and a sage hue on the wall downstairs.'

sage green snug in Swiss chalet by Sims Hilditch

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

modern rustic living room in Swiss chalet by Sims Hilditch

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

When planning the window treatments and soft furnishings, the team headed to Chelsea Textiles; the flora and fauna designs were the perfect scale for the windows in the living areas as well as the bedrooms.

country style bedroom in Swiss chalet by Sims Hilditch

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

All of the bedrooms feature the tranquil, soft color palette see throughout, peppered with beautiful floral fabric and wood-clad walls for a country-meets-cabin-style decor.

Bedroom with floral cushions in Swiss chalet by Sims Hilditch

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

There's also a beautiful twin room, where children or extra guests can hunker down  surrounded by beautiful botanical prints and white wood walls.

cabin style bedroom in Swiss chalet by Sims Hilditch

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

twin bedroom with botanical prints in Swiss chalet by Sims Hilditch

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

The chalet also has a large balcony across its upper floors, which acts an extra room when the sun is shining.

Outdoor terrace at Swiss chalet by Sims Hilditch

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

With a selection of pine furniture and cosy throws and cushions arranged on the comfortable seating, this is the perfect place to enjoy the views of the Swiss countryside.

Swiss chalet exterior by Sims Hilditch

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)
Contributing Editor

Ruth Doherty is an experienced digital writer and editor specializing in interiors, travel and lifestyle. With 20 years of writing for national sites under her belt, she’s worked for the likes of Livingetc.com, Standard, Ideal Home, Stylist and Marie Claire as well as Homes & Gardens.