Q Design House transformed a 1970s chalet in Rougemont, Switzerland, into a family holiday home with one key direction from the owners: avoid the Swiss 'twee' style so many chalet renovations have fallen victim to. From installing a 360 degree fireplace to converting the nuclear bunker, installed by law in the 1970s during build, into a bathroom, this chalet in the Alps is the future of luxury winter homes away from home.

“Cosy, yet contemporary, is an exciting balance to achieve in any project,” says Josie Lywood, Creative Director of Q Design House, “but for a Chalet you really have to keep challenging yourself that you aren't falling into the trap of traditional Alpine style to achieve that cosy feel by pushing the boundaries to incorporate contemporary pieces, without losing the feel of the mountains or the desire to wrap up by the fire place after a days skiing.”

Soft touches from fur throws and supple fabrics, combined with strong colour schemes of raspberry velvet and navy feature walls achieved this brief, though it is the unique features of the chalet that truly make the property both an architectural and design show-piece. A stunning 360 degree fireplace was installed to re-orientate the main living area, making the fireplace the focal point and maximising the stunning views of the mountains and the valley below. Even a snug room was designed to be sectioned off from the main living room with sliding doors so that young family members could be nearby, but with their own space, ensuring the adults get their holiday time when they retreat to the Alps.

An indoor staircase, replacing one which previously had to be cleared every time snow fell, forms a dramatic ascent into the chalet, with recessed LED lighting carefully placed to ensure a warm ambience throughout the property. The gem of this design is a stunning en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, large bath and glass-fronted sauna which is amazingly transformed out of a nuclear bunker. The bunker was compulsory in Switzerland for chalets built in the 1970s, and creates a truly unique story behind this luxurious, yet cosy, chalet in the Alps.