After nearly a month of merriment, the transition back to “normal” life isn’t coming easily for me. The kids have gone back to school and I am faced with the tedious tasks of decluttering, returning the less~loved gifts and collecting up all of the holiday decor to be tucked away for another three~hundred~and~fifty~some~odd days. Our gorgeous tree will absolutely stay upright at least through the advent this year, it is still SO fragrant!
I have managed to stock the larder {well, I placed my Amazonfresh order anyway}. So, I think it’s okay if I procrastinate just a little, don’t you?
Want to come with me to this great little shop I visited in Chamonix awhile back? I don’t have the name handy, but it is located just outside of town, down the street from the Hotel Albert Premier and across the street from the marketplace… you’ll be able to find it, but write me if you need more details.
This little hut was loaded with so many alpine-chic, naturally beautiful elements that could transform any space into a lovely, luxurious lodge. The rustic charm was evident from the street front, the entrance was flanked with a pair of cafe chairs, draped with soft, furry hides and behind each of the chairs were ancient, weathered sleds.
What an inviting place to take a seat after a day at the market.
Once inside, shoppers are surrounded by natural wooden walls with a rich patina and plenty of gorgeous decor. I loved this kind trophy, a carved wooden head topped with shedded horns. I hope you can you see that handsome moose horn sconce to the right as well.
These half circles of bark are fitted with lights and emit a nice halo of warm, gentle light.
More trophies, a little less animal friendly, but don’t you love how they added textural layers by mounting them on the gray weathered wood planks?
This wall, upholstered with a quilt of squares of hide is definitely not animal friendly, but what a stunning, cozy affect. The ceiling was covered with some sort of burlap, trimmed with decorative wood trim.
A few more wonderful pieces.. look at these rustic wood footstools and barstools topped with hide, I love the rough wood trunks used for the legs.
How gorgeous is this furry trunk? I think that is wildebeest hide, love that soft gray color.
I wish I could cozy up under this soft mohair blanket with feathered fringe {I hope it’s backed with cashmere though}.
More inspired seating…look at these lovely little stools, made of hearty horns and black fur.
These petrified wood stools, were so interesting and tactile in real life.
The sides are irregular, rough, yet smooth, and the tops were polished to an intense high gloss. You can’t really tell from the photos, but most of the floors in the shop are covered with a layer of pebbles or stones, each room had a different color and size. Another layer of outdoor beauty brought in.
Someone has a great, creative sense, don’t you love this comforting heart composed of driftwood?
They had many home accessories, including these bulbous stoneware lamp bases.
Look at these beautiful ash gray tapers, aren’t they just gorgeous? Does anyone have a source for these?
From Chamonix I skied across the Alps to Zermatt, Switzerland, just me and my turquoise backpack {along with a flock of friends, and a gorgeous guide… we stayed in high mountain huts along the way}. So, of course, none of these treasure could fit in my backpack, but it was nice to dream about them.
Do you need a little more time to make sense of that pesky to-do list, the resolutions, the returns, and general adjustment to reality?
Want to fall in love with all that winter has to offer in a cool climate? Come on a tour of The Alps with me…just click on any of these titles to get started… Au revoir Chamonix, The Haute Route, day 1 {the rest of the days should pop up under “You Might Also Like”}, We Made It!, Elegant food in a Rustic setting, Simplon Cheese, and Chez Vrony.
Oh, I am feeling much better now, thank you for coming along.
Beautiful!! We were in Chamonix about 20 years ago and I went thinking being a novice skiier I would be cruising down the mountain well…..it didn't quite happen that way but I was A LOT younger and threw caution to the wind, took a few brush up lessons and off I cautiously went…we had an amazing time, what a breathtakingful beautiful place!! Lucky you…I can see why you are having a hard time readjusting!
I always feel like that when I come home from a place I really really liked….as my husband likes to remind me, thats why they call it a "vacation"!
Emily, I'm all for practicing the art of procrastination, so adore your suggesting of a high-altitude shopping adventure! Wish we could put on the skis and swoosh away, reality has me a little flummoxed and befuddled and I would love to disappear for a few more days. Starting in Chamonix sounds like a grand plan. I've never been — I did visit Zermatt a few years back, but slipped on the ice and broke my elbow before I ever hit the slopes, oh dear. So I think an Alpine do-over is definitely in order. Or least some fondue and a little imagination…
HA! Too funny Emily – we should have coordinated our posts!! You are clearly a much better skier than I – my husband gave my new ultra shaped shorter skis for Christmas – always hoping that I'll improve. Little does he know that it probably won't make much of a difference!
EH – it is a wonderful place, love that entire range. Just to clarify, this trip actually happened over a year ago…but this seemed to be the right timing for these images.
Jeanne ~ OUCH! The elbow?? Fondue, raclette and chablis stateside may be in order!
Q ~ great minds…I'm going to include yours in my fb and tweets, when I get around to that. YOU are so good about twitter!!
Happy New Year to all of you!! xo ebh
This looks like an amazing place to visit. I haven't been skiing since high school, so I am most impressed!
happy new year emily!
i have been using the word befuddled lately and i see jeanne is using it here… i am glad to know we are all in the same boat… we just need to float thru the next week to get back to reality… and i am up for fondue anytime!!!! xoxo
wow just stumbled across your blog and *hello* new friend!! I should say neighbor *gig harbor* seems like next door in the world of blogging. Looking forward to getting to know you, happy new year!
My husband and I and our daughter skiied in Chamonix about 10 years ago and had a wonderful…no time for shopping then, but this looks wonderful!!
Kathy, thank you for stumbling in! I love Gig Harbor. Hoping to get back there sometime soon.