Idea book
Swiss Bed & Breakfast
This is my family’s heritage bed and breakfast in Chermignon, Switzerland. Anchored for 10 generations, I was honored to partake in this chapter of the property’s longevity.
Inspired by the Moroccan details and French countryside, lime wash was used on walls and tadelakt on wet surfaces. Matte nickel and pewter were used for fixtures and lighting.
The word “tadelakt”, derived from Arabic to mean “rub” or “knead”, is a plastering technique used for centuries in Morocco. It is waterproof, water-repellent, and mold/mildew-resistant, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. Tadelakt requires six to seven coats with the addition of burnishing, plus an application of oil-based soap that reacts with the lime in the plaster to form an impenetrable seal.
The elevated fireplace in the morning room, as well as the built-in bench, exposed wood beams and millwork, and the bold and frank tiled bathroom, made all the difference.
Stay focused on a specific style to be true to the atmosphere you’re creating.
Key project takeaway
The project was a collaboration with local architects and our team, mostly at a distance via email. (This was before video calls were common-place). Effective communication was needed to collaborate overseas. With lots of email exchanges, we were able to achieve a selection and beautiful results.
