From Bare to Cozy

As a Boston interior designer working in Vermont, I turned this blank new build into a warm, lived-in mountain retreat. Welcome to the thrilling saga of turning a brand-new, blank-wall house into a warm, inviting mountain retreat in Stowe, Vermont. A New England creative (we travel for views), we took on a space that started out with all the charm of empty spaces—literally, it was just walls. But we didn’t let that stop us. With a bit of vision, and a lot of coffee, we set out to create spaces that scream comfort, perfect for enjoying the beauty of all seasons. Our mission: Make this house the kind of place where you’ll want to hibernate all winter. And never leave, even when the snow melts. We filled it with just the right amount of soft lighting, artfully placed rugs, and livable furniture.

While we patiently (okay, not so patiently) wait for the big press reveal that could take forever to drop, we’re giving you a sneak peek. They maybe some rough-looking iPhone photos, but do the trick. The real photographer, Elliot Fuerniss, has done his thing. And while we wait for high-res you can get a behind-the-scenes look immediately.

Let’s kick off the tour: In the foyer, we’ve got Cole & Sons faux bois wallpaper. On the side wall, a live-edge walnut console is basically an art piece. Step into the powder room, where textured blue wallpaper and a rustic door with exposed hardware bring in barn vibes. In the kitchen—center stage with a crackled ceramic light fixtures and woven stools. Bonus—the homeowner handcrafted the counter stools. In the dining room, a custom walnut console (also made by the homeowner) bears brass hardware and keeps things classy. The black-and-brass light fixture above the table sets the mood under very cool exposed beams.

Lights, Colors, and Textures

In the living room, a glass and metal light fixture hangs gracefully from the wood ceiling. Offering a light and airy feel, the fixture preserves views and adds personality to the space. The palette features crisp white walls and white linen drapery, accented by a bold dark green canvas from one of our favorite artists.

In the family room, a mix of materials continues with a walnut side table, also crafted by the homeowner. A vintage area rug pairs up with a woven Risom armless side chair that introduces a mid-century modern look. Adding depth, we installed Zak and Fox wallpaper and bold primary-colored artwork. Both the paper and the colorful art harmonize with repeated architectural features like the wood barn door with exposed hardware. Completing the look is a collection of custom pillows – also from Zak and Fox.

Serene Primary Suite

In the primary suite, a vintage-inspired area rug is beautifully accented by camel-colored wool drapery. Underneath the drapes, natural woven Roman shades complement the neutral grasscloth wallpaper. A custom linen bed sits aside a handcrafted stool (another ‘made-by-the-homeowner’ moment). White metal and brass wall sconces frame a series of custom artworks in coordinating brass frames. On the bed, a natural fiber bedspread adds texture and pairs with a blue patterned sham and a custom Zak + Fox pillow. In the adjoining bath, polished nickel sconces highlight artwork by a Connecticut-based artist, set against a warm wood accent wall.

A Basement Built for Fun

A black speckled fabric sectional anchors the room, paired with custom ottomans upholstered in our favorite Zak + Fox hunter green striped textile. Plaid wool window treatments add a rustic touch, and we sprinkled in a mix of green and blue pillows. In the guest bath, wood paneling meets bold, blue geometric wallpaper (yes, Zak + Fox again—we might need an intervention).

The Bunk Room

Our favorite part: the bunk room. Custom millwork painted a deep green creates two queen beds and two twin beds, seamlessly integrated with woodwork – also hiding an unsightly HVAC soffit. A geometric wallpaper brings (subtle) energy to the space, topped off with watercolor art from a family friend Kate Schelter and a reupholstered vintage daybed. The daybed – a grandmother’s piece reimagined in cheerful yellow stripes – add personal charm and serves as an extra bed. Modern sconces from Anglepoise complete the look.

Quintessential New England

When designing a space, it’s often the small details that bring everything together. I couldn’t resist snapping a few shots of some incredible vintage rugs that we incorporated into the ski retreat, paired with the perfect backdrop—my own shoes. These rugs are more than just decorative; they tell a story of craftsmanship, history, and personality. Keep an eye out for the unique textures and colors in the photos—they’re proof that a well-chosen rug can be the heart of a room.

We wish we could share even more! Our photographer, Elliott Fuerniss, captured this home beautifully. While you’ll have to wait a year for the full reveal, there’s still time to start planning your Vermont dreams (we travel!). This mountain retreat proves that, with the right Vermont interior designer, even the newest home can feel collected and lived in.