space to grace: Sophisticated in the mountains

It's ski season here in New England so my family and I have been spending most weekends up at our winter rental in the White Mountains, but given the balmy conditions, the skiing has been less than spectacular. So instead of laying fresh tracks, we've been having fun discovering the area. It has become our routine to spend Saturdays on the slopes (not feeling guilty arriving after 9) and Sundays exploring the great outdoors (and a whole array of interiors). Whether it be driving around taking in the scenery, snowshoeing (or more likely hiking) with the dog, stopping for long and sometimes wine-y lunches, or checking out the open houses, mountain life has us daydreaming about a second home.

After walking through a dozen of open houses ranging the full spectrum of price and taste, I've found that the ski chalet has a tendency to be a little kitschy. I have definitely seen my fair share of "Moose Crossing" signs, bear motif picture frames, snowflake blankets, and fake antler chandeliers. I know that it's easy to get roped into the lodge theme, but there are better ways to do it.

So, to keep your rustic retreat from looking too much like a flashback from Hot Dog (or more recently, Hot Tub Time Machine), here are some great woods-inspired products:

Bunk beds from La Lune Collection