Inside Nicky Dobree's World: Redefining Luxury Chalet Interior Design
people • DESIGNERS
Nicky Dobree is a renowned interior designer celebrated for her ability to transform alpine chalets into luxurious, timeless retreats. With a career spanning over two decades, her designs masterfully blend natural materials, local craftsmanship, and contemporary comfort, creating spaces that are both breathtaking and inviting. In this feature, we explore Nicky's design philosophy, iconic projects, and the inspiration behind her unique ability to craft interiors that feel like a true escape.
WEBSITE: nickydobree.com INSTAGRAM: @nickydobreeinteriordesign
Words: designeers
JANUARY 2025
DESIGNEERS
How did your upbringing in Paris and Vietnam shape your design vision?
nicky dobree
Thanks to my father’s postings we travelled extensively and lived in many wonderful homes. From an early age I was exposed to a variety of architectural styles from the Hausmanian Parisian style of the 19th C to the French colonial Vietnamese Villa where we lived in Saigon. It was here that I not only learnt French but I was exposed to a richness of culture and design from an early age.
DESIGNEERS
How does your passion for skiing influence your chalet designs?
nicky dobree
Understanding life in the mountains and the rhythm of a skier’s day is key to designing a chalet. A well-designed ski room for example is essential with sufficient space for skis, boot warmer, coats, helmets, ruck sacks etc. One which allows for good circulation and seating to take your boots on and off. A WC close by is always handy for a last-minute nip to the loo (restroom).
Designing a chalet is also a home for guests and a place for discrete service too. This influences the layout front and back of house – on and off stage as I like to think of it. Discrete service is an art and being able to deliver this to guests requires great thought and the study of time and motion, who will be where and at what time of day, morning activities versus teatime or entertaining etc. The flow of the space and the materials that are used are critical to the successful running of the chalet.
Chalets are invariably places where large groups of family and friends gather on holiday. They will need a comfortable sitting room space in which they can all gather around a log fire, their own private bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms in which to retire, each offering privacy, warmth and a sense of belonging that allows guests to fully unwind and enjoy the comfort of their surroundings.
There is something magical about a ski chalet in the mountains. That feeling of returning to a cosy retreat after a day on the slopes is one of life’s great pleasures.
DESIGNEERS
Which travel destination has recently sparked your creativity?
nicky dobree
Inspiration can come from anywhere; however, I regularly travel to South Africa which is always a great source of inspiration for me. Africa has such a rich heritage of craft, and it is where I will curate and design bespoke pieces for our projects. For me, there is a wonderful synergy between African lodges and mountain chalets.
DESIGNEERS
What's the most unconventional client request you've turned into a design triumph?
nicky dobree
A panic room which had all the comforts of a cosy sitting room!
“A layering of textures and materials creates a warm and inviting home. Use rugs, artwork and period pieces to ground the space; wool for curtains and upholstery to create a warm and cozy feeling.”
nicky dobree
DESIGNEERS
Who is your design hero, and how have they influenced your work?
nicky dobree
There have been many, but perhaps Ralph Lauren has been one of the most influential design heroes for me. He is aspirational and has this wonderful ability to conjure up a world and to take you there. He makes you dream and pursues everything with an abundance of passion and purpose. I would like to think that perhaps through my designs I too enable people to ‘live the dream’.
DESIGNEERS
How do you infuse a sense of 'home' into expansive luxury spaces?
nicky dobree
A layering of textures and materials creates a warm and inviting home. Use rugs, artwork and period pieces to ground the space; wool for curtains and upholstery to create a warm and cozy feeling. Layer with other textures such as cashmere, chunky cable knit throws, furs and sheepskins. They instantly add warmth. No home though is complete without a roaring log fire. If you are lucky to have one, make it a focal point.
DESIGNEERS
Reflecting on your career, which project challenged you the most and why?
nicky dobree
Every project comes with its challenges but perhaps the most challenging was my very first chalet and our home in the Alps - Ferme de Moudon. It was the first time that I had built in timber. Up until then I was designing Georgian and Victorian houses. The first time that you do something is often the steepest learning curve. Looking back, I am hugely grateful as it has led me to go and design over 50 chalets and town homes and villa’s for private clients right across the world.
DESIGNEERS
What's your favourite design hotel in the world, and what about it inspires you?
nicky dobree
I am biased, but I love Plaza 18, the boutique hotel that we designed in Vejer de la Frontera in Spain. Set in a former 19th century merchants house we were privileged to be able to bring new life into this iconic building, honouring the past whilst embracing a new chapter for the modern traveller. It is a very special place, a home from home and I feel honoured to be the curator of it.
DESIGNEERS
What are three words that define your design philosophy?
nicky dobree
Authentic, timeless and elegant
DESIGNEERS
Finally, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone creating their dream space?
nicky dobree
Focus on the layout. Understand the space, the light and how best to optimise it.
