Designed by Studio Mellone
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
When we think of mountain chalets, it’s easy to picture a space filled with animal hides, bison heads, stone fireplaces, and fluffy rugs. However, the project envisioned by Brazilian designer André Mellone for Lauren Santo Domingo, co-founder of Moda Operandi and artistic director of Tiffany Home, completely overturns these expectations. Located in Jackson Hole, this chalet redefines the concept of a mountain retreat, offering a modern, minimalist, and unpretentious aesthetic. The result is a space that moves away from traditional clichés and aligns more closely with the architectural lines of Frank Lloyd Wright, bringing a contemporary rusticity that reflects the elegance and refined taste of its residents.
The partnership between Mellone and Lauren came about almost naturally. The two were introduced by Wes Gordon, creative director of Carolina Herrera, at a party in New York. Lauren, already an admirer of Mellone`s work, saw him as the ideal partner to bring her vision to life. So, Mellone accepted the challenge of creating a space that balances luxury, comfort, and modernity. From the very first meeting, it was clear that Lauren brought a detailed and well-grounded vision. She presented Mellone with references to three main themes: Viennese Secession from the 1920s and 1930s, 1950s modernism with influences from France, Brazil, Scandinavia, and 1970s Italian design.
The chalet, originally built in 2012 by architect Michael Howells, features a large living room with double-height ceilings, which became the focal point of the project. Mellone opted for a modernist fireplace in utilitarian bricks, inspired by Wright’s style, while Lauren added a personal touch to the space with a tree planted in a custom-made bench and a daybed upholstered in graphic fabric. This combination of raw materials and natural elements created an environment that balances sophistication and warmth, reflecting Lauren’s experience as a Vogue editor and her talent for combining colors and textures in unexpected ways.
In the family room, which visually connects to the living room, the color palette follows the same concept of elegant simplicity. The space features a vintage piece and all the furniture is upholstered in the same fabric, providing visual continuity that highlights the attention to detail in the design. Mellone admits to Architectural Digest Magazine that some of Lauren’s choices surprised him. “She combined elements in a way I would never have considered, but in the end, it looked incredible,” the designer recalls.
Despite the minimalist approach, the project remains connected to the surrounding nature. The chalet`s large windows frame the Jackson Hole mountains, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and creating a sense of integration between indoor and outdoor spaces. This constant dialogue with the landscape reinforces the concept of a retreat that, while modern, respects and values its location.
This chalet in Jackson Hole is a perfect example of how the collaboration between a visionary designer and a client with a keen eye can result in a truly unique space. By breaking away from traditional clichés, Mellone and Lauren created a home that not only redefines mountain living but also sets a new standard for sophistication and simplicity.