Located in the forested foothills of Evergreen, Colorado, Evergreen Alpine Retreat was designed as a warm and welcoming mountain escape. Surrounded by towering pines and crisp alpine air, the home embraces the slower rhythm of mountain life while offering a refined retreat from the everyday.
The home began with strong mountain bones but required thoughtful refinement to better support modern living. Like many alpine houses, the structure leaned heavily on the character of the decade when it was built (in this case, the 1970s), but lacked the warmth and balance needed to make the spaces feel cohesive.
Rather than dramatically altering the architecture, the approach focused on enhancing what was already there—clarifying the layout, clarifying the function of the rooms, and allowing the surrounding landscape to play a larger role in the experience of the home. The goal was not to erase the mountain character, but to elevate it.
The design direction centered on alpine restraint—honoring the cottage’s Swiss influence while introducing a quieter, more modern clarity. Rather than layering trends, we focused on proportion, texture, and warmth. Natural wood tones, soft limewashed surfaces, and aged brass details were introduced to create depth without heaviness. Every decision was made to simplify the interior while amplifying its character, allowing the home to feel cohesive, grounded, and comfortably lived-in.
The material palette for Evergreen Alpine Retreat was shaped by the surrounding forest and the relaxed spirit of mountain living. We brightened the home immediately by painting the existing beige walls in Simply White, allowing the natural light and evergreen views outside to take center stage. Darker accents were then layered throughout to ground the space and bring a sense of chalet character.
The fireplace became a central moment in the home. Rustic stone was added around the firebox, framed with an entire wall of neatly stacked firewood, bringing warmth, texture, and an unmistakable alpine sensibility. Throughout the home we introduced light wood wherever possible to keep the space feeling natural and connected to the landscape.
In the kitchen, dark navy cabinetry contrasts beautifully against crisp white countertops and counter-to-ceiling Cloe tile, creating a space that feels both classic and fresh. The darker tones continue into the library, where Raccoon Fur walls frame the forested views outside, turning the room into a cozy retreat within the retreat.
Alpine details appear throughout the house in subtle and playful ways — from antique snowshoes and vintage skis mounted as wall decor to a striking crystal and bronze deer chandelier that greets guests in the entry. The bathrooms were completely reimagined, featuring fresh Bedrosians tile, an exposed brass pipe shower, and a large marble double vanity.
As an alpine escape, the home was never meant to feel overly serious. Instead, the materials and details lean into the joy and charm of mountain living — a place where rustic textures, natural materials, and a touch of whimsy come together to create a retreat that feels both elevated and effortlessly fun.
Today, the Alpine Retreat functions as a peaceful mountain refuge for an Evergreen family. Large windows pull the forest indoors, while the warm interior materials create a sense of comfort during Colorado’s long winters.
The home naturally gathers people together—around shared meals in the bright dining room, quiet mornings with coffee in the breakfast nook, and evenings on the deck around the fire pit or in the hot tub under the stars. It is a place we designed for both retreat and recreation, where the pace of the mountains gently shapes everyday life.
We renovate one property at a time — preserving what matters, refining what doesn’t, and designing for how mountain homes are actually lived.
— Deco Vaquero
Every piece was chosen with intention — layered textures, aged brass, dark paint, and alpine restraint. Explore the full edit below.
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