Somewhere high in the Swiss Alps, tucked between wildflower meadows and dramatic peaks, sits Chalet Cocagne—a place where cozy alpine tradition meets modern mountain design. Originally built in the 1970s, this humble chalet once had the classic low ceilings and tiny windows that kept the cold out. Fast forward to today, and interior designer Marianne Tiegen has completely reimagined it into a light-filled modern haven that still holds its alpine soul.
“Contemporary doesn’t have to mean cold,” says Tiegen. “When you mix rough old wood and soft patinated metals in a minimal way, the result is warm and timeless.”
For the American family who now calls it home, the transformation is pure magic. Each space feels effortlessly elegant—refined yet lived-in. It’s the kind of place where you’d happily curl up with a book and a mug of hot chocolate while the snow falls outside.
Large windows now frame the surrounding valleys like art, each one intentionally positioned to capture a unique view. Even the fabrics inside draw inspiration from nature. Tiegen’s studio creates custom dyes using foraged alpine plants and flowers—each hue named poetically after its source: orage, chardon, bleuet, lupin. The limestone walls shift with the light, glowing softly like the mountains at dusk.
Every room tells a story: reclaimed wood mingles with linen, old oak meets soft wool. A vintage beehive becomes a side table, copper lights cast a warm evening glow, and textures whisper of time and craft.
At Chalet Cocagne, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a love letter to the past. Through circular design and natural materials, Tiegen proves that modern mountain design can be soulful, cozy, and deeply connected to its landscape.
Because here, comfort isn’t clutter—it’s connection.
