Simply the Best

Author:

Eva Bradley Studio shapes a quiet refuge for busy clients in Sugar Bowl

The chalet-style entrance. Photography by Aaron Bengochea, styling by Matador Studio.

“The ‘Snow White’ residence was conceived as a deliberate retreat from the homeowners’ fast-paced, urban lifestyle. More than a weekend home, they wanted a place that would feel like a complete reset, visually quiet, emotionally grounding, and free from the constant stimulation of daily life,” says Eva Bradley on how she and her team approached the design of this ski escape located in Sugar Bowl that she designed in collaboration with architect mb-mb and built by Steve Bennett Construction. “The home functions as an antidote to hustle: a serene refuge where simplicity, materiality, and intention support rest, reflection and a meaningful sense of escape.” 

In the great room, the rug is made of custom mohair and silk by Mark Nelson Designs, the coffee table is by Made Studio and the sofa is from Hewn covered in Una Malan Fabric by Erik Kuster Textiles. Photography by Aaron Bengochea, styling by Matador Studio.
A custom stainless steel island faces wood shelving that holds ceramic vases by Ink and Porcelain.
Photography by Aaron Bengochea, styling by Matador Studio.

The project presented the opportunity to fully renovate and devise an addition to a 1950s chalet-style condominium that is approximately 1,800-square-feet. “The desire was to create an environment inside that was like stepping into an entirely different world from the kitsch and traditional nature of the rest of the building, a secret getaway,” says Bradley.

In the dining room, the custom table was drawn by Eva Bradley Studio then anufactured by Antonio’s Antiques and wood from client’s own redwood slabs that he had stored for many years in the hopes to use it for something special one day. The dining chairs are by Overgaard & Dyrman. Photography by Aaron Bengochea, styling by Matador Studio.

With the goal of creating a serene oasis where the clients could reset and refresh, the design lens focuses on restraint. Plaster walls and natural oak finishes were installed throughout to form a meditative calm within the Alpine environment. A stainless steel kitchen establishes a minimal tone in the great area while supporting their desire for lack of color. “Nothing was meant to feel excessive or purely decorative,” Bradley recalls. “Every element was selected with purpose. The challenge, and opportunity, was to create warmth without color and visual clutter.”

The office features a chair by Overgaard & Dyrman, wall to wall carpet from Stark Carpet, a desk lamp from Circa Lighting and a custom desk. Photography by Aaron Bengochea, styling by Matador Studio.

“As a Swiss-born designer who built my practice in the United States, the alignment felt instinctive,” she proclaims. “Their vision closely mirrored my own roots and design philosophy, making the collaboration feel seamless from the outset. Much like fashion, the home was approached as a curated composition, timeless, tactile and deeply considered, while also serving as a quiet, contemplative canvas for writing, reflection, and creative focus.”

The expansive, custom sauna offers a perfect view of the Alpine terrain. Photography by Aaron Bengochea, styling by Matador Studio.

The furniture selections also reflect the need for tranquility. Highlights include the Flag Halyard lounge chair by Hans Wegner and a custom dining table that Bradley designed from the client’s own redwood slab that was salvaged from a former property. “That piece became both an anchor and a narrative element, functional, personal, and rich with history,” she remarks.

The primary bedroom features a custom hand-knotted deep pile Merino rug from The Rug Company. The upholstered headboard is by Antonio’s Antiques upholstered in Pencil Stripe Alpaca Merino Wool by Rosemary Hallgarten and the window treatments are made by Madina Aryeh Custom Sewing. Photography by Aaron Bengochea, styling by Matador Studio.
The primary bathroom has Dornbracht fixtures and a basalt stone floor from Haussman Natural Stone.
Photography by Aaron Bengochea, styling by Matador Studio.
The primary bathroom has Dornbracht fixtures and plaster walls. Photography by Aaron Bengochea, styling by Matador Studio.

Bradley and her team delivered on the homeowners’ need for a place they could step away from the pace of everyday life. “Since completing the project, the clients have sent numerous thoughtful emails, often unexpectedly and while on site, expressing their gratitude as they experience the home,” she notes. “They’ve shared how much they appreciate both the larger design gestures and the smaller, intentional details, noticing how each element contributes to the overall sense of calm and retreat.”