Nestled in the picturesque mountains, the Halfpenny Project is a family ski home that beautifully blends tradition and modernity. We had the opportunity to discuss the design with Courtney, the interior designer, from Rooted Space who was responsible for this remarkable transformation and small but impactful powder room.

Preserving Heritage, Embracing Comfort

When it came to designing the Halfpenny Project, two primary goals took centre stage. The first was to pay homage to the existing architectural elements while “eliminating dated add-ons from past owners”. The house had a rich history, and it was vital to preserve its character and charm.

As a family ski home, the second goal was to create a space that was inviting and appropriate for all members of the family. It “gets a lot of traffic in the winter months, so it was important to also keep it family friendly” tells Courtney. This meant providing ample seating that was comfortable, able to accommodate friends, family and provide an intimate ambience.

The Powder Room

One of the standout features of the Halfpenny Project is the small yet striking powder room. Located directly off the main floor living area, it serves as the only bathroom for this floor. Given the limited square footage, it presented a unique design challenge tells Courtney from Rooted Space.

“This powder room is an extremely small space, so it was important to me that there was a bit of an element of surprise. The floor-to-ceiling dark green tile paired with the sage Kast Concrete Basin added the perfect wow factor I was looking for. The space feels moody and fresh, but not out of place with the rest of the living space.”

The result - is a powder room that seamlessly integrates with the overall living area, achieved through a bold choice of materials and colours.

Subtle Scandinavian Undertones

In creating the design, the house itself was the ultimate source of inspiration. While allowing the home's unique character to shine through, the designer incorporated mid-century influences with subtle Scandinavian undertones. This blend of styles gave the Halfpenny Project its timeless appeal. “I really let the house do the talking here, that being said, there is definitely a clear mid-century influence with Scandinavian undertones”

Given the ski home context, the design also aimed to capture a cozy "cabin" or "chalet" essence without being too literal. This was achieved by using earthy tones, natural woods, leather, hides, woven textiles, and handmade elements. The choice of materials and textures created a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly suited the ski retreat.

small green tiled wall to ceiling bathroom pitch kast concrete basin with circular mirror above sink — Image Credits David Jaan | Featuring Pitch.
Halfpenny Project By Rooted Space.

Unique Features

The home had a distinctive and special character, providing a solid foundation for the design. It “already felt very special and unique and had very distinct bones, so we were lucky to have it as the driving muse for the design” The floor-to-ceiling windows that offered breathtaking views of the ski slopes and surrounding woods served as a significant influence throughout the project.

Earthy tones were the obvious choice for the colour palette, aligning with the natural surroundings and the existing wood elements in the house. Greens, browns, and subtle pops of colour in artwork and accessories complemented the warm, earthy feel of the space.

Careful Curation.

The Kast Pitch basin's natural and handmade aesthetic perfectly aligned with the designer’s vision. The wide range of colour options available made it a versatile and fitting addition.“It was definitely an easy choice” tells Courtney. The Pitch is “small and compact, while still having a small ledge for a bottle of soap or a toothbrush. It had the natural and handmade element that I was looking for and the fact that there were so many colour options made it a no-brainer!”

All Kast basins are available in 28 colours ranging from muted tones to high-intensity hues.

“I would say if you are looking for a more unique statement piece in your bathroom you can't go wrong, it checks all the boxes.”

It's the perfect choice to add that special touch to your space. The Halfpenny Project stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of heritage and modern design, resulting in a family ski retreat that is as inviting as it is stylish. From the preservation of architectural character to the bold choices in the powder room and the selection of a Kast Concrete Basin, every aspect of this project speaks of thoughtful design and careful curation.