Welcome to Lawlers Alpine Retreat, where the frosty 80s got a sleek, modern reboot! Perched in Hotham Heights on the traditional lands of the Gunai Kurnai people, this old-school apartment has been transformed into a stylish mountain haven, courtesy of Britt White Studio. With inspiration drawn from Scandinavian simplicity and mid-century charm, this renovation is all about warmth, durability, and a touch of rugged practicality for those long days on the slopes.
The original 1980s apartment may have had charm, but it wasn’t exactly ticking the boxes for Cassie and her partner, who wanted a serene escape for post-ski relaxation. Britt White Studio, took charge of everything—from interior design to trade management—giving this couple a dreamy alpine getaway they could enjoy without lifting a finger.
First stop: the kitchen. Goodbye cramped corners and hello open, flowing space! The reconfigured layout merges the kitchen and dining areas, adding not just style but plenty of functionality. Imagine a custom bench seat that extends from the kitchen to the dining zone wall, offering extra seating and making the whole space feel more expansive.
And in a nod to sustainability, the kitchen now features energy-efficient upgrades—induction cooking, high-performance appliances, and all the modern perks. Britt White Studio cleverly tucked in a Euro-style laundry and appliance pantry, maximising storage without compromising the kitchen’s sleek look.
Bathrooms can make or break a mountain retreat, and the designer didn’t cut corners here. The main bathroom got a total overhaul: reconfigured plumbing, a combined powder room, and a new secluded shower nook. The ensuite is equally impressive, now equipped with a much-needed toilet and additional storage. The upgrades turned these utilitarian spaces into spa-like sanctuaries, ideal for unwinding after a day in the cold.
In the lounge, it’s all about relaxation with a view. A custom daybed under the window is the perfect spot to kick back and watch the wild alpine weather roll in over the Great Dividing Range. With built-in storage, it’s also where you can stash ski gear, making the space as functional as it is cosy. The wrap-around couch hugs the wall, opening up room for extra seating, and a chic Nicole Lawrence coffee table ties it all together.
Life in the mountains is tough on interiors, so Britt incorporated materials that can handle the alpine elements. The entryway has hard-wearing Comcork flooring, ideal for stomping in with snow-covered boots. There’s even a recessed drying cupboard to keep clothes and equipment fresh for the next adventure. And as a stylish bonus, a sculptural ski vice adds both function and flair.
The clients are over the moon: “Britt and her crew are fantastic to work with! They delivered a stunning renovation beyond our expectations, and we can even rent it out for more when we’re not there.” Now, that’s what we call a win-win!
The designer’s goal was clear: create a space that’s cosy and practical. "The goal was to make a space that felt like a retreat but could also handle the day-to-day demands of mountain life,” Britt Howard shared. “We wanted it to feel open and connected while staying functional.”
With warm tones, durable materials, and thoughtful design, the Lawlers Alpine Retreat is all set to be a sanctuary for years to come. Thanks to Britt White Studio’s eye for detail, this once-dated apartment has become a modern alpine retreat, balancing style with durability for the ultimate escape in the heart of Mt Hotham.
