Winter always me think of warm, cozy interiors. On a recent trip to Aspen, Colorado I saw so many examples of modern ski lodge decor. Big pieces, fur, animal antlers and lots and lots of wood! Finally a compromise between ski cabin coziness and clean, sleek NYC apartments. I now see, there is no need to long for both, I can easily  marry city sophistication with chic woodsy lifestyle! Above is the lobby of the Sky Hotel, what was formerly the Aspen Club Lodge.

I used to work there as a kid and noticed right away, the inner structure remained exactly the same, the decor however, couldn’t be more different. Think-mountain cabin meets modern chic. Walking into the lobby the first thing you notice are the huge leather chairs trimmed with fur (mink?) and white side chairs, accented beautifully with handcrafted wood tables. Elegantly appointed, the hotel offers impressive amenities to its patrons. My friend and I graciously enjoyed the hot cider and oatmeal cookies available in the lobby during the ski day.

Inside the lodge’s, Sky Lounge, low-lying sectional sofas rest near a blazing fireplace. The large windows look out to a steaming heated pool and the looming majesty of Aspen Mountain, the perfect apres ski spot–enough said. This well-appointed mountain lodge inspired me to gather a few examples of what Modern Winter chic:

No mountain home is complete without the head of some unfortunate animal prominently displayed over a it’s fireplace. I snapped this unlucky fellow at Kemo Sabe, a popular upscale leather goods store in Aspen, Colorado.

If you like the style but not the carnage, you might want to try ‘going faux’. Cardboard Deer Antlers are a friendlier way to replicate this style. You get a modern outdoorsy feel without, the cold accusatory stare of a mounted animal. Courtesy of Cardboard Safari

Any mountain lodge worth it’s weight, has a huge roaring fireplace. I prefer a more sophisticated, contemporary hearth like this one. And don’t forget a fire pit! Winter dwellers love to stand around a warm fire in the outdoors. There’s nothing better than gathering underneath the stars recounting the day’s winter activities.

Thanks to Woohome, Born Rich, 2ModernDesign.