Champalimaud Design reimagines The Little Nell
New York-based design firm Champalimaud Design has reimagined The Little Nell, an 86-key boutique property in Aspen, Colorado.
Overseeing the transformation of guestrooms, suites, and guest floor corridors, the firm’s new scheme is inspired by an authentic Aspen motif, echoing the municipality’s current scene and paying homage to its dynamic history.
“Aspen has all the characteristics of a world-class destination – social, beautiful, interesting and relevant – all the while offering a relaxed style and attitude,” says Alexandra Champalimaud, Founder and President, Champalimaud Design. “With this in mind, it was our priority to design sincere, comfortable interior spaces where one can relax and recharge. The Little Nell’s new design recalls in texture, tone and attitude Aspen’s soul and its distinctiveness as a silver mining town. The particular realness of the place was a grounding quality that we respected and integrated into our work.”
The firm approached the project with the intention of reinvigorating the spaces as fresh, light and welcoming; utilising palettes of blue, tan and grey to mirror Aspen’s relaxed nature. Once guests enter these spaces, details including blue ottomans, decorative pillows and custom throws establish it as a retreat, whilst new wallcoverings accenting the headboard wall are reminiscent of a mid-winter snowstorm.
Sustainable design played a significant role in the process, with Champalimaud reupholstering furniture in tactile and fresh fabrics, or applying new palettes and finishes. In keeping with the sustainability efforts, all existing wooden furniture was refurbished in lieu of purchasing new items.
