Alpine House: How a Strategic Design Refresh Transformed a Jackson Hole Landmark

When hotelier Erik Warner acquired the Alpine House in Jackson, Wyoming, back in 2020, he found himself in the enviable position of possessing a beloved property with immense potential, yet lacking a singular, cohesive vision for its next chapter. Rather than rushing into immediate renovations or structural overhauls, Warner chose a more patient approach. He spent time living within the space, observing the rhythm of the guests and the quiet opportunities offered by the existing architecture. His goal was not to reinvent the property entirely, but to elevate it into a genuine "home away from home" for travelers seeking a more authentic, intimate lodging experience in the heart of the Tetons.

To achieve this, Warner turned to the Brooklyn-based firm Elizabeth Roberts Architects (ERA), a studio widely recognized for its nuanced residential work and its ability to blend modern sensibilities with historic character. The collaboration between Warner and the firm—led by principal Elizabeth Roberts and director of interior design Robby Rathmann-Noonan—focused on a philosophy of "collected" design rather than the polished, impersonal aesthetic often found in contemporary hotels.

The primary directive for the project was to breathe new life into the dated interiors without the intrusive and costly process of moving walls. Instead, the team relied on a sophisticated palette of paint, bespoke wallcoverings, carefully curated furnishings, and clever, space-saving built-ins. The result is a transformation that feels both effortless and deeply considered, turning a dowdy mountain stay into a chic, cozy retreat that feels as though it has been gathered over decades rather than designed in a boardroom.

Establishing a Moody, Inviting First Impression

The transformation began on the exterior, where the team sought to modernize the structure while respecting its mountain roots. Elizabeth Roberts opted for a bold, color-drenching strategy, finishing the wood exterior in a deep, custom-mixed green stain from the Sherwin-Williams Woodscapes line. By blending the green with 75% black, the team achieved a matte, muted finish that grounds the building in its landscape rather than letting it stand out with artificial brightness. This technique—using a dark, saturated tone to unify disparate exterior elements—provides a valuable lesson in curb appeal, proving that a simple change in color can shift the entire personality of a structure.

Anchoring Interiors Through Architectural Detail

Inside, the team avoided the common trap of relying solely on paint to define a room’s character. In each guest room, Roberts and Rathmann-Noonan introduced a shiplap headboard wall finished in a deep, moody green—specifically, Sherwin-Williams’ Laurel Woods. According to Rathmann-Noonan, the vertical lines of the shiplap serve a dual purpose: they draw the eye upward to create a sense of vertical scale while providing a tangible, tactile focal point that paint alone cannot achieve. This method of layering texture against color adds architectural weight to a room, making it feel more intentional and established.

The designers also looked toward the ceiling as an often-overlooked opportunity for warmth. By applying a sisal wallcovering to the ceilings, they were able to soften the acoustics of the rooms and introduce a natural, textured element that feels high-end yet unpretentious. This move effectively personalizes the space and finishes the room in a way that feels complete, without sacrificing any of the limited floor space that traditional decor might consume.

Balancing Functionality and Aesthetic

A key challenge in the guest rooms was balancing the need for storage with the requirement for an uncluttered, serene environment. The design team implemented a modern interpretation of the traditional Shaker peg rail, running it along the walls to provide guests with a designated, stylish place to store their belongings. In smaller rooms where closet space is at a premium, this simple yet classic addition prevents clutter from accumulating on surfaces, turning a functional necessity into a design feature.

The design team also focused on the subtle power of contrast. Throughout the hotel, one finds carefully placed ebony accents that break up the natural wood tones and deep paint colors. Roberts explains that while deep colors and wood are foundational, the addition of black provides a "beautiful pop" that lends an air of modern sophistication. By using this dark hue as a visual thread throughout the property, the designers ensured that the spaces felt connected and purposeful, rather than haphazard.

Enhancing Comfort Through Layered Lighting

Lighting was treated as a vital component of the guest experience, with a specific focus on utility and ambiance. To create a more dynamic and inviting bedside setup, the designers opted for a layered approach: combining wall-mounted sconces from Pin Lighting with Earth and Element table lamps. This dual-source strategy allows guests to customize their environment, providing options for both focused reading light and softer, ambient illumination. It is a pragmatic design choice that prioritizes guest comfort, recognizing that the ability to control one’s environment is the hallmark of a luxury stay.

Strategic Use of Pattern and Curation

In selecting textiles and patterns, the team exercised a high degree of restraint. For instance, the use of tartan—a motif often associated with mountain lodges—was approached with caution to avoid slipping into cliché. By keeping the color palette muted and utilizing the pattern sparingly, they maintained the integrity of the design without overwhelming the viewer. This demonstrates a broader philosophy of using iconic or "expected" patterns strategically, allowing them to provide a sense of place without dominating the room.

The sense of authenticity at the Alpine House is further bolstered by the decision to mix furniture sources. Rather than opting for a uniform, "catalog-ready" look, the library and common areas feature a blend of vintage wood-frame chairs, rush stools, and modern, accessible pieces such as the coffee table from Lulu and Georgia. By pairing these new items with unique, vintage, or kilim rugs sourced through platforms like Etsy, the designers achieved a lived-in, eclectic aesthetic that feels inherently more personal than a standard commercial interior.

Maximizing Efficiency with Built-ins

The final major intervention occurred in the main breakfast area, which previously relied on a standard arrangement of tables and chairs. Roberts replaced this with a custom-built, fixed banquette. The result is a much more efficient use of the floor plan, creating a more intimate dining atmosphere that accommodates guests comfortably while leaving more room to maneuver. This bespoke seating solution illustrates how custom cabinetry can be used to resolve spatial constraints while simultaneously elevating the style of a common area.

Throughout the process, the collaboration between Warner and Elizabeth Roberts Architects remained rooted in the goal of keeping the project environmentally conscious and economical. By choosing to work within the existing structure and focusing on high-impact interior finishes, they successfully revitalized a piece of Jackson history. The Alpine House now stands as a testament to the idea that thoughtful, iterative design—where every change serves a purpose and every addition adds to the story of the space—can create a hospitality experience that is both sophisticated and profoundly welcoming.