WINTER wonderland

It may be cold outside, but in this chalet, which is surrounded by snowy mountains, there's a wonderful warmth with welcoming nooks that draw you in

- PIP RICH

Commune Design makes decor look easy.

The LA-based studio is, in fact, a master of the modern American aesthetic, artfully spearheading a hugely influential blend of mid-century furniture with folk art, taking cues from both the ruggedness of the Wild West and the understated luxe vibe that characterises the West Coast. But because all of its projects, from the Ace Hotels in places like Palm Springs and Kyoto to private homes across the USA, all just look so comfortable, it's easy to miss the skill and attention to detail that goes into each space. ‘People do feel that our interiors are very comfy,’ says Roman Alonso, Commune’s founder and principal designer. ‘But that’s because we always design them for the person who lives there – or who will visit if it’s a hotel. We get interested – no, obsessed – with how people live and want to make sure that everything they need is always at arm's reach.’