Historicity, elevated

A historic rock structure—originally built as a creamery—has lived through many transformations, moving from Montana to Wyoming, changing hands of ownership. Within such a profound frame, the interior space must rise to the occasion through subtle refinements. So when the creamery became the new domicile of longtime clients of Snake River Interiors, we knew how to achieve their aesthetic through careful and calculated adjustments. Focusing on modern luminosity and livability, we reimagined the master bath and kitchen, and introduced new flooring throughout. Decisive and design-driven, our clients trusted our plan to introduce a keystone material—oak stained a soft gray—as a complement to the two-foot-thick stone walls originally laid by Scottish stonemasons.

Functionality drove the decision to replace the original barnwood floors—wide pine planks which pleased the eye but splintered underfoot. Their dark ochre tone also felt too heavy for the expansive space. By opting instead for light stained oak, we achieved a delicacy previously absent in the interior. Now, the new floors feel as luscious as they look. 

To create a seamless sense of lightness, we applied a similar light gray stain to the new custom cabinetry in the kitchen, a treatment that enhances the oak grain of the sustainably sourced wood. What’s more, the new wood brings out tones in the stone walls previously muted. The rock feels more nuanced, more vibrant in the company of stained oak. 

Moving on to the master bath, functionality once again reigned supreme: originally a bit cramped, the new layout prioritizes sophisticated form-meets-relaxing function: the steel-encased glass shower complements the black enameled freestanding tub, and the new double vanity—sheathed in the same stained oak—lends elegant continuity. 

Dream Client

Several years ago, a keen prospector crossed the threshold of Snake River Interiors, sans appointment, drawn in by the aesthetic visible through the window. In town visiting her sister—a new resident of Ely Springs—the Oklahoman enjoyed an electric 15-minute chat with Elisa and quickly confided, “I want you to do my house.” Only hitch: She had yet to buy a home in the valley. “She had a core, gut reaction, and realized we would have a great time working together,” Elisa says. Having completed several historic renovations in Washington, D.C. and now confident in her sourcing of design talent, the client patiently scanned the market for the perfect project.

So when a property with one of the historic Kudar cabins came on the market in 2019, the client acted immediately, purchasing the historic home. In the intervening decades, the property had become a patchwork of add-ons. Working with the architect, a specialist in historic preservation, the client restored the cabin’s original glory while breathing fresh life into the additions by introducing expanses of steel and glass. “We added a tremendous amount of windows and metal,” Elisa says. “We took out a lot of the log, which is difficult to do because so much is structural and required us to be thoughtful about what we removed. Nothing was decided on a whim; every remaining log does the job it’s supposed to do. We thoughtfully went through and choose which timbers to keep.” 

Now steel I-beams and picture windows frame spaces at once open and intimate, seamless and sophisticated. Layers of texture lend intrigue throughout; the rustic timber walls complement the client’s contemporary art collection; woolens (in the form of throws and pillows and a copious cobalt sectional) soften the minimalist lines demarcated by the steel. “No matter which room you are in, you feel as though you can relax and spend time,” marketing director Claire Adams says. “It feels like you are being embraced by each room. The ambiance is so nurturing.”

As a transition between the living area and master suite, Elisa designed a cozy sitting area. Backing up to a bluff, the nook invites a moment of reflection, quiet and serene amid the willow trees striping the property. The master suite transforms the historic core into a cozy refuge defined by logs darkened to be almost black. Windows bracket the fireplace in light.

Every element feels incorporated, thoughtful. The client’s husband, a passionate chef, received the kitchen of his dreams, as functional as it is elegant with an expansive island encircled in modern stools. Forgoing a dining table in favor of a larger family room, the couple imagined a kitchen focused on sharing in the culinary creativity with room for six diners to perch around the island, spectators to the fun.

Designer and client alike feel grateful for the opportunity to work with such a kindred spirit, with such stunning results to show for their synergy. “It’s amazing to see a homeowner that so aligned with Elisa’s aesthetic,” Claire says. 

Design from the Heart

As the day of love approaches, we encourage translating Valentine’s inspiration into interior expressions. At Snake River Interiors, we wholeheartedly believe that the beauty of a gifted bouquet can extend beyond February 14th into an aesthetic ethos that guides your design schema. By identifying your most beloved pieces and practices, your home can become a refuge anchored in affinity. From placing heirlooms to honoring pastimes, we help our clients isolate what brings them joy on a daily basis. By listening and learning, we imbue interiors with emotions and memories; only then does place become a personalized experience; only then does Cupid play an enduring role in customizing design.

Daily devotion

Designing by example, Elisa Chambers centered her own master bathroom (above) around her daily practice of unwinding in a tub. As such, she imagined a bathing oasis rich with details and contrast. The focal point: A sculptural soaking tub, perched atop planks of locally-sourced timber. Within the sanctity, Elisa can melt into her surroundings defined in the foreground by antiques curated from her collection and just beyond, by the pristine field outside the picture window. A daily ritual made all the more serene by the careful choreography of functional furniture.

Communal heart

When approaching a recent Dream Cabin remodel, we took careful note of the couple’s passions, namely their love of cooking for family and friends. With space at a premium, she helped them prioritize the rooms they would use most, an exercise best expressed in the design of a copious kitchen island in lieu of a separate dining room. Now, six guests can sit atop sleek stools encircling the island, proximity that allows them to join in the culinary fun. By customizing the architectural plan, we created a kitchen that simultaneously epitomizes and expands the couple’s gourmet devotion.

Treasured memories

A favorite piece of furniture can serve as a portal for memory, both conjuring moments from the past and making new memories. When designing the Signature 22 line of custom seating, we reflected on the functional items that starred in family memories: rocking infants to sleep. So with such moments in mind, we designed a swivel rocker—the Elisa glide chair—to foster such serenity amid activity. A site of love, made to order and share.