Alpine Creatives: Interview With Britt Howard

A Castran Initiative for the High Country

At Curated for KIN, we love any opportunity to celebrate the creative spirit of our alpine community (you might even be familiar with our ‘Creative Warrior’ series over at the Britt White Studio website).

So when Castran asked Britt Howard, in her role as Creative Director of both Britt White Studio and Curated for KIN, to be the very first feature in their brand-new Alpine Creatives series, we couldn’t have been prouder. This new series shines a spotlight on the makers, artists and innovators shaping life in Australia’s High Country, offering a rare glimpse into their worlds both on and off the slopes.

Britt’s feature takes readers behind the scenes of her award-winning interior design practice, exploring the warmth soul, and functionality she brings to alpine homes from Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain to the valleys beyond. With a passion for creating beautiful spaces…for life, Britt shares insights into her creative journey, design philosophy, the inspiration she draws from the landscapes and communities around her, plus how Curated for KIN can be an ideal solution for those with properties in the Alpine Resorts.

A big thanks to Maddison, Lachie and the team at Castran for this opportuntiy. Read on as Britt’s full interview is below. You can see more from their Alpine Creative series on the Castran Instagram.

Q. What materials or finishes do you turn to when creating warmth and texture in a mountain home?
A. For me, warmth in an alpine home starts from the ground up…literally. I’m a huge fan of thick loop-pile wool carpets or rugs, ideally 100% wool. They’re soft underfoot, regulate temperature beautifully and bring instant visual warmth. Timber is another must-have and not just for floors, but ceilings, wall linings and joinery. Those warm tones and natural finishes add a cosiness you just can’t fake.

Then there’s the layering: velvets and soft-touch fabrics in cushions, ottomans and occasional chairs that practically beg you to slow down and sink in. Leathers that get better with age, picking up little marks and scuffs that tell the story of the home. Nature always gets a say too, At Blair’s Chalet, we matched the kitchen cabinetry to the warm pink tones of the snowgums outside. It’s about creating harmony with your surroundings, not competing with them.

And of course, colour. Deep earthy tones or rich contrasts sing against a snowy backdrop. Black gives a crisp modern edge, while walnut or spotted gum does the trick in older chalets. Done right, it’s like wrapping the whole house in a warm hug.

Textures and layering at Blairs Chalet, Dinner Plain

Thick wool carpets and rugs add warmth to Alpine homes

Q. How do you keep a space feeling luxe and elevated, while still embracing the cosy nature of alpine living?
A. It’s all in the materials…they do the heavy lifting. Natural stone or marble instantly elevates a kitchen or bathroom, but still feels right at home in an alpine setting. For properties heading to the rental market, porcelain gives the same look with less worry and cost. I also love using stone cladding on exteriors as it creates that sense of arrival before you even step inside.

Lighting is another big one. Soft, layered lighting sets the mood, especially when it bounces off natural materials. And I always stick to finishes that wear in beautifully, like timber, wool and stone. They develop character over time rather than just…wearing out.

A cohesive colour palette ties it all together. Often I’ll take one hero colour and explore it in different tones and textures throughout the home. The result? A space that feels polished and considered, but still invites you to kick off your ski boots and get comfy.

Blairs Chalet, Dinner Plain, cohesive colur palette inspired by nature

Q. From a styling perspective, what design details tend to resonate most with potential buyers?
A. Furniture layout is everything. Get the proportions right and the whole space just feels better: more open, more welcoming, more livable. Oversized furniture is a common misstep in alpine homes, where space is often tight. The wrong piece can block movement patterns and make a room feel cramped, even if it’s not.

I’m also a big believer in negative space and giving the eye somewhere to rest. It’s one of those design elements buyers notice instinctively, even if they can’t quite put their finger on it.

Every room needs a focal point, too. Something reflective - a mirror, a metallic detail, a glossy tile – can catch the light and add a touch of polish. And because many alpine homes sell fully furnished, getting the right pieces in the right proportions isn’t just about aesthetics; it can directly impact value and ROI. It’s why we put so much thought into every Curated for KIN furniture plan.

Lawlers 19, Mt Hotham, uses proportionately sized furniture

Q. And just for fun, what’s your perfect winter weekend look like in the High Country?
A. We’re a ski-obsessed bunch at Britt White Studio, we even sponsor Team Hotham, so my dream winter weekend definitely starts on the slopes. First tracks at 7:30am on the Heavenly Valley chair at Mt Hotham for sure. Fresh groomers are magic, but 20–30cm of overnight powder? That’s bliss.

By 9:30am, I’m heading to Hoff Hutt for a coffee with friends and probably running into Matt, who’s been off chasing his own perfect turns. Then it’s back out for a group ski. I’m a big fan of The Orchard chairlift, so fingers crossed it’s open.

I usually wrap up around 1pm and make my way to the village for a long lunch…rosé included, of course. In the evening, you might find me snowshoeing into the forest for fondue with Alpine Nature Experience and once a season, hopefully even spending the night in one of their cosy yurts.

If it’s the weekend of the Dinner Plain Sled Dog Challenge, I’m there. The energy is infectious and those dogs are incredible. If not… well, you might have to twist my arm for another day of skiing.

After all that, nothing beats heading back down to the quiet of the Valley. Our heritage home in Wandiligong is the perfect retreat. I’ll be curled up on the couch with our Hungarian Vizsla, Huddo, in front of the fire. That’s winter at its best.