A dated hotel gets a second life

Hotelier Erik Warner bought Alpine House in Jackson, Wyoming in 2020 and partnered with Elizabeth Roberts Architects to transform it into a chic guest house without moving walls.

“I wanted it to be collected rather than designed, warm rather than luxurious.”

Make a moody first impression

The exterior wood was color-drenched in a custom-mixed deep green stain from Sherwin Williams's Woodscapes line, creating a fresh, modern look that transforms dated architecture.

“It's pretty matte, it's not a shiny finish at all.”

Anchor rooms with shiplap headboards

Each guest room features a shiplap headboard wall painted in deep green, which creates height and focal interest more effectively than paint alone.

“That vertical line of the shiplap does something important to create height and a sense of focal moment more than paint alone could.”

Soften ceilings with wallcovering

Sisal wallcovering on the ceilings personalizes rooms and adds warmth without taking up floor space, making spaces feel more finished and intentional.

Make organization design-worthy

Modern Shaker peg rails in each guest room provide functional storage while looking intentional, and work equally well in entryways, mudrooms, and kids' spaces.

Use black as a visual thread

Black accents appear throughout the hotel, creating a contemporary feel and visual cohesion when paired with deep colors and natural wood.

“Black is just such a beautiful pop.”

Layer bedside lighting options

Wall-mounted sconces paired with table lamps give guests flexibility in light levels and type, while adding visual interest to the bed wall.

“Having the two gives guests more options for the amount of light and type of light they'd like to have.”

Mix vintage and new furnishings

Pairing vintage wood-frame chairs and rush stools with new pieces from retailers like Lulu and Georgia creates a collected, lived-in feel rather than a designed one.