Sleep is one of the most important elements to living a healthy life. While there are many external factors to a good night’s rest, sleep is largely predicated upon (in our opinion) how comfortable and customized your bed is. So, let’s talk bedding. Why? Because it’s the most important place to start. There is no greater feeling than slipping into high-quality sheets, complete with the perfect set of pillows and accent throw. To ease the process of choosing the best bedding, we have broken down our favorites for you.

Sourced from the finest raw materials, Boll & Branch takes great pride in both fabrication and how their sheets are made. They have reinvented their supply chain, putting worker’s needs first––something we greatly admire. From linen to chambray and their cloud-weight signature fabric, you can’t go wrong with the set you choose. Our favorite? The ultra-refined Luxe set, made from the finest organic cotton. 

Meet Matteo. This Los Angeles based manufacturer produces apparel, home fabrics and some of the best bedding we have come across. They have spent years refining their fabrics to make them topnotch––something we can get behind. The sheets and blankets come in a variety of neutral tones, which are  ideal for pulling any given bedroom together effortlessly. We recommend all of the sheets, not just one! Top your bed off with our favorite carriage blanket throw.

Luxury bedding with a rich history. Let us introduce you to Peacock Alley bedding. Founded by Mary Ella Gabler,  this luxe bedding and bath company takes pride in sourcing the finest fabrics. With an array of styles, it is hard to go wrong shopping from Peacock Alley. It truly comes down to personal preference. Each sheet set is incredibly luxurious and comfortable. Going to bed at night will be a treat––something to look forward to. With fabrics such as egyptian cotton, sateen and linen, Peacock Alley offers relevant and contemporary designs with the integrity of the traditional. 

Have a bedding question? Email us! 

Seating is everything. It can make or break a room, and your comfort. While the design of any given seat can be crucial to the aesthetic of a space, it is important to strike the delicate balance of design and comfort, with an equal emphasis on both. At Dittmar Design, we get quite the thrill from well designed chairs, and how it can instantly give any room an immediate facelift. From heavily textured to more comfy chairs, to sleek modern and sophisticated, we have selected five chairs we are coveting now.

Leather Chair

One of our favorite pieces, this Baker Mcguire chair makes a statement. This unique design, made up of leather fringe, is an accent chair we love to add to any living space; particularly a warm and open living room to anchor the space.

Oakley Chair

The Modern armchair we can’t live without. This chair is a tribute to the work of Pierre Jeanneret in India. It’s architectural design packs so much punch and personality, a wonderful accent chair we prefer to put in pairs. Buy 2 and make them a part of your open living space, office or library.

Spanish Chair

An exceptional oak and leather chair that is sure to steal the show. It’s sophisticated masculine aesthetic pairs perfectly with a mountain chic theme and acts as the perfect accent chair for an office, library or mountain chalet living room. We love to see this anchor a seating area alongside an oversized coffee table, cloud-like couch and textured rug.

Danishcabinet Maker Wing Chair

The wing chair we want to nap in. This cozy shearling and inviting oversized chair adds warmth to the home. It’s rich in texture and steeped in comfort. It’s design was birthed in Denmark in the 1940’s and has held the test of time.

Oakley Chair

Sustainability is always at the forefront of our minds at Dittmar design, and this sustainably made oakley chair is one of our top favorites. Why? This chair sits on glides and is ultra-comfy. For those looking to add a sophisticated accent chair to a modern space, this is the chair we recommend.

By Brooke Ely Danielson

What does it mean to be an insider, exactly? Well, in Aspen it means you’re a local; or a pseudo local at the very least. Perhaps you live here full time, grew up in the valley or own a  second home here––there are surely more than enough experts and opinion driven itineraries to keep your Aspen schedule packed.

Aspen is magical and culturally dense; there is something for everyone. People come from all parts of the world and you never know who you are going to meet.

Morning Coffee and Tea

Bear Den:

A trendy coffee shop featuring a heart menu and fresh baked pastries, you have to try the cinnamon rolls. Order a latte and cinnamon roll, and enjoy outside in the sun at one of their many outdoor tables. Not feeling the caffeine jolt? Make this your afternoon cocktail spot. They have a full bar and delicious snacks. 

Gorsuch Cafe:

From flat whites to delicious Mexican Hot Chocolate, it’s steps from the Gondola and ideal for people watching. You can always catch the old Stein (Erickson) crew getting coffee in the mornings.

Local Coffee house:

A “local” favorite. Be sure to order a latte and some of their healthy breakfast options, like avocado toast or fresh bread.

Lunch

Meat and Cheese:

Grab a salad or tacos from Meat and Cheese. Insider tip, if you have the day off grab a cocktail to go. The margaritas are divine. 

Dinner

Betula is a favorite. The music is great, the food excellent and the cocktails fun, fresh and full-bodied.
Want to sip craft cocktails and eat next-level food? Check out 7908, designed by me, for a night out. 

Activities

Hike Smuggler:

A steady incline for just a few miles. The view at the outlook is worth the booty burn. Careful in the late winter / early spring months as the road can be muddy or still packed with snow. 

Ski Aspen:

Aspen Mountain, also known as Ajax, has steeper, more fun terrain. Pop by Bonnies for a cocktail and strudel while hanging on the deck in the sun on a Spring Day. You can easily Après from there at Dante or Ajax tavern. 

Bike:

Ride or Walk to Woody Creek is a summer activity favorite. It’s just shy of 8 miles and not too rigorous. Ease your peddling and rent an e-bike from any of the local bike shops. 

Art Hop

The Aspen Art Museum:

The Aspen Art Museum is a must-visit. With rotating shows from world-renowned artists, this small but mighty museum is the perfect stopoff to fuel your creative palette. Pop upstairs to the cafe for their “famous” matcha latte. 

Skye Gallery:

Featuring emerging, and established artists, the Skye Gallery is a contemporary art lover’s dream. 

Pitkin Projects:

The lifestyle store Aspen has long needed. This pop-up shop offers up art, linens, candles, jewelry and sculpture from around the world. It’s a love letter to artisans near and far, as well as a decorators dream. Well curated and smartly executed, this shop should be at the top of your Aspen shopping list.

By Brooke Ely Danielson

“Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops Sail o'er the canyons and up to the stars And reach for the heavens and hope for the future And all that we can be and not what we are...”  John Denver once wrote, and these words ring very true to mountain living; particularly in the Roaring Fork Valley. 

Mountain life can be a great life. It’s one filled with endless adventure, activity and calm––not to mention the mountains serve as your backyard. When you live amongst nature you have to dance with it. Meaning, take precaution in the activities you do and always respect Mother Nature, don’t defy it. 

So, what exactly is  mountain life? Is it a style? A vibe? An adventure? We think it is all of those things. From the activities you take part in, to how you decorate your home. 

KD: I feel mountain life is all about the outdoors. The reason why I love being in the mountains is for the sports that the mountain provides and the beauty.  The calm I feel after a snowstorm and watching a rainstorm in the summer helps me relax. I am trying to have these eliminates translate into my designs so when my clients come home. I want them to feel relaxed and comfortable and enjoy the beauty of their home and the outdoors.

Some of my favorite outdoor products, below!

The Avera Fire Pit

The Ottoman

Dining Chair

Terrain Pots

Terrain Wreath

RH Lounge Chair

Outdoor Ottoman

Dining Chair

Shelter-in-place has us all spending more time at home. No matter how small or large the space, the environment we create can have a profound impact on our mood and set the tone for our daily lives. If you are feeling stuck in a design rut, or want to improve your home with easy tangible tweaks here are a few things to consider. 

1. A new coat of paint will make everything look good…

A change in wall color can make all the difference and why not have some fun while doing it? Whether solo or a family affair, rolling up your sleeves and rolling out a fresh coat of paint on any given wall in your home is a fairly fun and easy project to undertake, especially in the time of quarantine. 

2. Organizing to declutter…

No matter what your neat and tidy level, there is always room to improve, and spruce up any given space in your home. The pantry, the powder room, the cluttered key (and mail) bowl next to the front door may all require a little TLC. There are a few tips and tricks for an instant facelift for messy spaces, and perhaps now more than ever is just the time to get going on your journey to a neat and tidy life. As Marie Kondo puts it, if it doesn’t spark joy, let it go… Here are some attainable and approachable tidying tips for your home. 

• The Kitchen: try tackling the spice rack. These are often a mess. Start by alphabetizing the spices and using a spice rack organizer. The next time you reach for cinnamon you’ll know that it’s towards the front due to the a-z placement.

• The “junk bowl”--you know the bowl you throw your keys, mail and accoutrements in as you walk in the door? Get rid of all essentials and choose a drawer to add a drawer organizer to. Each necessary item will then have a designated spot. 

• Color Coding: Whether you are organizing a bookshelf or linen closet, try organizing these spaces by color. 

Happy organizing and updating!

Plants: they can make a room feel more complete, but that is not all they are good for. These green wonders can boost our mood and bring many added benefits to our lives through their healing properties and all around aesthetic; think large fiddle leaf trees for anchoring the living room, or an Aloe Vera plant for the master bath. “My favs are Aloe Vera, Gerbera daisy, snake plant,” says Kristin, founder, owner and head designer.  A green home can make for a happier and healthier home, with the greatest benefit being cleaner, more purified, air. Currently, there are fires ravishing the majority of the country and air quality is at an extreme low. While Air purifiers can be expensive, investing in houseplants are an alternate option for cleaning the air, reducing stress, toxins, increasing humidity and creating oxygen. 

For those looking for both house plants and an air purifier, for double duty cleaning, this Molekule air purifier will go beautifully in any room thanks to its sleek and minimal design. 

Happy planting!