When it comes to capturing the essence of a place through the written word, few voices are as evocative as Kathryn O’Shea-Evans. A seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail, O’Shea-Evans has long been a trusted voice in the realms of design, travel, and food. Now, she turns her attention to the majestic world of mountain living in her latest book, “Alpine Style.”

O’Shea-Evans brings a wealth of experience to this project. As a contributing editor at House Beautiful and a frequent contributor to The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, she has honed her ability to translate visual and sensory experiences into words that resonate with readers.

Her move from New York City to Colorado’s Front Range in 2017 provided her with a unique perspective on mountain design, allowing her to witness firsthand the evolution of alpine interiors.

In this exclusive interview, O’Shea-Evans takes us on a journey through the pages of “Alpine Style,” sharing insights into her creative process, the surprises she encountered along the way, and how her background in travel writing influenced her approach to mountain design.

From the challenges of capturing a room’s essence in words to the joys of exploring regional inspirations, O’Shea-Evans offers a candid look at the making of her book.

Join us as we explore the peaks and valleys of alpine design, and discover how O’Shea-Evans has managed to distill the magic of mountain living onto the printed page. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a mountain dweller, or simply someone who appreciates the art of storytelling, this conversation promises to offer fresh perspectives on the intersection of place, style, and the written word.

DNN:  Can you share a moment during the writing or research/creative process that shaped or the direction of the book? Were there any surprising discoveries or “aha” moments during your research that changed your initial concept for the book?

O’Shea-Evans: One of my favorite parts of the research was finding quotes about mountain living from voices that come from the past. It’s fascinating to hear how previous generations experienced mountain magic, and what’s really interesting is how their quotes still get me in the heart today. They feel so poetic and so true.

DNN:  What unique insights about alpine style do you think your background in travel and food writing brought to this project?

I spent the first seven years of my career working at Travel + Leisure magazine, occasionally staying on assignment in some of the most beautifully designed hotels on earth. Lucky me! It was an absolutely fabulous first gig and taught me so much about how a great space is pulled together. 

I was very excited to include hotels that anyone can stay in and experience in Alpine Style, as well as recipes. You can go ahead and make the same cocktail in your own kitchen that they serve at the Hotel Jerome, whether you live in Aspen, Colorado, or you have a cook space on the flatlands in Des Moines, Iowa.

DNN:  Was there an interior featured in the book that challenged your writing skills to capture its essence? And conversely, which spaces were easiest to write about?

O’Shea-Evans: I really didn’t struggle with the descriptions because I intentionally chose rooms and images and places that were evocative…places that had a lot to say at a glance.

I suppose the easiest spaces to write about are the ones where I have personally spent a lot of time, though, including our own mountain house in Bailey, Colorado and the Hotel Jerome in Aspen.

DNN:  How did the book format allow you to explore alpine style in ways that your other writing doesn’t?

O’Shea-Evans: Listen, I love and believe in advertising. It’s how some of my favorite publications pay the bills and how consumers find things they need that work for them. But I absolutely adore a book because your flow as a reader is not interrupted by ads. It is more akin to taking a hike in a beautiful natural setting in the forest than walking along a busy highway where there are lots of billboards!

DNN:  When you think about design writing in general, what are some of the tropes you see over and over again and where do you turn for more unique perspectives? Is there something you’d like to read more of in the space?

O’Shea-Evans: I think certain phrases can be overused by everyone in the design industry and it’s something I can be guilty of myself. I try to watch out for expressions that don’t mean that much, like “pop of color” or “it just works” or “the powder room is a jewel box.”

I do try to get specific information that teaches the reader something when possible, and that is partially thanks to my training at Hearst and House Beautiful, specifically, where my editor Sophie Donelson did a wonderful job encouraging us to find actual takeaways for the reader. 

DNN:  Lastly, what is next and is there a dream project you’d love to have realized?

O’Shea-Evans: Thank you so much. I am thrilled to be working on my next dream project—a second book of my own for Gibbs Smith. This one is all about one of my favorite topics—Christmas decorations. 

I started my own company, Aspen Grange, which sells quality Christmas decor and baking goods, a few years ago, so it’s been so fun to delve into Christmas for this project. I’ve actually been having Christmas in my mind all summer working on it, and it’s been a very merry time, ha! It’s a total honor to get to write these books and share beauty with other beauty-holics like me 🙂 | Alpine Style is now available for purchase here.