Après Design
Design Conversations for Silver Star Homeowners
Interior Designer
Heather Manning
Après Design is a series of relaxed, educational events hosted at the Silver Star Design Centre.
Inspired by the idea of après (coming together after a day on the mountain) these events are designed to be informative without being technical, and social without being sales-driven.
Each event focuses on a topic that matters to homeowners who are considering any repairs, upgrades, renovations or new construction.
Home renovations are expensive, disruptive, and often emotional, especially when homes are used seasonally or rented short-term. Important decisions are frequently made under pressure, with limited context and little opportunity to step back and think things through.
Après Design exists to change that.
These expert-led events are designed to help homeowners and property managers make better decisions before spending money – by understanding trade-offs, long-term implications, and what truly matters in the Silver Star mountain environment. The goal is clarity, perspective, and confidence when engaging designers, builders, and trades.
But Après Design is not only about information.
The events also create space to slow down and connect after a day on the mountain, and in a relaxed, welcoming setting. They offer a chance to meet neighbours, second-home owners, and visitors who care about how their homes function and feel, and to take part in thoughtful conversations that don’t usually happen on job sites or in rushed appointments.
Attendance is intentionally small and accessible. You do not need to have a project underway or any technical knowledge as curiosity is enough! Proceeds from Après Design events support Silver Star Adaptive Snow Sports, helping make the mountain more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Attending is both an investment in your own understanding and a meaningful way to give back to the community.
Think of it as educational and social way to spend the end of the afternoon or evening on the mountain.
Part of the Après Design experience is enjoying the mountain community. Guests who register in advance are invited to arrive early and enjoy a complimentary seasonal treat from one of the village cafés—whether it’s a warm drink at Bugaboos or a scoop from Francuccino’s Gelato. Many attendees choose to continue the conversation afterward over dinner in the village, extending the evening and the connections made.
Most Après Design sessions feature guest experts – including product specialists, builders, trades, and local professionals – alongside design insight led by Heather Manning of Aetheria Interiors.
Events are intentionally small-scale and conversational, creating space for thoughtful discussion, real questions, shared experience, and practical, immediately applicable takeaways. Explore upcoming topics, event details, and ticket availability.
Après Design events may include conversations around:
- The Colours of Silver Star How exterior and interior colour palettes shape the character of the mountain, influence perception and value, and create cohesion across the village and greater community.
- Renovation ROI for mountain homes and rentals Where to invest, what actually pays off, and how design decisions impact resale value, rental performance, and long-term operating costs.
- Fireplace, hearth & mantle upgrades Re-thinking the hearth as both a functional and emotional anchor: modernizing dated fireplaces, improving safety and energy efficiency, and elevating the focal point of mountain living spaces.
- High-impact renovations Kitchens, bathrooms, and other upgrades that deliver outsized returns in comfort, durability, and guest experience.
- Materials that perform in alpine environments Selecting finishes, surfaces, and assemblies that withstand freeze–thaw cycles, heavy use, and seasonal transitions.
- Lighting for wellbeing, efficiency & atmosphere Supporting health and comfort through thoughtful lighting design while reducing energy use and environmental impact.
- Acoustics, sound transfer & privacy Practical strategies for quieter, more comfortable homes, especially in multi-residential and rental settings.
- Wellness-focused and biophilic design principles Designing homes that feel grounded, restorative, and connected to nature, without feeling contrived or trend-driven.
- Maintenance, planning & avoiding costly mistakes Lessons learned from real projects: what to think through early, what to avoid, and how to make decisions that age well over time.
The Après Design calendar is continually evolving—check back regularly for upcoming topics, dates, and registration details. Join our mailing list below to get updates.
We welcome walk-ins during opening hours or book an appointment. Whether you’re early in the thinking stage or deep into planning, we welcome you to stop in, look around, and start the conversation.
Hours:
Wednesdays to Sundays 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
Mondays, Tuesdays and evenings, by appointment