As a fairly new design blog writer, I've been considering different ideas about what kind of content to share with all you lovely visitors to my website. I've been playing around with the idea of putting together some style boards for different popular home design trends. It's a fun way of identifying the elements and details that go into creating the looks that you see on Pinterest, Instagram, and HGTV. While there is a wide range for personalization and variety in any style, there are always repeating elements that make that style what it is. I thought I'd start out with Mountain Modern since that it is a hugely popular look here in Utah. You'll have to forgive me somewhat if I get a little bogged down in details--I am an extremely analytic person, and I sometimes catch myself sounding not unlike Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory when I get deep into a topic! So, here we go: everything you ever wanted to know about Mountain Modern design!
1. Mountain Modern=Mountain + Modern
That's a brilliant deduction, right? Fairly obvious, but it must be said. This style is founded on the basics of a modern architectural look--clean, simple lines, natural materials and textures, geometric angles. In order to make it a "Mountain" modern, you would want to bring in some of the rugged elements and themes of mountain living. Of course, one assumes that this type of modern home will also actually be located in or near some mountains, so this style is a perfect fit for homes in such panoramic, high-altitude settings as Park City, Midway, or the foothills of the Wasatch Front. Modern architecture puts an emphasis on bringing the beauties of nature inside the home. For this reason, you will generally see Mountain Modern style homes taking advantage of their picturesque settings with large picture windows and outside living areas to allow for adequate appreciation of the surrounding views. The materials covering interior and exterior walls are often chosen to blend in with the landscape. Stone, stucco, wood, and dark, unpolished metals such as iron are frequently the finishes of choice.
The famous Falling Water home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the fathers of modern architecture, might be one the best known modern homes that have influenced this current trend. Blending into its rocky perch above a flowing waterfall, the architecture echoes the different levels of stone tiers at its base, while the colors and textures of the stone and stucco on the exterior intentionally mimic those lining the riverbed.
Similarly, Mountain Modern homes seek to echo their background in their architecture. You might see a home with multiple tiered levels designed to fit snugly into a mountain slope, dramatic roofs that echo alpine skylines with sharp angles or geometric curves, interior hallways that are actually bridges built over running brooks, or interior courtyards that allow residents to be surrounded by trees and shrubbery as much as possible.
2. Rustic to Refined
Like any popular style, there is a huge range of how Mountain Modern can be interpreted in furnishings and decor, but some things do stay fairly consistent: Natural materials are usually repeated in the interior of the home, often incorporating stone and wood on the floors, walls, fireplaces. Heavy looking metals such as iron, copper, or galvanized steel are frequently used on light fixtures, doors, stairs, and furniture. Decor can range from rustic or industrial to sleek and contemporary, but almost always retains an earthy neutral palette of muted colors, warm grays and browns, or soft blacks.
It gets pretty cold in them there hills, so an enormous fireplace (or two...or three...) is an absolute MUST. Most Mountain Modern homes go for an updated lodge or cabin feel, and use leather, hides, faux animal fur, and global-style patterns and textures in upholstery, rugs, blankets, and pillows to give them that refined "mountain man" feel. Light fixtures can go more "mountain", with antler chandeliers or industrial metals, or they might use more "modern" satellite fixtures with multiple arms and glass bulbs, or cascading waterfall style pendants.
3. Cozy Textures and Organic Accents
Because modern architecture and furniture has such an emphasis on clean, straight lines and hard materials, there needs to be a balance in the softer materials used on upholstery, rugs, and bedding to make a mountain modern home comfortable and inviting. Rustic materials that imply hardy mountain living such as worn leather, animal fur (you'd be amazed at how soft and realistic some faux fur options are!), and wool provide a warm contrast to polished wood and rough stone. Native American or Scandinavian patterns also add subtle color and warmth to neutral color schemes. Furniture frequently has mid-century influences with light scale wooden framed chairs or casual contemporary boxy shaped sofas. Accent furniture pieces such as tables are also usually light scale with skinnier legs and frames. Organic materials such as live wood edges, decorative rocks, and animal skulls pull a little more of nature indoors.
4. Design in Action
If you feel drawn to this cozy but elegant design style, you are not alone! Here is one interpretation of a Mountain Modern living room that I pulled together.
You can see what a great mixture of rustic materials and modern silhouettes there is in this style. I love that Utah is finally seeing a trend towards Modern and Contemporary style homes. They are such a natural match with the amazing mountains and natural wonders we get to enjoy here. What do you love about this style? How would you interpret it in your own home? If you need some help, give me a call!