The Modern Mountain style traces its roots back to the early 20th century when mountain retreats started gaining popularity. Initially, these spaces were designed to offer a refuge from the hustle and bustle of urban life. As time progressed, so did the style, evolving into what we now recognize as Modern Mountain. This design style captures the essence of nature while seamlessly integrating contemporary elements. Evolving from its rustic roots, it has embraced modernity without compromising its connection to the great outdoors. In this blog post, I’m going to show you some contemporary adaptations, and delve into how you can infuse this aesthetic into key spaces like the kitchen, bedroom, living room and other areas of your home.
The original charm of exposed wooden beams, stone accents, and earthy tones persists in this style, acting as a homage to the natural surroundings. However, contemporary designers have taken this foundation and incorporated modern elements to create a seamless blend of the old and the new.
Modern Mountain Elements
1. Use of Local Materials and Craftsmanship
This is one of the styles that relies heavily on local materials and craftsmanship. Whether it’s reclaimed wood, stone, leather, iron etc. this style celebrates artisanship. Display rustic pottery, woven baskets, and organic ceramics to create a connection with nature within the heart of your home.
2. Fireplace or a Fire Source
A focal point in any mountain retreat, a fireplace creates a sense of coziness and warmth. Whether it’s of stone or metal, enhance it with modern touches such as a sleek mantelpiece or contemporary artwork.
3. Comfortable Seating Arrangements
Choose comfortable and inviting seating arrangements. Oversized sofas and plush armchairs with earthy-toned upholstery create a welcoming space for relaxation.
4. Neutral Palettes and Textures
No bright colors here. Neutral colors let the views of nature take center stage. Add fur throws, linen curtains and knit or woolen blankets.
5. Vaulted Ceilings
For this style think wide open spaces like in Montana or any mountain house. There’s usually an open floor plan that feels expansive like the outdoors with wooden beams or iron braces on the ceiling.
6. Oversized Windows and Doors
You want to let the outside in, so there is an abundance of large windows in this style to let the light and views pour in and they usually incorporate black industrial style windows.
7. Nature-Inspired Artwork
Adorn your walls with nature-inspired artwork. Photographs of mountain landscapes, animals, outdoor sports, botanical prints, or even abstract pieces with earthy color palettes add a modern twist to traditional mountain decor.
8. Statement Lighting
Illuminate your living room with statement lighting fixtures. Consider pendant lights crafted from natural materials like wood or metal to bring a touch of contemporary design into your mountain-inspired living space.
Living Room
This living room went all in with log walls, wooden beams, large scale photography, and a cushy sectional. The fire source is an iron drop-down fireplace and the modern chrome coffee pairs well with the modern overscale pendant.
I don’t think you can get more comfortable than a velvet sofa with a chunky throw. The large windows and wooden ceiling makes this the perfect mountain style.
Image via Atlanta Homes Magazine
You don’t have to go full on “taxidermy”, but this cozy den has statement lighting, cozy seating and an oversized window/door. The touches of brass add the modern twist.
Large scale sporting photography, the stone side table and beamed ceiling are all mountain style, but the black kidney bean coffee tables add an unexpected modern touch.
This is a fun way to store fireplace logs along with the wooden ceiling, oversized door and tree stump side table. The juxtaposition of the modern white chair is what Modern Mountain Style is all about.
Bedroom
This bedroom has the tall ceiling, statement lighting, modern art, linen curtains and a faux fur throw. The logs on the wall are a nice textural touch also.
I love how the table is a combination of rustic wood base and modern steel top. The bed has the mountain plaid wool blanket usually associated with the Mountain Style, but the way it’s paired with a black and white checked pattern is very modern.
This is what we usually think of as Mountain Style, but the way the twin beds are placed right underneath the vault with a headboard across the whole wall is very modern.
This sleeping nook is everything I would want in a Modern Mountain Style space. It’s dark and moody, which is trending right now, with touches of nature brought in, a wood slat ceiling, wool blanket and statement pendant. Think how cozy this would be with a cup of tea and a book.
Kitchen and Dining Room
Use wood countertops like in this kitchen below. Exposed wooden beams on the ceiling and reclaimed wood for the kitchen add an authentic touch. Statement lighting, handmade clay tiles for the backsplash and the cowhide bar stools just add the finishing touches.
Opt for granite or quartz countertops that mimic the rugged beauty of mountain rocks. Paired with the wooden cabinets and black windows, this is a Modern Mountain dream. Stainless steel or matte black appliances add the modern touch for the kitchen.
This dining room has the faux fur chairs, wood horn pendant and large scale photograph on the wall. Nice place to have a glass of wine.
Isn’t this stunning? Wood, brass lighting, stone floor, leather seating and two modern side chairs. This might be my favorite dining nook of all time.
This modern table goes perfectly well with the stone wall, antler light and photograph.
Other Spaces
The symmetry of these antique skis lined up on the wall makes for a very cool art installation.
The cowhide panels on the wall is a very modern application and I also love the furry stools.
Turn your mudroom into a dark and moody Modern Mountain moment.
Again with the taxidermy, but you could name him or her. This bar area has the requisite wood, metal shelving, iron side table and plaid woolen pillows.
As a bonus, I’ve included a sample of Modern Mountain landscaping. Besides the standard fire pit in the backyard, think of stones, boulders, pavers, grasses and basically a zero landscape. No grass, cause nobody’s got time for that while you’re enjoying the views.
In the ever-evolving world of interior design, and I mean ever-evolving, the Modern Mountain style stands as a testament to the union of tradition and modernity. By incorporating elements inspired by the mountains into your home, you create spaces that not only reflect the serenity of nature but also embraces the conveniences of contemporary living. You don’t even have to actually live in the mountains either. You could take bits and pieces of the elements to craft your own mountain retreat.
Let me know if you’re into this style as much as I am and I’ll see ya next time.
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