Designing For the Mountains: 10 Tips to Get You Started

Prompts to Help Inspire Your Home Transformation

The mountain home is a unique and challenging design project. Not only do you have to contend with the ever-present risk of avalanches and other natural disasters, but you also have to find a way to incorporate stunning views into your design without making the space feel cold and impersonal. If you’re stuck on where to start, here are 10 mountain home interior design prompts to help you get inspired, challenge your assumptions, and transform your work.

1.  Make use of natural materials

   • Wood, stone, and metal are all great choices for mountain homes. Not only do they add an element of rustic charm, but they also help to create a sense of harmony with the surrounding landscape.

2.  Incorporate indigenous art and artifacts

   • Adding some local color to your mountain home will help it feel more like a reflection of its surroundings. Look for paintings, sculptures, or other pieces that reflect the culture of the area where your home is located.

3.  Go for cozy over sleek

   • When it comes to mountain homes, cozy always trumps sleek. You want your space to feel warm and inviting, so opt for furniture and fabrics that will encourage people to curl up and relax.

4.  Let in the light

   • One of the best ways to take advantage of those stunning mountain views is to let in as much natural light as possible. Large windows are a must in any mountain home design.

5.  Create an indoor/outdoor connection

   • If you’re lucky enough to have a porch or deck in your mountain home, be sure to take advantage of it! Creating an indoor/outdoor connection will help bring the beauty of nature inside and make your space feel more expansive.

6.  Use color judiciously

   • When used sparingly, color can be a great way to add some visual interest to a mountain home design. But be careful not to go overboard—too much color will make the space feel busy and overwhelming.

7.  Layer textures

   • The texture is another important element in creating a cozy mountain home atmosphere. Be sure to layer different textures throughout the space, using items such as rugs, blankets, pillows, and throws.

8.  Add some greenery

   • Plants are always a welcome addition to any interior design scheme, but they’re especially important in mountain homes since they help offset all of the stone and wood surfaces. Choose hardy varieties that can survive in lower light conditions since many mountain homes don’t get a lot of sun exposure.

9.  Consider lighting carefully

   • In addition to lots of windows, good lighting is essential in any mountain home design. Be sure to incorporate both task lighting (for things like cooking and reading) and ambient lighting (for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere).

10.  Embrace the imperfections

    • One of the last things to keep in mind when designing for the mountains is that perfection is not always possible (or desirable). Embrace the imperfections and character flaws that come with working with older homes or building in remote locations—they’re what give your space charm and personality!

Designing mountain homes can be both challenging and rewarding. By keeping these 10 design prompts in mind, you’ll be sure to create a space that’s both functional and beautiful—a perfect reflection of its stunning surroundings.