Mountain home design style may conjure up thoughts of moose heads, bearskin rugs, and rustic cabin décor, but that look has had its day. Enter Modern Mountain, a streamlined, contemporary style with distinct connections to the natural environment that takes the mountain home to an elevated level of design. Designers of both new construction and home renovations are applying a clean-lined aesthetic that inspires a relaxing connection with nature but remains in keeping with a mountain home's original intent of providing a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A bond with natural surroundings is paramount in Modern Mountain home design. Builders seek out local materials like quarried stone, reclaimed or fresh-cut timber, and salvaged metals with a patina of age, and combine them with simple lines and an overall contemporary aesthetic. A subtle color palette takes its cues from native materials, incorporating rich neutral colors like grays, browns, taupe, and creams.

Modern Mountain homes often have open floor plans with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, large windows, and skylights that offer premium access to the sweeping scenic vistas outside. Vaulted ceilings punctuated by wood beams, exposed rock fireplaces, and an uncluttered layout make a statement in the interior floor space. Lighting fixtures have open and airy designs, geometric frameworks, and sparkling glass shades that don't obstruct the field of vision to the spectacular scenery.

The kitchen is a key connector in a contiguous floorplan between the living, dining, and outdoor areas, and kitchen design often leans heavily towards stone slabs on countertops, rough or reclaimed woodwork, and industrial touches of metal-framed lighting. Large windows frame the view while letting light flow over the organic textures of the materials, creating a seamless experience with the indigenous environment awaiting outside.

An indoor-outdoor lifestyle is inherent to Modern Mountain style, with extended alfresco living spaces being as necessary as comfortable and warm interiors. Often the two blend into one, with a living room featuring an interior wall of glass that opens into an outdoor space that is highlighted by low maintenance, native landscaping and panoramic scenes. Pendants, wall lights and lamps rated for outside use contribute a delightful glow as the sun fades into the peaceful night sky.

For help in achieving the perfect Modern Mountain look in your home, or for more advice or inspiration on the latest design trends, visit an ALA-member Showroom.

Photo by Tech Lighting