From chic cottages and coastal grannies to rustic farmhouses, there's been a long-standing home trend centered around earth tones, reclaimed materials, and natural elements. Mountain Modern Style is the latest addition to the pack, and it's simply inspired by rugged peaks, rocky slopes, and windswept meadows. Here, interior designers define and explore this minimalist-meets-rustic aesthetic and share how to make it work in your home, whether you live in Colorado or New York City. Masu.
What is mountain modern style?
The name of this trend says it all. Mountain Modern style translates the tones and clean lines found in the mountains, resulting in minimalist yet warm interiors accented with organic textures and unique art. “Bringing the outdoors in through décor choices such as a color palette inspired by nature, artwork aesthetically inspired by the outdoors and inspired by pulsating animals, and a mix of vintage and found items. '' says Max Humphrey, an interior designer based in Portland, Oregon.
Incorporating simple modern finishes is a tenet of Mountain Modern style. It creates a clean, light balance with intentionally unrefined details. In this sense, it is a step away from traditional 'Alpine' design, which can often feel dark, heavy and outdated. “The appeal of mountain modern design is the clean lines, minimalism, and sophistication that homeowners want to bring to their mountain retreat,” says interior designer Jackie Johnson.
Using Mountain Modern Style in an Urban Environment
Mountain Modern is well-suited to homes surrounded by mountains, but you don't necessarily have to live in the high mountains to be inspired by this trend. If you're not designing a mountain home, remember that a little goes a long way, Humphrey says. Overdoing a suburban or urban space can result in a space that feels inauthentic, or worse, more like a cheap theme park. The goal is to incorporate warm, natural touches in a way that suits the space. And falling into the “modern” part of this trend, less is always more.
How to add mountain modern style to your home
Don't know where to start? Check out this interior design advice.
Strategically layer natural textures and tones
Mountain Modern lends itself to layers of earthy tones and natural textures that can be found in nature. “Rather than layering decorations, think about the details of layering textures like wood, metal, and fabrics that bring the space to life,” says Johnson. “In this case, less is more.”
You will need furniture with clean lines, a minimum of large items to create an interior landscape, and just a few accessories. Here are some ways to subtly layer texture and tone in your space.
Natural fabrics: Leather and fur fabrics can be incorporated into dining chairs, bar stools, accent chairs, pillows, and more. Metal accents: The furniture's metal legs, patina hardware, black steel windows and doors, and metal beams create a beautiful mountain modern feel. Wood Details: Try rifted white oak kitchen cabinets, wood paneling on powder bath or feature room walls, and live edge tables. Real Stone: Add real stone to your countertops, backsplash in your bar or kitchen, or via a waterfall island. Getty Images/Gremlins.
Using rustic materials in an authentic way
The key to this aesthetic is the fusion of “mountain” and “modern”. “Cleanliness and modern features are appealing, but for many people they lack soul,” says Jordan Overman, co-founder and co-president of Forge & Bow. “The realistic use of rustic materials gives the house a sense of history.”
His solution to achieving that perfect balance is to understand the history of the home, keep finishes simple and streamlined, and let building materials shine. From there, you can incorporate rustic details where it makes the most sense.
Focus on natural light and accent lighting
Let the sun be your main light source during the day. That is, a wide open window that is not covered by curtains. Incorporate task and accent lighting in the early morning and evening hours. “You'll notice that lodges in national parks don't have can lights overhead,” Humphrey said. “There are usually multiple light sources, such as chandeliers, table lamps, and floor lamps. It gives you the option to create a mountain atmosphere in your home.”
Make Windows your art
If you're lucky enough to live in the mountains, and even luckier to have amazing views, make nature the centerpiece of your artwork. Arrange your spaces so you can look out, and keep window treatments minimal and light. If your budget allows, consider incorporating new windows or extending existing windows. Alternatively, consider turning a small door into a larger one or replacing a full-glass door with a covered door.
Getty Images/Portra Images
Seeking warmth
“Clean lines and modern finishes can lean toward something warmer, cooler, or even sterile, but by bringing in the rustic principles of mountain modernity, cold doesn't work,” says Overs. says Mann. “Make sure the finish is warm and inviting, even if it's more modern.” This can be incorporated through appropriate wall colors, large, inviting textiles, attractive furniture, and lighting. can.
incorporate art prints
In lieu of (or in addition to) actual mountain views, art prints can bring the modern feel of small mountains into your home. “Whether it's a vintage travel poster or a painting of an outdoor scene at a flea market, art is a great way to remind yourself of your travels and inspire you to get outside,” says Humphrey.
install rustic wallpaper
Wallpaper is an easy way to bring the modern magic of mountains into your home. “Florals, plaids, and even gingham papers similar to camp blankets can be a wink toward mountain modern, and can be used big or sparingly on an accent wall or guest room. You can,” Humphrey says. When in doubt, choose earthy colors that evoke nature, such as forest green, cream, or sky blue.