Nature has always been a source of inspiration in architecture and home design. Looking at the surroundings allows architects and designers to create seamless, purposeful solutions that maximize comfort and also make the most of the clean, impressive lines nature has carved out.
The biophilic approach towards interior design creation isn’t just aesthetically pleasing. It’s also been established as beneficial in terms of improving health and mood stabilization.
Living in a mountain area allows you to enjoy breathtaking views, fresh air, and lush greenery on a daily basis. It’s nothing but natural to try bringing these majestic elements inside. Mountain living should be about two important things – comfort and utilizing the surroundings in the most functional way to create a seamless transition from exterior to interior.
To accomplish these goals, you need to adopt the right approach towards home architecture and the selection of the perfect interior design elements.
Understanding Mountain Living
The mountains give you a picturesque backdrop and a serene color palette that can lead to significant living improvements when some of these elements get incorporated into architecture and interior design.
Most people who choose mountain living do so to escape the hectic everyday routine in the city. Laidback, relaxed, and comfortable living are all prioritized by those homeowners.
Mountain-inspired interior design and architecture can be modern and minimalist with a touch of rustic charm. You don’t need to give up on modern amenities and conveniences. These can be blended seamlessly with natural elements to give you the perfect environment that features the best of both worlds.
The mountain style is easy to execute through the selection of the right architectural and home décor elements. Some of the decisions will have a much bigger visual/functional impact than the others, which is why these are the upgrades to prioritize.
Blending Mountain Living and Modern Architecture
Before anything else is done, you have to consider the way the architecture of the home is going to respond to the landscape. The right architectural elements are timeless and ergonomic. They blend seamlessly into the shapes of the surrounding natural elements. The use of natural materials like wood and stone also makes a lot of sense. Not only do they result in striking visuals, these materials are very sustainable and they can maximize comfort, energy efficiency and, property value.
Modern mountain house architecture can combine the traditional cuteness of the Alpine cottage and the functional appeal of modern-day minimalism.
Site-specific design can be used to preserve nature and minimize the house’s environmental impact. The easiest way to accomplish the goal is to choose a thoughtful foundation design that does two things – accommodates the uneven terrain and touches lightly on the ground so as not to disrupt the mountain habitat.
Other architectural choices should be made to bring the picturesque landscape inside and give the home’s inhabitants effortless access to nature’s beauty.
Floor-to-ceiling windows are a great choice that many architects embrace when creating mountain homes. Large decks and patios are another excellent idea, allowing the inhabitants to effortlessly go outside. The same applies to big balconies, especially if the mountain house has several floors.
Finally, the architectural side of things has to embrace the right materials. Durable, simple, and natural is the way to go. Stone, hardwood, weathered steel, and cast iron are often prioritized. Apart from being good-looking, these materials are all low-maintenance options that can withstand the environmental impact of the mountain climate.
Creative Home Design Enhancements
It’s now time to get creative, finding inspiration in the beauty of the mountain when designing the interior of your home.
Many interior design elements can add to the theme and give you a chance to enjoy nature’s serenity even when you’re spending time indoors.
The materials that make the most sense for home architecture can also be exploited successfully in interior design. Wooden furniture; natural fabrics like wool, cotton, and linen; cast iron elements; natural stone elements made from granite or marble can all add value and elegance to the mountain home’s interior design.
Exposed natural elements are a beautiful choice. You don’t need a lot of paint or varnish – strip down the elements to the bare essentials to enjoy the textures and patterns that nature has created.
Even if you have opted for a modern interior design, you can still sprinkle a few rustic elements to create some visual interest.
Rustic-inspired or vintage light fixtures are a nice touch. They’re not massive, hence they’re not going to overpower the clean and functional interior design. At the same time, they are noticeable enough to draw the eye and subtly deliver the theme.
Finally, you should be focusing on cozy living. This is especially important for people who use their mountain home on the weekends, to disconnect and get their batteries recharged.
Textiles deliver all of the tools needed to make the environment more comfortable and conducive to relaxation.
Plush faux fur throws, oversized blankets, handwoven carpets, and layers of pillows will give you that snuggly warmth. They will also give you pops of color to brighten the natural color palette and breathe life into it.
To create the perfect finishing (personalized) touch, go for a few glamorous or artistic elements. A favorite painting hung above the fireplace or a large mirror with an intricate frame gives you that touch of glam we all crave in our daily lives. Heavy designer chandeliers can also be the perfect statement piece that looks artistic and also carries a degree of traditional rustic charm.
Designing Homes Around Mountain Living
Making nature your biggest inspiration allows for the easy transformation of a mundane, slightly bland home.
Keep the beautiful views focal. Remove obstructions, carve space for larger windows, and keep it light on the curtains. Make the color palette inside soft, allowing the magnificent view to be the star of the show. At the same, don’t fear a pop of color or an element that reveals some of your personality. The right accents will immediately elevate the interior design, plus they will maximize your enjoyment of the space. Trust your instincts and make every piece count. Great details will set your home apart, while the larger architectural elements will allow for the seamless blending of modern-day living and timeless mountain allure.
Author Bio
Parker Platt, AIA, is the esteemed President and Principal Architect at PLATT, overseeing the design direction of all projects. PLATT has been in business for over 40 years and is a full-service architecture, construction, and interior design firm based in Brevard, North Carolina and serving clients throughout the Southern Appalachian Highlands and beyond.