A home in the mountains can be a dream come true for those done with the hustle and bustle of city life. There’s nothing like stunning landscapes and romantic views of the countryside to provide you with an escape from reality. If you’re planning on building a home on the mountainside, here are some design ideas to inspire you.
Energy efficiency
One of the best things about energy-efficient homes is that, more often than not, they’re already designed in ways that are more modern and style-forward. These homes often consider power consumption to reduce the cost of living. Being energy-efficient also drives the design itself since they tend to have more and bigger windows and skylights to let in as much natural light as possible.
If you want your home to be design-forward and cost-efficient, make energy efficiency one of your priorities. Hire architects with a team of architects specializing in green energy design or those who have a special certification for it. Have a solar power system installed into your home, especially if your property will be on the sunnier side of the mountain. Capitalize on nature’s gifts by designing your home around it. Not only will your home be energy-efficient, but it will also provide you with the most stunning views.
Modern edge
Just because you’re moving to the mountains, it doesn’t mean you have to default to old-school cabin styles straight out of summer camp. One of the best things you can do for your mountain home is choosing a design that has not been done a hundred times before.
That means now is the time to experiment with more modern trends like a light-filled great room or an industrial edge through the use of materials like steel and metal. You can also try an industrial edge by using materials like steel and metal while using traditional and earthy elements like wood accents. When it comes to architecture and interior design, the key to creating a dynamic look is always the combination between the old and the new.
Outdoor living
Another way you can capitalize on your mountain property is by prioritizing your outdoor living space and entertaining areas. Since your house will be on or by the mountain, you have the blessing of fresh air and gorgeous landscapes. Those are the building blocks for a relaxing outdoor living area.
Ask your architect to create spaces for outdoor fireplaces, especially if it gets chilly at night and during winter. You can also go for a barbecue grill or outdoor cooking station and decks that are so big they run the length of the entire house. A big front porch can be one of the best ways for you to enjoy the fact that you live in the mountains. Think of these outdoor living areas as your very own outdoor room. They exist to help you and your guests relax, enjoy nature, and breathe in some fresh air.
Functional and livable
Now that we’ve established what to do with the exteriors, it’s time to think about the interiors and the floor plan. When deciding on how you want the interiors to look, remember that a mountain home is like any other home. You want it to be functional and livable while leveraging the natural views and elements.
Decide on the areas you want to be communal and those that are private, and have your architect draw up plans that correspond with those desires. Remember the rule of thumb: open space floor plans are generally more modern and considered trendy. Meanwhile, a closed one is considered more traditional. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide which floor plan makes the most sense for you, your family, and your lifestyle. Do not box your home into specific designs or layouts just because it’s a mountain home.
Know your must-haves
Lastly, every mountain home must have the following:
- A special mudroom, especially if you and your family love hiking
- A lot of storage space, especially if you love sports and other outdoor activities that need gear
- Big windows to let natural light in and to see beautiful views—all the better if they’re the floor-to-ceiling type
- Fireplace, especially if it gets cold in the area
Having a home in the mountains is a privilege that you need to take advantage of and enjoy. Use design to highlight the views and nature’s gifts. Allow yourself to enjoy living in this house for the rest of your days.
