12 Ways to Add Modern Mountain Charm
If you love the charm of refined rustic design, we have a collection of rooms for you: Each one pairs the coziness of a mountain getaway with clean architectural lines, sleek furnishings, and natural materials—a combination that works beautifully in any house, in any setting.

Photo By: Emily J. Followill
Photo By: Pagosa Photography
Photo By: Windermere Real Estate, a member of Luxury Portfolio International
Photo By: Slifer Designs
Photo By: Slifer Designs
Photo By: Rebecca Zajac
Country Cool
To give a mountain home’s porch a dose of big-city style, designer Brian Patrick Flynn created a monochromatic backdrop of rich charcoal gray, using the color on everything from the porch structure itself, to the stone-faced fireplace, to the wicker sofas. Then, he added drama with bold hits of color: sapphire velvet upholstery and emerald pillows. Last, a Midcentury-inspired chandelier in a rich brass finish lends a shining accent overhead.
Location, Location
Inspired by the setting of this barnlike modern home nestled on a hilltop amongst many acres of undeveloped woods, architect Matthew Moger of Moger Mehrhof Architects used natural stone and wood to give the space a grounded, but luxurious look. The sliding mirror and trough-like sink nod to the home' s location in rural, Pennsylvania farm country.
Sunny Outlook
When a room—any room—has glass as expansive and views as spectacular as the ones this master bedroom enjoys, a designer’s main task is often to keep the focus where it should be: outside. Here, designer Kathe Baker of Feathering the Nest chose a subdued neutral palette to create an atmosphere of quiet elegance. Layers of soft texture add luxury.
Finding Flow
Light Effects
All-white rooms have become practically expected in modern and contemporary designs, but this simple palette works just as well in rustic, lodge- or Mission-style homes, as well. Case in point: This dramatic living room, with its breathtaking mountain views and gracefully peaked window. The all-white, low-slung furnishings impart luxurious comfort, without distracting from the setting; subtle texture from the woven rug and wood coffee table add interest.
Site to See
Country Meets Contemporary
To give a Colorado bathroom a uniquely luxurious look, the team at Slifer Designs mixed design styles with abandon, lining the walls and floor with rustic wood, but choosing sleek white vessel sinks for the vanity and a contemporary soaker tub. The effect is startling, but completely comforting: The warm wood and cool porcelain balance each other, for a result that’s both embracing and refreshing.
Nature-Loving Statement Pieces
From floor to ceiling, the entire dining room features rustic, exposed grain wood. Strong statement pieces, like a navy blue buffet, mirrored chandelier and even a simple bear portrait, are used to break up the wood. The comfortable dining room is made of a wood slab table, gray bench seats and slipcovered armchairs.
Great Range
Modern mountain style works in any room—even a nursery. Here, designer Rebecca Zajac used a painted wall mural to nod to the home’s setting, but had the mountains painted in an abstract, ombré style for a more contemporary look. Simple shelving units and a natural wood crib don’t detract from the artwork, and a modern yellow bird mobile adds a pop of brightness overhead.
Rustic Reminder
Global Influences
Giving your home a Smoky Mountain modern look doesn't limit you to regional design elements. In this mountain home, for example, architect Lee Grutchfield and designer Kim Deetjen of TruexCullins Architecture + Interior Design took inspiration from as far afield as Japan, incorporating Shoji-screen-style sliding glass doors to connect the vaulted great room to its outdoor surroundings. Local materials like natural stone and cedar wood help keep the home grounded in its physical location.