From the traditional mountain rustic look to the modern buildings being constructed today, mountain properties come in all different shapes and sizes. When you go to design your own home, you can pour your individuality into it.
The classic mountain home evokes thoughts of warmth and shelter from the elements. This has often translated into dark rooms and fabrics that were very heavy. This style evolved from a response to the harsh environment of the surrounding wilderness.
Builders had to use the materials that were available in that part of the country. But with new advances in technology, new options have been unveiled for contemporary mountain living. Keep reading to find out what five big changes you can expect to see in mountain architecture and design in 2018.
1. More Connection to the Surrounding Nature
The original wilderness house was the log cabin. But the long timbers they used were difficult to work with. Their weight made it impossible to build high ceilings or add in many windows.
Without any natural light sources, the log cabin could feel constricting. With newly designed homes, high ceilings and large windows are the standard. Designs are drawn to reach up and out instead of enclosing you in your shelter.
With the building styles used today, windows can be larger than ever. Having a light and airy feel is the best for mountain properties. After a long day on the slopes, you can relax without sacrificing your view.
2. Mixed Materials
Being green has never been more in fashion, and architecture and interior design are no exception. Sustainably sourced and recycled materials are readily available now more than ever. There is a wide range of products on the market that are using recycled materials to transform mountain properties.
Some interior designers have chosen to work recycled glass or quartz into their plans to add a subtle sparkle. In a contemporary mountain home, luxury goods are placed together with other more simple finishes to create a layered design. The result is an understated, yet innovated look.
3. Indoor/Outdoor Living Space
It used to be that a patio could only be used during the warm months of the year. However, now small and easily-hidden radiators can be placed on your patio to heat your body.
These heaters can also be mounted on the ceiling of a covered deck if you so choose. If you are looking for a more portable option, you can purchase a propane powered patio heater like the ones you have seen at restaurants. Prices range from a hundred dollars to a thousand dollars.
With this new innovation in heating technology, you can enjoy your outdoor space year-round. Having the ability to access them more frequently, many people have been choosing to invest more in outdoor living spaces.
It's not uncommon these days to see covered structures and outdoor kitchens similar to what you may have seen at resorts. People want to take advantage of every part of their homes, inside and out.
4. Outlandish Fireplaces
Today, having a fire is completely different at most modern mountain properties. It seems that every day someone is building a fireplace bigger than the last and with more expensive materials.
Right now the hottest design remains a stone front fireplace style. It has an old world charm that has been delighting people for millennium.
Another thing people are doing with their fire-pits is installing them near their hot tubs. This is a great way to enhance the relaxation and ambience of your spa. If you are trying to warm yourself on a chilly evening, this is the perfect combination of warmth and light.
But no matter what style of fire pit you choose or where you put it, the most important factor for 2018 seems to be that it is made out of the same materials as your house. Your fire pit and the outdoor area should feel like an extension of the rest of the house.
5. New and Creative Light Sources
Choosing the right lighting for a home is one of the most important things you can do to change the way it feels. There are a lot of new choices available to light your home in 2018.
But regardless of what form of lighting you use, the principals behind them remain the same.
The two basic rules when it comes to choosing the lighting for a space are:
- You should feature a mixture of light sources and they should all be placed at different levels. This creates a welcoming and comfortable ambiance.
- You need individual task lighting for dedicated spaces. This includes kitchen, reading, dressing room, bathroom lighting, etc.
One great option for lighting in 2018 is to use programmable LED bulbs. This technology allows you to have more flexibility while using a more efficient light bulb. You can download an app and have all of your lighting controlled by your phone.
As part of innovative smart home technology, LED lighting solutions can have a dramatic effect on your day-to-day life. If they are used well you will find yourself pleased with the new flexibility you have.
Whether you choose LED or another lighting source, it should always be your goal to create a space that is warm, creative, and personal. By having the best lighting in your home you will be able to create a very cozy space to share with your friends.
How to Find Mountain Properties in Colorado
There are so many incredible new designs for mountain properties. With fantastic fireplace designs and indoor/outdoor living spaces, people are taking advantage of the beautiful nature surrounding their homes more than ever.
Finding these gems can be difficult if you are not familiar with the area. You may find that all the homes you see are traditional looking and don't feature the beautiful design selections in this article.
If you have been hunting for the perfect up-to-date home in Colorado, now is a great time to buy. Let us show you what beautiful new architecture is coming your way in 2018. Contact us today.
By Coldwell Banker
