Summer in the Mountains: Elevated Cabin Style

While lake houses celebrate their watery dominance, mountain retreats bring a different kind of magic… those misty mornings when the peaks play peekaboo through the clouds and evenings call for something just a touch cozier than your standard summer fare. Having designed for numerous clients with mountain escapes, I've found it's the thoughtful details that transform a timber-framed house into a soul-soothing sanctuary.

Forget the predictable parade of antlers and plaid (though I'll never turn down a strategic buffalo check). Today's mountain home embraces color, whimsy, and personality without sacrificing that essential connection to nature that drew you to elevation in the first place.

Let's start with the unexpected: the rattan planter that brings architectural interest to your kumquat tree or herbs. This isn't your grandmother's wicker - it's a sculptural statement that bridges indoor-outdoor living. Speaking of statements, vivid coral goblets aren't just for sipping - they're sunset captured in glassware, perfect for evening cocktails on the deck when the mountain air turns crisp.

A kitschy mushroom plate isn't just serveware; it's a conversation piece! It celebrates foraging culture without requiring you to distinguish between chanterelles and certain death on your weekend hikes. Paired with colorful utensils and coral-rimmed napkins, even a simple cheese board becomes an artistic moment.

The brass dome lamp brings a warm glow to evenings spent playing cards or piecing together puzzles while the porcelain Staffordshire greyhound nods to woodland tradition without venturing into hunting lodge territory (and what would a mountain cabin be with out a little campiness?!).  A  scalloped raffia tray begs to deliver breakfast in bed after early morning hikes, or to corral books and binoculars on your coffee table.

For the porch sitters, an embroidered pillow brings the wildflowers to you without wilting them, while the sunshine yellow throw stands ready for impromptu picnics or stargazing sessions. Assouline’s Couture Lounge candle sets the mountain mood with its floral, woodsy, and spicy notes.

I've learned that mountain houses demand their own breed of practicality. Having an adorable matchstick holder isn’t just charming, it's essential for power outages and fireplace lighting, reminding us that sometimes the most necessary items can also be the most delightful.

And let's not forget art! A classic still life reminds us that beauty exists in simplicity, in the humble arrangement of fruit and flora, much like the dramatic simplicity of the landscape outside your windows.

The mountain house at its best doesn't compete with nature; it complements it with touches of warmth, color, and personality that make coming inside just as rewarding as stepping out.

Next in the series, Beyond Seashells and Rope: Coastal Cottage Necessities.