From cozy cottages and cabins to Cape Cods and coastal bungalows, the list of different house styles is seemingly endless. And lately, homeowners seem to be increasingly interested in modern versions of these styles. One type of dwelling we’ve noticed clients referencing more and more is the modern mountain house.
Keep reading to discover our favorite modern mountain house exterior design ideas and learn more about this design style. Whether you have a mountain house or simply want to incorporate some aspects of modern mountain home design into your property, this post is sure to offer plenty of inspiration.
Whether you’re interested in a modern mountain house aesthetic or something else entirely, we can help you visualize your desired new look. We’ll recommend the perfect paint colors, cladding materials, and other design elements for your home. Learn more about our virtual exterior design services.
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What is modern mountain house design?
Before we share our favorite modern mountain house examples, we want to explain what this design style consists of and what makes it unique. Simply put, it combines the rustic elements typically associated with a mountain house and modern design principles.
Materials found in nature, such as wood and stone, are commonly used, as are more modern and industrial materials like concrete and glass. Modern mountain homes will often have large windows that make it easy to admire their natural surroundings. Sloped or slanted roofs are another common feature of mountain homes in areas that receive a lot of snowfall.
When it comes to exterior paint, neutrals and earth tones are frequently used. Dark color palettes featuring black or near-black hues as the primary color are also pretty popular for modern mountain houses.
Emphasize the view
This client wanted a modern mountain look for his new build home located on a ski hill in British Columbia. He also wanted a design that would allow him to enjoy the beautiful scenery his unique location offered.
Our designers selected Benjamin Moore’s Deep River, a saturated gray with subtle green undertones, for the vertical siding. We complemented it with sections of wood and stone siding, both of which are frequently used for mountain house exteriors. We incorporated wood elements elsewhere in the design too — on the columns, pergola, and along the top of the glass railings.
To give this home good indoor-outdoor flow, we used large windows and folding glass doors. We also designed a rooftop deck where the client can enjoy the home’s incredible views.
Finally, we chose a sleek aluminum and glass garage door and a custom pivot door with raised trim for a modern feel.
Floor-to-ceiling windows
If you want to enjoy your home’s views but don’t have the space or budget for a rooftop deck, floor-to-ceiling windows are another great option. Windows that run down from the ceiling to the floor, like those in the entry area above, let in tons of natural light and offer an unobstructed view of whatever is outside the home. The wall lanterns that flank the entrance are a perfect blend of modern and rustic and look right at home juxtaposed with the natural stone.
Large windows with no grid or a minimal grid pattern and folding glass doors (above) can achieve a similar look when floor-to-ceiling windows aren’t feasible. We love how the interior of this home appears to spill right into the backyard.
Pick a modern exterior paint color
The color palette you select for your home’s exterior can have a major impact on its curb appeal. We love using black or almost-black hues on homes of all types to give them a more modern look.
On the home above, we used a moody, monochromatic color scheme consisting of Benjamin Moore’s Blacktop on the siding, eaves, and windows. We incorporated some natural materials throughout, including wood lintels above the windows and stone skirting. Black columns with concrete bases add an industrial flair. Several picture windows and a glass front door help connect the interior to the outdoors.
We always recommend sampling and testing paint colors before committing. Factors such as natural lighting, undertones, and your property’s fixed elements will have a significant impact on how a color will appear on your exterior. Our friends at Samplize offer extra-large 9 x 14.75 inch peel-and-stick paint samples of the colors we love for exteriors. Order your ‘Real Paint, No Mess’ samples from Samplize here.
Highlight the wood elements
This client in Colorado desired an “updated modern mountain vibe” for their home built in 2002. After renovating the interior, they enlisted our help for the exterior.
We recommended Sherwin Williams’ Oyster Bay, a neutral, grayish-green hue, for the siding and brick. Our design also features plenty of wood elements — siding, the garage doors, front door, portico, and columns. We love how the wood pops against the siding.
Pay attention to the details
When asked what design style she wanted her exterior to embody, this client responded “modern mountain with cute details.” We suggested Sherwin Williams’ Roycroft Pewter on the horizontal siding and Iron Ore on the vertical siding, fascia, and soffit. The covered porch area features multiple seating options, including a concrete bench and swing.
Contemporary wood doors, modern wood columns, and a cozy entry rug and matching throw pillows all add warmth to this design. Other details that round out this design include rain chains, a sleek cable railing for the porch, and planters and light fixtures next to each entry door.
Modern mountain commercial property
The modern mountain aesthetic isn’t just for houses. We’ve have plenty of business owners request that we update their commercial property to reflect this design style too. The lodge and retail shop above features a combination of dark, wood, and stone siding that’s common for mountain properties.
Large windows, a screened-in porch, and a covered porch offer plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Paint the brick
If you have a brick home, painting the brick is one of the most effective ways to give the exterior a more modern appearance. For the house above, we suggested Benjamin Moore’s Chelsea Gray on the brick and Black Canyon on the small section of vertical Woodtone siding.
The wood front door and modern wood column draw attention to the entrance and add warmth to the façade. New windows and modern light fixtures also help update the home. Finally, we designed a small patio with a seating area where the owners can relax and enjoy their surroundings.
Create an outdoor oasis
Mountain homes often have ample outdoor space, and we love helping homeowners make the most of theirs. We turned this backyard into an outdoor oasis complete with multiple seating areas, a plunge pool, and a fire pit. Staying true to the modern mountain house aesthetic, we chose a dark paint color for siding and incorporated plenty of wood elements throughout.
Make your mountain house dreams a reality
With the right building materials, paint colors, and other design elements, a modern mountain house aesthetic is easy to achieve. This design style is the perfect balance of rugged and refined, rustic and luxurious. It has a rooted-in-nature vibe but doesn’t lack any of the modern comforts today’s homeowner desires.
Ready to turn your mountain house into your dream home? We’re here to help! Begin your exterior design project today.
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