The Best National Park Lodges for High-End Style and Rugged Mountain Charm

The article highlights eight exceptional fireplaces located in various ski resort hotels and lodges, offering them as perfect gathering spots for après-ski activities or for those seeking a cozy retreat. These fireplaces are presented as quintessential elements of a ski vacation experience, providing warmth and atmosphere. Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, N.Y., is featured for its grand Kanu dining room, which boasts massive stone hearths crafted with hand-hewn log beams and granite, reflecting the rustic-luxe spirit of Adirondack Great Camps. The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, Colo., showcases a three-story stone hearth in its Great Room, serving as an anchor for the bar area where guests can enjoy drinks, appetizers, and live music. The Chedi Andermatt in Switzerland is recognized for its dramatic entryway hearth, adorned with wood-carved antlers, functioning as a popular après spot for drinks and light cuisine. The Lodge at Whitefish Lake in Whitefish, Mont., offers a double-sided hearth in its lobby, complete with an authentic moose head, providing a comfortable space for reading or enjoying cocktails in a setting that embodies a national park vibe. Sebastian Vail in Vail, Colo., is noted for its modern and sleek black steel hearth with an artsy, stacked-wood design, situated in an airy, light-stone lobby with a vaulted atrium. The St. Regis Deer Valley in Deer Valley, Utah, provides both a 40-foot-long outdoor fire garden and a massive, two-sided lobby fireplace, accommodating various preferences for warmth and relaxation. Tamarack Lodge at Mammoth Mountain, Calif., is described as offering a more intimate, living-room style hearth, reflecting a log cabin sensibility for guests seeking a quieter ambiance. Lastly, The Viceroy in Snowmass, Colo., presents a modern and artistic take on the ski-lodge fireplace in its lobby lounge, inviting guests to unwind with a book or socialize over cocktails and light fare. Each location's fireplace is presented as a distinct feature contributing to the overall charm and comfort of the resort. #SkiCountry #LuxuryLodges #FireplaceDesign #SkiVacation #AprèsSki #ResortHotels #MountainGetaway #InteriorDesign #CozyRetreats

The article details the creation of Whimsy Valley, the Western North Carolina mountain retreat of photographer and historic preservationist Perry Vaile. Vaile and her husband embarked on a long journey to find and build their dream mountain home, ultimately settling on a property near Burnsville after a previous attempt in Chimney Rock was thwarted by a landslide specialist's warning, which proved prescient when the property was destroyed by Hurricane Helene. This experience highlighted the importance of thorough environmental assessments before purchasing land for construction. With the new property, Vaile collaborated with local contractor Chris Jarrett over two years to construct a home that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Her background in historic preservation influenced the architectural choices, such as incorporating bark siding as a nod to late 1800s architect Henry Bacon, who popularized this style in Linville, North Carolina. This design decision aimed to give the new build vernacular sensitivity and integrate it respectfully into the region's architectural history. The interior design reflects Vaile's photography career, lending her an eye for creating visually compelling spaces. She combined antique pieces, diverse patterns, and a carefully curated color palette to achieve a timeless yet whimsical atmosphere. The living room features vaulted ceilings, providing a sense of grandeur and allowing for the inclusion of a stained-glass window sourced from a decommissioned church, which casts magical light when illuminated by the south-facing sun. The kitchen is designed to evoke warmth and character, channeling an "eccentric grandma" aesthetic. A William Morris patterned backsplash complements soft blue cupboards, adding texture and personality to the space. The master bedroom is built around a blue patterned wallpaper, inspired by an inn Vaile photographed, and features antique doors from an architectural salvage center in New Orleans. For her daughters' bedroom, Vaile aimed for a playful yet chic English bed and breakfast feel, incorporating gingham curtains and wallpaper from House of Hackney, with wood paneling completed by Vaile and her husband. Outdoor elements were also carefully considered. Vaile, who always desired to live near water, created an artificial stream that mimics natural rock formations and winds through the yard, providing a soothing soundscape and a scenic place to relax. The master bathroom features a copper tub as a focal point and an antique dresser with a marble countertop and stone sink, a resourceful find from Facebook Marketplace. The home also includes a wraparound deck equipped with rocking chairs, designed to offer expansive views of the surrounding mountains. The property is further enlivened by six miniature ponies, which roam the grounds, adding to the idyllic, storybook ambiance of Whimsy Valley, where Vaile's mother also resides in a nearby cabin, fostering a nostalgic, close-knit family environment. #MountainRetreat #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #WesternNorthCarolina #WhimsyValley #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomHome #OutdoorLiving

This article details the transformation of a 2,000-square-foot prewar apartment in Park Slope, Brooklyn, designed by Williamsburg-based artist and designer Leyden Lewis. The apartment, located in a 1929 building on Prospect Park West designed by architect Emery Roth, was renovated to combine elegance with accessibility for a nonagenarian client. Lewis, who has a BFA in architecture from Parsons and teaches at various design schools, emphasized craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the project. A central aspect of the renovation was to create a barrier-free environment, making the apartment easily navigable by walker or wheelchair. This was achieved by eliminating door saddles and incorporating numerous curved surfaces, which Lewis noted also contribute to a sense of calm and safety by reducing sharp, 90-degree corners. These curves are prominent in design elements such as a kitchen ceiling soffit and a living room fireplace, replacing previously rectilinear shapes and fostering a tranquil atmosphere within the urban setting. Significant structural changes included converting a traditional closed-off kitchen into a modern, open-concept space. Architectural details, such as plaster cove moldings, were meticulously restored or recreated to honor the apartment's original character. The design incorporated a variety of luxurious finishes, such as leather floors in the entry foyer and bronze-clad steel door surrounds for new pocket doors featuring laminated textured-glass inserts. S. Hertz and 9 Co. served as the general contractor for the renovation. The entry foyer features leather hides from Edelman Leather, cut into tiles and treated with butcher’s wax for durability. Contemporary horsehair-covered benches from Donzella complement this space. Throughout the apartment, ordinary doors were replaced with wide bronze-clad steel pocket doors with textured-glass inserts, fabricated by Brooklyn-based Face Design. In the dining room, a limestone floor from Stone Source is juxtaposed with walls upholstered in iridescent silk from Jim Thompson. The living room's curved fireplace, a custom creation made from exterior-grade concrete, serves as a sculptural focal point, anchoring the room with its soft lines. Furnishings in this area include a custom silk rug from Joseph Carini, a contemporary sofa from Donghia, vintage 1960s armchairs from Donzella, and a coffee table from Horseman Antiques. The client's existing dining set was integrated into the new design, and the dining room drapes are made from gold and bronze sheer striped fabric by Jack Lenor Larsen. The master bedroom features silk-wallpapered walls and is illuminated by an Ingo Maurer light fixture. The kitchen's design includes a curved peninsula with a quartzite countertop from Stone Source, and a ceiling soffit that harmonizes with an existing circular plumbing stack. A chandelier from jGood Design enhances the kitchen's aesthetic. Opposite the kitchen, a 1950s French confectioner’s cabinet from Conjeaud & Chappey provides storage. The bathroom, while fully compliant with ADA standards, maintains the apartment's elegant aesthetic. It features custom sandblasted steel grab bars and other metalwork by Face Design, teak shower details, Waterworks hardware, and tiles from Walker Zanger. The project successfully blends high-end design with practical accessibility, resulting in a sophisticated and comfortable home. #InteriorDesign #ParkSlope #PrewarApartment #AccessibleDesign #LuxuryInteriors #LeydenLewis #BrooklynHome #Renovation #CustomFurniture

This article showcases a modern mountain retreat located in Cashiers, NC, a region known for its natural beauty, including wild mountain laurel, waterfalls, and scenic views. The area, rich in Native American and Appalachian heritage, offers a variety of homes, from charming cottages to expansive estates, all designed to complement the surrounding panorama. The featured 3,500-square-foot home is situated in Lonesome Valley, a community offering amenities like a restaurant, spa, fitness center, pool, tennis courts, and private lake, alongside 12 miles of walking trails. The property, perched on a mountainside, includes three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths. The home's design is the work of interior designer Janice Dietz of The Consulting House in Atlanta, serving as her second home. The interior combines vaulted ceilings, barn wood accents, and a modern elegance with a rugged mountain aesthetic, creating a balance between simplicity and sophistication. The design incorporates layers, textures, and warmth, aiming for a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. Challenges during construction included the property's slope and terrain, built over solid rock, granite, and natural springs, necessitating a pinned foundation. The elevation, while posing difficulties, also provides the home's distinctive 'wow' factor, resembling a grown-up's treehouse immersed in the forest canopy, with ample natural light and natural materials like stone and reclaimed wood. The kitchen features cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore Brush Blue, contrasting with a soapstone island countertop and white oak flooring. This design choice diverges from the typical white marble and white kitchens found in more urban settings, reflecting a desire for a unique mountain aesthetic. A Wolf 48-inch range with a griddle and a custom hood vent are highlighted. The dining area includes a reclaimed wood table from Restoration Hardware and chairs from Charleston Forge. Reclaimed wood is a recurring element throughout the home, with timbers from Appalachian Antique Hardwoods, LLC, used for ceilings and doorframes. Custom iron details, including a railing designed with Kevin Grisso of Custom Artisan Works, add unique architectural elements. The home incorporates artistic touches, such as pieces by Howard Finster and Jean Dubuffet in a hallway niche, illuminated by vintage glass light tubes set within reclaimed wood fixtures. The family room is equipped with double bunk beds, cozy seating, and a stone fireplace. The custom bunk beds feature woodwork and swing light insets for reading, along with hidden outlets for device charging. A hallway outside the family room displays barn doors, reclaimed wood timbers, pendant lights with Edison bulbs, and art by Thornton Dial. The primary bedroom boasts a vaulted ceiling with trusses and a light fixture from Oly Studio. The other two bedrooms, designed for Janice's daughters, maintain distinct identities while sharing common elements like tin ceilings with varied designs and wood accent walls in different finishes. Both bedrooms include sconces and are furnished with pieces from Bernhardt and CFC, along with luxury textiles from Pom Pom at Home. The bathrooms feature double vanities and textured elements like narrow Marquina tumbled stone flooring. The laundry room is accessed through a custom sliding door with an Etsy appliqué, and the mudroom is painted in Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore, featuring a built-in bench. Most rooms, including the screened-in porch, have oversized windows to capture the treeline views. The screened-in porch also has electronic shades for year-round use and opens to an attached grill porch. Outdoor spaces include a Kettal swing from Paul Plus and custom daybed swings from Lowcountry Originals, offering serene spots for relaxation high above the ground. The home functions as a peaceful retreat, providing numerous vantage points for appreciating the natural surroundings. #ModernMountainRetreat #CashiersNC #InteriorDesign #JaniceDietz #ReclaimedWood #RusticElegance #LonesomeValley #HomeFeatures #ArchitecturalDesign

This article highlights four high-style vacation destinations in Colorado, offering a blend of adventure and sophisticated design that can inspire fresh ideas for home decor. Each location presents a unique aesthetic, from opulent Western themes to contemporary mountain chic, catering to various design preferences. The first destination, Kessler Canyon, is a 15,000-acre resort featuring five cabins and two guest suites. The design embraces a "more is more" philosophy, showcasing hotel mogul Richard Kessler's personal collection of antique guns and taxidermy. Authentic details, such as bronze-inlaid poker chips on pool tables, prevent the Western theme from becoming kitschy. The expansive wrap-around front porch with handmade rocking chairs is a notable feature. Located in De Beque, Kessler Canyon offers nightly rates ranging from $395 to $895. Dunton River Camp, nestled in the San Juan Mountains along the Dolores River, is the second featured getaway. Owned by art collectors Christoph and Katrin Henkel, this luxury campsite comprises eight tents that reflect a devotion to stylish living. Designer Christina Rossi conceived custom beds that don't sit flush with the wall to create an airier feel. The tents boast en-suite bathrooms and are adorned with cowhide rugs, Bolivian frazadas, and custom bedding from L’aviva Home. The communal 19th-century farmhouse, meticulously renovated in 2013, features quirky accessories like horsehair-stuffed rocking chairs, fish lights made from real fish, and antique milk bottles. Starting at $1,500 per night, Dunton River Camp is located in Dolores. Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa, a 6,000-acre resort, is the third destination, distinguished by its locally inspired style. The design pays homage to the surrounding red-rock canyons and petroglyph-covered slickrock. Owners Maureen and John Hendricks collaborated with designer Suzanne Geibel McCammon to select a color palette that mirrors the Unaweep Canyon backdrop. Accent walls in each suite are painted with real copper and iodized to create a unique patina, while upholstered pieces and accessories feature Southwestern hues of turquoise, deep red, and soft yellow. Detailed wood case goods complement the saturated color scheme. Handcrafted Peruvian-wood barn doors are a prominent design element in the Kayenta and Casitas rooms. Rates range from $400 to $1,700 per night at this Gateway location. Finally, Scarp Ridge Lodge in Crested Butte is a 12,000-square-foot Victorian property that blends history with refined modern style. Originally an 1885 saloon and dance hall, the lodge, owned by Eleven Experience, features a restored 19th-century facade and original wooden double doors. The fully renovated six-bedroom interior exhibits exceptional craftsmanship, including a stair railing and metal chairs forged by local blacksmith Jeff Brethauer. Beams reclaimed from a Tennessee tobacco farm highlight the architecture. The decor maintains a light and chic aesthetic with a neutral palette and layered textural linens, deviating from typical mountain retreat styles. Bluestone flown in from Belgium accentuates the cool hues in the bathrooms and lobby. Summer rates start at $860 per guest per night. #ColoradoTravel #LuxuryGetaways #InteriorDesign #HomeDecorInspiration #VacationRentals #WesternDesign #MountainResorts #BoutiqueHotels

This article details the design and aesthetic choices made for a private hunting lodge located in rural Louisiana, north of Baton Rouge. The project involved a collaboration between Baton Rouge-based architect Mark Matthews, design consultant Allyson Hicks of Allyson Hicks Design Consulting, and contractors Ryan Crum and Noah Wilson of Waterfront Custom Homes. The primary goal was to create a retreat that functions both as a family getaway and a hunting destination for friends, blending rustic elements with a refined, timeless appeal. The lodge is designed for large groups, featuring a main living area with a vaulted ceiling and antique beams, a casual dining space, and a kitchen accessible through an arched brick opening. In addition to a large primary bedroom, there are four guestrooms and a bunkroom equipped with four twin beds. Each guestroom boasts a unique design, avoiding the uniformity of a hotel, while the overall layout allows for flexible separation of family and guests. Public areas prioritize both entertainment and practicality, including a game room, a bar, an open-concept living and dining area, and a fully appointed outdoor kitchen. A large mudroom provides private, lockable closets for guests to store gear, and a separate drop zone is designated for hunters to shed muddy attire. The exterior features a lakefront area with deep porches, a putting green, and a firepit surrounded by Adirondack chairs. Allyson Hicks faced the challenge of incorporating design elements that reflect Louisiana's heritage and the lodge's purpose without resorting to a typical casual hunting camp aesthetic. The homeowner's preferences, such as a fondness for gray and a dislike for gold, guided the color palette and material selection. Gray tones were used on walls and trim, and metal finishes like polished nickel, gunmetal, and black iron were chosen. Louisiana-specific elements, such as exposed beams and old brick, were integrated into the design. A key aspect of the design involved balancing rustic and contemporary styles to ensure a current yet timeless look. Hicks achieved this by mixing worn, vintage-looking pieces with more streamlined furniture. Antique woods were a prominent feature, with weathered shiplap used for the outdoor kitchen ceiling, antique beadboard for accent walls, and antique doors complementing new stained alder wood doors. The bunkroom, designed for younger guests, incorporates remnants from the lodge’s wood beams and flooring for stair treads and upper-bunk railings, alongside shiplap walls and built-in storage. The refined-meets-rustic aesthetic extended to the use of galvanized metal, mirroring the lodge's roof indoors. Artisan Josh Guillory created a custom galvanized metal range hood for the kitchen, and light fixtures with a similar matte metal appearance were selected for the bar area. The kitchen also features oversized nickel handles on drawers and cabinets to introduce a masculine touch, alongside Mont Blanc quartzite countertops and a textured Milas white marble tile backsplash with chiseled edges. Lighting was thoughtfully curated to combine streamlined fixtures with cruder pieces that fit the rural environment, ensuring the lodge serves as a comfortable and inviting haven throughout the year. #HuntingLodge #RuralRetreat #InteriorDesign #LouisianaDesign #RusticChic #FamilyGetaway #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomHomes #TimelessDesign

This blog post details the design and features of a 4,000-square-foot mountain home in Park City, Utah, built by homeowners as their "forever home." The residence, designed by Unscripted Interiors, is situated on a lot with a creek, offering views of the Wasatch Range and access to year-round outdoor activities. The design process involved a collaboration with architects from the ground up, with Unscripted Interiors playing a pivotal role from the initial drawing plans. Kari Armstrong, principal of the Denver-based Unscripted Interiors, describes the home’s style as "Modern Americana" with a "mountain-ish" sensibility, avoiding overly rustic themes despite its mountain setting. The design subtly incorporates a red, white, and blue color palette, with reds appearing in vintage Turkish carpets, blues in blankets and pillows, and whites in paneled hallways and custom tile installations in the kitchen and bathrooms. Materials such as alpaca, local stone, petrified wood, bouclé, and linen contribute to the sophisticated aesthetic, ensuring the home feels elegant and adaptable to various settings. The double-height great room features custom bespoke elements, including an A. Rudin sofa, a 13-foot dining table with bronze accents from Holly Hunt, custom chairs with leather detailing, and a fireplace hearth crafted from local “Park City Gold” limestone. A custom-made rug from Nepal and a Ralph Lauren light fixture for Circa Lighting further enhance the room’s luxurious feel. The built-in bar showcases a unique approach to traditional mountain house elements, with custom-clad leather cabinets finished with nailhead details by The Tanner’s Craft. Accommodation for visiting family is a key aspect of the home's design, including a "four seasons" sun porch that provides comfort in winter with a fireplace and opens up in summer. A dedicated coffee and breakfast bar connected to guest rooms on the second floor caters to early risers. Other notable features include a sitting room with custom walnut millwork, a kitchen with a herringbone pattern backsplash from Concept Studio and metal cabinets, and a primary bedroom with an antler chandelier, a custom bench, and a bouclé bed. Guest rooms include "dueling bunks" with built-in storage and a wood-paneled guest room painted in Cornwall Slate by Sherwin Williams, adorned with vintage blankets transformed into pillows. The primary bathroom boasts a Victoria & Albert freestanding tub and Phylrich faucets. Outdoor spaces feature Gloster dining chairs and bar stools for al fresco meals and a "she shed" near concrete raised garden beds, offering a serene escape. #ParkCity #MountainRetreat #ModernAmericana #UnscriptedInteriors #HomeDesign #CustomInteriors #LuxuryHome #Utah

This article showcases four distinct Colorado home design projects, highlighting the collaborative efforts of talented architects and interior designers in bringing homeowners' visions to life. Each project emphasizes unique design philosophies, material selections, and functional considerations tailored to individual needs and the Colorado landscape. First, the 'Longshot Ranch' in Eagle County is presented as a modern rustic barn designed by Forum Phi for a couple with contrasting aesthetic preferences. The husband desired a contemporary, modern aesthetic and a working ranch, while the wife preferred a rustic style and connection to civilization. The resulting 3,763-square-foot, two-bedroom barn, completed in 2021, successfully integrates residential living with agricultural space on a 35-acre plot. It features reclaimed white oak floors, oil-rubbed bronze, natural stone, and stainless steel in its interiors. The exterior utilizes reclaimed barnwood siding and wire-brushed Douglas Fir trim, complemented by a rusted metal roof. Emphasizing sustainability, the design incorporates passive solar gain through southeast orientation and steel solar shades, along with a 12 kW photovoltaic system. This project demonstrates a minimalistic approach to a rustic modern ranch, designed for environmental engagement and longevity. Next, 'Funk It Up' describes a whole-home remodel in Littleton’s Bowmar neighborhood, undertaken by Kimberly Timmons Interiors, Gruber Construction, and Red Pencil Architecture. The homeowners, Julia and Sam Wilder, sought a fun, functional, colorful, and sophisticated space for their three children, reflecting their personality. The original 1970s midcentury-modern ranch, characterized by a choppy floor plan and dated decor, underwent a complete transformation. The main living space was opened up, ceilings were vaulted, and the staircase was reconfigured to create an open and airy feel. The design maintained the home’s midcentury-modern architecture while incorporating bold color pairings like brushed gold accents, moody matte black wall coverings and cabinets, and pops of burnt orange and cool blue. Unique functional built-ins were integrated throughout the 4,000-square-foot, five-bedroom residence. The third project, 'Mountain Modern,' features a 7,500-square-foot Aspen home designed by Chicago-based architect Celeste Robbins of Robbins Architecture. This home is highlighted in her monograph, _The Meaningful Modern Home: Soulful Architecture and Interiors_. The design goal was to create a home that possessed scale, strength, and permanence to harmonize with the mountainous terrain, while also reflecting the quiet elegance of the valley's natural elements. Robbins drew inspiration from the Clyfford Still Museum for the facade, utilizing vertical board-formed concrete to create a textured pattern that complements the snowy peaks. This material is juxtaposed with expansive glass walls, including a 32-foot-wide motorized glass wall in the great room, which blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Shawn Henderson curated the interiors, combining custom, vintage, and contemporary pieces to achieve sophisticated yet comfortable living spaces. Finally, 'Buckhorn Ranch' showcases a luxurious, modern-meets-rustic home in Crested Butte, designed by Susie Ver Alvino of Blank Slate & Co. for the Hunter family. Completed in 2022, the 4,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, 5.5-bath home by architect Daniel J. Murphy and builder Ian Mason blends contemporary furnishings with comfortable accents. The interiors feature Sherwin-Williams’ Snowbound paint, Bianco Montcarte marble countertops, and a custom steel hood in the kitchen. Thick wooden beams of locally handcut, raw-knifed, and burned Douglas fir adorn the kitchen and living room. Custom rugs, upholstery, and furniture are used throughout, with matte black painted window interiors to enhance visual impact. Design details include handcrafted marble mosaic bathroom tiles, plush Overland sheepskin rugs, and a 550-pound concrete bathtub in the primary suite. Phillip Jeffries wallcoverings and natural stone elements integrate the home with its Colorado surroundings. The home also incorporates practical amenities like a soaring refrigerated wine wall and features unique artistic touches such as a vintage chairlift seat from Crested Butte’s Teocalli lift on the front porch. #ColoradoHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #ModernRustic #SustainableDesign #MidcenturyModernRemodel #LuxuryInteriors #MountainModernArchitecture #ResidentialDesign

This article details the interior design project undertaken by ELLE DECOR A-List Titan Sheila Bridges for a New York City couple's new 8,000-square-foot house in Vermont. The couple, enamored with Vermont's natural beauty and architectural heritage, decided to build a new residence on a sprawling 240-acre plot despite the initial challenge of accessibility. They selected Bridges for her expertise in layering and texture, a skill they admired after seeing her work featured in ELLE DECOR. The house, designed by Burlington-based TruexCullins and completed in 2023, is a Greek Revival structure mirroring traditional 19th-century New England connected farms. The layout includes a central rectangular section with the husband’s library, an office, and a parlor for the wife, with four bedrooms upstairs. What began as an occasional ski trip destination has evolved into a frequent retreat for the couple, their adult children, and friends. A double-height, barn-like space with undecorated walls serves as a venue for larger gatherings, while the great room and kitchen form the heart of daily family life, with the primary suite located above. Bridges's design approach was uniquely inspired by the distinct leafy-green hue of the Vermont license plate, a color prominently featured in the Morris & Co. Blackthorn Autumn wallpaper, which covers the kitchen cabinets and extends into the great room. This choice reflects Bridges’s deep connection to nature, drawing from her childhood experiences in Vermont and her personal residences in the Hudson Valley and Iceland, where she keeps horses. The flora and fauna theme is pervasive throughout the house. Barn swallows adorn a downstairs powder room, while vines and butterflies embellish another. Custom Roman shades in the great room also feature animal motifs. Upstairs, bedrooms display cheeky prints, with one showcasing prancing deer and another depicting skiers zooming down slopes. Bridges emphasizes her commitment to originality, stating that in her 30 years as a designer, she strives never to reuse the same pattern or textile. This dedication to bespoke design is evident in the wife’s parlor, where the focus shifts to botanical prints on an earthy chinoiserie grass-cloth toile by Scalamandré, intentionally designed to be pattern-light. The primary suite, which offers the best views, is conceived as a serene, green sanctuary, underscoring Bridges’s desire for the new build to convey a sense of history rooted not just in human narratives but also in nature, acknowledging the land's past as a forest. This story was originally featured in the Winter 2025 issue of ELLE DECOR. #SheilaBridges #VermontDesign #InteriorDesign #MountainHouse #ArchitecturalHeritage #NatureInspiredDesign #CustomInteriors #PatternAndColor #ElleDecor

This blog post highlights a colonial-style luxury home at 17 Cobtail Way in Simsbury, Connecticut, designed by architect Jack Kemper. The residence is notable for its architecture, floor plan, and mountain-top views, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail both externally and internally. The exterior features a granite stone facade, a portico at the main entrance, symmetrical design with large windows, two massive chimneys, a circular drive, and professional landscaping. The property offers panoramic mountain views from various vantage points, including a lower-level bluestone patio, a first-floor deck, and a second-floor deck accessible via a spiral staircase, with the latter providing the most expansive views. The interior of the home is equally impressive, beginning with an entry foyer inspired by the Governor’s Mansion in Hartford. This design choice ensures an unobstructed sightline from the front door through to the sunroom, which features an array of windows offering views of the valley. A prominent feature throughout the home is the use of random-width Georgia pine floors, which extend even into the bathrooms, contributing to a country estate ambiance. The only tiled areas are the mudroom and the sunroom, where the same stone used on the facade is incorporated into the interior design. The millwork is elaborate, including triple crown molding, wainscoting in formal rooms, five-foot-high beadboards in hallways, and dentil moldings in the formal living room, all contributing to a rich aesthetic. The first floor comprises formal living and dining rooms, each equipped with a gas-burning fireplace. The kitchen is spacious and well-appointed, featuring ample counter space, storage-rich cabinets, a brick accent wall with a fireplace, built-in double ovens, and a six-burner cooktop centered on a large island. High-end appliances, such as a Sub-Zero refrigerator and a Miele dishwasher, are also included. The kitchen connects to the dining room via a butler’s pantry, offering additional storage, and opens into a family room with a fireplace, cathedral ceiling with exposed wood beam trusses, and magnificent valley views. A home office with built-in bookcases and cabinets, located near the mudroom and a half bath, allows for business meetings without guests needing to access the main living areas. The first floor also includes a second half bath, direct access to a three-car garage, and a rear stairway leading to both the lower level and the second floor. On the second floor, the primary bedroom suite offers a large sleeping area with valley views, a spacious walk-in closet, and a luxurious spa-like bathroom. This bathroom features a centrally located jetted soaking tub, a large dual-sink vanity, a glass shower, and a separate commode room, along with a fifth fireplace shared with the primary bedroom. Four additional bedrooms are on this floor, three of which have attached full baths. Two of these bedrooms can form a suite via a pocket door, ideal for guests or multi-generational living, given their proximity to the rear stairs and garage. The lower level includes a large gym with durable luxury vinyl flooring and direct access to the bluestone patio, offering potential as a playroom. This level also houses a wine cellar, ample storage space, and a workshop. Outdoor amenities include a professionally landscaped 2.1-acre lot with a Japanese garden featuring a waterfall, two bridges, and a fish pond. The home’s location in Simsbury is considered ideal, with proximity to Avon, West Hartford, and Bradley International Airport. The Cobtail Way community is highlighted for its convenience to services and recreational facilities, such as public golf courses and equestrian centers. The property, built in 1998, has 12 rooms, 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 2 half baths, and 6,725 square feet of living space, including the lower level. #LuxuryHome #ConnecticutRealEstate #TalcottMountain #ColonialArchitecture #CustomDesign #MountainViews #SimsburyCT #HighEndFinishes #LuxuryLiving

Marie Turner Carson of M. Elle Design and architect Bob White of Forest Studio collaborated to create a unique family getaway at Victory Ranch, near Deer Valley, Utah. The clients desired a "family camp" atmosphere, which was interpreted not as a rustic, traditional lodge, but as a luxurious yet comfortable design focusing on community, activities, and nature. The home's unconventional layout diverges from a typical lodge, featuring guest rooms designed as individual "cabins" to accommodate a multi-generational family and their guests. White's design emphasizes breaking down the traditional "big box" lodge into a compound of structures that integrate with the rolling landscape and are arranged around connecting courtyards. This innovative approach optimizes views while ensuring privacy and a continuous sense of discovery throughout the property. White conducted space planning on-site to frame views perfectly and envisioned the new build as a historic home that evolved over generations, bringing an authentic feel to the design. The collaboration with local builder Ivan Broman resulted in a structure that serves as an ideal backdrop for family gatherings, allowing everyone to feel at home with their own space, while also incorporating inventive and thoughtful details. The main entry of the house offers an intimate feel with a lower ceiling, providing a glimpse into a central courtyard rather than a dramatic, expansive entrance. This design choice encourages exploration and a gradual appreciation of the home's features. The living room, a central and open area, is anchored by a monumental plaster fireplace, which provides a visual anchor amidst painted boards. Steel elements like a sculptural wood wall and door casings balance the room. From the living room, residents can enjoy views of the river and a courtyard with a fire pit, creating a sense of connection to the outdoors. To enhance coziness, the living room features layered wool rugs and various textures in its furnishings, arranged in two sections for versatile seating. The dining room, notably dark and dramatic, is positioned on a cantilevered hallway that acts as a bridge connecting different areas of the house. This unique placement offers a slightly disorienting yet engaging experience, constantly relating to the exterior landscape. An outdoor dining area complements the interior, featuring a custom-made table large enough to seat at least 16 guests, mirroring the indoor dining capacity with flexible seating options. The kitchen is strategically located at the furthest point of the house to maximize views, offering a 180-degree panorama. Inspired by Edwin Lutyens' designs, it includes a round island and cabinetry that reinterpret Alpine style. Beyond the primary living spaces, the home includes a bar with reclaimed wine barrels and walnut panels for guests to carve their names, and a basement speakeasy, embracing a cozy, wood-clad Alpine aesthetic. The main bedroom offers serenity with a muted palette and stone walls that seamlessly blend the interior with the surrounding environment. For younger guests, there are tastefully designed bunkrooms, one with rush beds for girls and another with cot-like beds and canvas curtains for boys, evoking a summer camp feel. The design team meticulously sourced items like vintage trunks to complete the authentic, yet refined, camp aesthetic, ensuring every detail contributes to the overall theme of a luxurious and comfortable family retreat. #FamilyGetaway #LuxuryDesign #MountainHome #UtahArchitecture #MElleDesign #ForestStudio #CustomHome #InteriorDesign #AlpineStyle

The Illuminus Group, a development firm, collaborated with CLB Architects to design a residential property in a private enclave in Park City, Utah. The objective was to create a timeless, elegant residence that offered extensive amenities while harmonizing with the natural surroundings, thereby setting a new standard for thoughtful design in the region. The 4.9-acre site, situated on a steep slope in the Wasatch Mountains at 8,500 feet above sea level, provides commanding views of the Park City Mountain resort and the valley. CLB Architects, known for their experience in high-end mountain residences, approached the landscape with careful consideration. Their primary goal was to make the 18,000-square-foot house, named Monitor's Rest, as compact as possible to prevent it from sprawling extensively into the forest. The design incorporates an L-shape plan, built into the hillside, making it appear smaller than its actual size upon approach. A central courtyard provides a serene entry point, offering views of the sky and allowing natural light into the home. The exterior features a material palette of Croatian limestone, shou sugi ban cedar cladding, steel-framed windows, and a copper roof, chosen for their durability against harsh winters. The interior layout is designed to contrast with the enclosed courtyard. A limestone foyer serves as the central hub, directing visitors to the primary bedroom suite and office on one side, and the living and dining areas on the other. Straight ahead, a dramatic atrium with forest-facing windows leads down to guest bedrooms and a bowling alley. Common areas, including a large patio with an indoor-outdoor pool, are oriented southwest, offering a strong connection to the slope and environment. The property also features ski-in/ski-out access with a dedicated locker room, while spa and sports facilities are discreetly located in the back. For the interiors, CLB collaborated with David Ostrander, co-founder and creative director of Iluminus. A key challenge was to maintain a focused aesthetic despite the house's vastness. This was achieved through a consistent material selection, including hemlock ceilings, oak floors, and walls clad in oak or Croatian limestone. The primary bathroom exemplifies this pared-down approach with its Zen-like composition of wood, stone, and black metal, featuring narrow mirrors that allow views of the trees and a freestanding wood tub for a sense of calm. The adjacent bedroom similarly employs restrained design with oak paneling and custom furniture. A distinctive feature of the property is a 19-by-19-foot tower room at the back of the ground floor. This pop-up perch, inspired by national park watchtowers, offers 360-degree views and serves as a whimsical yet sophisticated retreat. It includes a wraparound balcony, a floating fireplace, a rosewood table, and a Mrirt rug, designed to be both fun and refined for all ages. Overall, Monitor's Rest successfully integrates extensive amenities and luxurious living with a deep respect for its mountainous setting, elevating the architectural standard in the Park City community. #ResidentialDesign #LuxuryHomes #MountainArchitecture #ParkCityUtah #CLBArchitects #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #WasatchMountains #ArchitecturalInnovation

Lion Mountain in Suzhou, China, a significant historical and natural landmark, has undergone a major transformation following an international competition won by TLS Landscape Architecture in 2016. The area, previously degraded by a dilapidated amusement park, a small lake, and obtrusive advertisements on the mountain face, has been restored to its former glory over nine years of dedicated work, culminating in the park's completion. The project focused on rejuvenating the mountain's natural landscape and creating a new lake, park, and district that honor its heritage. The redesign of Lion Mountain Park involved extensive environmental restoration, including the removal of all amusement park structures and an aerial tramway. The project introduced a new lake, significantly larger than its predecessor, which now serves as a central feature of the park. The design integrates the urban fabric of Suzhou with the natural environment, promoting ecological health and public access. The core vision was to provide a natural public amenity that resonates with the mountain’s historical and cultural significance, which includes ancient poetry carved into its trails. TLS Landscape Architecture, with Tom Leader as the lead landscape architect, spearheaded this comprehensive effort. The park's development embraced several key design principles aimed at ecological restoration and sustainable urban development. A significant component of the project was the implementation of 'Sponge City' principles, with Jiangsu Zhuyan Design & Consulting serving as the specialist consultant. This approach manages urban stormwater, reduces flood risks, and enhances water quality through natural processes. The new lake and surrounding landscape are designed to absorb and filter rainwater, creating a more resilient ecosystem. The project also involved extensive planting of native species to restore biodiversity and improve air quality, contributing to a healthier urban environment. Architecturally, the park includes pavilions designed by Kuth Ranieri Architects, which blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings while offering functional spaces for visitors. These structures enhance the visitor experience without detracting from the natural beauty of the mountain and its restored landscape. The park is envisioned as a destination for both local residents and tourists, offering diverse recreational and cultural activities. Its pathways encourage exploration of the mountain’s trails, allowing visitors to connect with its historical inscriptions and panoramic views. The project has effectively transformed a previously underutilized and environmentally compromised area into a vibrant public space that celebrates nature, history, and modern ecological design. The Lion Mountain Park project underscores the importance of thoughtful urban planning and landscape architecture in reclaiming and enhancing natural assets within a city. By addressing past environmental degradation and integrating sustainable design solutions, the park now serves as a model for urban regeneration. The collaboration between various design and consulting teams, including TLS Landscape Architecture, Suzhou Architecture Gardens Landscape Planning Design, and Jiangsu Zhuyan Design & Consulting, highlights a multidisciplinary approach to complex environmental and urban challenges. The project's successful completion provides Suzhou with a revitalized landmark that contributes to the city's green infrastructure and offers a valuable public resource. #LandscapeArchitecture #ParkDesign #UrbanRegeneration #Suzhou #China #EnvironmentalRestoration #SpongeCity #SustainableDesign #PublicSpace

Glamping, a portmanteau of "glamorous camping," represents a luxurious alternative to traditional camping, gaining significant popularity over the past decade. This trend caters to individuals seeking an outdoor experience coupled with the comforts and amenities typically associated with high-end accommodations. Glamping encompasses a wide array of options, from opulent tents featuring king-size beds and premium linens to eco-friendly, self-sufficient pods equipped with showers and kitchenettes. Some glamping experiences rival or even surpass the cost of staying in luxury hotels. Several examples illustrate the diverse and extravagant nature of glamping. Ecocapsule, a company specializing in egg-shaped pods, designs these units to be 100% self-sufficient through solar panels and retractable wind turbines. Each pod, priced at $89,000, includes a workspace, kitchenette, toilet, shower, and a fold-out bed for two. These pods are being sold to private owners and are also expected to be available at glamping and hotel companies in Europe, Australia, and the US, with anticipated guest costs ranging from $200 to $277 per night. Another example is Kachi Lodge in Bolivia, a luxury resort comprising several domed pods situated at 12,000 feet above sea level on the world's largest salt flat. These pods feature private bathrooms, double beds with hotel-style bedding, heating, and lounge areas. The resort operates on sustainable energy, aiming to minimize environmental impact. A two-night minimum stay at Kachi Lodge costs $1,980 per person, with additional nights priced at $990 per person. In Germany, Rerik Campground offers both glamping pods and lodges. The heated pods provide a kitchenette, fridge, table, chairs, bathroom, double bed, and a pullout sofa. The African safari-inspired lodges accommodate up to five people and include a bathroom, shower, sitting room with satellite TV, and a fully equipped kitchenette. The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana features 10 "canvas cabins" situated in a wildflower meadow. These cabins, ranging from 790 to 1,300 square feet, can include multiple bedrooms, gas stoves, soaking tubs, and private bathrooms. Prices start from $1,800 per night in winter and $3,200 during summer and peak holiday seasons. Capitol Reef Resort in Utah offers glamping in covered wagons inspired by 19th-century designs but equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, a king-size bed, twin bunk beds, and nearby private bathrooms. A night's stay in these wagons begins at approximately $229 per person. Luxe trailers also contribute to the glamping phenomenon. The Sedr Trailers Resort in the United Arab Emirates, about 85 miles from Dubai, functions as a "trailer hotel." Each 194-square-foot, air-conditioned trailer boasts a shaded private deck, a modern bathroom, Wi-Fi, a TV, and can accommodate a family of four. A night's stay starts at around $617. For a more rustic yet luxurious experience, Bellfire Farm in upstate New York provides an 18-foot-tall tepee in a wooded setting. The tepee's interior includes cedar floors, custom furniture, wool carpets, a kitchenette, and a fire pit, available for $145 a night on Airbnb. Urban glamping has also emerged in cities like New York and Chicago. Collective Retreats on Governors Island in New York City offers luxury tents with city views, costing up to $700 per night. These Summit Tents feature 1,500-thread count sheets, down comforters, designer blankets, and private en-suite bathrooms with rainfall showers. Even luxury hotels are embracing urban glamping; The Gwen Hotel in Chicago provides a luxury tent on the terrace of its top-floor Gwen Lux Suite during summer months. The suite costs $3,500 a night, with the glamping tent adding an extra $2,000, bringing the total to a minimum of $5,500. For those preferring backyard glamping, translucent garden domes can be purchased, offering a wind- and snow-resistant structure with ample standing room. Finally, ultra-luxury RVs represent another segment of extreme glamping, with prices ranging from $1 million to $3 million. Manufacturers like Prevost and Newell Coaches offer RVs with lavish kitchens, expansive floor plans, in-unit washer and dryers, and multiple LED televisions. The EleMMent Palazzo Superior by Marchi Mobile, the world's most expensive motor home at $3 million, includes a king-size bed, a large kitchen, a rainfall shower, a 40-inch TV, and an expandable rooftop deck. Even music festivals like Coachella have incorporated glamping, with Safari Campground offering luxury tent rates starting around $10,000 for a four-night stay, featuring furnished tents with small refrigerators and air conditioners. #Glamping #LuxuryTravel #OutdoorAdventures #LuxuryAccommodation #EcoCapsule #RVs #UrbanGlamping #SustainableTourism #UniqueStays

Providence Builders, a prominent custom home builder, has earned its third consecutive Cityview Magazine Best of the Best Award for Custom Home Builder – Over $1 Million. This recognition highlights the company's commitment to exceptional design, craftsmanship, and livability, as exemplified by their recent Parade of Homes showcase. The featured home, a 3,792-square-foot Mountain Modern Ranch in the Tennessee National development, includes an 830-square-foot garage, three bedrooms, and four baths. This project embodies Providence Builders' philosophy of blending comfort and sophistication. The architectural style emphasizes clean geometry and natural textures, incorporating authentic stone, wood, and glass. Upon entry, a wide front porch sets the tone, while inside, a vaulted great room with timber trusses and a natural stone fireplace creates a grand yet grounded atmosphere. Expansive 10-foot multi-slide glass doors seamlessly connect the interior with the outdoors, leading to a covered patio and sunroom, ideal for entertaining and enjoying the landscape. The design prioritizes single-level living for comfort, accessibility, and flow. Each space transitions naturally, from the great room to the kitchen, and onward to the sunroom and patio. The kitchen is designed for both functionality and aesthetic appeal, featuring professional-grade appliances, ample prep space, a large island, rich wood cabinetry, Dekton surfaces, and subtle lighting. These elements contribute to a warm and inviting space suitable for both elaborate dinner parties and casual family meals. Diane Bills, co-founder of Providence Builders, emphasizes that single-level living is about intentional design, where every detail, from sightlines to materials and lighting, is chosen to enhance daily living. Providence Builders distinguishes itself through its design-build model, where architecture, construction, and interior design are integrated from conception. This collaborative approach ensures consistency and clear communication, translating the client's vision into a precise execution. The process begins with understanding the client's lifestyle, which then informs the home's design. Ron Bills, president and founder, leverages his background in aerospace engineering and corporate leadership to maintain a disciplined approach to precision, ensuring that plans are detailed to the millimeter to control quality. Transparency is a key aspect of their process, with meticulously documented budgets and regular client reports through the BuilderTrend platform, offering updates, photos, and progress tracking. Craftsmanship is central to Providence Builders' reputation, with job sites known for organization and pride. Long-term trade partners contribute engineering-level precision to every detail, from the structural and sculptural beam work in the great room to the seamless alignment of trim transitions. This culture of respect and shared pride ensures consistent quality, leading many clients to return for multiple projects. Interior design, guided by Diane Bills and Anne White, features a soft, natural palette of warm woods, creamy whites, brushed metals, and subtle stone tones, creating a serene, connected, and timeless aesthetic. The focus is on creating livable spaces, balancing spa-like luxury with practical comfort in bathrooms and designing bedrooms as tranquil retreats. The sunroom, with its broad windows, epitomizes comfort and calm. Despite receiving numerous awards, Providence Builders measures success by the relationships cultivated with clients, team members, and the community. The company maintains a community-minded approach, extending beyond construction to foster lasting friendships and support for neighbors. This philosophy underscores the belief that building homes is about creating meaningful, lasting structures and relationships. Looking ahead, Providence Builders continues its mission to elevate everyday living through precision, beauty, and heart, ensuring each new project reflects the unique story of its inhabitants and the surrounding environment, thereby building more than a house—they build a home. #CustomHomeBuilder #MountainModernRanch #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #Craftsmanship #DesignBuild #LuxuryLiving #TennesseeNational #AwardWinning

A San Francisco-based surgeon and her entrepreneur husband sought a restorative escape in Soda Springs, California, for their young family and friends. They acquired an Alpine-style cabin during the pandemic and enlisted Minneapolis-based designer Heather Peterson to transform it into a relaxed, functional home deeply connected to the natural surroundings. Peterson's design strategy centered on highlighting the dramatic landscape through color blocking, graphic textiles, and floral motifs that reflected the changing seasons. Due to pandemic-induced supply chain delays, the project relied heavily on readily available retail sources, prompting Peterson to customize key pieces to enhance their presence and uniqueness. For instance, a West Elm daybed was reupholstered in Christopher Farr fabric, and a Crate & Barrel wood bed in the primary bedroom received a vintage Guatemalan textile cover and bolster. The designer also focused on selecting pieces with potential for future collectibility, such as Sarah Sherman Samuel's sculptural Whit dining chairs. The home's aesthetic incorporated art to establish an indoor-outdoor dialogue. A mixed-media piece by Tia Keobounpheng set the vibrant tone in the living area, while commissioned wildflower paintings by Bekah Worley reinforced the connection to nature. Pattern continuity was established throughout the private spaces; for example, blue gingham bunk beds in one room were echoed by red gingham in another guest room, and each bedroom featured a distinct Lake August wallpaper with botanical themes ranging from nasturtiums to sunflowers. Peterson created multiple flexible zones to accommodate family and guests, transforming an awkward second-floor landing into a functional media room with a custom platform bed and integrated storage. Minimal structural changes were made, but significant impact was achieved through adjustments like replacing an oversized fireplace hearth with a contemporary freestanding wood stove, which opened up the living space and emphasized the high ceilings. The bathrooms received more extensive updates, with the primary bathroom featuring a gingham-tiled floor and a vanity painted in Benjamin Moore Olive Tree. A shared upstairs bathroom was reimagined into a streamlined space with a utility sink, vibrant cabinetry in Farrow & Ball's Preference Red and Lulworth Blue, and Schoolhouse knobs coordinating with other plywood elements in the home. The kitchen underwent a cosmetic refresh, retaining its original knotty-pine cabinets but updating them with black CB2 hardware, new sinks, faucets, counters, and a white-tile backsplash with handmade patterned tiles from Red Rock Tile Works. Throughout the renovation, Peterson embraced and integrated some of the home's existing idiosyncratic features, such as a chicken-wire-like second-floor landing railing, preserving the cabin's unique Alpine character while creating a joyful, layered, and deeply connected retreat. #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #HeatherPetersonDesign #SierraNevada #CabinRenovation #GinghamPattern #FloralWallpaper #RetailCustomization #SustainableDesign