An Austin couple finds their family’s mountain dream home retreat in their favorite getaway destination of Telluride, Colorado. The home had to be large enough to accommodate their growing, extended family for long ski weekends and summer retreats. This Aspen Heights home, built in 2002, at roughly 5,800 square feet was in the ideal location with stunning views of the San Juan Mountains and Astor treetops but it definitely needed an update.

They brought in prominent Austin designer, Laura Britt from Britt Design Group to create their dream home. Laura and her team set out to create enough space for large group gatherings plus a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen – a definite must!

DESIGN DETAILS: INTERIORS Britt Design Group BUILDER Bill Ward Construction

The home’s original layout was closed off and dark with an overpowering and dramatic color palate. The design team’s plan was to turn the home into an airy mountain lodge featuring super neutrals with blue and green tones to complement the treescape and mountain views.

As the demolition got underway the design team quickly realized the home had undergone multiple renovations and add-ons over the years. The scope of the project quickly grew in order to seamlessly transition the new design with the existing architecture.

Light quartz countertops and cabinets combined with raw wood elements complement the natural elements and views from the outside.

“Reconfiguring the kitchen to be a chef’s kitchen took a lot of planning and demolition,” says Laura Britt. “There was a big heavy island originally in the center, it made the area feel dark and closed off – we opened up the kitchen to be the center of the home, knocking down a wall to the adjacent hallway and stairwell.

This immediately made the main living areas light and airy as the sunlight from the living room permeates the kitchen, stairwell, and hallway.”  Two industrial refrigerators were added in addition to top-of-the-line appliances and a large center island that seats six.

The modern sky lodge design theme carries throughout the home with natural stained wood elements in the furnishings, moldings, framing, and ceiling beams.

What We Love: This mountain dream home in Telluride was beautifully transformed for its occupants to provide a fabulous getaway to enjoy outdoor activities. The large windows framing forest views help to invite nature inside while illuminating the interiors with natural light. Overall, we love the aesthetics and overall vibe of this refreshed home. It offers a warm and inviting feel and a harmonious flow that is perfect for entertaining. 

Tell Us: What details in this mountain home remodel project do you find most inspiring? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!

Note: Check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have featured here on Kindesign from the talented designer of this project, Britt Design Group: A stunning ranch house merges with the rugged terrain of remote West Texas and Inside this inspiring Colorado home updated into an airy alpine retreat.

Knocking down walls that closed off the kitchen, dining, and living rooms allowed for increased gathering and entertaining space while also allowing for mountain views and natural light.

A reading nook in the living room flanked by a calming view features a knobby rug, cozy chair, and ottoman.

The primary suite features a custom-made bed centered on the picturesque window view.

The design team created a cozy window seat in the guest room with natural textures and soft, layered pillows.

The homeowners are super outdoorsy, so the mud room entry key was an important feature. Britt and her team designed custom-made cubbies – large enough to hold ski equipment and camping gear.

PHOTOGRAPHER Ric Stovall