Vertical Arts Architecture has designed this stunning mountain home that blends rustic and modern styles, located near the North Routt community of Clark, Colorado. Encompassing 3,200 square feet of living space, this dwelling is nestled into an aspen grove overlooking the stunning Zirkel Wilderness beyond. 

The owners desired a home that felt rooted in the mountains to complement their outdoor aesthetic. Our team brought a blend of a light, bright, interior with a rustic exterior to satiate their needs. They were downsizing and were eager to have a home atop a hill that maximized all the views beyond but also provided functional space that was not over the top.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Vertical Arts Architecture INTERIOR DESIGN Vertical Arts Architecture BUILDER Fair and Square Construction LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Vertical Arts Architecture

Above: The reclaimed siding on the exterior facade was broken up space by space to create a unique visual effect. Pair it with some beautiful metal panels and some divided mullion windows for some attractive curb appeal!

The architects were faced with some challenges in bringing this vision to life. Clark, Colorado is a remote location with long winters and a smaller workforce than other cities. The main level needed to accommodate most living spaces to entertain family and friends while maintaining connection points to the outdoors.

While the interior is clean and light, the exterior of the custom home provides a rustic charm. Grounded through an elemental stone base with barnwood siding, the finishing nods to the heritage of the area and more traditional Colorado Mountain homes. Alternatively, a rusty look of corten metal adds depth and play on top of the traditional “rustic.” Selected to withstand the harsh environment, these materials should stand gracefully the test of time. The rustic exterior fits nicely into its environment with an earthy, soft, and simple palette complimented by a crisp silhouette.

The warm brown honey tones of the stone and wood exterior were then brought inside to enhance the interior exterior vibe but finished with crisp styling. Modern farmhouse proportions are seamlessly integrated with rustic detailing, creating a cozy, liveable home that feels fresh and inviting.

Leaning into the homeowner’s whimsical taste, the design team mixed feminine style with elemental mountain architecture generating a softness out of the hard materials. Stunning floor-to-ceiling walls of windows flood the interior rooms with light that’s balanced by subtle, rustic touches like the dark oak flooring and reclaimed accents. Layered nature-inspired light fixtures in fluid shapes complement the steel detailing in the custom trusswork.

Above: The range hood in the kitchen and fireplace both have a custom patina that’s rusty with black tones. The lovely blue cabinetry in the kitchen can be seen at a glance in other areas of the home. Anchored here on the kitchen island and complimented by fun pendant fixtures, it creates a seamless vision for one space that serves a multitude of functions. The handmade terracotta tile backsplash shimmers with an antique look, complemented by the handmade leather barstools that will wear over time.

Above: Delicate floor-to-ceiling windows allow this dining room to floor effortlessly from indoors to outdoors. Sculptural handmade steel lighting by Hubbardton Forge adds a soft, natural element to the crisp, modern space.

The beautiful, warm color palette speaks for itself, with various wood tones working together, in the floors, trusses, cabinets, and ceiling. Pops of mustard and rust, and grays and blues against cream accents set the mood for the home – a liveable, cozy, and welcoming abode. The result feels harmonious, airy, and bright.

Wrapping into the sitting room, the fireplace looks different from each side and boasts an aesthetic nook to store firewood. Situated between the main bedroom and living area, the sitting room is an intimate space, now a favorite of the homeowners.

Above: This unique and cozy library space is the perfect spot to showcase the homeowner’s passion for a good read. This space has a large impact on the overall design of the home. From its influence in color to its service as a transition space from more public to private areas, it’s easy to see why its impact is so great.

Timber and steel trusses give human scale to the generous great room complemented by hand-forged lighting. The stone and metal fireplace draws the eye and grounds the sprawling main-level living areas. The design team pulled colors and materials across the spaces to relate to each other.

French doors in the main bedroom open up into the wilderness, while the main bathroom stuns with honey brown tones and a wrapping stone wall. Modern farmhouse vibes can be found in the circle mirrors in the secondary bathroom and the red-and-mesh mudroom.

The team was able to be nimble during this entire process, tweaking the stone to be more golden and warm instead of gray, and altering all of the wood tones accordingly to match. The home also became more modern over time with blended whimsical elements.

What We Love: This mountain home perfectly blends rustic and modern styles to create a charming house in the hills of Colorado. We love the use of barnwood siding on the exterior facade that is repeated on the bunk room wall. The seamless flow from the living room to the kitchen and dining areas is perfect for entertaining family and friends. Overall, a beautifully designed home that is loaded with inviting warmth.

Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this home? Are there any details that you would change if this were your residence? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to have a look at a couple of other incredible home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Colorado: A Colorado house gets beautifully renovated into a mountain sanctuary and Mountainside retreat showcases breathtaking views of Colorado peaks.

Above: In this cozy bunk room, the reclaimed barnwood was sourced from Centennial Woods.

PHOTOGRAPHER David Patterson