Vertical Arts Architecture has designed this spectacular rustic-modern mountain home nestled in an aspen grove, overlooking the stunning Zirkel Wilderness near the North Routt community of Clark, Colorado. Encompassing 3,200 square feet of living space, the homeowners desired a house that felt rooted in the mountains, complementing their outdoor aesthetic. The project team brought a blend of a light, bright interior with a rustic exterior to meet their needs.
They were downsizing and eager to have a home atop a hill that maximized views beyond while also providing functional space that was not over the top. As the architect, interior designer, and landscape architect, the Vertical Arts team faced 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. Up to the task, Vertical Arts Architecture was able to blend rustic and modern styles into a treasured mountain home.
While the interior is clean and light, the exterior of the custom home offers rustic charm. Grounded through an elemental stone base with barnwood siding, the finishing gives nod 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.” Chosen to withstand the harsh environment, these materials should gracefully withstand the test of time. With an earthy, soft, and simple palette, complemented by a crisp silhouette, the rustic exterior fits nicely into its environment.
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 blended feminine style with elemental mountain architecture, creating a softness from hard materials.
Stunning floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interior rooms with light, balanced by subtle rustic touches such as the dark oak flooring and reclaimed accents. Layered nature-inspired light fixtures in fluid shapes complement the steel detailing in the custom trusswork.
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.
The team remained nimble throughout the process, tweaking the stone to be more golden and warm rather than gray, and altering all the wood tones accordingly to match. The home also became more modern over time, blending whimsical elements.
Overall, it’s a great example of the “leap of faith” it takes to trust experts like Vertical Arts to keep homeowners’ best interests at heart. The result is a perfectly blended rustic, modern, and quaint home in the hills.
Timber and steel trusses give a 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. The range hood in the kitchen and the fireplace both have a custom patina that’s rusty with black tones.
The gorgeous blue cabinetry in the kitchen matches the blue built-in bookshelves in the sitting room, and eclectic throw pillows tie the palette together.
In the kitchen, the handmade terracotta tile shimmers with an antique look, complemented by the handmade leather barstools that will wear over time.
What We Love About This Home
This rustic-modern home in the Colorado Rocky Mountains offers its inhabitants a peaceful haven that beautifully blends modern design with rustic warmth. Expansive windows frame breathtaking alpine views, flooding the interiors with natural light and a sense of calm. Thoughtful material selections and cozy textures create a perfect balance between mountain ruggedness and refined comfort. Overall, we are loving every detail in this beautifully designed home, especially the kitchen with its contrast of blue and white cabinets, terracotta tile backsplash, and custom metal hood, perfect for entertaining.
Tell Us: What design elements are your favorite in the Colorado Mountain home? Let us know in the Comments below. We enjoy reading your feedback!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Colorado: Dramatic mountainside home has picturesque Rocky Mountain Park views and Impressive Colorado mountain retreat surrounded by an evergreen forest.
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 the living area, the sitting room is an intimate space that is now a favorite of the homeowners.
French doors in the main bedroom open to the wilderness, while the main bathroom stuns with honey-brown tones and a wrapping stone wall.
Modern farmhouse vibes are found in the circle mirrors in the secondary bathroom and in the red-and-mesh mudroom.
PHOTOGRAPHER David Patterson
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