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This spectacular mountain-modern retreat was designed by Vertical Arts Architecture in collaboration with JSM Builders, tucked away on 35 private acres in the alpine foothills of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Thoughtfully designed to showcase the home’s breathtaking natural surroundings, the team positioned the structure on the site to soak in uninterrupted views of the Sleeping Giant mountain range.
The 4,500-square-foot home seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with rich, organic textures drawn from the rugged alpine landscape. The owners are a couple from Fort Collins who desired their house to be “kid and dog proof” and a place to share with family and friends. Their brief: cozy and inviting, not pretentious. The owner summed it up best: “The house has a peaceful energy that just draws you in.”
DESIGN DETAILS
ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN Vertical Arts Architecture
CONSTRUCTION JSM Builders
A Choreographed Spatial Experience
The open-concept layout of this Colorado mountain retreat was carefully choreographed to create a fluid experience that takes advantage of the view from every turn. At the heart of the home, a dramatic dual-sided fireplace anchors the main living areas, serving as a visual beacon, that can be appreciated from multiple vantage points. Oversized windows throughout frame the majestic mountain vistas, drawing the eye outward toward the picturesque scenery. Upstairs, a cozy sitting room and two private suites provide a more intimate retreat for guests. Even the floating staircase, with its soaring 20-foot window, becomes an architectural highlight, guiding visitors up to the home’s upper level.
Harmonizing Modern and Natural
To balance the home’s clean, contemporary lines, the Vertical Arts design team incorporated a rich palette of natural materials and textures that complement the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. Rough-hewn stone veneer, patina metal accents, and character-grade wood floors and ceilings lend a warm, tactile quality to the interiors, while the kitchen’s custom walnut-topped island and plaster hood surround add an artisanal touch.
The “pod concept” entry hall
The glassed-in entry hallway is the architectural engine of the whole home. Interior designer Andrew Pharis says: Once you step through the front door, you’re immediately confronted with a perfectly framed view of the Sleeping Giant. A print by photographer John Fielder hangs at one end, while a Douglas fir ceiling appears to pass seamlessly from inside to out.
Open and airy kitchen
The sink was specifically positioned on the west wall so you can look out toward the Sleeping Giant while working. White oak cabinetry by Fedewa Custom Works features Emtek hardware. The perimeter countertops are leathered granite, while the island is crowned with polished quartzite, a deliberate contrast in finishes. The plaster range hood was hand-finished over several days by local artist Julie K. Anderson, with curved corbels added to soften the angular space. Tile accents are by Arizona Tile, and a JennAir refrigerator is integrated into the cabinetry.
The living room fireplace
The double-sided fireplace was deliberately placed on the side wall rather than centered to avoid interrupting the mountain views. The same limestone connects the interior fireplace to an outdoor seating area, creating the appearance of a single continuous material. The steel fire surround panels were custom finished by Scherer Metals. Furnishings were kept intentionally low-profile so the windows and mountains stay dominant.
The dining area
The accent wall is painted Rain Cloud SW 9639 by Sherwin-Williams, a rich blue-gray used to define the dining zone within the open plan. The custom table is a bookmatched walnut slab on a custom metal base, with a Visual Comfort & Co. pendant above. Hand-hewn timbers frame the space.
Above: The Lawson sofa by American Leather is paired with a chaise lounge by Joybird.
Serene owner’s bedroom
A muted teal accent wall anchors the headboard. The walnut Marvin bed is by Huppé, positioned to face the mountain landscape through Kolbe windows. A colorful rug pairs with a Roxy Would chair by Thayer Coggin.
What We Love About This Home
This Colorado mountain retreat is proof that you do not need to choose between modern and warm. From the double-sided limestone fireplace and the hand-hewn timber ceiling to the hand-finished plaster range hood and the custom walnut dining table, every detail here was considered with both beauty and livability in mind. We love that the owners wanted a home that was kid and dog-proof without sacrificing an ounce of design integrity. The 270-degree views of the Sleeping Giant are jaw-dropping, and the way the architecture frames that view from the very first moment you step through the front door is something truly special.
Tell Us: This home balances bold color choices like the Rain Cloud dining wall and the teal owner’s bedroom with the raw, organic textures of Douglas fir, hand-hewn timber, and patinated steel. Which design detail would you be most excited to live with every day? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Check out a couple of our favorite home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the architects of this home, Vertical Arts Architecture: Step into this nature-inspired house in the breathtaking Colorado mountains and Breathtaking contemporary mountain home in Steamboat Springs.
PHOTOGRAPHER Andrew Olson
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