Oh My Styled Life

Luxury Mountain Interior Design Secrets for an Inspired Retreat 

Many homeowners dream of a modern mountain home where they can enjoy winter recreation, stunning scenery, and time with family and friends. Whether it’s your personal haven or an investment property, curating a space that feels elevated and inviting is paramount to getting the most value out of your home. No matter the location—Aspen, Lake Tahoe, or Jackson Hole—bringing a tailored, globally inspired sensibility to your vacation home is key to achieving a timeless alpine aesthetic. Read on to discover our 5 tips for designing your mountain retreat.

1. Be Inspired by Nature

Natural materials are the foundation of luxury mountain interior design, bringing warmth, texture, and a sense of place to modern mountain homes. Reclaimed wood beams, ceiling-high honed stone fireplaces, and sculptural metal accents create a layered, storied aesthetic that reflects the rugged beauty of the West. Wide-plank oak floors offer a classic yet refined base, while plush wool and cashmere-blend area rugs add softness and depth. In the bathroom, live-edge wood vanities and honed marble countertops strike the perfect balance between organic elegance and high-end sophistication.

Finding inspiration in the nature or culture near your home is a perfect way to personalize your interior design. View the Hayward Summer Home, a lake house with design that is inspired by its unique, scenic location.

2. Utilize Custom Gear Storage

In high-altitude homes, winter gear, snow-covered boots, and wet conditions are part of daily life – especially in mountain environments where snow, ice, and active lifestyles put materials to the test. A well-designed mudroom is essential for keeping winter gear organized and protecting interiors from the elements. Heated tile floors help combat cold and moisture, while built-in benches, ventilated cubbies, and custom cabinetry provide dedicated storage for skis, snowboards, and helmets. Integrated drying racks and boot warmers add a layer of convenience, making it effortless to transition from the outdoors to a warm, welcoming home.

This Wall Street Journal article features O’Hara Interiors’ designs and expert advice on how to design pet-friendly interiors with custom storage and long-lasting materials.

3. Include an Après Ski Experience

After a long day on the slopes, treat yourself and your guests to a post-ski spritz at your home’s custom bar or wine room. Consider positioning the entertaining space near a fireplace or along floor-to-ceiling windows that frame snow-covered peaks. A well-designed bar should include custom beverage storage, like temperature-controlled wine cabinets or sleek, built-in shelving for spirits and glassware. An on-tap beer station adds a touch of livable luxury, making it easy to entertain after a day on the slopes.

For more après-ski style advice, check out CEO Kate O’Hara’s essential ski getaway items in Livingetc here.

4. Select Lush, Layered Furnishings

A modern mountain home often features furnishings that are influenced by the natural materials and landscapes of the American West. Think sink-in sofas in boucle or mohair, leather armchairs, and custom pieces that balance modern lines with organic materials. Earthy neutrals, accented by deep forest greens, rich rusts, and slate blues—are shades pulled straight from the alpine landscape.

Created in partnership with Lake Country Builders and PKA Architecture, the Nordic Colorblock Chalet is an award-winning custom build inspired by a ski resort in Chile.

5. Gather Around the Fireplace

A well-designed fireplace balances organic texture with clean lines, creating a focal point that feels both grounded and refined. Whether you’re drawn to the rustic elegance of Aspen interior design or the effortless luxury of Lake Tahoe interior design, the right fireplace the tone for your shared spaces. Think sculptural stonework paired with tailored finishes, a floating hearth that invites gathering, or an oversized, minimal surround that lets the materiality take center stage. Positioning the fireplace to frame expansive mountain views enhances the connection between indoors and out, while thoughtful details—like integrated wood storage or a statement mantel—add both function and artistry.

Whether nestled in the Rockies or simply inspired by their beauty, these elements bring warmth and modernity to any retreat. 

Looking for more tips on building your dream vacation home? Check out our blog post: How To Build Your Dream Vacation Home.

Inquire with O’Hara Interiors to discuss your next remodel or new build project. Our experienced, award-winning design team is ready to make your modern mountain home a reality.