Mountain Home Decorating Ideas

By Interior Designer TRACY SVENDSEN | Published on September 25, 2020 | Updated on November 15, 2023

Mountain Home Decorating Ideas: Step into the serenity of the mountains without leaving your home. Embrace the natural charm and tranquility of mountain living with these inspiring home decorating ideas. From rugged earth tones to cozy cabin aesthetics, there are endless ways to infuse your space with the rugged beauty of the mountains.

Imagine snuggling up in a living room adorned with warm, woodsy accents or gathering around a dining table that evokes the rustic appeal of a mountain lodge. With the right decor, you can effortlessly capture the essence of the great outdoors within your own four walls.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an urban dweller craving a retreat, or simply someone who appreciates the allure of mountain-inspired design, these decorating ideas will elevate your space. Get ready to bring the soul-soothing ambiance of the mountains home and create an environment that speaks to your adventurous spirit and love for nature. Feature image above courtesy of Jeffrey Dungan Architects

Mountain Chic in Cashiers | Francie Hargrove Design
Image courtesy of Flower Mag

Embracing the Mountain Aesthetic

Infusing your home with a mountain-inspired aesthetic goes beyond decorating with nature-themed elements. It’s about capturing the essence of the mountains – the rugged terrain, the serene beauty, and the cozy, welcoming atmosphere. To achieve this, consider incorporating elements that mimic the natural allure of mountain living.

Start by integrating earthy textures, natural materials, and rustic accents that evoke the spirit of the mountains. Think about the warmth of reclaimed wood, the rugged appeal of stone, and the inviting softness of wool and faux fur. By embracing these elements, you can create a space that feels like a mountain retreat, offering a peaceful sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Balancing rugged charm and cozy comfort is essential when embracing the mountain aesthetic. Aim for a design that feels natural and inviting, allowing you to experience the tranquility of the mountains.

Luxury Mountain Home
Image courtesy of Eden Luxury Homes

How to Decorate a Mountain Home

When you think of a home in the mountains, the first image that comes to mind is a rustic log home or cabin. Yet, mountain homes can also be modern and contemporary. Regardless of your design style, there are a few things to consider when designing a mountain home.

First, you want to incorporate natural elements into your decor, such as wood, stone, and other materials commonly found in the mountains. You also want to consider the color palette you use. 

Earthy tones like brown, green, and blue work well in a mountain home. Another essential factor to consider is the use of texture. Adding texture to your decor can help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Be sure to incorporate area rugs, throw pillows, and other textiles. Regardless of your design style, there are a few things to consider when designing a mountain home.

Cozy Living Room with Warm Tones
Image courtesy of HGTV

1. Bringing the Outdoors In: Nature-Inspired Decor

One of the key aspects of mountain-inspired home decorating is bringing the outdoors in. Nature-inspired decor plays a crucial role in creating a space that reflects the beauty of the mountains. Consider incorporating elements like botanical prints, wildlife motifs, and landscape artwork to infuse your home with natural wonder.

Incorporating natural elements like driftwood, river rocks, and live plants can also help blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, further enhancing the mountain-inspired ambiance. Integrating these organic elements allows you to seamlessly transition from the natural world outside to the comfort of your interior space.

To truly capture the essence of the mountains, consider adding elements like antler decor, pinecone accents, and wildlife-themed textiles. These details can add a touch of wilderness to your home, creating a space rooted in the untamed beauty of the great outdoors.

Mountain Home with Earth Tone Colors
Image courtesy of Amber Interiors

2. Consider the View

Mountain homes typically feature large picture windows that allow homeowners and guests to take full advantage of stunning mountain vistas. Large windows frame the views and provide natural light throughout the home. 

To make the most of these spectacular views, leave the windows uncovered or use a rolling natural fiber to block out the sun and create privacy. Make furniture choices with these views in mind—think neutrals in the dining room to complement the mountains and greens in the master to match the forest.

RH Ski House
Image courtesy of Business Wire

3. Keep it Warm and Inviting

A snowy mountain retreat should be cozy and inviting, with a roaring fire, earth-tone colors, plush fabrics, and unique artwork. The best way to achieve this is by layering textures. Think upholstery, area rugs, throw pillows, blankets, and window treatments. These components create a room you’d like to relax in.

Soft layers don’t only work to create a cozy space; they also work to soften the acoustics. Use local materials such as timber and stone that instantly create a homey feel.

Search for textiles with texture, such as a chunky knit throw, rough wooden surfaces, and deep pile area rugs. Texture comes from various sources – from soft fabrics and textiles to harder materials like wood and stone.

Also, add texture through natural materials such as seagrass, leather, and linen. Effective layering includes everything from textiles (pillows, area rugs, throws), lighting (overhead, table lamps, ambient features), furniture (sofas, chairs, coffee tables, accent tables), wall hangings (artwork, mirrors, photos), wall treatments (paint, wallpaper) and décor (vases, floral arrangements, books).

Mountain Home Decorating Ideas
Image courtesy of West of Main

4. Color Palette: Earthy Tones and Cool Blues

When it comes to mountain-inspired home decorating, the color palette is pivotal in setting the tone for your space. Embrace earthy tones such as warm browns, rich greens, and deep grays to evoke the rugged beauty of the mountains. These colors can create a sense of grounding and connection to nature, infusing your space with a serene, earthy ambiance.

Incorporating cool blues and misty grays can also mimic the tranquil hues of mountain lakes and misty peaks, adding calming serenity to your decor. Consider using these colors for accent walls, throw pillows, and artwork to infuse your space with a refreshing and tranquil vibe.

To create a harmonious balance, mix these earthy and cool tones with touches of creamy whites and warm neutrals. This blend of colors can evoke a mountain landscape’s peaceful harmony, creating a cozy and expansive space.

Mountain Home Decorating Ideas
Image courtesy of Locati Architects

5. Art and Décor: Showcasing Nature’s Beauty

Art and decor play a crucial role in capturing the beauty of the mountains within your home. Look for artwork that showcases the natural allure of mountain landscapes, wildlife, and flora. Consider incorporating landscape paintings, wildlife photography, and nature-themed prints to infuse your space with wonder and tranquility.

In addition to artwork, consider incorporating decor elements like botanical arrangements, natural stone sculptures, and wildlife figurines to add a touch of organic elegance to your space. These details help create a sense of connection to the natural world, further enhancing the mountain-inspired ambiance.

When selecting art and decor, aim for pieces that reflect the mountains’ rugged beauty and timeless allure. Look for items that evoke a sense of adventure, serenity, and natural wonder, allowing you to create a space that feels both inspired and inviting.

6. Textures and Fabrics: Cozy and Rustic

The textures and fabrics you choose can significantly impact the overall feel of your mountain-inspired space. Embrace cozy, rustic materials like knitted blankets, faux fur throws, and plush area rugs to create a sense of warmth and comfort. These textures can evoke the cozy ambiance of a mountain cabin, inviting you to unwind and relax in your home.

Natural materials like leather, weathered wood, and rough-hewn textiles can add a rugged charm to your decor, enhancing the mountain-inspired aesthetic. Consider layering different textures to create depth and visual interest, infusing your space with tactile richness.

Add tactile elements such as chunky knit pillows, raw-edge wool throws, and woven baskets to elevate the cozy, rustic vibe. These details can add a touch of handmade charm to your space, evoking the artisanal spirit of mountain living.

RH Ski House
Image courtesy of Business Wire

7. Don’t Forget Antlers | Mountain Home Decorating Ideas

A mountain home would only be complete with an antler or two. Antler chandeliers have been a highly sought-after lighting fixture for many interior design styles. Gone are the days when they were considered only for rugged and dark trophy rooms in rustic lodges or log homes. 

Now, they are used anywhere, from a home in the Hamptons to mountain-style living rooms and high-rise apartments. Whether you choose natural or faux, antlers add the perfect touch. Hang them on the wall, place them in decorative wooden bowls, display them on fireplace mantels, or use them as unique racks to hold hats or coats.

Warm & Cozy Ski Resort with Antler Chandelier
image courtesy of Valdisere Agence

8. Mountain-Inspired Furniture and Accessories

A mountain home should be comfortable, warm, and inviting. Oversized furniture layered with pillows and throws creates a space that promotes relaxation and great conversation. It’s essential to anchor the furniture with area rugs, defin