5 Design Ideas for Your North Carolina Mountain Home
Quick Facts
Big windows bring the outdoors indoors.
Organic materials evoke a natural, woodsy vibe.
A real fireplace gives your home a centerpiece (and warmth, even when the power is out.)
Outdoor spaces allow you to enjoy the North Carolina climate in all seasons.
Creations by local artists ground you in the culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Do you dream of living close to the mountains? Here are a few design ideas to help you plan your North Carolina mountain home.
1. Big Windows
Believe it or not, glass windows were once a luxury in the United States. When British Colonists arrived in North America in the 1600s, they rarely built their windows with glass. Instead, they used oiled paper, animal horn, or simply wooden shutters– which, when open, left holes in the walls. It was a big deal for a homeowner to install real glass, imported all the way from England.
Today, glass windows are common. But they are still one of the most sought after elements of a home– particularly when south-facing (bringing in tons of natural light) or overlooking a stunning mountain or lake view. Windows also let you watch the seasons change, connecting you to North Carolina’s red-gold autumns and deep green summers.
2. Organic Materials
Like big windows, natural materials are a method of bringing the outdoors in and harmonizing your interior and exterior spaces.
Stonework (perfect for a fireplace) and exposed wood are both timeless materials. And if you’re clearing trees to build your home, much of the lumber can be dried and sawed to create striking finishes– like wood-plank accent walls– reducing your environmental impact.
3. A Real Fireplace
Frank Lloyd Wright, perhaps the greatest of all American architects, called the hearth “the psychological heart of the home”. If you’ve ever sat by a real fire, you know how mesmerizing the experience can be. The shifting embers, bouquet of smoke, breath of heat, and flicker of firelight creates a complex sensory experience that stimulates the deepest parts of our human brains.
For ancient humans, a fire meant light in the dark, safety from predators, protection from the cold, cooked food, and companionship. When we sit by a fire today, we feel that same sense of peace that our ancestors felt.
4. Outdoor Spaces
It’s all well and good to bring the outdoors in, but there’s no real substitute for genuine outdoor spaces. Some of the best mountain homes have a sun room, a deck, and a covered porch. This combination allows you to experience the outdoors, no matter the season:
In the winter, watch the sunrise in the sun room.
In the summer, listen to the patter of rain under the sheltering roof of a covered porch.
In the spring and fall, soak up the sun’s warmth on a deck.
5. Local Art
The Appalachian Mountains are home to a rich cultural heritage, best represented in North Carolina’s thriving food and beer scenes and local arts and crafts.
The final touch on any North Carolina mountain house is to fill it with creations by local artists. These will give your space a firm sense of place and connect you and your visitors to the local culture.
Planning Your North Carolina Mountain Home
As you plan your North Carolina mountain home, it’s helpful to talk with a local builder like Greg Junge Construction. We’ve helped many clients through the design/build process here in North Carolina and we’d love to hear from you.
