THREE TRENDS IN MOUNTAIN MODERN BUILDING

There recently has been an increasing demand for dual kitchens in new build mountain homes. This trend enables the homeowner to have a public “show kitchen” for entertaining that stays neat, clean and beautiful while messy food prep, clean up, and day to day use is in a second, back kitchen. Occasionally this trend means two full kitchens for those who entertain large parties regularly, but more often the front kitchen is for cooking with and entertaining guests, while a smaller hidden prep kitchen is for food storage, and for storing dirty cooking equipment and dishes until the end of the evening. Freedom from fear of damaging stone or other materials means the show kitchen can include the most stunning of materials, meant to impress. While the back kitchen can feature more durable surfaces to endure the wear of everyday use.

A connection to nature and the great outdoors is what draws so many to the beautiful Lake Tahoe area. With modern mountain homes built in spectacular places, engaging with the views is of key importance to many homeowners. New construction modern homes often now include extra large operable sliding doors or windows to let in the light and panoramic views, and to connect indoor and outdoor living spaces. Double or even triple paned glass sliders allow expansive openings while maintaining energy efficiency. Many homeowners desire to have their great room open out to an equally large outfitted outdoor entertaining space for flow. Outdoor seating areas are now a natural extension of the indoor seating areas, with a visual and stylistic connection. Advances in outdoor upholstery materials allow seating that is as comfortable outdoors as it is indoors, yet durable enough to withstand the elements. Custom metal outdoor kitchens are built to last and to extend cooking and entertaining space to the outdoors in warmer seasons.

Wood, metal and natural stone have long been the staple materials of mountain homes. Current trends in interior wood cladding include bleached woods such as cypress and oak, and more clean, modern-looking woods without knots such as clear vertical grain cedar. Blackened steel and other black or deep bronze metal finishes on doors, windows, fascias, roofs and fireplaces contrast with and off-set bleached wood finishes. These dark finishes often carry into the home in the form of black or deep bronze finish plumbing, lighting, door and cabinet hardware. Natural quartzite stone is a beautiful and practical choice for both kitchen and bath as it is more durable than marble, while offering much of the same beauty in vein movement and color variation. Many homeowners are embracing statement stones and large, dramatic full slab installations for kitchen splashes and bathroom walls for modern yet timeless appeal.

Thanks to HSH Interiors for writing this article. You can contact HSH Interiors at (415) 702-6460 or www.hshinteriors.com. Photography credit for photos by Douglas Friedman.