Colorado is one of the hottest markets in the United States because of its unparalleled beauty and adventurous spirit. With top resort towns like Aurora vying for attention with bustling metropolises like Denver, Colorado has something to offer everyone looking for a home sweet home.
Home prices have rocketed up by 7.4% to over $620,000, making Colorado one of the most expensive places in the United States to call home. If you’re lucky enough to have gotten a Denver or Aurora mortgage, you must have top-notch aesthetics to match these top-dollar homes. Let’s look at some of the design trends sweeping this Rocky Mountain state.
Modern Mountain Aesthetic
Modern mountain homes make the unique terrain an integral part of the home’s design, using the angular lines of a home to mimic the sharp peaks of the Rockies. Natural and industrial materials, like stone and weathered steel, are both tough and harmonious with the local environment. Of course, large glass windows allow occupants to take in the splendor of the mountains and soak in every breathtaking view. Wood paneling gives a hint of an older era, one of ski resorts and mountain retreats.
For decorations, consider abstract pieces that echo the Rockies’ sweeping juts and spurs, especially in modern colors. Vintage travel posters can also add a sense of comfort and nostalgia while brightening up the space.
Eco-Conscious Creativity
Colorado is leading the eco-conscious movement. Two-thirds of Western voters state that the environment is one of their primary concerns, and large nonprofits like Colorado Climate Corps work to keep this beautiful mountain state pristine for future generations. As such, honoring the environment in home design is sure to win big in the Mile High State. Geothermal heating, solar panels, low-flow toilets, and rain collection are all excellent ways to be chic and eco-conscious.
Consider using recycled materials in your home design. This approach combines modern mountain aesthetics with urban industrialism. By doing so, you can honor Colorado’s proud industrial heritage while reducing your environmental impact.
Urban Industrialism
Urban industrialism does not shy away from exposing a home’s roots: think bare brick, welded steel banisters, and metal shop tables used as kitchen counters. This honors Colorado’s hard-working heritage as a top mining area, where thousands of workers toiled to extract oil, gas, coal, and other precious resources from the Rockies.
If you’d like to go even further, consider adorning your home with reclaimed materials from old factories. For example, you could use old mining torches as lanterns for a rustic feel without sacrificing comfort. When building your home, consider using reclaimed steel girders and beams. Not only is this stronger and sturdier than typical all-wood construction, but it also saves trees and provides a unique look and feel.
Nature-Made Palettes
Nature’s inspiration is all around you in Colorado. Beautiful Aurora is nestled deep in the Rocky Mountains, a natural playground for those who love skiing, hiking, hunting, or running. Throughout the year, the Rockies light up with somber browns, bright oranges, or mysterious blues, depending on the season. This gives you endless ideas for how to design and decorate your home.
For local wood species, consider Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, Colorado blue spruce, or quaking aspen. Great stone choices include limestone, granite, gneiss, and dolomite. Whether you use a large living-edge table as a centerpiece or create a slate facade, adding delicate touches that honor the Rockies will ensure that your home suits its environment.
Smart Home Integration
Far from the harsh conditions that plagued Coloradans in centuries past, today’s Colorado homeowners can enjoy the greatest advancements in home technology. Tools like smart LED lighting, radiant heating floors, and app-controlled appliances help homeowners save time, money, and energy while reducing friction in daily household tasks.
For example, you can synch your home’s lighting to the security system so that different lights turn on throughout the night, making it seem like you’re home while away on a ski trip to Aspen. You can also turn on the heat before arriving home so that your bedroom is warm and toasty for your arrival, or start the dishwasher without even getting out of bed. These small conveniences can go a long way toward making your Colorado house feel more like home.
Make Your Greatest Investment Worthwhile by Consulting With Top Designers
Once you’ve been approved for a mortgage, you may be tempted to dive in without consulting with professionals; after all, Colorado homes are already expensive. However, working with expert home designers can ensure that you save money and have a house that perfectly matches your needs. Whether you want a modern mountain aesthetic in Denver or an eco-conscious abode in Aurora, professional expertise can make a significant difference in how you feel when you finally turn the keys on your brand-new home.
