Image: artesanosdesign.com
As snow blankets the San Juan Mountains and winter settles into the grounds at Glacier, transforming your mountain home into a cozy sanctuary begins with selecting the perfect interior elements. From illuminating dark winter evenings to adding touches of warmth and texture, these carefully chosen pieces can elevate your space while maintaining the sophisticated comfort that mountain living demands.
Artisan Lighting Elements
Transform your winter evenings with statement lighting that combines function and mountain aesthetics. Hand-forged iron sconces cast warm glows along hallways, while artistic chandeliers featuring natural materials like antlers or crystalline forms create dramatic focal points in great rooms. Consider adding copper-finished table lamps or floor lanterns that bring warmth to reading nooks and conversation areas.
Textile Layers and Floor Coverings
Start from the ground up with oversized wool rugs (from Durango’s own Artesanos) that define living spaces while adding essential warmth to stone or hardwood floors. Layer sheepskin throws over reading chairs and add hand-woven blankets in rich textures—think heavyweight alpaca or merino wool—to sofas and bedroom benches. For window treatments, substantial linen drapes in neutral tones provide warmth while framing mountain views.
Natural Elements and Greenery
Bring life to winter interiors with strategic touches of greenery. Large potted plants like fiddle leaf figs or paradise palms thrive in sunny corners, while hardy succulents add interest to coffee tables and shelving. For maintenance-free options, consider preserved boxwood topiaries or elegant branches of white birch in oversized ceramic vessels. Stop by Botanical Concepts in Durango for all your greenery needs–from vegetable plants, herbs, flowers, garden art and more.
Mountain-Inspired Art Pieces
Adorn walls with pieces that celebrate mountain living. Consider oversized black and white photography capturing local landscapes, contemporary Western art or textural pieces incorporating natural materials. Gallery walls featuring vintage ski posters or botanical prints of native flora add personality while honoring the region’s character. Be sure to check out the selection of wood, metal and canvas wall art in Tippy Canoe, a local favorite wester-inspired art store.
Accent Furnishings
Incorporate accent pieces that add both function and style. Leather ottomans with hidden storage accommodate extra throws while serving as additional seating. Antique copper or bronze trays atop coffee tables create elegant serving stations for aprés-ski gatherings. Consider adding a vintage trunk as both storage and a distinctive side table.
Decorative Elements
Complete your winter sanctuary with carefully chosen accessories. Arrange leather-bound books with bronze bookends on coffee tables, or display collections of locally sourced minerals and crystals, all of which can be found at Earthbound Trading Co., a local find in Durango, CO. Handcrafted ceramic vessels in earthy tones add organic texture to mantels and shelving, while vintage snow shoes or antique ski equipment can become distinctive wall art.
At Glacier, our homes reflect both the grandeur of our mountain setting and the warmth of highland hospitality. Whether you’re styling a new residence or refreshing your current retreat, these interior elements create spaces that welcome après-ski gatherings and quiet evenings alike.
For personalized design inspiration or to explore Glacier’s stunning mountain properties, contact our real estate team at 970.382.6766 or email us at [email protected]. Let us help you create your perfect mountain sanctuary.
