Published: August 9, 2023

There's something about living in the mountains that makes you want to spend more time outside. Maybe it's the breathtaking beauty of the alpine landscape or the fresh mountain air, but my family and I treasure the moments we spend outdoors regardless of the season.

It's a passion we bring to our work at Matter Interiors, where we help our clients design outdoor spaces where they can relax, play, cook, entertain, and live their best lives surrounded by natural beauty. Here are some of the principles we use to create spaces that capture effortless outdoor living and a sleek Mountain Luxe vibe.

See the big picture. In the mountains, people see the outdoors as another room in their homes, not as an afterthought. Hardscaping, softscaping, outdoor furnishings and accessories are all chosen to harmonize with indoor spaces and reflect the same uncompromising commitment to quality and design. The elements at altitude are intense, which means choosing great fabrics and materials is important for longevity and durability.

We also love mixing in bold color to enhance nature's dramatic color palettes! For this stunning Starwood remodel, we love how the purple complements the green and gold aspen leaves in an intimate firepit seating group.

Design for your lifestyle. Always begin with a clear vision of how you plan to use your outdoor space. Do you plan to hold cozy, informal gatherings or entertain on a grand scale? Do you enjoy the sunrise with your morning coffee or evening cocktails poolside? Do you prefer sunbathing or reading in a shady nook? The answers to these questions will help you design a space that you'll use with pleasure. For example, this new build in Aspen arranges a mix of comfortable armchairs and loungers in intimate groupings to create a cozy, laid-back vibe.

The low-profile furnishings in warm neutrals invite people to luxuriate in the outdoors while allowing for unobstructed views of the spectacular surroundings through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Obsess over details. Outdoor spaces are often dominated by statement pieces such as an expansive sectional or a fire table, and these elements should be chosen with care. But so should the little things, such as baskets for storing blankets and throws or caddies to hold silverware and napkins. Outdoor living can feel effortless or encumbered depending on how easy it is to transition from one activity to another or adapt to changes in plans or weather. When everything you need to enjoy the outdoors is always on hand and in its rightful place, it makes all the difference to the experience.