Designing for Winter Warmth

Designing for Winter Warmth: How We Elevate Mountain Homes

Winter in the mountains isn’t just a season—it’s a way of life. There’s something undeniably special about snow-covered landscapes, the crackle of a fire, and the quiet stillness of a crisp morning. At Collective Design, we create homes that capture that feeling—spaces that are as warm and inviting as they are beautifully designed.

As both designers and mountain dwellers, we understand the nuances of creating interiors that feel effortless in winter while remaining functional year-round. Our approach blends layered textures, intentional lighting, and natural materials to craft spaces that embrace the season with style and substance. Here are a few key design elements that transform a house into a winter retreat.

Layered Textures: Elevating Comfort

The right mix of materials makes all the difference in a home’s warmth—both visually and physically. Plush throws, soft rugs, and tactile upholstery don’t just add warmth; they create an irresistible sense of comfort.

This season, we’re drawn to rich, inviting textures like bouclé, shearling, and soft leather, layered with organic elements such as wool and linen. Imagine a bouclé armchair draped with a sheepskin throw or a handwoven wool rug adding depth to wide-plank hardwood floors. These subtle yet intentional choices transform a space, making it feel effortlessly cozy.

Lighting: The Art of Winter’s Glow

As daylight fades earlier, lighting becomes essential to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. We always layer multiple sources—ambient lighting from floor and table lamps, warm-toned bulbs, and the soft flicker of candlelight—to create an intimate, welcoming environment.

We gravitate toward fixtures with fabric or textured shades that diffuse light beautifully, casting a soft, golden glow. Choosing bulbs in the 2700K–3000K range ensures a warm ambiance, while dimmers offer the flexibility to transition from bright and functional to soft and serene. For the finishing touch, candlelight—whether in sculptural holders or oversized hurricanes—adds an element of effortless warmth.

Fireplace Design: The Heart of the Home

A fireplace is more than a design feature—it’s a gathering place. It naturally draws people in, setting the tone for an entire space. Whether framed by a sleek stone surround or softened with a sculptural plaster finish, the fireplace becomes a focal point that blends beauty with function.

We consider scale, materiality, and integration in every fireplace design. A statement stone facade adds drama, while reclaimed wood mantels introduce warmth and character. Thoughtful styling enhances the ambiance—stacked firewood, hand-forged metal accents, and oversized candles create a layered, intentional aesthetic. Lit or unlit, a well-designed fireplace invites connection and comfort.

Natural Materials: Bringing the Outdoors In

Mountain homes are deeply connected to their surroundings, and we reflect that in our designs. Incorporating organic elements like wood, stone, and leather brings depth and authenticity to interiors, grounding them in nature.

Our philosophy is all about contrast—pairing rugged materials with soft, inviting textures. A stone fireplace flanked by shearling chairs, a leather ottoman set atop a thick wool rug, or reclaimed wood beams that add architectural character. These elements work together to create a refined yet approachable warmth that feels right at home in the mountains.

A Shift to Warm Neutrals

We’re embracing a palette shift—moving away from cool grays and incorporating deeper, richer hues. Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Moose, embodies this transition, adding warmth and depth to interiors.

We love integrating these earthy tones through upholstery, statement walls, and curated accessories like woven baskets and ceramic vases. When paired with natural materials like suede, aged wood, or textured fabrics, warm neutrals create a timeless, layered look that feels both grounded and sophisticated.

The Details That Define a Space

Sometimes, it’s the smallest touches that make a home feel truly special. Thoughtful accessories—soft throws draped over armchairs, sculptural vases filled with seasonal greenery, and hand-finished candleholders—add layers of warmth and personality.

These elements don’t just enhance aesthetics; they make a space feel lived-in and loved. Whether it’s a curated collection of art books, a basket of plush blankets, or a well-placed accent chair, the details bring a home to life.

Winter Beyond the Holidays

Winter isn’t just about the holidays—it’s a season to slow down and embrace the comforts of home. There’s something inherently special about stepping inside from the cold to a space that feels like an embrace—a glowing fire, soft lighting, and textures that invite you to settle in.

At Collective Design, we believe home should be a reflection of effortless warmth and timeless beauty, no matter the season. If you’re looking to enhance your space for winter, we’d love to collaborate. Let’s create something beautiful together.

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Collective Design – Luxe’s One to Watch

Collective Design Named in Luxe Magazine’s Ones To Watch

Featured in Luxe Magazine Nov/Dec 2024

With true team synergy, strong businesses find success. Since its founding in 2015, Collective Design has quickly become a notable force in the luxury interior design world. Known for their collaborative approach, this Colorado-based firm is comprised of a dynamic team of designers, each offering a unique perspective. What distinguishes the team is their ability to tailor each project to reflect each client’s personal style, resulting in highly personalized spaces. With a foundation rooted in transparency, craftsmanship and bespoke service, Collective Design delivers seamless project management and client satisfaction. As they expand their national presence, their commitment to pushing the boundaries of design while staying true to their core values—trust, excellence and integrity—remains steadfast. Collective Design is poised to continue crafting exceptional, one-of-a-kind homes that perfectly embody their clients’ vision.

Adrienne Rynes, President of Interior Design

EXPANDING REACH

With roots in Colorado’s mountain home tradition, Collective Design has grown its impact nationwide. As their portfolio grows, the group is establishing itself as a key player in the design industry, creating spaces that reflect both innovation and individuality.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Collective Design has established itself as a trailblazer in luxury interior design, consistently setting new benchmarks. Their commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and collaborative ethos have earned them wide recognition. As leaders, they continue to deliver spaces that are functional and visually striking, ensuring a lasting influence in the design world.

Partnering with Teton Heritage Builders

Dear Friends and Partners,

I’m excited to share that Collective Design has been announced as Teton Heritage Builders preferred design partner! This partnership marks a new chapter for us, and we’re excited to announce that Collective Design has officially been named the preferred design partner for Teton Heritage Builders! This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for us, and we couldn’t be more aligned in our shared vision of crafting exceptional spaces that elevate mountain living.

Together, we aim to set a new standard for luxury homes in Montana and Wyoming, blending our expertise in innovative design with Teton Heritage Builders’ legacy of superior craftsmanship. With their dedication to quality and our focus on creating refined yet livable environments, we’re confident this collaboration will offer our clients a seamless experience from concept to completion.

Our mountain modern design approach perfectly complements Teton Heritage Builders’ ethos. Whether it’s a serene retreat in Montana or a contemporary mountain home in Jackson, our team is committed to designing spaces that reflect each client’s vision and lifestyle. With our experience working both remotely and on-site, we’ll continue delivering exceptional results—wherever the project takes us. To support this, we’re enhancing our presence in Montana to ensure we’re always available to meet our clients’ needs with a personalized, hands-on approach.

As we join forces with Teton Heritage Builders, we’re excited to explore new opportunities and push the boundaries of mountain living. We look forward to continuing to create homes that resonate deeply with those who live in them, combining sophisticated design with the natural beauty of these extraordinary landscapes.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to this next phase of growth and creativity.

Best,

Adrienne Rynes

Latest Trends in Mountain Architecture

ELEVATED LIVING:
EXPLORING THE LATEST TRENDS IN MOUNTAIN HOME ARCHITECTURE

The team at COLLECTIVE ARCHITECTURE is dedicated to creating design solutions that enhance the lives of their clients in order to help them make lasting memories in their mountain homes. Working in Summit County and across the American West, they have developed a unique perspective on what truly defines a modern mountain home. For the latest trends, read on.

Mixed Materials

The use of wood, stone, and exposed steel in mountain homes ensures durability against harsh climates and adds aesthetic charm. This blend of materials results in a rustic yet modern look that is rich in texture and visually captivating, creating a cozy, welcoming environment that feels both timeless and innovative.

Varying Roof Styles

Mountain homeowners are choosing diverse roof styles which are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally adept. From Scandinavian-inspired gables and flat roofs suitable for rooftop decks, to low-slope shed roofs that blend with the landscape, these designs reflect a thoughtful balance of form and function, enhancing both the look and livability of mountain residences.

Open Floor Plans

The open floor plan, a defining feature of contemporary mountain homes, enhances the flow between living areas, making spaces feel larger and more connected. This openness creates a warm, inviting atmosphere ideal for both family intimacy and social gatherings.

Large Windows and Operable Walls

Expansive windows and operable walls designed to blur boundaries between indoorand outdoor spaces create a harmonious living environment. They provide abundant natural light and fresh air, making the home feel open and connected to its surroundings, perfect for enjoying the natural beauty year-round.

Versatile Spaces

Also high on clients’ wish lists: versatile spaces that can be adapted for a variety of activities. Whether for sleeping, working, exercising, or storing recreational equipment like skis and bikes, these multi-functional areas are designed to accommodate the dynamic lifestyles of the modern mountain homeowner.

Luxurious Living

Last but not least, modern mountain homes redefine luxury by integrating amenities that elevate both comfort and lifestyle. Spa-like bathrooms, gourmet kitchens, and smart home technologies enhance everyday living, while outdoor spaces like heated decks, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits create perfect settings for relaxation
and entertainment

Trends From High Point Market 2024

2024 High Point Market Design Trends – Your Window into the Future of Interior Design

Welcome to the heart of interior design inspiration—High Point Market. It’s like the Olympics of our industry, where the best and brightest gather to unveil the latest in design innovation. As a hub of creativity and a melting pot of trends, High Point Market sets the stage for the evolution of beautiful spaces.

Our recent visit to this esteemed event was nothing short of a treasure hunt, where we immersed ourselves in the latest design concepts and emerging trends.

Discovering Warm, Earthy Tones

Move over, cool grays! The warmth of chocolate hues is making a comeback, and we’re loving it! Our time at High Point Market confirmed what we’ve been feeling—a return to rich, earthy tones that bring a sense of grounded serenity to any space.

Reviving Elegance with a Modern Twist

While avant-garde designs still turn heads, there’s a delightful revival of classical elegance with a contemporary twist. Think timeless aesthetics seamlessly integrated into modern settings, evoking a sense of enduring sophistication that feels fresh and exciting.

Exploring the Story of Textures

Textures stole the show at High Point Market—from the luxurious softness of bouclé to the bold allure of leather. These tactile elements add depth and character to spaces, inviting you to touch, feel, and immerse yourself in the sensory experience of your surroundings.

Basking in the Luminous Glow of Alabaster

Alabaster lighting fixtures are having a moment, and we’re here for it! Their soft, natural radiance creates a serene ambiance that highlights the beauty of any space. Picture warm tones and intricate textures bathed in a gentle glow—it’s pure magic.

Embracing Nature’s Bounty

Our love affair with natural materials—like stone, wood, and metal—continues to deepen, reflecting our commitment to authenticity and sustainability. The rising popularity of greige—a harmonious blend of gray and beige—is a celebration of nature’s organic beauty.

Blurring Boundaries Between Inside and Out

Outdoor furniture that’s just as stylish and comfortable as indoor pieces? Yes, please! High Point Market showcased a trend towards versatile living spaces that seamlessly blend with nature, blurring the lines between inside and out in the most delightful way.

Modern Mirrors with Timeless Appeal

The latest mirror designs strike the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance, infusing spaces with a touch of modern sophistication. Whether it’s pill-shaped or arched, these mirrors add a timeless charm that elevates any décor.

In Summary

The insights from High Point Market not only forecast the future of design but also reflect our evolving relationship with our spaces. We’re excited to embrace these trends and incorporate them into our upcoming projects. Join us on a journey to create extraordinary living environments that blend luxury with functionality, and beauty with practicality.

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