How to Decorate Your Carolina Mountain Home

Carolina mountain homes have a certain look and feel that are unlike other homes. Maybe it’s their proximity to the great outdoors, or how they manage to highlight the magnificent views from within. 

Much of their uniqueness, however, is due to their tasteful design. As a homeowner, you want the colors, style, and furniture in your home to complement its surroundings, not compete against them. To create a space that accentuates the beauty of your mountain home, we have created a list of the best decorating tips to incorporate in your design. Let’s get started!

1. Focus on a Rustic Elements

Image Credit: Cliffs Builders

When you want your mountain home to feel like it belongs in the mountains, go rustic with elements that are natural, rough, aged, and casual. 

When you are decorating your Carolina mountain home, include furniture or accessories that have a natural feel to them. Find art with organic shapes. Use contrasting textures, like a soft, fluffy throw blanket and a chunky wooden stump as a side table. Make earth-toned colors, such as greens and blues, your accent colors. Be sure to highlight the natural elements in the space, like a smooth stone fireplace, by making it the focal point of the room. Each of these will help your design feel more rustic, and more in touch with nature.

2. Use Large, Frameless Windows

Image Credit: Fairview Builders

Since your Carolina mountain home is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, why not showcase it? Choose a home with large, frameless windows so you can enjoy the scenic mountain views. These windows naturally create the feeling of a picture frame where the views are the composition. Not only that, but they also give way to lots of natural light to fill the space. 

Consider picking window frames in natural colors, or even stained wood, to minimize the distraction from the view. If you choose to use curtains, use natural colors with a subtle texture to add interest. Also, rustic hardware will help unify the look. If you don’t want to cover any of the windows with curtains, some shades can create privacy and block out the sun. Again, choose natural fiber or canvas shades to fit the space. 

3. Consider Lighting Options

Image Credit: Gabriel Builders

Lighting can make all of the difference in how a space feels. Bright, natural light coming in from your large windows will make the indoor area feel larger and more open. When you have an abundance of natural lighting, you won’t need to use much additional lighting in the space. However, make sure that the lights you use in your design complement the room. Soft lighting can create warmth, while spotlights can accentuate features you want to be the centerpiece of your design. 

4. Choose Natural and Earth Toned Color Palettes

Image Credit: Dillard Jones

To create a seamless transition with the outdoors, use natural and earth-toned colors in your design. Earth tones originate from clay pigments found naturally in the earth. Use rich browns, olive greens, and muted gray blues throughout your home to add warmth to the space. 

If you want to add color, do so with small pops of a brighter accent color. A burnt orange or deep red will fit in nicely with the other natural colors in your space. To add a subtle modern contrast, use white sparingly to bring balance to the rustic nature of your design.

5. Nature-Inspired Accents

Image Credit: Cliffs Builders

Enhance the ambiance of your Carolina mountain home by incorporating nature-inspired decor items that pay homage to the surrounding environment. Consider adding botanical prints, animal motifs, and artwork showcasing the beauty of mountain landscapes. Elevate the aesthetic with handcrafted elements like wooden sculptures or woven baskets, infusing an artisanal essence that resonates with the local culture. And don’t forget to include vases adorned with flowers to complete the naturalistic atmosphere.

6. Add Rich Fabrics and Rugs

Image Credit: AR Homes

Textiles are a crucial part of any decorating project. From curtains and rugs, to throw pillows and blankets, fabrics are all around your home. When decorating your Carolina mountain home, try to choose fabrics with organic patterns and natural colors. Remember, these elements are easier to change out in a design and can elevate a space without having to redecorate completely. 

Don’t forget to play with texture, too. Smooth, brown leather on couches or side chairs works well in a rustic design. Use a rough woven rug against polished hardwood floors to add contrast to the sleek nature of the wood. If you want to have the opposite effect, soften the feel of the space with a soft, furry rug. Not only do area rugs create a certain ambiance in a room, but they also naturally divide spaces in a room, especially one with large open areas. When it comes to patterns and textures, the possibilities are practically endless.

7. Incorporate Polished Wood

Image Credit: The Cottage Group

Wood is a natural element you can include in your decor in a variety of ways. From furniture to modern wall paneling, wood can be used to create interest without being overpowering. Use reclaimed wood to continue with the rustic theme. A large tree-stump coffee table can be quite the statement piece. If you want to create a luxurious feel, use polished dark wood, either in furniture, cabinetry, or hardwood floors. 

8. Go Green

Creating a sustainable home involves a mindful approach to design that considers environmental impact without sacrificing style and comfort. Begin by selecting eco-friendly materials, such as reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and low-VOC paints, to minimize harmful emissions and promote resource conservation. Next, try to choose furnishings made from sustainable sources or upcycled materials, and opt for timeless designs that withstand changing trends. You can also implement smart home technology to monitor and control energy consumption. Finally, personalize the space with indoor plants to improve air quality and create a vibrant, natural atmosphere.

Find Your Carolina Mountain Home at The Cliffs

Decorating the interior of a home is one of the most exciting parts of homeownership. It can be used to show your personality and make it a comfortable space that is entirely your own. 

Here, at The Cliffs, we offer a wide selection of homes nestled in the heart of Carolina’s magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. Each a blend of luxurious design and nature’s breathtaking beauty, these homes not only embrace your vision but also align with your lifestyle.

If you want to make your dream a reality and immerse yourself in the captivating offerings at The Cliffs, take the first step and view our available homes and homesites. 

This post was originally written in June 2020 and rewritten in September 2023.