Whispering pines. Delicate birdsong. Sun-speckled leaves. Research proves again and again that nature has a way of nurturing our souls, from the smell of the earth to the sound of the trees moving in the wind. With a home nestled in the San Francisco Peaks, you are surrounded by natural Arizona beauty.

Whether it is your getaway or your everyday escape, incorporate a feeling of comfort and nature throughout your luxury mountain home. Here are five must-haves when designing your modern mountain paradise.

A Fireplace Built for You

When you think about Arizona luxury homes, you don’t immediately think about the need to keep warm. But in the mountains of Flagstaff, a fireplace is a must. But your fireplace should do more than chase off the evening chill. Create a focal point that enhances the aesthetic you want in your home.

When designing your fireplace, think about how it will fit with your interior design theme. Steel and metal blend well into a modern design, while stone and brick create a more traditional cabin feel. You can also consider ceramic tiles for added color.

Modern fireplace designs can often double as a custom work of art. The Prairie Pine residence in Northern Arizona takes cues from Frank Lloyd Wright with clean horizontal lines and floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition to the snow-capped mountains and golf course views, the living room also features a sculptural metal fireplace with intricate lighting details.

You can also incorporate a variety of stone fireplace ideas, such as including stone local to the area or using ledgestone to minimize the fireplace surrounds. Also, consider mixing stone with reclaimed wood for a traditional cabin aesthetic.

Multiple Outdoor Spaces

You are likely drawn to the mountains because of the proximity to nature and the climate. Fully embrace these attributes by including multiple outdoor spaces in your modern mountain home. Enjoy the fresh air with patios and balconies that provide different uses and incredible views.

Layered patios connect different areas of the home to the outdoors. You’ll want a patio accessible from your living area or great room for easy entertaining, but a walk-out patio from the game room can open up the space for outdoor games. A balcony outside the bedroom or office provides an excellent place for meditation or a quiet coffee break.

Overlapping outdoor spaces also provide the opportunity for extra shade and lighting options. You might want a firepit on the main floor while strings of LED lights or embedded sconces might be perfect for the upper level. With a variety of seating options, you can designate one area for dining while another part of the patio is more of a conversation nook.

An Abundance of Windows

From majestic mountaintops to towering green pines, Northern Arizona is awash in natural beauty. Create breathtaking views–and incorporate natural light–in every room with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors.

As you work with your architects to design your modern mountain house, think about the views you want in each room. Place windows to frame the view and to plan for natural light. Include multiple levels of lighting so you establish a feeling of coziness no matter the time of day.

Sliding glass doors are also a great addition to rooms that lead to an outdoor space. They provide seamless indoor/outdoor transitions that are great for entertaining or just to bring in some fresh mountain air.

A Variety of Natural Materials

Don’t just admire nature when you are out hiking and golfing. Bring a feeling of the outdoors inside by including exposed wood, organic fabrics, and other natural elements in your interior design.

Exposed wood beams are a staple in many mountain homes. These pillars give your home a sense of strength, as a load-bearing part of the structure or as trusses. Also consider wooden accessories and furniture, such as a reclaimed wood dining table or end table.

Stone and marble can also bring a natural feel to your space, especially when combined with wooden beams and organic fabrics. A wool blanket adorning a leather armchair could make a perfect spot for hot cocoa in front of the fireplace.

You can also mix traditional wood and stone with steel to create a more modern look. In the Walnut Canyon home, rustic meets modern industrial with heavy wooden beams and trusses offsetting the decorative steel accents. Together, these materials create a luxurious aesthetic for this “cabin in the woods.”

A Place to Handle the Seasons

Unlike much of Arizona, your home in the northern mountains is likely to have multiple seasons. Include a mudroom so you have a place to collect all of the seasonal clothing–and puddles–for easy organization and cleaning.

Depending on your family size and the outdoor activities you enjoy, you may want a dedicated room that you can close off. Or you may have a nook in your entryway. Regardless, create a space to catch the boots, hats, and coats for every family member.

Include a variety of hooks, bins, and shelves to make it easy to hang and store the different items. That way they are less likely to end up in a soggy pile. Provide extra storage for less-used outerwear and sports equipment, like ski boots and goggles, that are only used at certain times of the year.

You’ll want easy-to-clean flooring, such as stone or sealed concrete. Put down rugs to trap dust and dirt at the entry way, and keep cleaning materials close by to address any messes before they get out of hand. You might even consider heated floors in this space to help you and your guests warm up after a day on the slopes.

Luxurious Comfort that Meets Your Goals

The mountains of Northern Arizona provide an inspiring backdrop to any home. Whether you are looking for golf course lot or a secluded spot surrounded by forest, be clear on your priorities with your mountain home. Do you want a place to enjoy the quiet after a day of cross-country skiing? Or are you looking for a more seasonal climate while still being a day’s drive to some of the country’s best golf courses?

When you are ready to start planning your perfect mountain home, contact the designers at UDA, LTD. We will work with you to create an escape that is both comfortable and extraordinary.

Five Design Must-Haves for Your Luxury Mountain Home