You’ve probably seen Pinterest boards and Instagram accounts dedicated to Mountain Modern architecture + style (if you’re not following #mountainmodern on IG, 10/10 would recommend).

But what are the individual design elements that bring the aesthetic together and make it so swoon-worthy?

Samsel Architects – the award-winning firm behind projects like ENO’s new HQ – shares some insight to what Mountain Modern means to them, and how you can recognize (and implement) some of their signature hallmarks of design for your home project.

Keep reading to see examples of Simple Forms, Clean Lines, Natural Materials + Connection to the Outdoors. We’re not crying over these homes, you’re crying.

Simple Forms

This is how the home sits on the landscape and how the spaces of the home get organized into simple geometries. Modern forms can still blend into their surroundings using shape, scale and color. Samsel says it likes for all its homes to be “good neighbors” to their surrounding landscape and buildings.

Additionally, all of their houses use basic shapes to create a nice, calming environment.

Clean Lines

Clean and simple doesn’t mean plain. A good balance of clean design and simple materials creates a comfortable, effortless look – even though a lot of effort goes into the design and construction process to make it appear simple.

Some ways Samsel creates clean lines are through detailing with materials and using sleek, horizontal paneling on interior walls.

Natural Materials/Neutral Color Palette

Modern doesn’t have to be cold; it can be warm + cozy. You can see that with the blonde wood tones and neutral yet bright color scheme here.

Some natural materials Samsel frequently uses are wood, stone and concrete.

Connection to the Outdoors

This is when Samsel goes to the site to see where the best views are + frames the home around that – with windows, natural light entry points and outdoor living elements like screened porches. Outdoor living spaces act as a bridge from the landscape to the interior.

The key to this design hallmark is to use the land to determine the house. If you do this, the home will be part of the landscape and a sense of place will remain (even if it’s new construction).

See more Mountain Modern home design inspiration here.

This content was created in partnership with Samsel Architects.