Friends, Have I ever told you that I am so proud to be a native to this stunning place we call Colorado? I mean, I must kind of like it here since I’m living in the EXACT same house I grew up in, am sending my kids to the SAME schools, and am basically allowing them to repeat my life ;), but more on that later). One of the many things I love about this place is that it’s brought together so many different kinds of people, from local to international, who are all drawn to the rugged/raw beauty contrasted with up and coming cities. The culture here is a pretty laid back and down to earth one. There are lots of young families, lots of adventure seekers, lots of artists, explorers, entrepreneurs, and all around admirers of natural beauty. Colorado attracts people from all walks of life and all backgrounds to unite them in one common thing: people LOVE living here. Just recently Colorado Springs was named the #1 most desired place to live in the US by US News and World Report !
As a result of Colorado’s magnetic essence, however, its’ architecture and interiors are a total melting pot of styles as well. We have everything from super rustic cabin vibes to Coastal or California modern, we have lots of Southwestern, we have the ever famous “Farmhouse” style (Thank you, Mrs. Gaines), but there isn’t really a defining “Colorado Style”… at least not one that’s keeping up with the times. Such a ridiculously beautiful and inspiring place should have a fantastic aesthetic that it’s known for, right?! I’m NOT talking about rugged cabins filled with overstuffed plaid furniture and animal heads everywhere, which is maybe what comes to mind the quickest when people think of a true “Colorado style” currently. No, no, friends. I’m talking about an aesthetic that caters to the thing that draws everyone to Colorado in the first place: the combination of modern/chic city life along with the ability to raise a family in a friendly community, while still having nature and stunning mountain scenes IN your backyard. I mean, I live in a suburb and I still have deer, bears, foxes, bobcats, the occasional mountain lion, etc., IN MY YARD … literally. (Those of you checking out my Instagram stories know this!)
When I think of Colorado, I think of nature inspired rustic textures, industrial accents, and cozy and soft textiles that feel putting on a great big sweater (I mean, if there is ONE thing Coloradans are great at, it’s LAYERING, you guys!). The grandeur and elegance of the mountain ranges, contrasted with the sleek cities and cultured art scenes is just so cool and unique – kind of like the way the Rocky mountains contrast with the wide open grassy plains. We get hints of this type of aesthetic in mountain towns like Aspen or Vail, but I want to make pieces of that style accessible in Colorado Springs, Denver, etc. Get my drift, guys?
So, what kind of an INTERIOR space would reflect such a thing? Hmm. GLAD YOU ASKED. A new mission I’ve taken on here at Hill Interiors is to re-define this unique Colorado cool style. Now sure, there will always be hints of influences from other places here and there, because arguably, part of what makes CO so great is the way it unites so many different lifestyles and backgrounds. Also, my goal here is not to be cliche and force “Colorado-y” things into each space, but instead to evoke similar feelings someone would get inside their home as they do when they’re looking at a beautiful mountain scene, or walking through an art exhibit in downtown Denver. So, without further adieu, here are a few concepts of MY interpretation of a “Colorado Cool” style that (I personally think) is just SO fresh and delicious! Basically, I want it all in my house, and I want it now 😉 …
So, my friends! What do you think of this take on a “Colorado Cool” vibe? I love how chic, yet functional, AND super cozy it can be! The options are endless… it’s designer heaven, really. What else would YOU consider to give off a Colorado Cool aesthetic? If you were to add something to these concepts, what would it be?! Comment away!
XOXO,
Alyssa