Clear Your Home Of 4 Things Idaho Designers Dislike And Keep 6 That Shine
Idaho designers have strong opinions about what makes a mountain home truly shine. They’re seeing too many outdated trends clinging to life in beautiful spaces across the Gem State.
By removing a few design offenders and embracing elements that complement our natural surroundings, you’ll create a space that feels authentically Idaho without falling into tired mountain home clichés.
1. Heavy Dark Drapes
Gone are the days when thick, light-blocking curtains dominated Idaho windows. These heavy fabric monsters not only collect dust but also hide your home’s best feature – those stunning mountain and forest views!
Heavy drapes make rooms feel smaller and darker, working against the natural beauty surrounding Idaho homes. Replace them with something that celebrates rather than conceals the landscape outside.
2. Overly Rustic Décor Overload
Antler chandeliers, pine cone everything, and bear-shaped lamps galore! Your home shouldn’t feel like a hunting lodge gift shop. The rustic-themed excess creates visual clutter and lacks sophistication.
Idaho designers recommend selecting just one or two quality statement pieces instead of filling every corner with woodland creatures and fake log furniture.
3. Cluttered Open Shelving
While Instagram might suggest otherwise, cramming every mug and trinket onto open kitchen shelves creates visual chaos. The dust collection alone should make you reconsider!
Cluttered shelving makes kitchens feel busy and disorganized. Idaho designers suggest displaying only a few beautiful items with breathing room between them, or better yet, embracing closed cabinetry for a cleaner look.
4. Outdated Brown Furniture Sets
Remember those matching brown leather sofa-loveseat combos from the early 2000s? Idaho designers certainly do – and they’re begging you to let them go.
These bulky, matchy-matchy furniture sets make rooms feel dated and heavy. Modern Idaho homes embrace lighter pieces with varied textures and complementary (not identical) pieces that create more visual interest and flow.
5. Natural Light And Airy Window Treatments
Sunshine pouring through simple, functional window coverings transforms Idaho homes instantly! Sheer linen panels or minimalist blinds let mountain views take center stage while providing privacy when needed.
Natural light enhances mood and showcases architectural details beautifully. Idaho designers love treatments that frame rather than hide windows, celebrating the connection between indoor comfort and outdoor splendor.
6. Sustainable And Local Materials
Reclaimed barn wood from a local farm or river rock collected from nearby streams brings authentic Idaho character into your space. These elements tell a story that mass-produced items never could.
Sustainable materials connect your home to its surroundings in meaningful ways. Idaho designers frequently incorporate locally-sourced stone, timber, and artisan-crafted items that celebrate the region’s natural resources and craftsmanship.
7. Cozy Textiles In Neutral Palettes
Sink-your-toes-in wool rugs and cloud-soft throws in earthy tones create inviting spaces perfect for Idaho’s chilly evenings. Forget trendy colors that quickly feel dated! Textiles add warmth without overwhelming the senses.
Idaho designers recommend layering different textures – nubby linens, soft wools, and natural cottons – while keeping colors subdued to create a timeless, sophisticated atmosphere that feels both luxurious and relaxed.
8. Thoughtful Minimalism
Quality trumps quantity every time! Carefully selected furnishings with room to breathe create peaceful spaces that Idaho designers absolutely adore.
Thoughtful minimalism doesn’t mean stark or cold. It means giving beautiful pieces space to shine while eliminating visual noise. This approach works especially well in Idaho homes where the dramatic outdoor scenery deserves to be the star of the show.
9. Warm Wood Accents
Honey-colored timber beams overhead or a handcrafted walnut dining table bring instant warmth to any Idaho home. These natural elements ground spaces with organic beauty.
Warm wood creates balance in rooms with stone, glass, or metal elements. Designers incorporate varied wood tones through architectural details, furniture, and accessories to add richness and character without going overboard with the log cabin aesthetic.
10. Indoor Plants And Greenery
Lush ferns and sturdy snake plants bring life and improved air quality to Idaho homes year-round. They’re the perfect antidote to long winters! Indoor greenery creates a seamless transition between outdoor and indoor environments.
Idaho designers strategically place plants to soften architectural lines and add vibrant natural elements that change and grow, making spaces feel dynamic and alive even when snow covers the landscape outside.
