Summit Creek’s newest developer-built home immediately stuns with its relaxed-yet-sophisticated aesthetic that perfectly accentuates the surrounding landscape. Recently awarded with the Judge’s Choice Award at the 2019 Utah Valley Parade of Homes, the home offers an undeniable allure—much of which can be attributed to interior designer Becki Owens who, in collaboration with builder Split Rock Homes and architect Rob McQuay, brought this estate’s masterful design to life. We sat down with the Utah-raised, California-based interior designer to learn more about her approach, process and source of inspiration when it came to this mountain estate.
What inspired your design direction for this particular mountain home?
Upon entering this home, floor-to-ceiling windows frame dramatic views of the natural surroundings, making you feel as if you are floating along the mountainside. Whether pulling from colors and patterns that reflected the surrounding landscape or positioning interiors to draw complement the home’s floor-to-ceiling windows, we wanted the interiors to reflect that natural beauty, but with a modern, contemporary vibe.
How does your design approach differ when it comes to interior design for mountain homes?
This particular mountain home will experience a variety of climates. From a design standpoint, it’s key to create an atmosphere that will suit all seasons. With areas designed to both entertain inside during the cooler months and to gather outside and immerse in the natural landscape, plus several fire elements weaved throughout indoor and outdoor spaces to create an intimate feel, the entire home can be enjoyed throughout the year.
What is your method when crafting a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience in the home?
When you transition from the interior to the exterior, you want to make it feel like a continuation of the same room. For each space, we used textures and a color palette that were very similar, but not exact, to help accomplish a seamless flow throughout the home.
How did Summit Creek’s natural landscape inspire this home’s colors, materials and textures?
Typically, you will see mountain homes feature wood materials due to the nature of their location. We wanted to change it up with patterns and colors that you wouldn’t expect, but still reflected the natural splendor of the area. For example, we used a wood Chevron pattern on the master bath’s ceiling to create the feeling of being nestled under the trees. In the great room, we used a small scale Chevron tile in black to add a dramatic element. And, to evoke the feeling of floating alongside stone hillsides, we used marble-like quartz slabs throughout the home.
What did you enjoy most about working on this particular project?
I enjoyed getting to play with a bold neutral palette while working in touches of muted color to soften the space. Summit Creek’s mountainside residential community has a modern contemporary feel fused with natural elements—it’s the perfect blend for those who want both sophisticated clean lines and warmth in their home.
