Interior Design in Jackson Hole

Not Your Average Western Interior

Think about the “typical” interior design of a Jackson Hole home and images of studded leather sofas, elk antler chandeliers, animal rugs and lodgepole furniture most likely come to mind. Think again, say many Jackson-based interior designers.

While such western décor does have its place in valley homes, more contemporary looks have been coming into favor among Teton designers and their clientele. Solid colors and cleaner lines update western motifs and flairs. Rather than designing an entire room in rustic lodgepole, clients use a couple of special pieces to suggest the West in an otherwise contemporary setting.

“Refined western” is how Renee Crawford, a designer for Cabin Creek Designs, describes this modernized blend. She has been using more classic and floral fabrics and less plaids and checks to achieve the refinement. She also likes to mix and match western pieces with more feminine touches.

One Jackson Hole homeowner, Cheryl Krise, wanted to make her ranch feel as if it could have been decorated years ago. She used local artists and incorporated regional touches with the help of her designer, Michelle Burkett of Paradigm Interior Design (formerly Michelle’s Interior Design). Using wood, metal and a lot of textures combined with bright artwork, Krise’s spread is a contemporary western space she describes as “ruffled cowboy meets bride.” Krise's home achieves its unique look through original, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces which Burkett custom designs to match the lifestyle needs of her clients.

“Structures here make a very strong statement,” said Sharon Moore of Jackson Moore Ltd., “with very masculine components.” Her tactic is to weave softer, feminine components into the interior with fabrics and textures that create a more homogenous design. Also, certain building materials, such as log, can soften a structure or room, she said.

But while many designers are seeing a broadening of tastes and a modernization of themes, Laurie Moeller, owner of the design studio and showroom Laurie Interiors, asserts that the classic western look will never vanish completely. “You can’t ignore where we live,“ she said.

Moeller works for many second homeowners who want something different in their Jackson houses. “They want it to look like their home in Jackson, not their home in Maryland or Connecticut.” Moeller – who finds her clients usually give her room to have fun, be creative and use her sense of humor – likes to blend western touches with classic and timeless pieces to create a lasting look. It’s the small details that add charm to her designs. For example, she will often work with local artists to create special pieces for a client, or she will use rock or natural wood to give an interior an “organic” look.

Jody Forsyth, a designer at Harker Designs, is right in step with Moeller. She said that while she has noticed a trend away from a strict western design in Jackson during the last five years, it is still important to acknowledge where the house is located.

“I just think people don’t want it to be overdone,” said Forsyth, who aims to incorporate “a tasteful touch of western” into her designs with western fabrics and accessories.

All that aside, however, designers say you can’t stereotype the interior of Jackson homes; there are as many different styles in the valley as there are homes. But while there might not be a “Jackson look,” there are designs and design elements common in mountain areas. For example, most homes have a mudroom to protect the beautiful interiors from the inevitable snow and mud. That feature is unusual elsewhere, according to designers who have done a lot of work outside of the Rockies.

Jackson Hole homes tend to be more family-oriented. Casual family rooms are a popular design feature, as are “bunk rooms,” bedrooms with three or four sets of bunk beds to suit families and guests with many kids.

There also are environmental factors to consider when designing any Jackson interior, such as the cold, snowy weather that envelopes the valley for a good portion of the year.

“Cold climates need warmth,” said Moeller. However, she cautioned, “You don’t just design for the seasons.” Moeller tends to use a lot of warm, bright colors and rich fabrics to create spaces that are comfortable in all seasons and temperatures. “Bold colors work year-round,” she said. “Happy” and “uplifting” colors, such as green and rust, often appear in her palette.

Windows and window treatments are another important consideration. Windows can come in odd shapes these days and can be a challenge to treat. Treatments also can help with climate control, keeping a room warm in the winter and cool in the summer, while allowing plenty of light to come in.

And, of course, there’s always the view: treatment mustn’t impair the scenery, which, after all, is the centerpiece of any design scheme. And with architecture like the Tetons in the backdrop, you can’t go wrong.