Tahoe Style Interior Design Elements

by Diana Vincent

Somewhere between Eastern Adirondack and Montana lodge, the interior design style of Tahoe is unique and true to its setting. This area calls for a creative and relaxed yet up-to-date style combining a four-season feel with the rich tones and textures of the Sierra Nevada landscape—tried-and-true, natural and distressed, with touches of modern. To achieve the grand style of a Tahoe look, here are my top ten favorite interior design picks:

Relaxing Décor

Tahoe is a place to kick off your shoes and curl up on the sofa with a good book. The sofa and the rest of the furnishings need to reflect this relaxed atmosphere. Large, oversized furnishings, upholstery filled with down-blend pillows, rustic tables and hard goods that look better the more worn they become all add charm and style. Furnishings should have a timeless yet lived-in feel.

The Stone Fireplace

No matter the size of the home, the fireplace is always a crucial aspect of Tahoe style. From the old rock fireplaces with large mortar joints to dry stack ledge stone with boulders randomly thrown in, the warmth and feel a stone fireplace creates is without doubt a favorite element in Tahoe design. Don't forget the reclaimed timber or large stone mantel to set mood.

Texture and Tones

The use of warm, rich colors and materials is the basis of the quintessential Tahoe home. Chenilles, velvets and knits in browns, ambers and deep reds reflect the atmosphere and style of this area, as do warm wood tones, earthy stone and tile, coppers and distressed metals.

Old and New

True Tahoe is about an eclectic mix of rustic and modern style. Old, found antiques combined with new furnishings and accessories help create this look. New cabinets distressed and worn give the aged look but still provide the function of new cabinetry. Worn leathers, reclaimed metals, the ever-essential old snowshoes, skis, fishing reels and rods all keep the timeless look of Tahoe.

Intimate Spaces

In these days of bigger is better, there is a loss of intimacy in the resulting cavernous homes being created. Tahoe style calls for the creation of small spaces within grand living areas, the goal being to create a sense of intimacy and charm. One way to achieve this is by making groupings of furniture, creating cozy areas within larger rooms.

Western Lodge or European Ski Chalet

A recent trend in Tahoe style is the harmonious, eclectic blend of styles from other resort regions. The rustic aspects of Montana lodge combined with the more refined styles from old European ski resorts create a style that, while garnered from afar, feels truly part of this region.