Text by Bethany Adams
When it came to decorating her client’s mountain home in Wilson, Wyoming, Kate Binger, founder of interior design firm Dwelling, had a clear goal for the space. “We wanted to honor the heritage of the West as well as the farmhouse architecture,” Kate says.
To accomplish that, Kate and her team incorporated mountain-style elements into a space that maintained the comfortable airiness of farmhouse design. From the stone fireplace in the living room to the wooden ceiling beams throughout the home, rustic details are balanced by vaulted ceilings and stretches of white surfaces.
“My clients gravitate toward a refined masculine aesthetic,” Kate notes, adding that the design style was inspired by some of the homeowners’ original furniture and art that was sourced from Orange County, California, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. “I assessed those pieces, which were important to them, and focused on hard surfaces that would enhance that style,” she says.
Touches of natural materials, like the leather club chair and twig table that sit not far from the hearth, give a nod to the home’s stunning surroundings. But the farmhouse elements in the design find their balance in refined, contemporary touches, like the goat hide chairs that sit in the dining room. “When I found those at the Las Vegas, Nevada, market, I fell in love with the balance of their masculine materials and feminine legs,” Kate says, noting the way the French legs counterbalance the square, steel table.
In nearly every room in the home, vintage and antique pieces, like the Coca-Cola cooler in the entryway, add to the character of the design and provide a subtle contrast to the modern vibes. “The magic of eclectic design is pulling the most unique aspects of each genre and gently intertwining them,” Kate says. “When I curate antiques and rustic elements together, balancing them with clean lines and modern colors is key.”
In the kitchen, classic design choices are elevated by a number of standout details, like the butcher block placed throughout the space for convenience during dinner prep. White cabinets and subway tile create a soft contrast with warm gray walls and dark countertops, and the beautiful view out the bay window over the kitchen sink makes the chore of washing dishes less daunting.
Wooden barstools topped with leather are both a comfortable place for guests to enjoy one another’s company and an eye-catching detail of the design, and a set of brightly colored jugs on the counter contribute a splash of personality to the space.
The home’s bedrooms up the coziness factor with welcoming neutrals, rich gray tones, and layered textures. Clean lines paired with details like cowhide throw pillows and varnished wood surfaces maintain the masculine character found in every room, keeping the spaces comfortable for everyone.
Kate’s original goal for the project extended to the home’s exterior, where regional flair is evident in every detail. Various outdoor spaces, including the firepit and the rocking chairs on the porch, draw together friends and family alike, inviting everyone to sit back and enjoy the unique beauty Wyoming has to offer.
