The evolution of Park City design: How mountain modern is redefining luxury living

Developer: Coleman Development Group | Builder: Dowie Wing Custom Homes | Architect: Van Sickle Design & Drafting Photo: Coleman Development Group

PARK CITY, Utah — The morning light filtering through the aspens catches the clean lines of a contemporary chandelier, casting geometric shadows across wide-plank oak floors. Outside, the Wasatch peaks frame picture windows like nature’s own gallery walls. This is Park City in 2025—where the rustic cabin aesthetic of decades past has evolved into something far more nuanced.

“Park City has grown into one of the most sought-after destinations for luxury living—drawing a clientele that’s equal parts adventurous and discerning,” says Barclay Butera, whose interior design firm has been quietly shaping the town’s residential landscape for the past two decades. “Our spaces are thoughtfully designed for real life—where families gather after long days of outdoor activities, where nothing feels too precious, and where multiple generations stay for extended periods of time.”

What Butera and his team have cultivated is what they call Mountain Modern design—an aesthetic that captures the essence of mountain living while delivering a sense of ease, refinement and warmth that feels distinctly Park City.

Beyond the Log Cabin

Walk through any of the newer developments in Silver Lake or Deer Valley, and you’ll notice a shift. The heavy timber and stone fortresses that once defined mountain luxury have given way to something more sophisticated, more livable. Mountain Modern design isn’t trying to recreate a frontier fantasy—it’s about creating homes that work for how people actually live in the mountains today.

“Mountain Modern design isn’t a trend—it’s a lifestyle,” Butera explains. “It’s rooted in the organic textures and natural palettes of the region, but not rustic in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s about balance: timeless architecture meets contemporary comfort; rugged materials meet tailored upholstery; moody stonework is softened by layered lighting and thoughtfully curated art.”

The approach begins with a foundation of natural materials—wide-plank oak floors, natural stone fireplaces and countertops, solid wood cabinetry and rich leather. But what sets Mountain Modern interiors apart is how contemporary elements are layered in to create refined, livable spaces.

Instead of the heavy log cabin browns and reds that dominated mountain design for decades, today’s Park City interiors gravitate toward warm neutrals, earth tones, creamy whites and layered pops of forest green and ochre—hues drawn directly from the natural landscapes of Deer Valley.

Designing for Real Mountain Life

The clients arriving in Park City today aren’t looking for a rustic retreat they’ll visit twice a year. They’re world travelers, outdoor enthusiasts and design-savvy individuals who want homes that work as hard as they play.

“Our clients come to us looking for that unique harmony,” Butera says. “They want to walk into their mountain home and feel instantly grounded—but they also want a space that flows with elegance and function. Mountain Modern homes should be livable year-round, not just stylish during ski season.”

This means rethinking everything from mudroom storage to great room flow. Custom gear storage systems accommodate everything from ski equipment to mountain bikes. Great rooms need to be flexible enough to host intimate gatherings or accommodate three generations of family during holiday visits. Performance fabrics and durable materials ensure these spaces can handle everything from wet ski boots to golden retrievers fresh from a hike.

The furnishing approach reflects this practical luxury: sleek silhouettes mixed with plush textures—a clean-lined sectional in mohair blend paired with a live-edge coffee table, or a structured bed upholstered in Belgian boucle offset by modern mixed-material nightstands.

Texture as Mountain Language

In a landscape where snow can fall eight months of the year, texture becomes more than decoration—it’s invitation. Boucle and shearling, cashmere throws and hand-knotted rugs create layers of warmth that encourage lounging, whether entertaining après-ski or enjoying a quiet morning coffee while taking in the views.

“Texture is critical in any mountain home,” Butera notes. The layering extends to lighting as well, where oversized chandeliers in blown glass or hammered metal draw the eye upward to soaring ceilings, while discreet cove lighting enhances architectural details.

Local and national artists contribute bold, original pieces that tell stories and add personality—creating a sense of place that goes beyond generic mountain décor.

Built for Generations

Many of Park City’s newest residents aren’t just buying vacation homes—they’re building legacy properties. The design needs to accommodate this long-term vision while honoring the four-season mountain lifestyle.

“Designing for mountain living means considering four-season functionality: cozy in winter, fresh and open in summer,” Butera explains. “Mudrooms must be smartly planned with custom storage for gear; great rooms need to be flexible enough to host intimate gatherings.”

Floor plans emphasize connection—open kitchens with oversized islands, great rooms that open to heated outdoor decks, and lower levels designed for hosting with wine rooms, bunk rooms and wellness spaces. Smart home technology ensures these spaces are as livable as they are luxurious.

The Park City Difference

What makes Park City’s design evolution particularly compelling is the collaborative nature of the local building community. Relationships between designers, builders, architects and artisans run deep, creating a shared commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail.

“When we first brought Barclay Butera to Park City, by way of Newport Beach, California, we knew it was a special place,” Butera reflects. “The natural beauty, the creative energy, and the incredible architecture set the stage for some of our most meaningful projects. Over time, we’ve cultivated deep relationships with local builders, architects, and artisans who help us bring each vision to life with an uncompromising attention to detail.”

This collaborative approach has yielded homes that feel authentically Park City while meeting the sophisticated expectations of a global clientele. The result is an aesthetic that’s both rooted in place and universally appealing.

“What’s made our business successful here is our ability to listen deeply to our clients, and then deliver homes that reflect their unique lifestyle while honoring the spirit of the mountains,” Butera says. “No two homes are alike, but all share a common thread of elevated design rooted in authenticity.”

As Park City continues to evolve, Mountain Modern design represents more than an aesthetic choice—it’s a philosophy about how to live well in the mountains. It’s design that doesn’t fight the landscape but works with it, creating homes that are as comfortable hosting a quiet family dinner as they are accommodating a house full of guests after a powder day.

“We’re proud to say that many of our Park City clients return to us time and again—for second homes, remodels, or even design projects in other states,” Butera notes. “Our hope is that every Barclay Butera home in Park City continues to celebrate the mountain lifestyle while creating homes that deliver comfort, connection, and timeless beauty.”

—

For more information about Barclay Butera Interior Design, visit their website or call 435-649-5540.