Q. We just moved here from South Carolina and we want to build our home in a style that says Montana. Is there a style common with the typical Montana home? — Melinda White, Helena

A. Great Question! Montana definitely has its own style; I call it the lodge look. It’s an interesting combination of western, log cabin, and rustic. I recently toured the Southwestern Parade of Homes and last weekend our local Helena Parade of Homes. Both showcases had great examples of the Montana lodge look.

Here are the essential ingredients to achieve the perfect Montana lodge look.

Exterior

The exterior of the home should compliment its surroundings. Timber frame accents, cedar shakes, plank and clink siding, and lots of rock all add to the nature inspired look of the home. Neutral colors of green, gray and brown blend together with the other wood siding and rock elements. Window colors are usually the tan, dark brown or red.

Flooring

Hardwood is still the number one choice for the main living areas but it is on the rustic side such as pickle-wood, rough-sawn fir, or hand-scraped oak. Tile and stone such as travertine and slate are generally used in bathrooms and entryways.

Kitchen

Keep the cabinet design simple using the arts and craft or mission style. Natural wood cabinets made of knotty alder, hickory, or quarter-sawn oak complement an island with a chocolate or distressed-black finish. Granite, quartz and soapstone are perfect countertops in keeping the earthy feel. Polish it off with cabinet hardware and light fixtures in oil-rubbed bronze finish.

Colors and Furniture

Paint the walls in muted tones of moss green, mustard yellow, browns and beiges. Trim can be white or dark-stained wood. Furniture can be arts and craft in style or more western. The key is to use lots of texture with hand crafted wood tables, leather sofas and natural accessories like baskets and pinecones. If you have a hunter in the family, head mounts look great above the fireplace.

Of course the Montana lodge look would not be complete without the floor to ceiling rock fireplace, the exposed beams, tongue-and-grove ceiling, and the outdoor hot tub.

If you have any questions you would like to see answered in this column email Catherine at thedesigngrp@hotmail.com or call 439-2687.