Rocky Mountain Retreat in Carbondale with Stunning Views and Bold, Vibrant Design

A designer and architect maintain focus on the majestic mountain views in a Colorado second home.

March 11, 2026

Laura Kostelny,

Spectacular scenery and lighting by Hubbardton Forge set the stage for sublime dinner parties, along with a custom walnut-and-steel table and a landscape-inspired rug created by Integral Thread. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains have long attracted folks who like to experience the sights alongside more than a hint of sophistication. So when a couple of empty nesters decided to build a vacation home in the luxury Carbondale neighborhood of Callicotte Ranch, they wanted a team that could create a getaway that incorporated both. Enter designer Amanda Kurz of AK Designs and architect Patrick Stuckey. The two worked together to deliver a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom mountain retreat that’s equal parts rustic and refined.

Stuckey’s architectural design for the two-story, 4,172-square-foot home centered on the incredible topography that came with the 9-acre plot. “My clients wanted to enjoy views of the ranges from Aspen to Sunlight Mountain, specifically Mount Sopris and Chair Mountain, from as many rooms as possible,” he says.

There’s plenty of room for friends and family to take in the sights—and gather around the fire—thanks to a large emerald-green sofa and a pair of chairs by A. Rudin. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

The just-right balance of landscape and luxury begins upon drive-up and continues through entry past the grand front door—a custom walnut-and-steel piece designed by Kurz. “As soon as you walk into the foyer, you immediately encounter the volume of the great room along with the mountains,” Stuckey says.

Exposed beams, an abundance of steel windows, engineered white oak and porcelain tile flooring, along with an assortment of stone selections, drive home the upscale Rocky Mountain aesthetic in the main living area. “We picked the accent stone on the fireplace because it looks like the aspen trees that surround the property,” Kurz says.

The entry sets the tone for the rest of the house via lighting by Hammerton Studio, a bench upholstered in lilac fabric by Black Edition and a custom rug. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

The designer also leaned into a combination of earthy and modern materials for the open kitchen, where custom walnut cabinetry complements the cool finish on the refrigerator. “It’s an Italian melamine that has a lot of texture to it—it almost looks like a metal,” Kurz says of the fridge.

The walnut island is as practical for prep as it is pretty thanks to the abundance of concealed drawers for storage and the moody leathered absolute-black granite countertop. Kurz joined the kitchen to the adjacent living area with a handsome walnut bar with custom metal cabinets finished with Lumicor paneled fronts.

The homeowners’ artist nephew made the cat sculpture in the living area; some of the purple in the home was influenced by the sculpture. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

The designer carved out seating areas and dining spaces within the wide-open floor plan via a blend of colorful showroom finds, retail purchases and one-of-a-kind accessories including rugs and lighting, which highlight her clients’ impressive art collection.“The greens are directly inspired by the surrounding pine trees, but some of the purple came in because of my client’s nephew. He’s an artist who made the cat sculpture that’s displayed in the corner of the living area,” explains Kurz.

Location also inspired each of the four bedrooms—all are named after proximal ski resorts. “The secondary primary, Sopris, has a lot of pinks and purples that were inspired by the sunset views in front of the house,” Kurz says. And while she kept things light and bright in the other two guest rooms, Highlands and Sunlight, the primary suite, Ajax, is much quieter by design.

A well-appointed patio furnished with a modern fire table, sofa by JANUS et Cie and chairs by DEDON makes for an idyllic spot to entertain. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

The spa-like space is outfitted with layers of soothing neutrals, cozy textiles and custom nightstands, and the adjacent bathroom is awash in marble, porcelain tile, custom vanities and a very intentionally placed bathtub. Says architect Stuckey, “It was imperative that the soaker tub have a direct view of Mount Sopris.”

In fact, Kurz says that an unfettered focus on the state of things outside allowed for interiors that create a very unique state of mind. “We wanted our clients to access the expansive views but still experience coziness. It’s a crisp space that’s also energizing.”

The kitchen features one-of-a-kind cabinets in natural horizontal walnut and gray Italian melamine, an island with integrated pulls, and bar stools from Williams Sonoma. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

Two Arhaus chairs and a table by Arteriors complete a charming seating area just off the kitchen. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

A welcoming perch by the stairwell is home to a chair by Bernhardt and an ottoman by Thayer Coggin. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

The light-and-bright primary bathroom is outfitted with natural white oak vanities topped with honed marble and adorned with hardware from Rejuvenation. Wall sconces from Visual Comfort add extra sparkle to the space. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

Designer Amanda Kurz brought neutrals into the bedroom to maximize the stunning views. | Photo: Dallas + Harris

An abundance of built-ins painted in Steep Cliff Gray by Benjamin Moore makes keeping track of everyone’s outdoor gear a snap. | Photo: Dallas + Harris