Embracing Natural Elegance

Anne-Marie Barton marries natural materials with rich textures and a tranquil palette to shape a modern mountain retreat. (Photos by Josh Caldwell)

To hear designer Anne-Marie Barton tell it, her job is to create homes that feel like living art. Much like an artist wielding a brush, when every stroke brings the canvas to life, designing such homes requires a skilled interplay of “customization, imagination, and the courage to explore the possibilities of ‘what if,’” Barton explains. Like the bold introduction of texture or a delicate line, these elements converge under her guidance, forming a masterpiece where every detail harmonizes and contributes to the final composition.

Take a video tour with the designer:

_{Above right: Raked slabs of Indiana limestone combine with stacked limestone sourced from the home’s exterior to shape the soaring, asymmetrical fireplace in the open living room. Contemporary Italian furniture with sculptural silhouettes and richly textured rugs infuse the space with luxury and comfort. The sofa and ceiling lights are by Henge, and the coffee tables are by Olivya Stone.}

Such was the case when she joined architect Michael Upwall and builder Magleby Construction to design and build a family’s heritage house in the mountains of Utah. “It was a wonderful team, and we collaborated every step of the way,” Barton says. Their clients were equally involved. “They wanted to be part of the design and were so intrigued and excited by the process,” she adds.

The collaborative spirit shines through in the final result: a boldly architectural forever home that fulfills the owners’ want for a spacious sanctuary, perfect for generations to gather in luxurious comfort. “The wife envisioned a home with the essence of a resort, inspired by the ocean and water,” Barton shares.

This vision becomes immediately evident upon entering the home. Sunlight streams through the entryway, where guests are welcomed by the calming sound of water. “As you step through the front door, your eyes are drawn to an undulating, free-standing staircase crafted from glass and white oak,” Barton describes. “At the same time, you hear the gentle trickle of water from a fountain at the base of the two-story feature.”

Nearby, a striking wall clad in rich walnut and aged brass extends dramatically from floor to ceiling, soaring 25 feet high. This monolithic feature anchors the main entry, wrapping seamlessly around the corner to cover the adjoining closet wall. “When the architect delivers such impressive volume, I look for ways to visually connect the ceiling to the floor to help humanize expansive spaces and make them feel more intimate and comfortable,” Barton says.

The nearby great room, with its lofty wood-clad ceilings, expansive windows and white oak floors, posed a similar challenge. Barton tamed its scale with a commanding, full-height fireplace, its enormous forms of raked Indiana limestone and horizontally stacked stone are arranged in a compelling, off-centered composition anchored by a dark, Collemandina marble hearth. “Asymmetry creates a sense of curiosity and surprise,” says Barton, who employed it throughout the home, including the kitchen’s off-kilter range hood, a guest suite’s unbalanced desk/cabinet combination, the primary suite’s unmatched bedside lighting and much more. “Asymmetry breaks down a sense of formality, and when paired with finishes that are sublime, natural and deeply textural, it creates spaces that feel relaxed and inviting through their imperfect beauty,” she adds.

_{Above right: Designed to accommodate the homeowners’ large family gatherings, the open kitchen and dining areas merge practicality with style. The bespoke 18-foot dining table pairs brass bases and a walnut top featuring a subtly wire-brushed finish. Nearby, Perla quartzite tops custom walnut cabinetry while sliding glass pocket doors located on both sides of the brass range hood wall open to a fully equipped butler’s pantry. The kitchen’s pendants are from Holly Hunt, the stone is from European Marble & Granite, the appliances are from MLD and the barstools are by Percell Design.}

Lighting also plays a pivotal role in Barton’s meticulously curated designs, in which distinctive forms and striking finishes transform her selections into true works of art. In the great room, for instance, sculptural horizontal hanging lights by Henge span 14 feet overhead. “Their subtle illumination wasn’t meant to light the room heavily but to provide a seductive glow when the lights are dimmed,” she explains. Within the freestanding staircase, Apparatus’ Lariat pendant lights seem to float effortlessly, with the lowest globe suspended delicately above a custom water feature made of blue fusion marble. The dining room features an equally captivating horizontal ceiling fixture, its faceted quartz crystals clasped in brass and softly illuminated. “These glowing, alluring accents not only draw the eye but also help large spaces feel more intimate and inviting,” Barton adds.

_{Above left: A large painting by Jill Barton establishes the primary bedroom’s serene tone and palette. A crystal-rimmed chandelier elegantly crowns a fireplace-facing sitting area, featuring a curvaceous sofa and a stacked-disc table atop a sumptuous shag rug. Asymmetric lighting adds a distinctive touch, framing the bed with a lamp on one side and a duo of hanging pendant lights on the other, set above bespoke bronze-and-walnut consoles. Custom draperies by Park City Blind and Design complete the refined aesthetic.}

_{Above right: A crystal orb pendant by Ochre floats above a window-front tub, partially embraced by a sculptural chunk of Cristallo marble that anchors the vessel and doubles as a convenient tub-side table. The sinks are seamlessly integrated into Cristallo marble countertops, which top custom walnut vanities paired with window-backed hanging mirrors. Faucetry is by Fantini, stone is from European Marble & Granite, and cabinetry was crafted by Teerlink Cabinet.}

Barton’s fearless embrace of “what if” scenarios results in captivating, unexpected design statements at every turn. What if a bold band of ribbing were added to the walnut entry wall? What if organically shaped, low-slung Italian furniture defined the living spaces? Or if both the fireplace and the champagne-brass, hand-hewn range hood were adorned with raised brass fins? What if plaster were used to dress interior walls and ceilings, a powder room was daringly darkened or a variety of boldly textured rugs were placed throughout with artistic freedom?

The sheer depth and variety of these imaginative treatments are both palpable and exhilarating. “I seek out uniquely tangible qualities in everything I create—where materials, forms, textures and patinas come together to evoke something thrilling and deeply emotional,” Barton explains.

_{Above left: The luxurious spa flows seamlessly into a serene relaxation room, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This indulgent retreat features a steam room, a sauna, a floater tub set atop natural rock formations and a waterfall-inspired shower. Resort-style touches include sedimentary travertine, asymmetrical lighting, chiseled limestone and a bubbling Artistic Stone fountain.}

In the end, the home is more than a stunning architectural statement or a showcase of bold design; it’s a deeply personal retreat that reflects the dreams and aspirations of the family who lives there. “Ultimately, my goal is to create spaces that resonate with the homeowners on every level—visually, emotionally and functionally,” Barton says. This house isn’t just a reflection of the designer’s artistry and the talents of those who designed and built it. “It’s a canvas brought to life by our clients’ vision, on which every detail was chosen to honor their story and the legacy they want to build for generations to come.”

“Beauty is no longer just about appearance, but also about how a space makes us feel—turning homes into true sanctuaries.”

Anne-Marie Barton, principal of AMB Design Inc.