This Sun Valley Home is a Mountain Oasis

Rip & Tan: What was your overall process like?

Sierra Fox: This process was slightly different than the other projects you’ve seen from us, as I built this house with my family through our development company, Fox Estates. We approached this project intending to create a space that felt effortless and serene, a modern Idaho mountain home without leaning too rustic or heavy.

Since the early stages, we prioritized natural light, clean lines, and the integration of timeless elements to ensure the home would feel both modern and enduring. When it came to furnishing the space, we brought in effortless, simple, and non-fussy pieces as the base layer of furnishing, then added European antiques and well-worn rugs to add depth to a very light and bright space.

Rip & Tan: There’s a through line in your work of incorporating nature into your home design, and Sun Valley’s landscape is breathtaking. How did the area inspire your design decisions for this project?

Sierra Fox: The expansive skies and mountainous views captured in this home provided an unparalleled backdrop in several of the rooms, so there’s already a sense of nature in the space, given these views. This is a particularly sunny part of the valley, which inspired the light color palette we used throughout the house. We added antique wood and natural materials to speak to our mountain hometown in a way that felt approachable and refreshing.

Rip & Tan: What about this specific space spoke to you as you got started?

Sierra Fox: We’ve had other projects in this neighborhood, so we were familiar with the light patterns and breathtaking views this lot could provide. Throughout the building process, we were very intentional about direction and angles to optimize natural light and views from as many rooms as possible. We loved designing the great room, with its expansive ceilings and amazing natural light. The two Noguchi pendants create a soft, warm glow that covers the cozy living room, with ample seating for entertaining or just getting cozy by the fire, and the timeless dining area with a bar that begs for a martini to be poured asap!

Rip & Tan: What is your thought process behind blending and balancing textures in a home?

Sierra Fox: Balancing textures can be tricky, but it’s all about creating a sense of harmony. In this space, we mixed smooth, modern finishes like calacatta viola marble countertops and nickel plumbing with more tactile, natural textures like wool, linen, and reclaimed wood. We always seek to add contrasts that complement each other, creating visual interest without overwhelming the senses. For example, using a soft, light upholstery fabric accented with a crunchy vintage pillow or antique rug helps create an interesting dynamic—it’s all about layers!

Rip & Tan: Which features are your favorite?

Sierra Fox: We’re suckers for a moody moment at Studio MTN, so i have to say the powder bath with its dark plastered walls, gorgeous bronze sconces from cox london, and stone sink are ticking all of the boxes…a little rustic, a little fancy, a little mysterious.

Rip & Tan: How does this home stand out from your other projects? Either in terms of process or final design?

Sierra Fox: Besides being on both the development side and the interior design side of this project, this project also stands out because it’s probably the most minimalist approach we’ve yet to take on a project. We also included quite a few traditional touches to keep with the classic vibes of this ski town, which was fun to lean into that side of ourselves.