Design

Every Cozy Cabin Needs These Five Essentials

 

Hey, cabin lovers! Isn’t it just ironic that we’re talking about cozy cabins while it’s beyond hot outside? Cabins don’t have to equate wintery ski getaways… they should be used year round! Cue warm summer nights around a fire pit roasting s’mores (our family fave) or curling up in an overstuffed chair for your morning coffee while the sun rises.

Regardless, I can’t wait to share my five favorite essentials for creating a retreat that embraces the beauty of nature! Go ahead, indulge in the purest form of comfort — why not?

1. Cozy Fabrics for your Cabin

For those in Bend, you know how cold and crisp the High Desert can be in the mornings! I can’t ever resist snuggling up and enjoying the peaceful mornings wrapped in the furriest flannel blanket I can find. When the temperature drops, there’s no doubt that the extra touch of comfort to your cabin will make those chilly nights or brisk mornings an absolute delight. So don’t skimp on the fluffy blankets, fuzzy pillows, and snuggly throws – your guests will thank you for it!

2. Reclaimed Wood or Rustic Finishes

I love bringing in some charm from the wilderness with stunning reclaimed wood accents. Whether it’s an accent wall, rustic ceiling beams or vintage wood furniture, the natural warmth of wood elevates your cabin’s ambience. It’s always satisfying to bring a piece of the great outdoors inside — it gives you that truly authentic cabin feel. The beauty of the wood lies in its weathered, lived-in appearance. 

3. Ambient Lighting

Speaking of ambience, set the perfect mood with soft lighting. I’d swap out harsh overhead lights for a stylish floor lamp any day. Nothing beats the warm and inviting atmosphere of a beautiful lamp with a soft glow … except for maybe a fireplace? A fireplace falls under the category of ambient lighting as well, and is a must. Whether it’s a classic wood-burning one or a modern gas insert, now there are ways to make any fireplace look like it’s masonry-level. After all, what’s a real cabin experience without a fireplace? 

Source: Domino

4. Area Rugs warm up your cabin space

Hardwood, stone, or tile floors can be stunning in a cabin, but they can also feel cold on your feet, especially in the mornings (can you tell I’m really not a fan of the cold mornings here?). But that’s where a beautiful area rug comes in to save the day. A large, plush rug will not only add warmth, but also anchor your living spaces, defining areas like the living room or bedroom. Area rugs truly soften everything around them. Plus, they’re the perfect opportunity to infuse some texture and style into your cabin’s decor. Go for neutral tones or earthy patterns to compliment the natural surroundings.

 Clouz Houz tip: Opt for indoor-outdoor rugs for added durability; they can handle all the adventures your guests bring in from outside. 

5. Earthy Hardware Finishes

To elevate the aesthetic of your cabin, pay attention to the finer details, like hardware finishes. If you’d like to maintain that old-world rustic vibe, consider using bronze, un-lacquered brass, or satin nickel hardware throughout your cabin. I’m somewhat biased as I LOVE un-lacquered brass – it’s living finish will patina and create the most beautiful deep brass hue. I prefer not polishing it and just let it do it’s thing! If you want to lean more towards a contemporary cabin incorporate a matte black finish. It brings a sleek vibe to the space, and can really make it feel moody.

The key here is to mix and match these finishes to add a unique character and visual interest to each space. (Personally, I never carry the same finish throughout an entire house.) I highly recommend the look of brass for kitchen hardware, and also for incorporating into bathrooms. And, don’t be afraid to use multiple finishes! Make sure you tie in at least two finishes, as well as a third finish to support those primaries. 

Here’s a BONUS tip since I am a cabin enthusiast! Embrace all the earthy tones. Nature’s palette is the perfect inspiration! Think clay, mossy and deep greens, terracotta browns, and calming blues. These hues perfectly compliment the cabin’s surroundings, and can be a great way to unwind and connect with the nature around you.

Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue
Farrow & Ball Studio Green

On a personal note: I’ll always design a house to be as cozy as can be. That’s when I’m in my most relaxed state, since I’m more motivated to work in the comfort of my own home. Let me know if you agree with these elements being the most essential for any cabin to have. As always, we love hearing your thoughts and feedback! 🤍

Check out below at some of our favorite elements we would recommend for our next cabin project! Don’t forget, you can save our blog posts through our website and directly save them on Pinterest. Just click “share” on the right side of the post and tap on the Pinterest icon to save all of the inspo images to your board of choice!

Join the Conversation

get inspired
#clouzhouz
follow along
@clouz_houz
We have dreamt of what it would be like to build a fire, pour a glass of wine and settle in for the night in this home! And it’s finally happening! It’s almost surreal to be experiencing our first fall here... I remember when I urged Derrick to call the listing broker so we could schedule a viewing. Now just a little over two years has passed and we are living in it the way I dreamt it would be.

When I walk into a home, whether a client’s or one we are viewing for an investment project, I have a way of visualizing immediately all that could happen there. My mind starts racing with ideas and its potential. When we found Tumalo Ranch it was lovingly cared for by it’s previous owners but it needed updating. My job as a designer is to tap into the potential and make the house into a home- suitable for those that live there, or soon to live there! And I love this part of my job... the dreaming and scheming to tell the home’s story is pretty rewarding.

When I sit in here now and look around the room at all the details and plans that went into creating this space I am reminded of why it’s so important to take the time to conceptualize and set the vision. We’ve designed the living room intentionally to make unwinding feel effortless, whether it’s the end of a long day or just a quiet night in. It is our fave corner for relaxing and visiting with family and friends. It is all in the details that make it feel special and inviting: the dim lighting, warm textures, and that perfect spot to kick back in front of the fire. So dream big and don’t discount the little things that can make a big difference on how a room feels and lives.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Family, gathering, food, relaxation. ❤️

Thinking back to my childhood, Thanksgiving always meant an incredible meal prepared by my mom, and it brings back so many cherished memories. Now, I love carrying on that tradition with my own family. Over the years, I’ve found ways to keep things simple yet still beautiful and delicious. Today on the blog, I’m sharing some of my favorite table-setting essentials and tips to make the day as enjoyable as possible.

By the way, has anyone watched the Martha Stewart documentary? So inspiring! I used to joke with my mom that she was “Martha Stewart 2.0,” but honestly—I learned from the best!
Welcome to Tumalo Ranch. This home has been our journey, our vision slowly brought to life, and, honestly, a work in progress every step of the way. When we first set foot here, it was more of a blank canvas than a home a place just waiting to be shaped into something that felt like us.

From the start, we wanted it to be a place where every nook invites you to slow down, and every room carries a little bit of history. Take the kitchen, for example: we decided to skip upper cabinets and bring in open shelving. It was one of those choices that felt risky, but it ended up making that space feel more open, more connected-like everyone who steps in is part of our daily rhythm.

Then there’s the living room, where Lucy lounges in the sun, watching chipmunks through the window. We’ve filled it with little pieces we’ve picked up over the years, each telling its own story. It’s the little quirks like these that make our home feel alive, always evolving just like us.

This is just a first look— a trailer, if you will —of what’s become our sanctuary. There’s so much more to share: the rooms where we’ve celebrated with friends, the quiet corners where we retreat on those long, cozy evenings. Tumalo Ranch is all about creating a home where moments linger a little longer, where imperfections make it feel even more like us.

If you’re curious to see more, stay with us. We’re excited to share this journey and maybe inspire you to dream a little bigger in your own space.
Big things are coming your way this season! Get ready for room reveals, home tours, client project walk-throughs, and so much inspiring holiday content. We’ve been pouring our hearts into these projects behind the scenes for the past few months, and we can’t wait to start sharing them with you.

This fall, we’re introducing a fresh look for CH! We teamed up with @bozemanmediadesign to capture the journey, and we’re so excited for you to be part of it. 

Autumn has always been my favorite time to slow down, light the first fires of the season, and make space for cozy, quality moments. Here’s to embracing the change, creating memories, and making your spaces feel more like home. Cheers to the season ahead!
We could’ve never imagined where life would take us. Ten years ago, we thought we’d be in Portland, still living the lives we’d always known. But life threw us a curveball, one that challenged us and ultimately opened the door to a world we never expected—a world of intentional living, passion for creating, and the joy of building spaces that reflect each unique story.

Starting Clouz Houz was more than just a career shift; it was a reawakening. The obstacles we faced turned into lessons, teaching us to live slowly, find beauty in the everyday, and share the knowledge we’ve gained along the way. And through it all, this incredible community has been with us, cheering us on.

To anyone out there feeling uncertain—this is your sign. Seek what fills your soul, take that leap. We’re so grateful to have come this far, and we’re beyond excited to continue this journey together. Here’s to growth, to gratitude, and to the adventure ahead. Cheers to 2 years of Clouz Houz! 

And peep our new logo at the end😉. We’ve been working on a little rebranding—because, like everything in life, things are always evolving! Thanks Renee @with_tandem for the new look!