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!

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It’s funny how the things you don’t notice in a space end up being the ones that make the biggest impact. In our opinion good design isn’t just how a space looks- but how it functions too. We always strive to match the lifestyle of those that live there. 
I imagine how it will feel to move through a new space making it as effortless as possible. 
Today on the blog we will be diving into all these details. Which one of these elements do you love the most?
We built this life on love, hard work, and a whole lot of dreaming.
I was 17 when I met Derrick. The thought of that alone makes me teary. I don’t think you ever really grasp how much life you’ll walk through with someone when you first fall in love—how many versions of yourselves you’ll grow into, how much change you’ll experience together.
Somewhere between then and now, we have built a life. One that looks nothing like we thought it would, but one I wouldn’t trade for anything. 27 years married, three kids, countless homes, and more chapters than I can count. It hasn’t always been easy. We’ve had to start over, take leaps of faith, and rebuild from scratch. When Derrick lost his job several years ago, we had a choice—to let it break us or to build something new. So we built. A business, a dream, a life that feels deeply ours.
And somehow, through all of it, he’s still my favorite person. The one I want to tell every little thing to, the one who makes me laugh when I need it most, the one I choose—over and over again.
So if you’re new here, welcome! This is us. A family who believes home should be a place where you want to linger longer. Thoughtful design, cozy spaces, and a lot of heart. Oh, and meet Lucy—our golden retriever who thinks she runs the place.
And if you don’t know this song… you’re definitely younger than us. 😉 
Happy Valentine’s Day to all the other love stories out there!❤️
Life is Short. Make it Beautiful. ✨✨
Comment ‘Bedding’ and we’ll send you a roundup of some fun ideas for Spring bedding!
 
Simplicity is never dull when done right. With natural fibers and earthy tones, simple designs exude effortless luxury and calm. 
Right now, I’m loving the balance of crisp whites, warm linens, and soft tonal layers that make the bed feel inviting without overpowering the space. A neutral base gives you the flexibility to play with different looks throughout the year—whether that’s swapping out pillow covers, adding a heavier throw in winter, or mixing in lighter, airier fabrics in the warmer months.
One new addition I’m loving? This velvet bolster pillow in a muted mocha with piping. It adds just the right amount of shape and contrast while still feeling soft and tonal. Bolsters are such an underrated styling piece—they help define the bed and create a polished, finished look without feeling overly styled.