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How To Bring The Cozy Cabin Vibe To Your Home This Holiday

How to Bring Cabin Season Home

There’s something about this time of year that makes you want to retreat somewhere quiet. Preferably, where there’s snow falling outside, a fire burning inside, and nowhere to be for hours. Maybe that’s why cabin content takes over our feeds every November. The cozy wood interiors, soft lighting and plaid blankets … it’s all part of the season’s nostalgia.

But, while we’d all love to escape to a log cabin in Vermont or Montana, the truth is, most of us are celebrating the holidays in our own homes. Or, maybe a family house, a rental, or a small space that just needs a touch of that cabin warmth. That’s exactly what this post is about: bringing the feeling of cabin season home.

Stone cabin with wood accents and double glass doors framed by wreaths, set against a snowy landscape under a bright blue winter sky.
Photo: Pinterest

Designing for Real Life

For this month’s location post, we imagined a river cabin tucked somewhere in Vermont. Simple bones, layered textures, and that quiet luxury energy we always lean toward. It’s a look that works anywhere, from a mountain vacation home to a suburban living room. The key is in the mix: raw materials against refined pieces, matte finishes beside something with a little sheen, comfort without clutter.

Below, you’ll find what we’d use to bring the look to life. The furniture, finishes, and accessories that create warmth without veering rustic. It’s cabin-inspired design that still feels fresh, modern, and completely livable.


Cozy family room with deep brown sectional, green leather chair, and antler candle holders beside a glowing Christmas tree, styled with layered textures and warm lighting.

Silver Champagne Bowl | Pendant Light | Coffee Table | Wooden Nutcrackers | Brown Striped Flatweave Rug |

Copper Wall Lantern SconceDeep Brown Sectional | Patterned Lumbar Pillows | Marble-Top Side Table |

Olive Leather Chair | Antler Taper Candle Holders | Christmas Tree | Slippers

 

I always say, if there’s one room that sets the tone for the entire house, it’s the family room. This one is about depth and comfort. 

That perfect winter layer between cozy and considered.

Take, for example, the look of a deep brown sectional against a backdrop of a Christmas spruce and flickering light. It grounds the room and instantly creates a gathering point. A green leather chair adds contrast and polish. It’s the kind of piece that wears beautifully over time and only gets better with age.

As a designer, balance is key. Here, that means pairing plush upholstery with structured lighting and iron accents. The antler candle holders? A classic that’s been reimagined. You’ll love how they bring shape and sculptural warmth without feeling kitschy. I’d style them with taper candles on the coffee table, next to a bowl of nuts or matches for winter evenings.

If your space allows, layer in these aged brass fixtures. They add that Vermont lodge nostalgia but in a way that still feels modern and fresh. A sconce is a great way to bring in that accent lighting that really warms up a room.

 

Cabin-style mudroom with weathered wood hooks, woven mat, stool, and silver umbrella stand, designed for function and warmth with a collected, lived-in look.

Silver Umbrella Stand | Socks | Copper Wall Sconce | Black Woven Mat | Wood Stool |

Plaid Umbrella | Tie-Front Wool Scarf| Duck Boots | Wood Coat Rack

 

The mudroom is one of those spaces that quietly sets the rhythm for everyday life. It’s where the day begins and where the mess stays contained. For this one, I leaned into a utilitarian palette: weathered wood hooks, woven mats, and a stool for kicking off boots. Every element feels intentional yet pretty.

Also, I’ve always been drawn to functional beauty. A tall silver umbrella stand instantly elevates wet boots and winter gear, while a simple wall sconce in aged copper softens the space with a warm glow. It’s small details like this that turn a practical room into something unique.

And, if you want a designer tip — treat your mudroom like an entry vignette. Style a pair of rubber boots, a plaid umbrella, and a folded wool scarf or knit socks in a basket. It tells a story before anyone even steps inside.

Vermont-inspired kitchen featuring brass faucet, silver light fixture, horsebit butter dish, and soapstone counters, styled with mixed metals and timeless details for winter hosting.

Bon Appétit” Kitchen Towel | Silver Flush-Mount Ceiling Light | Brass Faucet | Horsebit Butter Dish | Brown Stoneware Dinner Plates |

Brown Ceramic Mugs | Ivory-Handled Cutlery | Vintage Pot | Stand Mixer | Blue Ceramic Bowls | Range

 

Kitchens, especially in cabins, are about rituals. The early-morning coffee, the quiet breakfast, the slow dinner prep while it snows outside. I wanted this one to feel classic and tactile: soapstone counters, aged brass fixtures, and ceramic mugs with a hand-thrown texture.

The La Cornue range is a showpiece … but it’s the kind that feels earned, not overly flashy. Every winter kitchen needs something that makes you want to stay in and cook.

It’s the quiet mix of metals that makes this kitchen feel elevated. The vintage French pot brings warmth and patina … it’s the kind of finish that only gets better with time and instantly softens stone or darker counters. Try pairing that with something unexpected, like a silver light fixture overhead. The contrast between warm and cool tones adds subtle dimension, a trick designers use to keep a room from feeling too flat or overly coordinated. And then, there’s the horsebit butter dish which is a small but charming detail to have on your counters. 

Cozy wood cabin with a tall stone chimney and outdoor fireplace, surrounded by trees and soft natural light, evoking a quiet winter retreat.
Photo: Pinterest

Whether you’re styling a mountain cabin or just craving that cozy, layered feel at home, these pieces bring the season’s mood to life in the best way! The best rooms are the ones that make you want to linger a little longer, and every item here was chosen with that feeling in mind.

Shop each room below or click here to shop everything directly on our LTK. No log cabin required. 🤍

1

The Family Room

Sierra Performance Velvet Curved Arm L Sectional
Club Chair
Weatherstaff Espresso/Natural Jute Handwoven Rug
Grand Tour Furniture Coffee Table
Natural Nutcracker
Lit North Carolina Spruce Faux Christmas Tree
Montreal Velvet Pillow
Antler Candle Holder
Fulton 1 Light Armed Sconce
Black Metal Frame Marble Accent Table
Helmi Pendant Light
Equestrian Stainless Steel Beverage Tub
2

The Umbrella & Boot Barn

Tanguay Polished Silver Umbrella Stand
The English Inn Bar & Counter Stool
Check Folding Umbrella
Soul Rain Large Umbrella
Suri Brown Leather Lug Boot
Fulton 1 Light Armed Sconce
The Rope Co. Two-Tone Weft Doormat
Men’s Socks
Cashmere Triangle Scarf
Weston Row of Hooks
3

The Kitchen

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer
Milton Short Flush Mount
Kingston Brass Belknap Bridge Bathroom Faucet
Pair of Bon Appetit Kitchen Towels
Black Metal Frame Marble Accent Table
Equestrian Butter Dish
La Cornue Cornu Albertine Range
Pacific Salad Plate
Pacific Mug
The Coupe Bowls
Laguiole Debutant 24 Piece Flatware Set
Antique Belgian French Cooking Pot
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20k. Wow. Feeling a little surreal over here (and right before Christmas!). Emma surprised me with this cake today and it honestly made me pause and take it all in. This journey has been nothing without you all (this community) showing up, supporting, growing with me. I’m so grateful for every message, interaction, and tiny bit of love along the way.
And I’ll be honest... it’s not always easy showing up here every day and sharing so many pieces of our lives. You don’t see everything, and that’s okay. But what’s real is this connection and the people on the other side of the screen.
Here’s to all of you. Thank you for being here, for cheering us on, and for making this space feel like something worth building.❤️
After designing and remodeling so many bathrooms, here are 5 mistakes I’ll never make again:
1. Stopping tile too low on the wall.
Tiling only part way up can make a bathroom feel choppy and visually shorter. Taking tile higher (or all the way up in key areas) instantly feels more custom and elevates even the smallest space.
2. Choosing form over storage.
A pretty pedestal sink with nowhere to hide anything... I’ve learned my lesson. Vanities with drawers, medicine cabinets, and smart niches keep your counters clear and make your bathroom actually livable. For example, pretty pedestal sinks have my heart — but they have zero secrets. If you truly love the look, add a tailored sink skirt to hide essentials, or do what we’re doing in our own project: bringing in an entire wall of IKEA PAX built-ins for overflow storage. Desianers think hard about lifestyle... because a beautiful bathroom that doesn’t actually work never stays beautiful.
3. Using the wrong grout color.
Bright white grout on a busy floor or in a shower is a cleaning nightmare. A softer, mid-tone grout is more forgiving, ages better, and lets the tile shine instead of the lines.
4. Cheap, overly shiny hardware and fixtures.
Nothing dates a bathroom faster than ultra-shiny, lightweight hardware. A tip I give clients: always look for weight and finish depth. Polished nickel with a warm undertone, unlacquered brass that patinas beautifully, or even aged bronze instantly elevates a space. Spend once and avoid upgrading again in two years.
5. Relying only on overhead lighting.
One can light = harsh, flat, unflattering. Layered lighting changes everything. Add sconces at face level (ladies... this is a game changer for getting ready), plus a decorative fixture or even a candle for a softer, moodier feel.
If you’re planning a remodel or want help avoiding these mistakes in your own home, send me a DM — we’d love to help you design a bathroom you’ll love for years🤍
“Designers are expensive.” That’s the public opinion... and sometimes, it’s true. But it’s also the reason we exist. 
A designer’s fee is almost always less than the cost of redoing things that weren’t done right the first time.
We see it all the time. Clients come to us after plans are finalized, materials are ordered, and the space is already under construction. By then, it’s much harder (and more expensive) to course-correct. Details like lighting placement, ceiling heights, tile layout, and even outlet locations all impact the final design. And when we’re part of the process early, those decisions work together instead of against each other.
Working with a designer isn’t just about how your home looks.. It’s about how it feels and functions. Our role is to bridge the gap between vision and execution, to make sure every decision supports the next one.
If you’re in the early stages of building or renovating, this is your sign to bring design in from the start. It’s an investment in doing it once, and doing it beautifully.
Inquire through our site (link in bio) to start your project!
Headed back to Oregon today and scrolling through old Christmas clips like the nostalgic, obsessed person that I am.😂 It truly never fails to be the coziest place during the holidays.
We chose the PNW this year partly for the peaceful vibes... partly because our renovation is unhinged right now. And MOSTLY because I wanted to put up a tree. 
Luckily we have a fake one in storage. No ornaments, just twinkle lights and vibes. I’ve got a few simple tricks to make it feel special for our family.
Where are you celebrating this year? Traveling? Staying home? I love hearing what this season looks like for everyone.
Until then, I’ll just be on the Tennessee backroads with my coffee, gathering design inspo from every pretty home I drive past!