Welcome to Day 2 of 31 Days of Décor To Adore. I imagine that most of my regular readers (aka Adorable People) thought I would kick off this series with a form of French style. That style will be coming, but given that it is fall and my thoughts have turned to cozy and comfortable nesting I could think of nothing better than Day 2 Cabin Style.
Now as rustic and charming as you might think this image of a tin-roofed cabin propped up on cinder blocks, with a protruding rusted stovepipe and an outhouse in the back is, this post is not the type of cabin style that will be featured.
But if you would love to see beautiful cabin décor that is complete with electricity and indoor plumbing well, this is the post for you.
Cabin History
Cabin design has been around since man first began to build shelter. The basic log cabin design style originated in Europe and rose to great architectural heights found in the form of Bavarian cottages and Swiss chalets.
The steep pitch design of the roof kept the snow from accumulating and causing a cave-in.
In rural areas, it was not uncommon for cabins to be built with two stories with the intention of keeping the livestock on the first floor of the home in winter.
Immigrants searching for a new life brought their woodworking skills to America where they found building material plentiful. While the early English colonists built brick and wooden frame homes it was Scandinavian immigrants settling in the colony of New Sweden (near Delaware & New Jersey) in 1638 that we can thank for bringing cabin style to the United States.
The log cabin design caught on and became the house of choice for settlers needing shelter on the woodland frontier.
Cabin Interiors
Now let’s get to the good stuff. Many people think that they don’t like cabin style because they have seen far too many bad or cheesy renditions. But let’s focus on the positive. Traditional cabin colors often used are warm shades of red, yellow, orange, and green.
Cozy plaids, wool Pendleton blankets, hides, antlers, and dark paneling are also found in cabin décor. Aviary, botanical, and fishing themes are prevalent in art and accessories.
But for those who desire a lighter palette, it too can be achieved. Paneling or interior log walls can easily be whitewashed.
In the image below traditional touches include the use of traditional paneling and woodland tones, but the space feels decidedly fresh and modern.
This cabin feels very modern with the use of vintage Pendleton blankets as window treatments.
Dining Areas
In the dining area, cabin décor can also be subtle with well-placed accents such as a natural chandelier or a soft leather chair.
Traditional colors, stonework, and antique cooking pots can all provide a cozy cabin feel.
A variety of textures can create interest.
Kitchens
Kitchens are the perfect place for warm, rustic décor.
Distressed cabinetry pairs well with a river rock arch, wooden beams, and paneling.
Nature can literally be invited indoors.
Bright colors can really warm up wood and stone.
Bedrooms
Bedroom areas are made cozy with layers of quilts, blankets, and rugs.
Even in larger bedrooms layers up the cozy factor.
Modern cabin bedrooms often feature a neutral palette in the bedroom.
Traditional neutrals.
For a happy twist, colorful afghans and paint by numbers gallery join in a mix of plaid.
A similar idea but in a bright white and blue combo.
A fabric deer head creates a bit of tongue-in-cheek take on cabin décor.
This multi-bed space makes me smile.
Bathrooms
As for bathrooms, the possibilities are endless. The tree bark used as a wall covering is truly inventive.
Color can be paired beautifully with rustic wooden surfaces.
The bathroom is an area to have fun and think outside the decor box.
Can you picture yourself now enjoying cabin style?
Tomorrow: Creating a cozy bit of fall on your front porch.
Laura
Laura,
The New Sweden colony is located in my town! Lots of history in his area. The Swiss chalets and Bavarian cottages are beautiful — so much detailing. Cabins are the epitome of rustic charm.
Your Friend,
Deborah
FairfieldHouseNJ.com
Beautiful!! I love staying in cabins for vacation. They are so cozy and warm…
Blessings,
Amy Jo
Absolutely beautiful!!! Now I want a weekend away in one of those cabins!!
This post would make a fantastic ideabook on Houzz! You've done a great job taking the “blah” out of cabin decor. I am NOT a typical cabin person, but I can absolutely see myself enjoying some of these spaces!
Oh wow, Laura, these are amazing!! I never thought I liked log cabin style very much (too dark and dismal), but you've opened my mind to the possibilities. I love the images with the warm colors and use of plaids, as I tend to like traditional decorating. The first image is absolutely charming — wish I had that on our property. 🙂
Have a wonderful week!
Denise at Forest Manor
Laura,
Thank you so very much for this post!!! You really helped me out with two of the photos that have provided inspiration for the guest room at our tiny farm house. I had some elements I wanted to work with but could not see them coming together in a cohesive way and your post helped me to “see” the room. I am so excited, I am off to select paint chips. Have a great day!
Great post and all of the cabins are fabulous. I am really loving this series. Hugs, Marty
I wanna go 'play' in the first tiny cabin and stay there with a cup of hot cider and a good book!
Laura, these are great…so warm and inviting! One of my friends and her hubby are about to purchase a cabin on the lake. I am going to share these with her!
I love cabins and their lovely decor! Nothing is more cozy to me than a well decorated and loved cabin space. Looking forward to your series. As always most informative and enjoyable!
I love paint by numbers and plaids in a cabin. Fun post.
hi-I live in a log cabin down in the woods. Is a dream come true after our children married and moved away.God dropped it in our lap (so to speak), we gutted it and renovated. It is 1200 sq.ft. plus a full size finished basement. We love it. Love these photos! Thank you. We don't see to much cabin style in magazines-so this was a treat:) Becky
There is a little part of me the wants to live in a log cabin in the woods. Of course, there would be no hardship in living in any of these examples! ~ Maureen
HI!!
I love this…had to take a peek as a CABIN is in our near future….We are just so tired of this heat…need somewhere to go to escape it….found some great ones in MUNDS PARK up north……will be deciding soon on that…….The budget to re-decorate is won't be much….so It will just be a lovely woods home with tender loving care!!!
Hugs,
jamie
Beautiful! Each picture has it's on special appeal.
This is definitely my style but at the moment it doesn't exist in my home. I am a bit of everything (please don't cringe) but my favorite room is my living room which is Southwest in theme.
The beautiful countryside many of the cabins are set in get a huge thumbs up, and I think the exterior of a cabin is often charming, but as for the interior decor the lighter versions appeal to me somewhat, but on the whole cabin style is not my first choice. It just doesn't resonate with me.
I am looking forward to reading your posts this month, you are always so informative and interesting.
Such wonderful cabins!!!
love the tree bark wallpaper and the dough bowl sink, especially, but it is all really wonderful…..thanks for presenting so many great images!
It just seems right for a gal named Laura Ingalls to feature cabin style on her blog. Just had to say that…
I love all the interiors and exteriors you posted. My favorite shot of all was the whimsical little cabin in the very first picture. That one took my mind on an adventure.
Laura, I look forward to reading each and every post. I used to think I would love cabin decor, then changed my mind. THEN you posted all this and I'm on the fence again. I like the ones where they lightened up the style and the paint-by-numbers are great! See you soon! Ann
cool post!
love all your examples Laura – especially crazy with that kids bedroom with all the Paint-by number wall art! Thank you!
I am drooling over every single image! Cabin style and fall and winter just seem to be the perfect fit. I tend to like the more rustic cabins… big, but rustic.
Wonderful fall post, my dear friend!
Some of it I love – but a whole house? You KNOW I'd have to paint it all white! LOL!
I really like the photos of the cabins with white walls– it lightens up what I am used to thinking of as a dark house style. I could live in a cabin that was light and bright!