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Whether it’s a classic log structure or a modern A-frame, cabins of all shapes and sizes evoke a sense of simple rusticity that is best accompanied by a degree of lived-in comfort. While this certainly can be achieved through the right floor plan, it’s the decorative touches that really make a cabin come together. Trust us, you should never underestimate the power of a well-placed pillow or an expertly chosen coat of paint.
Below, we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite designer-approved cabin decorating ideas. From the must-have vintage accessories to the creative ways you can bring in color, these ideas will have your cabin go from ho-hum to home-sweet-home in no time. Plus, we even talk about whether you should or shouldn’t paint your wood walls (eek!). So, whether you’re ready for a quick weekend DIY or are looking for ways to majorly overhaul your favorite getaway, we’ve got ideas that will help turn your cabin into the cozy weekend escape you’ve always wanted.
For more rustic-inspired design ideas, check out these stories..
Go for a Colorful Kitchen
Cabins should be playful—they’re usually vacation homes, after all! If you aren’t sure where to bring in that sense of playfulness, start with the kitchen. Designer Jessica Davis chose a striking green for the cabin’s kitchen cabinets and paired them with crisp white walls. The unpainted original wood framing adds rustic charm befitting the New Hampshire escape.
Get the Look:
Cabinet Paint Color: Ming Jade by Benjamin Moore
RELATED: Our Favorite Green Paint Colors for Kitchens
Sean Litchfield
Paint Your Floors
If your cabin feels more dated than designer, try painting your floors! (You might even save a little money!) Designer Elly Poston tapped Georgia-based decorative painter Hayden Gregg to bring a classic feel back to the cabin back with this simple diamond pattern in the main living area.
RELATED: Our Complete Guide to Painting Floors, Including Tips from Hayden Gregg
David Hillegas
Pick Wallpaper to Match Your Setting
When decorating a cabin, allow nature to be your biggest inspiration. In this North Carolina cabin guest room, a tree-themed wallpaper ensures guests are surrounded by nature at all times.
Get the Look:
Wallpaper: “Woods” by Cole & Son
RELATED: Wallpaper is Officially Trending—Here’s How Designers Actually Want You to Use It
David Hillegas
Drench Your Space
This might be a controversial opinion, but we’ll just say it: It is OKAY to paint cabin’s log walls if you want to. While we love a prettied up space that shows off the material’s natural beauty, sometimes you just need to paint it. Whether it’s because the wood underneath is damaged or it would simply be too costly to preserve it, we’re here to tell you it’s your home and if painting your wood makes you happy, then go for it. Designer Grace Start chose to cozy up her Michigan cabin with a shade of quiet cream.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint Color: Wind’s Breath by Benjamin Moore
RELATED: The Best-Ever White Paint Colors, According to Designers
Adam Albright for Country Living, styling by Jennifer DeCleene
Decorate to Scale
Not every cabin is small and cozy, so don’t feel like your decorations have to be! In this Michigan cabin bedroom, vaulted ceilings call for a dramatic chandelier.
RELATED: The Three Types of Lighting Every Room Needs, According to Designers
Adam Albright for Country Living, styling by Jennifer DeCleene
Play Up Earth Tones
Lean into the cozy vibes of your wood-filled cabin by bringing in sun-baked terra-cottas, rusty reds, and deep earthy browns. In this living room, simple furniture gets piles of visual texture thanks to a smattering of patterned pillows and throws.
RELATED: Your Cabin Needs to Use These Editor-Approved, Fall-Inspired Color Schemes
JOSH GRUBBS
Layer In Fishing Collectibles
Layering in campy, outdoorsy-based decor such as antique fishing creels is a great way to show guests exactly what laid-back pastimes they can look forward to while staying with you.
RELATED: These Vintage Fishing Collectibles Are Worth a LOT More Than You’d Think
Dana Gallagher
Go for Factory Lights
Don’t be afraid to bring in a little industrial flair. In this North Carolina cabin, a pair of white industrial pendant lights hang over the oversized island providing plenty of light for the prep space.
RELATED: These Are Our Favorite Kitchen Island Ideas, Ever!
Brie Williams
Pick Vintage Art
In this living room, an antique sign takes the place of a television, encouraging you and yours to embrace that unplugged lifestyle when you can.
RELATED: These Are The 100+ Best Places to Shop for Antiques and Vintage Online According to Our Editors
Dana Gallagher, styling by Heather Bullard
Lean Into Classically Campy Accents
Want to give your cabin more of a summer camp feel? Take a note from these homeowners and lean into classically campy accessories such as painted canoe paddles or Hudson Bay blankets show in this Wisconsin cabin bedroom.
RELATED: These DIY Headboard Ideas Will Work in Any Style of Bedroom
Marta Xochilt Perez
Lay an Antique Rug Underfoot
Bring warmth and a bit of edge to any cabin with an antique rug. In a bathroom, a rusty red Persian rug makes for an unexpected dose of coziness.
RELATED: The 9 Places I Tell Everyone to Buy Rugs, as a Design Editor
Brian Woodcock for Country Living
Pile On Antique Decor
And we do really mean any antique. If your cabin foregoes a traditional fireplace in favor of an old-school wood-burning stove, you don’t have to give up the mantel you’ve been dreaming about. In this living room, designer Anthony D’Argenzio piled up the mantel with a delightfully hodgepodge collection of antique finds.
RELATED: These Are The Best Days of the Week to Go Antiquing, According to Experts
ZIO AND SONS
Try a Welsh Blanket
Of course you’re going to want to have a plaid blanket or two, but don’t be afraid to try something new. Our personal favorite? Woven Welsh blankets. These stylish pieces, like the one laid across this dining table, have the same old world heritage as plaid, but with a totally fresh look.
RELATED: These Are The Comfiest Blankets You’ll Ever Buy—And They’re On Sale!
Lisa Flood
Repurpose Old Game Boards as Art
If you’re lucky enough to have traditional log wood walls with chinking, keep your art simple so you don’t detract. In this North Carolina cabin, graphic game boards make an impact without drumming up too much visual clutter. What better way to memorialize family game night?
RELATED: Magazine Stylists Swear by These 15 Tricks to Make a Room Look Camera-Ready
Brie Williams
Just Add String Lights
Truly, it can be that simple. The power of lighting is underrated, so don’t forget that small, budget-friendly changes such as this can have a huge impact on your home’s coziness factor.
RELATED: These Are The Best String Lights On The Market, According to Our Editors
Max Kim-Bee
Skirt Your Sink
Yep, you heard us. Even the most masculine, moody cabin can use a little bit of frill. What better way to toe that line than with a skirted sink. Here, certified-gingham-lover Heather Taylor chose a fabric of her own design to skirt the apron-front sink in her California cabin kitchen.
David Tsay for Country Living
Mix Furniture from Different Eras
Mixing furniture from different periods and styles is the quickest way to give your space that collected-over-time feel. In this cabin living room designed by Melissa Morgan, a primitive settle bench blends seamlessly with a classic Windsor and pair of simple antique pine chairs.
RELATED: These Rustic Living Room Ideas Are Classic, Comforting, and Modern
Stephen Karlisch
Use Faux Fur (Sparingly!)
Okay, we know cabins and fur rugs might conjure up images of the 70s-style interiors we’d rather forget, but hear us out: When used sparingly and tastefully, like Maryland-based designer Elizabeth Reich did in this cabin bedroom, they can have the ultimate cozy effect.
RELATED: These Decorating Tricks Will Turn Your Guest Room into the Coziest Spot in the House
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Hang Memorabilia
If you’ve spent years visiting your lake cabin and collecting post cards, menus, or other souvenirs from nearby spots, be sure to hang them in a place of honor! Small, personal touches such as this go a long way in making a place feel less like a vacation home and more like an actual home.
RELATED: The Best Gallery Wall Ideas for Every Room in Your House
Marta Xochilt Perez for Country Living
When In Doubt, Use Foliage
Pretty leafy branches are a great way to bring a bit of the outdoors in. In this cabin, a freshly plucked pair of branches makes a bold statement when juxtaposed with a modern black desk.
RELATED: Here’s How Our Crafts Director Presses Flowers
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Choose Crowd-Pleasing Bench Seating
If your cabin is the place where family gathers for big holidays, or just you prefer a more casual approach to dining, then put away the formal dining chairs and opt for a bench instead. Not only is this great for kids (no more tilting back on chair legs!), but it also creates a more close-knit feeling when sharing a meal with friends.
RELATED: Our 80 Most Comforting Recipes to Please A Crowd
Dana Gallagher for Country Living
…Or Go for Right-Sized Seating
If a cozy, collected cabin is more your vibe, go for furniture that matches that ethos. Don’t feel like you need a large dining table; instead, add a small breakfast spot to your kitchen and enough chairs for two. This cabin’s mismatched wooden chairs add to the been-aroud-forever feel.
Get the Look:
Wall Paint Color: Brewster Gray by Benjamin Moore
RELATED: The Dreamiest Blue-Gray Paint Colors for Any Room in the House
James R. Salomon
Pick Chippy Furniture
This design trick works best in a cabin that’s recently been renovated. Rely on older furniture with visible patina, like a chippy dresser or coffee table, to infuse the space with a bit of rusticity. These pieces also make great bathroom vanity options, as seen in this cabin bathroom.
RELATED: These 80+ Bathroom Decorating Ideas Will Infuse A Little More Soul Into Your Space
ZIO AND SONS
Just Hang a Hammock!
Want to convey a ready-to-relax atmosphere from the start? Skip the front porch swing and opt for a hammock piled up with pillows and blankets instead.
RELATED: Turn Your Front Porch Into the Dreamiest Part of Your House with These 70+ Ideas
Laura Moss
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