September 2024 | Insighed Designs

Cabin Interior Design: Tips to Create Your Ideal Getaway

A cabin is more than just a shelter in the woods; it’s a sanctuary that allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The right interior design can turn a simple cabin into your ideal getaway. Whether you’re building from scratch or renovating an existing space, several key considerations can help you create a cozy retreat that reflects your style and enhances your connection with nature. Let’s explore the essential elements of cabin interior design to craft a perfect hideaway.

cabin living room with large windows

Consider the View.

If you love cabins, you probably also love nature. Why not prioritize all that natural beauty as a main feature of your cabin’s interior design? The best way to do that? Windows! Incorporating as many windows as possible will allow you to enjoy all those serene views surrounding your cabin. Large picture windows and full-lite doors can create a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. However, it’s crucial to balance this with your sense of privacy. You may want to strategically position some windows or use frosted glass in certain areas to maintain seclusion while still enjoying the natural light.

Similarly, also think about the sightlines of the overall floor plan. Where will you spend the most time? Consider the view from the kitchen sink, the living room sofa, or from your bed as you wake up. Placing furniture to frame the best views not only enhances your experience but also encourages a relaxing atmosphere.

If you’re building a new cabin, take the time to study sun patterns throughout the day. Positioning your cabin to maximize natural light and the view will be worth it in the long run!

Consider the Style.

We think your cabin interior design should reflect a combination of the era of the home and your personal preferences. Here’s a few ideas to inspire you…

modern rustic cabin

Modern Rustic Cabin

This style is probably the most prevalent, and for good reason. The resurgence in vacation properties has meant a lot of older cabins are getting renovated. And we’re here for it! This style combines natural materials like wood and stone with clean lines and contemporary design elements. Think open spaces with exposed beams paired with clean-lined furniture and a color palette inspired by nature.

Retro Cabin

If you love nostalgia, a retro style cabin might be for you. Incorporate classic cabin elements like green plaids, vintage signs, and wooden light fixtures. This approach can evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity, making your cabin feel like a cherished family retreat.

Scandinavian Cabin

Scandinavian design is very well suited for cabin interiors. This style promotes a minimalist approach, allowing nature to take center stage with large windows and a neutral color palette. It emphasizes simplicity and functionality while maintaining a cozy vibe. Think about using light wood floors, white walls, and black accents to create an airy space.

boho cabin bedroom

Boho Cabin

For those who prefer more maximalist style, a boho cabin design might be the perfect fit. Focus on incorporating vintage furniture pieces along with lots of different textures and décor. And if all ese fails….add a plant! If your cabin isn’t frequented often enough to care for live plants, don’t hesitate to explore the world of faux greenery.

Consider Your Comfort.

What’s the point of a getaway if you’re uncomfortable the whole time? Ensuring a cozy cabin interior is crucial for your relaxation. Start with quality furnishings: mattresses, sofas, and lounge chairs. You’ll want pieces that invite you to sink in and unwind. A well-chosen sofa can become the centerpiece of your living space, while a plush mattress ensures a restful night’s sleep after a day of outdoor adventures.

Next add in some warmth with cozy blankets and pillows. These textiles not only enhance comfort but also allow you to introduce color and texture into your space. Opt for natural fibers like wool or cotton, which are both durable and easy to maintain.

You can also consider incorporating your favorite creature comforts from home. They may need to be smaller, but appliances like a compact washer/dryer, a dishwasher, or a coffee pot can really elevate your cabin experience.

cabin living room with leather sofa

Consider the Budget.

Your cabin getaway is a time for relaxation, not financial stress. Take some time in the beginning of your journey to decide how you want to prioritize your interior design budget. Now, be honest with yourself about that budget and track your purchases along the way for each room.

Focus on investing in the major comfort pieces, like a quality mattress or sofa. These are the items that will make the most difference in your experience. Over time, you can transform your cabin’s interior design with accessories and décor that fit your style.

You can also look to quality secondhand wood dining table and side tables for a budget saver. Thrift stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces can be a treasure trove for unique finds that add character to your cabin design without breaking the bank.

Cabins often see plenty of wear and tear, so opting for outdoor fabrics, faux leathers, and washable rugs are smart choices. They are not only practical but can also bring warmth and style to your space. As a bonus measure, you can use patterns to help camouflage those inevitable spills (aka memories).

Insighed Designs Home Page

Consider asking for help.
We believe in affordable interior design and would love to help create the cabin of your dreams! We source from familiar retail brands so that we have complete flexibility to choose the right items for your style and budget. Each of our designs come with a photorealistic image of the room and a clickable catalog. You can then piece together the new space in your own timeline.

Find our pre-fab designs in The Collection. Here you can purchase your favorite design for just $50 and instantly receive a 6-item clickable catalog!

Or send us photos and measurements for a custom design with Online Interior Design. You will receive a 1-hour consultation, floor plan, detailed design narrative, photorealistic images, and a 12-item clickable catalog.

September 26, 2024/0 Comments/by Nancy Higgs

Insighed

our house remodel: the office

If you’ve been following along, you know that we’re planning to remodel our 1955 ranch home on the east side of Madison, WI. We’ve already talked about the new floor plan and design for the primary bedroom. We now continue our tour into the office – welcome!

Insighed Designs Remodel Primary Office Overview

Much like the room choice for the primary bedroom was obvious, the office knew its role from the beginning as well. Though its small footprint could also work well as a nursery or child’s bedroom. As you can see here, the previous two owners showed this room with a twin bed.

Insighed Designs - office remodel - before

When we bought the house, we decided this room would serve as my office. While I had furniture pieces that technically fit in the space, the room really didn’t function very well.

Insighed Designs - office remodel - before

And we all know how I feel about that. So…to the drawing board we went! Having used the space for a few months, I knew it needed these three things:

a window seat for Willow
closed storage for supplies and a hidden printer
enough desk surface to fit a laptop and a freestanding monitor

We knew this iteration of the room would not be forever, so we kept the budget affordable. Incredibly, the combination of the Billy bookcase and a laminate countertop from IKEA sits just at window height for Willow. AND their Micke desk would just barely fill in the remaining length of the wall. Like, literally, within a half inch. And yes, in fact I did re-measure everything about a thousand times before pressing submit on that order – ha!

ID - space plan - before + after

This left the opposing wall open for more of that closed storage we need. Namely, the hidden printer. Now folks, I have dreamed of a vintage mid-century credenza for a very, very long time. When I realized this would be a great spot for the printer AND could actually fit into both this and the future vision for this office?! It took 2.5 seconds to decide to stretch the budget a little.

Insighed Designs - our remodel - office - desk view

Insighed Designs - our remodel - office - credenza

Someday, when the budget allows, we may consider adding custom millwork to the space. A wall-to-wall desktop is supported by a centered storage cabinet. Floating shelves fill the wall space above the desk.

Insighed Designs - office remodel 3D rendering

We kept the walls neutral to allow the wood tones to anchor the space. These heavier feeling wood tones balance out the levity of the floating desktop and shelves. Finally, the books, area rug, and artwork add just the right touch of bold color to the space.

Insighed Designs - office remodel 3D rendering

Who’s excited for the next stop on the tour? Up next….the bathroom!

3D floor plan

September 18, 2024/0 Comments/by Nancy Higgs

Airbnb Interior Design Ideas

Airbnb Interior Design

Creating an affordable, appealing, and functional Airbnb requires a thoughtful approach. By focusing on a cohesive style, optimizing small spaces, and offering valuable amenities, you can create a space that stands out to potential guests. Remember, it’s the little touches and attention to detail that can turn a good stay into a great one, encouraging positive reviews and repeat bookings. With the right balance of budget and creativity, your vacation rental can shine in a crowded market and offer guests an unforgettable experience. So where do you start with Airbnb interior design?

First things first: it must be functional.
If you are familiar with our blog, you already know I am passionate about making a space work well before making it pretty. Functionality is just as important in a vacation rental as it is your own home. Here’s a few things to keep in mind…

How many guests does your space comfortably sleep? Now – can that many people comfortably hang out in the living room? How about the dining area? If you are wanting to host families or larger groups, this is crucial. While sleeping spaces are obviously important, that group is not booking again if they can’t all hang out together.

If your place on the smaller side, the right space plan will be essential! Use multi-functional furniture like sofa beds or ottomans with storage to maximize the space. Non-traditional buildings like barns or converted sheds will require extra creativity. These spaces should work just as well as their traditionally sized counterparts!

Lastly, while I cannot in good conscious advocate for working while on vacation, it is a good idea to incorporate at least a small workspace. Ideally, this spot would be private, have good lighting and enough room for a comfortable chair.

The Baldwin: a dining room from The Collection

Now let’s make it pretty.
But ‘pretty’ is pretty subjective, so how do you know what’s right for your Airbnb interior design? You need not look too far: just the style of the home and the desired experience for your guests. Incorporate elements that reflect the local area or the theme of your property. For instance, a mountain town rental could incorporate natural elements like raw wood and a city apartment might showcase more industrial elements like steel.

It’s also important to aim for a cohesive style rather than a hodgepodge of leftover items. Choose a color palette and stick with it throughout different rooms to create a harmonious look throughout the entire space. Just remember that harmonious doesn’t mean boring – Airbnb interior design is a great opportunity to opt for bolder design choices! In fact, if your area’s market will tolerate it, you could even take a themed approach. However, be mindful not to overdo it; vacationers don’t want the space to feel cluttered.

living room with leather sofa and black white striped rug

The Hamilton: a living room from The Collection

Now let’s keep it pretty.
Sure, first impressions matter. But so do lasting impressions. If the paint is peeling and air conditioner doesn’t work, it doesn’t matter how great the sofa looks with that rug. A well-maintained vacation rental not only attracts guests but also encourages them to leave positive reviews and return in the future.

What about all the extras?
Admittedly, amenities don’t typically fall under the realm of interior design, but they can make or break an Airbnb experience and should be accounted for when space planning. Here’s the types of things you’ll want to consider…

Do you expect your guests will be doing considerable cooking? Then let’s make sure the kitchen is well suited to house the basic cooking essentials. And please – don’t forget condiments and items like Ziploc bags that travelers need but don’t have on hand. And don’t forget to set out basic toiletries (toothbrush / toothpaste) in a nice basket or decorative bowl such can also be a thoughtful touch for guests who may have forgotten their own.

If you are partnering with local vendors for food or activities, where is this information kept and displayed? It should be prominent without being in the way. These types of offerings add value to their stay and you an additional revenue stream. But if they can’t find the information, everyone loses out.

Speaking of additional revenue streams, do you offer branded merchandise such as tote bags or mugs? If so, where do they live within the space?

Lastly, if you have outdoor space, make sure it’s inviting. Add some comfortable seating, perhaps a grill, and some decorative touches to make it a pleasant area for guests to relax. If you have a fire pit, make sure the firewood is stocked and stored in a nearby, easily accessible covered area.

But can it be done on a budget?
Heck yes! You can absolutely achieve affordable Airbnb interior design, but it will require thoughtful planning. Make a list of the items you need for each room and stick to it (don’t underestimate the ripple effect of changes made to the list). You can shop at discount stores, watch for sales, and reinvent second-hand items with a coat of paint or new upholstery. Just keep in mind that if you do-it-yourself, the end result shouldn’t look like you did it yourself. So do your research, pay attention to your workmanship, and don’t attempt something way outside your skill level.

You can also invest in the key pieces that will make the biggest impact, like a comfortable mattress and sofa. These items will enhance guest satisfaction and are worth spending a bit more on. For other items, prioritize functionality and durability over aesthetics. As time goes on, you may decide to upgrade the quality of furnishings as the business grows.

This all sounds great, but can you just design it for me?
Also, yes! At Insighed Designs, we believe in affordable interior design and would love to help your vacation rental stand out! We source from familiar retail brands but intentionally do not have vendor affiliations so that we have complete flexibility to choose the right items for your style and budget. Each of our designs come with a photorealistic image of the room and a clickable catalog. You can then piece together the new space in your own timeline.