Interior Design Archives | Insighed Designs

My future cabin: the bathroom

Welcome to the next stop on the cabin tour….the bathroom! When I daydream about being at the cabin, there’s no rush to do anything. So I wanted this bathroom to be a place that you could take all the time you need to truly enjoy your morning routine.

I mean. Can we take a moment for that tile floor?! This is what they mean when they say something is timeless. It feels both classic and current at the same time. This particular pattern is comprised of small tiles, so it also works well on the sloped shower floor. Being able to run the pattern throughout the entire space will always help to make it feel bigger. While it feels spacious, it is not the biggest bathrooms. It takes up a fair amount of the overall square footage of this little cabin but I don’t regret it for even a minute. It’s worth it because I truly love every square inch.

Y’all. This is it. The cabin shower of my dreams! Oh how I love an outdoor shower, but Wisconsin winters do me no favors in that department. So this feels like the best of both worlds! Indoor plumbing with an outdoor feeling. Can you imagine how much natural light will absolutely flood this room?! The moonlight may even be enough to navigate in the middle of the night!

Especially with another skylight in the toilet room! EEEEEKKK!!! This little room is high on my list of favorite spots in the whole cabin! I love the idea of peak privacy for a toilet room but a small space like this does not always pair well with my mild-to-moderate claustrophobia. The solution? Add natural night wherever we could. This room doesn’t have any exterior walls, so up on the roof the window went!

Okay, the skylight is truly great and all but can you even with this wallpaper?! I full-on swoon over a high impact wallpaper in the right space. And this one feels like perfection to me in here. The dense pattern allows your eye to wander so much it starts to feel like you could get lost. It’s like a treat every time you find a new little woodland creature.

Don’t worry, we will not be glossing over the vanity situation. She’s a beaut – and affordable to boot! It’s a wide space so off-the-shelf options are limited and we didn’t want to go the custom cabinetry route. So instead we will install two stock vanities directly side-by-side! That these each have three wide drawers will provide maximum storage for toiletries and extra towels.

You could absolutely use two separate mirrors here, but I wanted this space to feel as open and light as possible. This big mirror will help bounce all the natural light around the space and make the space feel wider all at once. The pendant lights will supplement at night and on cloudy days.

If we were to use this cabin as a short-term rental, we would want to consider these things a little differently:

Provide fragrance free shower soap, shampoo, and conditioner
Stock a vanity drawer with extra toiletries and a hair dryer
Ensure you have enough towels (bath, hand, and washcloths) for twice the maximum occupancy

A reward for making it this far: a sneak peak at the bedroom coming up next!

Are you dreaming of a new bathroom? We can help! You can choose from our basic kitchen + bathroom package with 8 standard items or customize your package to change / add catalog items. You can also add space planning or work with us in person if you are within 25 miles of Madison, WI!

Each of our designs come with a photorealistic image of the room, design narrative, and a clickable catalog. You can then do the work yourself or give a copy to contractors for comparable bids!

June 1, 2026/0 Comments/by Nancy Higgs

My future cabin: the entry

Welcome to the first stop on the cabin tour – the entry way! We all know that first impressions matter, so we cannot overlook the first room that greets you. While its first focus should be function – always – this space also sets the tone as soon as you walk through the front door.

As a reminder, this particular entryway also happens to be a central corridor and literally interacts with every other room on the main level. Because of this, it was important to provide it’s own little moment, even if that was just a little bump-out.

We managed to fit a bench, closed storage in the form of a dresser, and a big mirror all in that little bit of real estate. The mirror, while needed to remind yourself how beautiful you are before before you head out the door, also tricks the eye into making the space feel bigger by spanning the full width of the bump out. But where do the shoes go?! Good question. In the dresser drawers! Like this IKEA piece – have you seen it? It’s a great small space shoe storage solution.

The stairs to the basement are just to the left as you walk in the front door. We’ve wrapped the stairwell walls with gridded windows to capture maximum natural light and those forest views. We’ve also added decorative stone to the foundation walls to help establish that cozy cabin feeling. The more natural materials you can feature, the more cabin-y it will feel!

Turning around to take a look at the other side of the entry, we are reminded that we are in the heart of the central corridor. The front door is quite literally right next to the shared bedroom wall. Any of the limited options that we considered for this side had to really hug the wall. Even though we’ve allowed for a wider-than-standard hallway, we still don’t want to impede into that space if at all possible.

So we opted to create a sort of interactive art installation and take up the whole wall with with a multitude of coat hooks in an offset grid pattern! I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time navigating multiple items on a single (heck, even a double!) hook. And every time I visit a vacation home, I’m always wishing there were more hooks. So we decided to go all out with the hooks! This could be accompished with several different styles; I can also imagine different colored and sized hooks playfully installed in a random pattern.

But here, we’ve kept the color scheme of the entry way comprised of earthy neutrals. This is intentional – so that it can speak to all the different rooms it opens up to: the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen / living room. To keep things interesting, we’ve made sure to include lots of texture, balanced the light / medium / dark tones, and included colorful accents. Since this is our vacation home, we’ve used personalized framed photography on a picture rail that spans the length of wall above the coat hooks. On the other side, we included accents with the foundation stonework and patterned throw pillow. Oh! And the plant. Never underestimate the power of a green plant accent! If you can, tend to the live version for improved air quality. But in the case of a cabin, especially a vacation home that is visited intermittently at best, you’ll want to invest in some quality faux greenery.

As a reminder, our vacation home plan assumes 2 bi-weekly users and will need to accomdate occasional groups of up to 6. A few things we considered for our cabin entry way:

Store a guest book on the photo ledge
Artwork can include personal photos and/or fun times at the cabin
Ditch your outside shoes for personalized cabin slippers
The linen closet holds one spare set of sheets for each bed and at least 6 bath towel sets
Could also use entire entry nook to house / store extra dining seating.

If we were to use this cabin as a short-term rental, we would want to consider these things a little differently:

Pair a small seating option with closed storage to house games, books, and extra blankets
Display a binder with property / rental information on the dresser
Frame and hang the wi-fi password on the wall(s)
Instead of typical artwork, frame a local map with points of interest labeled by the front door
Provide cabin slippers as part of rental experience – and to encourage no outside shoes to help preserve cleanliness and flooring longevity
Linen closet holds same AND the locked owners closet holds additional spare linens

If you like what you’ve seen so far – stay tuned to see what the bathroom has to offer next. I may be biased, but I think it’s pretty spectacular!

Are you building a cabin of your own? Either as a vacation home or short-term rental? If you need helping hand, we’ve got all your affordable interior design needs covered! You may want to specifically check out our Whole-House Interior Design Packages or our Short-term Rental Design Options!

May 6, 2026/0 Comments/by Nancy Higgs

Cabin Interior Design, Online Interior Design

My future cabin: the plan

I grew up in a log cabin on a section of my grandparents’ farmland in Central Illinois. The acre yard and 20 acres of pasture beyond were literally my playground. While my life is now happily rooted in the city life of Madison, Wisconsin, I have a built-in need for quiet and fresh air. That and my love of hammocking (yes, it’s a verb in my world) is what inspired me to buy a small wooded lake lot in late 2019! It’s about an hour away and I dream of having a cabin there someday for slumber parties and remote work. Until then, I will continue to use it for day trips to hammock and kayak on the small no-motor lake. It’s truly dreamy and I’m so grateful to have this little getaway!

Originally, I wanted to build a majestic A-frame on top of the hill. Sadly – no matter how beautiful it would have been – the price tag was just not worth the ineffecient floor plan. So back to the drawing board I went. I emerged with a basic 25′ x 35′ rectangle that will ultimately feel anything but basic. You’re going to have to wait a bit to see what the outside will look like, but the main level floor plan is ready for its debut!

While the lower level will be largely unfinished, the main level is split in half along with a central hallway, which creates four distinct areas:

Entry/Bathroom
Bedroom
Living Room
Kitchen

The more private spaces face the driveway with the open kitchen and living room facing the lake. The stairwell is just to the left of the main entry door and will get flooded with natural light from windows that wrap around the corner. These same gridded windows will also be used in the bedroom, but the lake facing windows in the kitchen and living room will provide as unobstructed views as the budget allows.

The ceilings will all be vaulted, so the rooms will feel more spacious than their relatively small footprints. And knowing what is to come – I can say with confidence that while this cabin may be small, she is holding onto a few really big moments (stay tuned – the entry is next!).

So what makes this a cabin and not a small house? Good question! While this would fit Webster’s definition of a “small one-story dwelling of simple constuction”, I will also have a basement added. Since the building code in my area requires a 4-foot frost wall below grade – and I’m on a hill – it makes sense to go ahead and dig a full basement while they’re at it. So I guess it’s technically a small house?

But I consider this to be a cabin because it will be used as a getway and not a full-time residence. With that comes different considerations for the amount and type of space I will need. In one word? LESS. Here’s the working assumptions and priorities that went into this plan:

Will be used year-round.
Most trips will be relatively short with 1-2 of the owners as guests.
Needs to be able to accomodate 4-6 total guests on occasion.
There will be some clothing left there full-time, but not a full wardrobe.
Basement level will hold laundry appliances and a powder room, but will otherwise remain unfinished.
Prioritize lake views and comfortable seating / sleeping spaces.

What would be different if it were a short-term rental? This particular plan could quite easily be modified to suit a short-term rental by:

Incorporating a stackable laundry unit on the main level.
Ensuring the sectional sofa holds a queen sized bed for additional guests.
Creating an ‘instagram-able moment’ with a cantilevered window seat in the bedroom.
Finishing the basement with a second bedroom and bathroom.
Including a ping-pong or pool table in the basement.

March 31, 2026/0 Comments/by Nancy Higgs

Cabin Interior Design, Online Interior Design

Whole House Design + THE (new) COLLECTION

Over the summer I tackled one of my biggest fears – public speaking. I presented a business challenge to a women’s networking group and asked if anyone had connections within the short-term rental industry. I was just hoping that would be able to meet with someone that could help me better understand the industy. What I got was far beyond anything I could have imagined!

A participant sent a message to tell me about Reliable Residence; a new company that pairs traveling medical professionals with furnished housing. Brilliant! Healthcare workers deserve every bit of the comforts of home – and a good nights sleep.

On a hope and a prayer, I sent a message on LinkedIn and asked if I could pick their brain over lunch or coffee sometime. The owner, Christina, replied and ultimately changed the direction of the next few months! She said that they were launching their website soon and expecting to be contacted by homeowners still needing to furnish their spaces. Would I want to meet soon? Would I ever!

We had a delightful virtual meeting where I learned that she herself is a doctor and has horror stories about various accommodations during medical school rotation travels. I also learned that their clients really value a ‘lived in’ space that genuinely feels like a home and not a hotel. That means artwork and accessories and all the things. And it would be great if all of those things were available to them in one place.

Then she asked a pivotal question: Do you offer multiple-room packages? So someone could furnish up to a 4-bedroom house all at once? You know what – I have been thinking about that for awhile – but haven’t quite figured it out yet. Feels like this might be a good time for that, eh? Mission accepted!

SO. How can a Whole-House Design be both comprehensive AND affordable?! Well, it took some noodling, but we think we came up with a pretty good solution!

Because the personalized designs take up the majority of our time, we will reserve them for the most impactful rooms: the bedroom(s) and living room. These personalized designs include photorealistic 3D images of the new rooms and a custom clickable catalog with direct links to 8 of the most impactful products for each room. That means all those ‘big ticket’ items will be unique to you and truly reflect your style!

. . . . and T H E N . . .

We layer in those accessories and decor items with our pre-fab designs in THE COLLECTION.

The Whole-House Design package includes 4 Collection designs of your choice! These designs only have clickable catalogs, are pre-selected, and are available for anyone to purchase directly from our website. You can filter by Collection type, room type, color scheme, and total product cost!

As we mentioned, the Collection designs do not include a photorealistic image. This is because they live on the website at all times for all to see. So it is challenging to provide you a preview without quite literally giving it all away. So here’s where we landed. The product image includes extreme close-ups of pivotal products you you can get a sense of the vibe…

…and then the descriptions are jam packed with all the details we can muster! In fact, these descriptions are a real treasure trove. They also include the Total Product Cost and icons to show you which products are included. The last thing we want is for there to be any surprises when you go to make the purchases.

If you have purcased a Collection design directly from the website, you will instantly receive the clickable catalog in your email inbox! However, if you are choosing them as part of your Whole-House Design, you will receive your personalized and pre-fab catalogs together.

You can click on any of the images or descriptions to see each of the products we’ve selected for you! Now you can put together your new room on your own timeline – and breathe that sigh of relief.

If you are interested in a Whole-House Design package, schedule a Free 15 Minute Meet + Greet here. If all goes well and you’re ready to get started, you will need to submit a $1,000 deposit and schedule your consultation.

If your project will be virtual, email us photos and dimensions of your room. If you need assistance, we’ve got a photo guide and measurement template to help you out.

During the consultation, we will talk about your budget, style, and needs for your space. We’ll take a look at the style boards on our Pinterest page and talk about what you react strongly to – both good and bad. And if you have your own boards going, we’ll want to check those out, too.

Thank you so much for choosing Insighed Designs! If you have any questions at all whatsoever, do not hesitate to ask! And if you have a one-room project to tackle, we can help with that, too. Check out our Online Interior Design package!

October 29, 2025/0 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.

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 18, 2024/0 Comments/by Nancy Higgs

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