I’m back with another “DIY Playbook, Save our Space”. My plan for this series is to take a reader’s space and (virtually) offer design tips and tricks on how to improve it.

Here are some of my favorite design solutions from this series. You can read them all right here.

• Glamorous Art Deco Bedroom
• Budget Powder Room
• Scandinavian Mudroom Design
• Water Closet with Personality
• Attic Turned Speakeasy
• Living Room Turned Home Office
• Shared Kids’ Bedroom (see the AFTER here!)
• Reader SOS – Where Are They Now?

How Can I Modernize Our Cabin Bedroom?

Today’s Reader SOS comes from Liz. Liz and her husband own a gorgeous cabin in the woods that needs updating. The couple has already started adding their personal touch to this cozy space by removing old carpet and adding new flooring. But, now they’re stuck on how to modernize the space without taking away the cabin charm. Let’s take a look at her dilemma…

Liz’s Design Dilemma

The master bedroom is one of the reasons we purchased our home. My husband and I are hikers and try to spend a lot of our summers in the mountains. When we found this listing, we loved that the master bedroom was like a cabin.

We want to keep the cabin feel, but modernize it and make it a cozy space for us. We were married on top of a mountain so the trail sign with our names on it and anniversary is something that would have to stay and be worked into the room’s design. The room is heated in the winter by the gas stove in the picture – there is no ductwork in the room for heating/AC.

Let’s Modernize This Cabin – My Design Gameplan

The most notable feature of this rustic bedroom is the wood paneling that covers the walls and ceiling. The use of wood instantly creates that cabin feel, but I think we could elevate this entire space.  There are many great options to enhance this cabin-style bedroom and make it into the inviting space of their dreams!

• Let’s break up the wooden planks with a moody paint color to better create that modern log cabin vibe. Adding variation to the horizontal lines with round edges and soft textures will add visual interest.
• The gas stove is used to heat this room, but it looks a little bit like an afterthought right now. I think we should make it more of a focal point! It’s the perfect place to curl up with a glass of champs and a book!
• I would go with a color palette that reflects nature and creates a relaxing environment to come home to. I think it needs some moody colors and earthy tones.
• Let’s drill down on creating that cozy and inviting atmosphere, without relying on the expected kitschy, rustic cabin decor.
• When I think of a mountain oasis, I think of lots of layers and texture, a delicious-looking bed piled high with plush bedding, woven throw pillows galore, natural light, faux fur, and lots of ambient lighting.

Modern Cabin Decor Ideas & Inspiration

The Restoring House

I started by creating a Pinterest board to gather my thoughts. As I tagged, I noted the ways natural and wood elements were included – sometimes painted and other times kept raw.

Style Jackson Hole

A moody color scheme paired with natural elements is the best way to create a modernized cabin aesthetic. Plaid and leather fabrics and antique finds would be perfect cozy bedroom accents.

I also gained lots of inspiration from this past Reader OMG! feature. Do you remember Vanessa’s cozy A-frame cabin in the woods? It’s such a gorgeous home to peruse if you’re looking for some cabin eye candy.

The New Floor Plan

Here’s the new floor plan for this room. We’ll leave the bed and nightstands where they are, so they remain a focal point when you walk in the room. Near the fireplace, we’ll add two cozy chairs and a side table in between. We’ll then have a dresser on the right wall when you enter the room.

Let’s Paint The Walls, But Leave The Ceiling

Liz’s wood paneling is stunning, full of character, and deserves to be the highlight of the room. However, between the wood flooring, the wood walls, the wood trim, the wood doors, and the wood ceiling, there’s a lot of wood going on right now! We need to break up some of that wood and paint the walls.

I know, I know, some people are very against painting wood of any kind. However, introducing different paint colors will elevate the rustic charm we love. By painting the walls and leaving the ceilings natural, you’ll draw the eye upwards and create that lofty feeling you want in a mountain retreat.

Benjamin Moore

I would suggest painting the walls a bold, yet comforting “Philipsburg Blue”. Benjamin Moore describes it as, “a grayish blue that conjures still waters at dusk” – um, sign me up!

Colossus MFG

I want to note that this is just one suggestion, and that wood planking is certainly beautiful unpainted as well.

For this reason, I would leave the trim around the doors and windows as is. A little color on the walls will add the modern touch that Liz is looking for. 

A Back Wall Of Curtains

I am loving the idea of these curtains for the window treatments. I love the subtle plaid detailing and the color will pop against the dark blue walls.

I would hang an extra long rod (this matte black one is great) under that upper, large window, reaching from one side of the wall to the other. Placing the rod under that top window will draw the eye up and give attention to the natural light in this room.

Another fun idea would be to fill out the wall behind the bed with curtains all the way across. It would be a makeshift, budget-friendly headboard that would add lots of texture to this cozy atmosphere. Plus, it would add some softness (and insulation during winter!) to the all wood space.

Creating a Seating Area Near The Fireplace

The gas stove is a nod to simpler times and helps to perpetuate the idea of this bedroom space as a dreamy escape from reality. Let’s create a spot to relax near the heat of that stove.

Bonjour Bliss Blog

I would remove the dresser that is opposite the bed. Then in that space, I would add two leather armchairs with this black wood stump side table in between. This could be a great place to sit with a good book and relax near the stove.

I would suggest adding a faux sheepskin throw in the seating area too. I like that it will also overlap with the larger area rug to create that purposeful, layered and dimensional look. This would really bring on that cozy cabin feel.

Gallery Wall Of Special Memories

Liz has a special trail sign from the mountain they got married on, hanging above their bed. The art is a bit too small in comparison to the wall and bed. Instead, I would move it to the wall where the armchairs will be.

Next, I would build a gallery wall centered around this beautiful sign. Check out this post about curating pieces for a gallery wall and putting it all together, as well as this post including tips for hanging pictures at the correct height. 

Personalized art tells a story, without being as obvious or expected for cabin decor. This post has more ideas for inexpensive art they could add that’s packed with personality.

Modern Cabin Bedroom Decor

Okay, so let’s take a look at the cabin bedroom decor I chose for the space…

Plaid Curtains // Wood Stump Side Table // Faux Leather Chairs // Ceiling Fan // LED Candle Wick // Upholstered Bed // Area Rug // Wood Nightstands // Black Table Lamp // Sheepskin // Cable Knit Throw Blanket // Lumbar Pillow

I would start with this rug to add rich warm colors and cover up a bit of the wood flooring. Plus, it will be comfy and toasty underfoot.  

In terms of light fixtures, I want to make sure we give Liz an overhead light with a fan because there is no duct work in the room for heating/cooling. The matte black finish on this sleek ceiling fan will work well with the other accents in the room, and it won’t clash with the wood paneling on the walls/ceiling. I would then place these black table lamps on the wood nightstands for additional lighting. And you’ve gotta check out this super cool battery operated wick lamp that would look nice in the seating area.

Neutral, airy bedding will add to that lived-in look, worthy of a magazine! This charcoal duvet is the ideal combination of breathable and snuggly. Adding in a folded throw at the foot of the bed will help further develop that rustic feel.

Liz, please keep me posted if you make any changes to this cozy cabin bedroom. This is such a fantastic space with lots of potential.

Taking Reader SOS Submissions For 2024!

I am taking on new Reader SOS submissions for 2024. To submit your space, send me an email at [email protected]. Please include multiple photos of your space, your style preferences, the room dimensions, and any other information about your design dilemma.