Ask a Designer! Cabin Renovations

Summer is winding down and if you are lucky enough to have a cabin then you probably have spent a lot of time there over the last few months. And when you were relaxing between going for a dip in the ocean and prepping a patio BBQ dinner I bet there were times when you looked around at your space and thought… I would love to do a renovation here. Well good news! We decided to focus this month on addressing all your burning cabin renovation questions in our Ask a Designer series.

What are the current trends you are seeing in cabin renovations?

We are seeing a lot of natural woods mixed with painted finishes. Incorporating shiplap into millwork is very popular right now as is whitewash finishes, pops of colour in the bathroom, island built-ins, farm sinks and wood beams in the kitchen and great room.

What are the key elements for cabin renovations that help maximize space?

Keep an open concept space with different and unique storage options that function with the overall cabin space. A well thought out kitchen design and mudroom is key to keeping your space organized. We also recommend putting in lots of closed storage, using drawers vs. doors, and creating an island with ample built in storage space.

What kitchen cabinetry colours do you love for cabins?

Sticking with a classic paint colour such as taupe and white brings a pop out of the wood background. Bright whites are classic and give the cabin a fresh feeling.

How can I differentiate the look and feel of my cabin from my home in the city?

Keep a more rustic/traditional feel to your cabin and introduce lots of natural woods into your design. Cabins should feel inviting, comfortable, and cozy.  Bringing in elements of nature with refurbished and reclaimed woods is a great way to give your space the feeling of an escape from the city.

What materials work best in cabins for countertops, floors, tile etc?

Quartz counters as they are so durable yet still look elegant.  Hardwood floors are fantastic especially if you do not mind them taking a beating as they look more rustic and timeless with a few dents. River rock is another material that looks great in a cabin and brings in elements of nature.

Any other tips?

Drywall for your cabinetry is a lot easier and more cost effective than screwing cabinets to each log in a log cabin.  Try to keep logs in areas that would be more of a feature/accent wall instead of a functional area such as a kitchen or vanity wall.

I hope you feel inspired to transform your cabin into the space you have always dreamed of. If you would like a free consultation on how we could make this possible please don’t hesitate to reach out at design@heronwoodcabinetry.ca .