Cabin Interior Design Ideas That Don't Feel Cliché

Cabin interior design can go wrong pretty quickly when every decorating decision is based around the idea of being “rustic.” Suddenly there are bears on the walls, plaid on every surface and wooden signs telling you that you're at a cabin.

We love Northwoods design, but we think there are much better ways to make a property feel connected to its surroundings.

Take inspiration from what's outside

The landscape already gives you an incredible color palette.

Deep greens, browns, warm woods, stone, rust, burgundy, water and soft natural neutrals all feel at home in a Northwoods property without being overly themed.

Rather than literally putting trees everywhere, use the colors and textures you see outside the windows.

Bring in natural materials

Leather, wood, linen, wool, stone, woven textures and aged metals immediately create warmth.

These materials also tend to work beautifully in cabins because they feel better as they age. Everything doesn't need to look perfectly new.

Mix vintage pieces with newer furniture

One of our favorite ways to create character is combining old and new.

A vintage dresser next to a modern bed can make the bedroom much more interesting. An antique side table beside a new leather chair can make a living room feel like it has existed for decades rather than being furnished in one afternoon.

Don't be afraid of deeper colors

Cabins can handle color.

Deep burgundy, forest green, warm brown, navy, rust and charcoal can create depth and make rooms feel incredibly cozy, particularly when they're balanced with lighter walls or natural materials.

Layer your lighting

A cabin shouldn't rely on one bright ceiling fixture.

Table lamps, sconces, pendants, chandeliers and warm accent lighting make a home feel more inviting in the evening and photograph beautifully.

Lighting is one of the fastest ways to make an inexpensive room feel significantly more elevated.

Keep the Northwoods references subtle

You don't need ten pieces of wildlife artwork to remind someone they're staying in Northern Wisconsin.

A vintage landscape painting, wool blanket, worn leather chair or beautiful piece of wood furniture may communicate the setting much more effectively.

Design around how guests will experience the property

The best cabin design isn't really about décor. It's about creating the setting for what people came there to do.

They came to have coffee while looking at the lake, cook dinner together, sit around a fire, read next to the fireplace and slow down for a couple of days.

The design should make those moments feel even better.

At Wilder Stays, we specialize in interior design for cabins, lake houses, Airbnbs, vacation rentals and hospitality properties throughout Wisconsin and nationwide.