
Few things come close to the magic of a cabin in the woods. But if your getaway is feeling a little run down, consider restoring its charm and updating the design. With our top cabin interior design tips, you can spruce up a tired hideaway into a relaxing retreat in no time. Read on to get started creating your modern cabin interior!
Cabin Interior Design Inspiration
Cozy cabin interior design with updated furnishings by Decorilla interior designer, Ilaria C.
Contemporary cabin interior ideas have gone beyond beloved favorites, and the result is extraordinary. Plump sofas, warm woods, and low light certainly still have their place in every cozy retreat, but so do polished accessories and sleek furniture. Moreover, the most breathtaking homes have just as much rustic charm as sophistication.
Rustic and Modern Cabin Interior Design
Modern cabin interior design by Decorilla designer, Tiara M.
WHAT WE LOVE: The straight lines and sleek silhouettes of a modern style beautifully contrast with rustic cabin interior design. By modernizing a cabin, the interiorcan resemble a contemporary farmhouse style.
Want to update your cabin interior design but not sure where to start? Then schedule yourfree interior design consultation for personalized help from top cabin interior designers today!
Scandinavian-Inspired Log Cabin Interior Design

WHAT WE LOVE: A Scandinavian color palette consists of light monochromatic hues, ideal for brightening a cabin interior. Plus, the minimal style also tones down the sometimes-elaborate decor of a log cabin interior. What’s more,Scandinavian interior designis known for its natural materials, which are perfect for a cabin interior.
Cozy and Small Cabin Interior Design

WHAT WE LOVE: The air of comfort and cozy indulgence a small cabin interior offers is unlike any other. Many of these interiors also honor natural materials, highlighting them in building and furniture structure as well as in decor.
Our 5 Favorite Cabin Interior Ideas
New furnishings for a more modern cabin interior by Decorilla interior designer, Ilaria C.
1. Going Natural
Natural materials dominate a cabin interior, from the frame to furnishings and accents. Most of these are made from wood but can also include stone, pelts, and bone. Of course, when it comes to designing a modern rustic interior, it’s important to choose sustainable products and faux alternatives.
2. Warming Up
Wool throws, plush scatter pillows, and a fireplace give cabins their characteristic welcoming warmth. Keep in mind that these days an electric fireplace is an eco-friendly option that can be just as lovely as the real thing.
Updated cabin interior ideas by Decorilla interior designers, Rosela B. and Scott K.
3. Bold Lighting
A log cabin interior design is known for its quirky lighting. Thanks to contemporary design, your choices go beyond branch chandeliers and elaborate candelabras.
4. Wood Walls
A wood wall provides the warmth we associate with cabin interior design. Even so, you don’t need every surface clad in timber. For instance, one wall with a framed herringbone panel will not only modernize the look but also add an elegant bespoke feature.

5. Vintage Accessories
As a cabin could be in a family for generations, more than a few antiques likely make their way into the interior. Not only are vintage pieces practical, but they also add finesse to a rustic cottage. We’re especially fond of ornate table lamps and polished tables.
Quick Cabin Interior Design & Decor Tips
You don’t need a wooden structure to create a cozy cabin interior design. In fact, you can recreate a cabin in the woods’ magic into any home.
Layered textiles for a cozy cabin bedroom interior design by Decorilla interior designer, Ilaria C.
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Pick a Complementary Style
Log cabin interior design has a distinctly rustic look and feel. Even so, you can still reflect your unique style. Stick to oneinterior design stylethat softens the rougher aesthetics of a cabin. Too many looks could end up feeling cluttered. Some trends to consider include modern, Scandinavian, transitional, and bohemian.
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Choose Quality Finishes
Walls, trim, and flooring tend to be the most prominent features of a modern cabin interior. For this reason, choose timeless, high-quality materials instead of following the latest fads.

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Think Timber Tone
Consider the color of your timber. Dark wood can absorb light, making a cabin interior design feel snug but smaller than it is. On the other hand, blond or whitewashed wood makes a room feel larger. If you want more cabin touches, add a wooden feature like a clad wall, exposed beams, or carved artwork.
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Add Colorful Touches
A pop of green or red can really uplift your cabin interior design. Paint, fortunately, is not the only way to inject a burst of lively color. You can add wallpaper in the bedroom, tiles in the bathroom, a backsplash in the kitchen, painted trim, and, of course, colorful accessories.
Living room filled with cabin interior ideas by Decorilla designer, Lane B.
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Let Surroundings Inspire
A key aspect of a modern cabin interior design is its environment. Most importantly, the interior needs to draw from the natural surroundings to create a cohesive and relaxing home. Let flora and fauna inspire your color scheme. In short, choose colors that complement the immediate outdoors because contrasting colors can feel out of place.
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Decorate Walls with Cabin Interior Ideas
Nowadays, modern cabin interior walls can be just as neutral as an apartment in the city. So then, add character into your abode by sprucing up walls with nature-inspired artwork, woodland-themed wallpaper, or even a herringbone feature wall.
Small Cabin Interior Design Ideas

There is a fine line between cozy and cramped. But done right, there is no place better than a small cabin interior to curl up with a hot beverage. Coupled with log cabin interior ideas, you can perfect your mini abode in no time.
Rustic small cabin interior by Decorilla designer, Sara S.
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Rustic Sliding Door
A reclaimed barn door not only makes a beautiful rustic feature, but it also saves on the space a swinging door would occupy.

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Fold-Out Furniture
Double down on comfort and hospitality with a sleeper couch or extendable dining tables. With impressive contemporary designs, multi-purpose furniture packs double the punch. They are equally attractive and functional in asmallinterior.
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Bunk Beds
Going to a cottage often means taking the whole family. That’s when extra sleeping quarters are particularly useful. Pair built-in bunk beds with a sliding door to not only create a rustic feature but also hide beds when they’re not in use.
How to Brighten a Dark Cabin

Traditional log cabin interior designs can be especially dark and in desperate need of a little light. Fortunately, you can brighten a dim interior with accessories, lights, and a lick of paint.
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Include Light Rugs
Lighten a dark cabin interior floor with a light-colored rug. Not only will it give coziness underfoot, but it will also anchor the room. For this reason, it’s crucial to choose a color and design that portrays the mood you want for the space.
Modern cabin interior with glass walls and updated furniture by Decorilla interior designer, Picharat A.
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Lighten with Mirrors, Lights & Paint
Implement the ultimate room-brightening combo – mirrors, lighting, and light paint. First, a white or grey provides existing light more reflective area from which to bounce. Second, mirrors will create the illusion that the room has more depth. And finally, maximize natural light with minimal window treatments and different light types, e.g., recessed lights and floor lamps.

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Play with Accessories
Similarly, decoration and accessories can also brighten a room. To illustrate, whites, greys, pastels, and even bright colors, like yellow, can lighten a modern cabin interior. Reflective surfaces of metals and mirrors can also double light.
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Go Green with Plants
Fresh greenery will not necessarily illuminate a room, but it will liven up the mood. Lively greens also pair exceptionally well with browns. It’s a beautiful natural contrast, perfect for aninspirationalmodern cabin interior.
Looking to refresh your own cabin interior design, but not sure where to start? Then Schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation with a professional cabin interior designer today!
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FAQs
How do you make a modern log cabin? ›
Dark wood can absorb light, making a cabin interior design feel snug but smaller than it is. On the other hand, blond or whitewashed wood makes a room feel larger. If you want more cabin touches, add a wooden feature like a clad wall, exposed beams, or carved artwork.
Can I paint the inside of my log cabin? ›Should you paint inside a log cabin? Yes, absolutely! You don't need to paint the interior of a log cabin as it isn't exposed directly to the elements. Painting or staining outside is a great idea to protect your cabin against the weather, but inside is a different matter.
How do I make my interior look like a log cabin? ›Wood pieces like tables, chairs, cabinets and bookcases are ideal, but choose styles that feature unfinished wood, twigs or even log pieces. You can even find bed frames made of rough-hewn wood to bring the log cabin feel to your bedroom. For upholstered furniture like your sofa and easy chair, leather is a good fit.
How do you design a cabin? ›- Start With Wooden Furniture. The foundation of any room is the furniture you choose. ...
- Add Carefully Curated Cabin Décor. Kitschy Items. ...
- Bring the Natural Materials Into the Kitchen, Too. ...
- Focus on 'Comfort' ...
- Highlight the Outdoor Space, Too.
Choose a golden stain to use throughout the house, or pick sheer-colored stains to individualize certain rooms. Details: Hanging pictures and other items on log walls is a snap—even with rounded logs, pictures will hang straight.
How do you decorate a dark cabin? ›Brighten dark interiors
Anchor the room and add warmth underfoot with a light-colored area rug. Place mirrors strategically to give rooms more depth and amplify light. Decorate with light colors, such as white, gray, pastels, or even bright hues.
You cannot place drywall directly against the logs. You need a buffer that will allow the logs to shrink while not damaging the drywall. Place wood studs every 16-inches on center, mounted with lag screws placed in vertical slots cut into the stud.
How do you paint a cabin? ›How to Paint Log Cabins - YouTube
How do you paint a cabin wall? ›Painting Log Cabin Walls
Simply mix the amount of Real Milk Paint you need for the areas you wish to cover and coat those surfaces with Real Milk Paint by using a natural bristle brush, then coat them again to get the coverage you desire. Once the walls dry, you may need to add another coat to get the perfect look.
The most common and, by extension, most popular kind of paint to use on a cabin exterior is acrylic-latex paint. Acrylic-latex paint dries quickly, looks great and better yet, provides a strong layer of protection against weather and mould wear.
How do you build a log cabin wall? ›
Building Log Cabin Walls - Townsends Homestead Part One
How do I make my bedroom look like a cabin? ›Use light, bright colors
First, choose colors for the bedspread, rug, or anything large you might be planning for the walls. They will set the tone for the whole room. Neutral colors can work if you're going for a natural, woodsy look — just make sure they're light.
HOW TO MAKE A TINY HOUSE LOOK LIKE A LOG CABIN - YouTube
What is a cabin style home? ›Rustic features (like logs), minimal decorations are other popular characteristics of cabin home plan designs. Porches and decks are common, along with simple gable or cross-gable roofs. Cabin house plans typically boast a wood-stove or fireplace, a cozy kitchen, and one or two bedrooms.
What materials are used to make a cabin? ›Concrete, fiber cement, masonry and steel have emerged as favorites among durable materials. But good old-fashioned wood, probably the most widely used material for cabins, is actually a proven long-term material, provided it's treated properly.
What is a good size for a small cabin? ›It can vary from something as compact as a tiny home, which can be range from 100 to 400 square feet or less, to a not-so-tiny cabin that is 1100-1600 square feet, or even up to 2,000, according to some. Ultimately, they are smaller cabins than the average 2,500 square-foot home. The exact footprint is up to you.
How can I make my cabin look nice? ›- Emphasize Natural Structural Materials. ...
- Go With Homey and Vintage Furniture Pieces. ...
- Curate a Palette of Rich Woodland Colors. ...
- Center Your Arrangements Around a Fireplace. ...
- Ornament Your Spaces With Warm Lighting. ...
- Use Heavy, Snug, and Rugged Fabrics.
- Laundry Room. Use a stacked washer and dryer to free some space for added storage of linens or utilities.
- Overhead. Use dormers or a shed roof in a sloped ceiling area. ...
- Knee Walls. Take advantage of the space within knee walls. ...
- Windows. ...
- Kitchen. ...
- Basement. ...
- General Organization. ...
- Porches.
Wood elements, rustic decor, furry accents and plaid fabrics are all associated with cabin-chic style, but lately we've been noticing that vacation homes are looking more and more sophisticated. We've rounded up 10 of our favorite spaces that we think truly take the cabin-chic look to the next level.
Are Log Homes quiet? ›Log homes are often quieter than stick built homes, thanks to the same thermal mass that provides energy efficiency and the sound deadening affects of wood walls, according to a white paper produced by the National Association of Home Builders Log and Timber Homes Council.
How do you hang art on a log cabin wall? ›
Place the eye of the hook directly onto the mark and drive a nail through the eye until the hook sits securely on the wall. For pictures that already have a hook on the back, drive a nail through the mark, leaving enough space for the picture to sit. Place the picture on the nail or hook.
Can you put drywall in a log home? ›Most experts feel strongly that drywall enhances a log home's character by adding color, dimension and flair to a home's interior. “In any room, you want to have differing elements of color and texture,” says Jean McCue of Love That Space design. “You can do that with drywall; it gives space a liveliness.”
How well do log cabins go insulated? ›It takes minimal effort and material to cut and manufacture a log home with whole log walls as compared to manufacturing 2×6 boards, insulation, and drywall. Logs are excellent insulators with naturally-occurring air pockets that hold heat and cold to maintain consistent temperatures.
Can I plaster the inside of a log cabin? ›Light. The natural coziness of timber is one of the main attractions of owning a log cabin. But along with warmth, wood can be dark as it reflects less light. You can brighten the interior by including a plaster wall or even by whitewashing some of the walls to reflect more light.
What color should a cabin be? ›A cabin in the woods might look best in shades of brown, dark green, gray, or rustic reds. A cabin near water can be blue, green, or any calming color found in nature. Trim and doors can be painted in matching or contrasting colors. The idea is to become part of the scenery, not clash with it.
Can you paint a cabin? ›If you insist on painting your cabin, remember never EVER to use regular paint or polyurethane. Sure, it might look good for a year or two, but it will ruin your cabin in the long run. Use a paint that is breathable and has been specifically designed for log cabins. Or, play around with stain colors.
How do you paint a small cabin? ›How to Paint a Cabin | Landscape Painting | With Yovette - YouTube
Is it better to paint or stain a log cabin? ›The primary benefit of staining the exterior rather than applying log cabin paint is a stain's ability to allow logs to breathe. Log cabin paint will seal the logs completely, trapping any moisture that's already inside, leading to rot.
How long will a log cabin last? ›Log cabins have a long and illustrious history of longevity. They usually last twenty, thirty to even fifty years, if they are kept in good condition. They are even seen to stand for a century if they are located in a place that does not face extreme weather conditions and is properly maintained.
How do you prepare a log cabin for painting? ›If your log cabin has not been painted before, you will need to prepare the surface to be painted by sanding it down and cleaning it. Also make sure any knots or cracks are properly sealed. It is important at this stage to use a primer which will allow subsequent layers of paint to be easily applied.
Can I build my own log cabin? ›
Building a log cabin on a very tight budget is achievable, however, you will have to upcycle, bribe free labour and use your own logs. You should expect to pay around $25/square foot. So for a 800 square foot log cabin, the cost will be just under $20,000 (this excludes purchasing land and interior furnishings).
How do you build a log cabin from scratch? ›Building a Log Cabin from Scratch! - YouTube
How do you build a log cabin home? ›Stacking Log Walls, Framing & Building Techniques - YouTube
How do you draw a log cabin step by step? ›How To Draw A Log Cabin - YouTube