Picture your ideal mountain retreat. Whether it is a ski lodge or a cabin in the trees, you imagine the space with layers of cozy textures and an array of deep wood tones. Just looking at the peaked ceilings draped in wooden beams makes you feel warm inside and a beautiful floor to ceiling fireplace can certainly make you feel warm on the outside.
Achieving a gorgeous, cozy cabin retreat look does not have to be out of reach. Whether you have a mountain cabin of your own or are looking to bring that cozy style to your home, here are eight easy and budget-friendly mountain cabin decorating ideas for you!
Mountain Cabin Decorating Ideas
Focus on the view
If you want your home to feel like a mountain retreat, there is a good chance it is surrounded by a beautiful landscape or oasis of trees. Make this view outside your windows the star of the show. This mountain cabin decorating idea does not necessarily mean you need to install new, grander windows, but rather reimagine the ones you have now. Make sure there are no furniture pieces or bulky drapery hiding that beautiful exterior view. Opt for simple, sheer window treatments or leave the windows completely bare with exposed wood trim.
Bring the outside in
Once you have achieved the perfect view of the outdoors, go ahead and bring some of those outdoor elements in. The best way to do this is to add plenty of nature’s greenery to your space. Not only do plants add beautiful color and details to a mountain cabin, there are plenty of health benefits to living amongst their stems and leaves. Other outdoor elements that can be brought into your cabin design include reclaimed wood, vases of sticks and stems, or even rocks and stones.
Balance your wood tones
A main focus of mountain cabin interior design is wood elements. Layers of wood tones make a cabin feel homey and inviting. While this design aspect is certainly a main focus, it is important to not go overboard and have your space feeling dark and dreary. Balance the wood tones you use in the space by mixing up the type and shades of the wood. A good rule of thumb is to use two or three distinct wood tones, such as a light oak, dark mahogany, etc., and use them cohesively throughout the design. Make sure each tone of wood has a few separate design features, like a ceiling treatment and a coffee table, that allows them to tie together and feel intentional. Also, be sure to break up the wood tones by incorporating painted walls, stone accents, or even wallpaper.
Layer in comfort
Intentional design is all about the layers and mountain cabins are no exception. Beyond your wall treatments and furniture pieces, it is important to add those additional decor items that finish off your design. These elements should also vary in their texture and function. To keep with the warm feeling, add in throw blankets, pillows, and area rugs. Do not be afraid to layer area rugs for added warmth. Continue your layers by styling the surfaces of coffee tables, console tables, and shelving with vases, picture frames, bowls, books, and other decorative objects.
Use statement lighting
Instantly elevate your mountain cabin interior design with beautiful statement light fixtures. The most prominent location for a grandiose statement light is centered in the main gathering area. You could also add statement pendants hanging in the kitchen or sconces flanking their fireplace. Make sure your light fixtures incorporate that rustic, mountain vibe with either aged wood or distressed metal.
Disguise your storage
Achieving a high level mountain-inspired design means each and every piece in your space should add to the design. This can sometimes be tricky when you have lots of items you need for day-to-day life, but do not want on display. Use furniture pieces with built in storage to keep the focus on your natural design elements and away from your clutter. Consider a storage coffee table, storage sofa, or storage ottman to help hide away some of the items you do not want out and about. If you have open shelving, add baskets and bins to store your technology or kid’s toys.
Add a focal feature
In most mountain cabins, the main focal feature will be the fireplace. A grand, floor-to-ceiling fireplace wrapped in stone, stucco, or metal is front and center when you enter the home. If your home does not have a fireplace, do not fret! There are plenty of other ideas you can use to create a focal feature in your design. A focal feature can be something as simple as a large, unique piece of wall art. You could add a gorgeous iron railing to your main staircase. An inexpensive focal point can be crafted by creating an accent wall with paint, wallpaper, or a patterned wood treatment.
Do not be afraid of pattern and color
Often mountain cabin decorating ideas are all about using neutrals but that does not have to be the only option. A great way to add a little extra flair to your cabin design is to add pattern and color. If you are nervous about adding in color, stick with earth tone shades like green, maroon, rust, amber, and mustard yellow. If you are a little more courageous with color, keep with the earth tone palette, but add color in many of your design elements. Incorporate color and pattern in your textiles, like rugs, pillows, and blankets, and your art pieces to elevate your mountain decor. Decorating a mountain cabin should be an enjoyable experience so have fun with it!
If you plan on sharing your mountain cabin with friends and family, be sure to explore How to Manage a Family Vacation Home the Right Way as well as our additional articles on owning a vacation home, including our budget-friendly tips on decorating a lake house.