September is here and I always have cabin withdrawal symptoms. I spend time from Spring until the end of Summer either sharing inspiring cabin photos, or talking about my little beach shack, or dreaming about cabins. Just last night I went to bed and drifted off dreaming of a cabin I have found in Sweden. So this time of year I come home from Norfolk and miss that place. Even though I love my life and my new home I just wish I could be there a little more often. The best idea I can come up with is where I get a job visiting as many cabins as I can across the world! Now, wouldn’t that be an amazing job to have 🙂

My new website will have categories and I think a cabin category would be ideal, so those people that don’t share my passion and love for the wooden escape can switch off and focus on other Interior things instead.

I am in the process of renovating my cabin. Having bought it 4 years ago we have done small jobs like paint the whole inside white. All the Interior had last been updated in the 70’s and even though I never thought I would have to live with woodchip wallpaper again I was so wrong arghhhhhh It is practically everywhere except the porch and the best thing we could do at the time is paint it very matt so we could disguise it a little! I know who was I trying to kid right? Well, it worked a little bit. The roof needs to come off and have more of a pitched roof put on which will then give us the opportunity to work with the internal walls and add shiplap inside which as we all know is very beach style.

We did rip out the awful Kitchen that was there though and add a freestanding one which I love. Our Anniversary a couple of years ago was wood, so we purchased a few key pieces and we are so happy with the result. We also added an amazing wooden floor that was purchased from a reclaimed expert in Norfolk called Mongers. They had a reclaimed floor, a very old pine that was 350 years old and it fitted perfectly in the cabin. Sand is always an issue at the beach so its so easy to just sweep it all outside with a good floor. I also added shells which might sound very cliche but I love pebbles and shells from being a little girl and I am not giving up on this trust me.

I love the latest trend of painting the outside in Black. One news article called it the sexy cabin trend and yes with a smile on my face I really can see that. Anyway who says cabins can’t be sexy? The cabin I was dreaming about last night was Red and all cabins in Sweden were mainly Red a few years ago, but the trend is definitely Black and it has an amazing wow factor. When a cabin is painted Black it gives the opportunity to be in real contrast with greenery outside and just looks fab. I won’t be painting the outside of my English hideaway Black because I am not allowed for a start! but if I ever purchase a Swedish one you can guarantee I will definitely do that. Or as my son would say thinking positively about something I want WHEN I get a Swedish one I will do this.

So top tips where to start well

My top tip is don’t try to fit in with what everyone else is doing. If your style is a mid century approach why not add an Ercol sofa or side table if that’s your desire? Don’t feel you have to stick to Beige and Blues as a theme as inspiration out there is endless. I dare you to spend an hour looking through My Scandinavian Home blog and not feel inspired by so many homes, cabins on there.

Be daring. Don’t be afraid to add colour and think of your beach style as a way to express your identity. Add art, add your personality.

Texture is a huge key in beach interiors because if you go to the beach in Winter you want layers. So adding layers to your bedroom decor or living room is key to a successful cosy look. Add little nooks for added interest. Because I have limited space I find adding shelves an excellent way to be practical and add features. My bedroom will not allow for side tables as space is limited so I have added a little crate which is just enough room to fit my cup of tea and a book on, just perfect.

If you live there all year around the style you choose has to work every month of the year so think of that when choosing colour and design for your beach style interior.

Photo Credit Scandinavian Retreat

Having height is a real bonus even if your cabin is small so if your thinking of any redesign then add this into your thoughts for your internal space. My cabin like I say is going to have a new roof on which will make the inside look so much bigger. The original rafters were covered up so we will have it designed so you can see the rafters and the shape of the roof which will draw your eyes upwards and make everything look bigger.

Photo Credit Unique Home Stays

Using mixed materials is a great trend that can be used very easily in a space like a cabin and I often think enhances the natural element you’re trying to achieve, so think about mixing materials when updating the bathroom or kitchen. As seen here the mix of metal, wood and concrete creates an impact.

Hot trends for a while have been using Black and White as a theme but Grey is a calming colour and we will see more cabin inspiration using Grey and also Green which stems away from the Scandinavian trend of monochrome.

Next year will be a year of renovations for me to share and I for one cannot wait.

Bye for now x

Gallery Pictures

Kettle picture – My Scandinavian Home

Sexy Kitchen – Chris Warnes