I still can’t believe it, but we have a cozy sea rach style cabin, you guys! Like for real. If you’ve been around for a while, you know that I’ve been on the hunt for an enchanted forest escape – away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Mixing 19880’s charm with modern sensabilities—this charmed 1,000 sq. foot cabin was just waiting for us to help restore her to once and former glory. What began as a quirky, well-worn space with loads of potential has officially started to be transformed into a warm, mid-mod acadamia retreat. From reimagining the layout to obsessing over just the right shade of green tile, this renovation has been a journey joy, sweat, and tears. We even had a flood that ruined our entire living roon. But for me, it’s Benn all about taking it slow, enjoying the ride, and helping to reinvigorate spirit of the original design with some added style, and a touch of magic to every nook and cranny. So, grab a cup of coffee, step inside, and take a tour of our work in progress hideaway—I promise, it’s gonna be good. Like realy really good.

RENNOVATION UPDATES

INSPIRATION

When you walk up to the front door, you are greeted by an ancient redwood tree that is hugged by yet another tree that produces apples – yes apples. Charmed I know! Just peep the pentagon window and wind chime. The delight doesn’t stop there. The living room has an inspired wood-burning stove, and huge cathedral windows

A Cabin

A Cabin Tour by Room

Cabin living room during renovation

LIVING ROOM

Pink carpet was be the first thing to go. Now we are in the process of restoring a historic wood burning stove, repairing the ancient cathedral windows and breathing to life the sunken living space for cozy comfort.

Cabin loft bedroom

LOFT BEDROOM

The loft boasts vaulted ceilings, even more cathedral windows and original pine floors. She just needs some elbow grease – a little sand and stain is going a long way. There’s also a dreamy private deck nestled through ancient French doors for added charm.

Cabin Library Before work

LIBRARY

There’s a literal library – yes, library. I am already planning for my full Disney Princess moment complete with a vintage library ladder and brass rail. This seems like the perfect place for me to work and draft blogs for y’all don’t ya think?

Kitchen reno cabin

KITCHEN

The kitchen has stunning beams I can’t wait to sand and finish. Then add a ton of floating open shelving with reclaimed cabinets. Of course, I’ll be hanging herbs and cookware. Then, we’ll level the step to update the flooring and add bar stools.

Bathroom cabin reno

BATHROOM

We’re keeping this layout, and making the original red wood windows and paneling the star. I can’t wait to make it magic updated evergreen tile, a new vanity and matte black hardware. It’s gonna be moody magic – I promise.

Cabin drone property

PROPERTY

Down a winding country road, the cabin sits on 0.73 acres, surrounded by redwoods, gardens, and a creek. Built in 1980, it features a peaked roof, redwood siding, and a cozy two-story, 2-bed, 1-bath layout with a lofted bedroom.

Cabin Stairs

STAIRS

Nothing makes me happier than a styled staircase. Imagine a gallery wall covering the entire wall. Of course this carpet has to go – to be replaced with Rad Oak. Who knows we might even bo gold and paint it black. Stay tuned!

Cabin Nook

DINING NOOK

Nooks make a space. I knew that this under utilized space under the stairs needed one – a bench nook that doubles as a bed was literally the only answer here. I can’t wait to curl up wit ha book and apple form the orchard here.

exterior cabin

EXTERIOR

As you approach the front door, a towering redwood embraces an apple tree—yes, apples! A pentagon window and wind chime add charm. Inside, a wood-burning stove and soaring cathedral windows blur the line between home and meadow.


The Cabin Design

IT ALL STARTS AS A DREAM

I wanted to wake each morning feeling invigorated and refreshed – shining like a citrine gem. A seamless blend of classic + contemporary.A seamless blend of classic + contemporary.Inspired by a jewel box

Mid mod academic cabin mood board

MOODBOARD

TThe design of the cabin draws from Sea Ranch-style architecture and the original late ‘70s aesthetic, with the goal of blending this timeless style with my passion for mid-century modern academic interiors.

To ensure a seamless and layered design, I created a mid-mod academia mood board, which serves as a critical blueprint throughout the process. A moodboard is indispensable because it visually consolidates your ideas and acts as a guiding tool, keeping the design on track. By defining key elements like color palettes, textures, and overall mood, it helps establish a clear vision before making any decisions.

The moodboard ensures every choice—whether it’s furniture, artwork, or accessories—aligns with the intended look and feel of the space. It’s a reference point that makes it easy to identify what works and what doesn’t, ensuring the design remains focused and cohesive.

With the moodboard in place, I’m able to confidently select pieces that complement the vision, and if something doesn’t fit, it’s out. I’m beyond excited about this direction!

For more inspiration, head over to my Moody Modern Cabin Pinterest board to see how the concept has evolved.

Cabin floorplan

FLOORPLAN

The cabin is technically a 2-bedroom space, with the living room, library, kitchen, and bathroom all on the first floor. The largest bedroom is a lofted, full-scale room above the kitchen and bathroom—spacious compared to our smaller San Francisco primary suite.

Nestled among towering redwoods and rolling meadows, this 2-bed, 1-bath retreat is all about tranquility, Sea Ranch Northern CA style, with a touch of magic. Vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows seamlessly blend the indoors with nature, while the soothing sounds of a creek and birdsong provide the perfect soundtrack. It truly feels like living in a dream.

Upstairs, the pine-floored bedroom opens onto a romantic veranda, overlooking the 0.73 acres of land as if you’re perched in a tree fort among the redwoods. Downstairs, the second bedroom doubles as a book lover’s sanctuary with a full wall of built-in bookshelves. The open kitchen is nestled in an airy floor plan, overlooking the sunken living room with a wood-burning stove and a view of the meadow beyond the towering cathedral windows.

And there’s more: a detached art studio with radiant tile floors, built-in desks, and an open, inspiring layout. The fully fenced property boasts mature gardens, apple and apricot trees, a charming chicken coop, and multiple irrigated terraces overflowing with fresh flowers, roses, and herbs.

Explore The Property

The 0.73-acre property is a masterclass in self-sufficiency and natural beauty. Above, you’ll see the full sitemap elevation, featuring a gas-powered generator to keep things running smoothly during any blackout. The property is supplied by a well sourced from a creek just outside the single-person gate, across the main road into town. Water is pumped to two 2,500-gallon tanks at the top of the property, which then gravity-feed through a filtration system to supply the house and gardens.

Nestled in the landscape, you’ll find a fire pit, a charming bridge crossing the creek, and two expansive meadows bursting with wildflowers and clover. There’s also a designated spot for a future hot tub, perfect for relaxing in nature. Near the front door stands an ancient redwood tree, lovingly paired with an apple tree—just one of the many magical touches.

Plus, the property includes a chicken coop, fruit trees, and terraced gardens. We were lucky to find a cabin with mostly functional infrastructure, though it’s ready for some much-needed restoration to truly shine.

cabin bathroom mood board

BATHROOM MOODBOARD

Inspired by the wit and charm of the 1980s, our bathroom remodel strikes the perfect balance between honoring the original architecture and adding a modern mid-century twist. Take a closer look at the accents and finishes that transformed this once neglected space into a shining gem within the home. The result? A seamless blend of classic and contemporary design, creating a dreamy, timeless look.

BUTTERFLY GARDENS

Tucked down a winding country road, my new cottage sits on 0.73 acres, surrounded by towering redwoods and mature landscaping, including an orchard of apple trees and two expansive rose and butterfly gardens. The southern corner of the property is gently kissed by a creek, adding to the serene ambiance. The garden also features terraced beds on either side of the home, just waiting to be filled with fresh herbs and vegetables. I’ve always dreamed of having space for a garden, and this is it—a true slice of heaven.