This beautiful Montana cabin on the shores of Flathead Lake, Montana, was one of my favorite projects from last year, and it came with quite the challenge: furnish and style the cabin plus the guest home—all in just three weeks! My clients wanted everything completed before their guests arrived, and I was up for the task.
A 3-Week Design Challenge
With a tight three-week timeline, this project moved at lightning speed. We flew up to the cabin to take measurements and photos, then flew back home to start sourcing furniture and décor immediately.
I selected hundreds of items to create a cohesive, cozy space that would be perfect for hosting guests, while also reflecting the rugged, natural beauty of Flathead Lake.
Dreamy Lake Views
First, I have to show you how beautiful this place is. The scenery is so dreamy and breathtaking! With immediate lake access from the cabin, I was in love.
Once everything was ordered, my team worked tirelessly to make sure it all arrived on time. I’m so grateful to http://www.fourhands.com/ and my other incredible suppliers for working so hard to ensure fast and seamless delivery. Less than three weeks later, we were back at the cabin for installation, and my sister joined me to get the job done. We completed the entire installation in just a day and a half—a whirlwind of furniture placement, décor styling, and attention to detail.
The Design Aesthetic: Rustic Meets Modern
When it came to the design, we aimed to blend the rustic charm of a mountain retreat with the fresh, clean lines of modern living. The result? A mountain-modern aesthetic with a cozy, inviting feel. We incorporated earthy tones and a mix of natural materials, from warm woods to stone accents, all reflecting the surrounding Montana landscape.
Our goal was to make the space not only stylish but also functional for long summer stays by the lake. We added plush seating, neutral textiles, and modern light fixtures, which gave the cabin a contemporary edge while keeping it relaxed and comfortable for our clients and their guests.
Furnishing and Styling Two Homes
Not only did we furnish the main cabin, but the guest house as well—both within the same short timeframe. The guest home received the same level of care and attention to detail, creating continuity between the two spaces. We carried over the same mountain-modern vibe to ensure that the guest home felt like an extension of the main cabin, with its own unique touches to make guests feel special.
Cabin Living
Designing for Relaxation
Because this home would serve as a retreat for my clients and their family and friends, we wanted to ensure every space felt inviting and easy to enjoy. The living room features a cozy yet sleek setup, while the bedrooms offer soft, neutral palettes that promote rest and relaxation. For the kitchen and dining areas, we chose materials and finishes that are durable yet refined, perfect for gathering and hosting.
From the dining tables to the decorative accents, each element was thoughtfully selected to reflect a mountain-modern style. It was important that every room had a laid-back, welcoming vibe, ideal for the kind of serene lake-life experience my clients wanted.
When I first laid eyes on the cabin, wow! The view of Flathead Lake against Montana’s rugged backdrop was breathtaking. The cabin itself had that classic charm, but it was definitely time for a modern rustic facelift. Our mission? Blend cozy charm with fresh mountain vibes.
Transforming the Space: Before Photos
But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s peek at how the cabin started out. The classic cabin wood paneling was bringing all the cozy vibes. I knew replacing or adding to the old furniture would give it an updated look. For the most part, we had a blank slate to work with.
The Plan
From picking out furniture to those final little touches, every decision was about mixing modern style with rustic coziness. Picture plush sofas where you can sink in after a fun day, and carefully chosen art and accessories that give the place personality and warmth.
Color Palette
We went for a palette inspired by Montana’s wilderness – earthy tones, weathered woods, and local art to really capture that mountain lake spirit.
Cabin Rooms
The Main Living Area
The main living area was updated with fresh colors and beautiful interior pieces.
Check out this cowhide rug I used in the main living area. It screams mountain rustic.
The black leather sofa was perfect for the space! With rich wood accents, clean lines, and plush cushioning, I knew it would be a great fit for those cozy nights gazing at the lake by the fireplace. We selected a round brown ash coffee table with natural wood grain finish detailing.
Here are the decorative pillows I placed on the sofa to add some texture and color to the room.
Here are some other pieces I added to the living area.
Dining Area
The dining room needed some art on the wall so I found this stunning bison canvas print!
Loft Bedroom
This cabin loft bedroom had so much natural light coming from the breathtaking view of the lake.
Get the same look with the items linked below.
Master Bedroom
Check out this warm and classic cabin room. The warm wood paneled walls make this room so cozy!
I wanted to continue adding patterns and local elements from the area. A great way to do so is by incorporating through the bedding, textiles, and wall art.
Game Room
Since this room is so high contrast yet simple, I wanted to add some bold art and neutral tones to tie it all together.
Rugs Around The Cabin
Here are all the rugs used around the cabin! Adding a statement rug can make a space feel more comfortable and complete. Add some coziness to your space with these rugs below!
A Collaborative Journey
This project was a true team effort. Working closely with my clients, we made sure every detail of their dream modern rustic escape came to life. Their excitement and trust in my vision kept us all excited throughout the process.
And I couldn’t have done it without my amazing suppliers and the local community. They rallied behind us, sourcing unique pieces and making sure everything arrived right on time – no easy feat in such a remote spot!
As the final pieces came together, stepping into the cabin felt like stepping into an extension of Flathead Lake’s natural beauty.
Quick Turnaround, Beautiful Results
Despite the quick turnaround, this project exceeded my clients’ expectations—and mine! I was lucky enough to stay in the cabin while we completed the install, which made the whole process even more rewarding. Seeing everything come together so seamlessly, and knowing it was ready in time for their guests, was a true highlight of this project.
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