Salvaged Style: Four Tips for Creating Unique Cabins with Reclaimed Treasures
With summer drawing to a close, many people with cabins (or cottages as you call them out east) start to decompress from outdoor activities and projects and instead focus on the interior. The cooler months present a perfect opportunity for all us design lovers to put into motion one of the many design ideas we have swirling around in our head. In this post, I am going to outline four tips for how you can use reclaimed pieces to create a more unique and “soulfully storied” cabin aesthetic.
Eight years ago my family and I bought a cabin on a nearby Alberta lake. The land was beautiful but the trailer that was on it was beyond salvaging (see below!). We decided to haul away the trailer and start from scratch (i.e. build a new cabin). I have to admit it made me a little sad to see it go - every design bone in me wanted to work with the 60s charm and transform the space. While there are many disadvantages to an old cabin, one of the great things about them is that they come with lots of character and charm already built in. Often the walls are already paneled, the ceilings have beams and there might be an old stone fireplace waiting to be uncovered. The challenge I faced with a new build was how do I create that same charm and character?
I decided to go with a modern rustic design style. As soon as we began designing the cabin I started accumulating pieces I found on Facebook Marketplace that I thought could be incorporated into the cabin design. Reclaimed pieces tell a story and add an unparalleled layer of authenticity to any space. Here are the four ways I incorporated reclaimed items into the design (good news - you don’t need to build from scratch. All of these can be done on any cabin renovation).
1. Old Cabinets, New Life: Using Reclaimed Cabinets as Vanities
Bathroom vanities are an easy way to showcase some personality. If you’re thinking of replacing the dilapidated vanity in your bathroom then don’t automatically just head to Home Depot for their generic, mass-produced vanities. For our cabin I looked on Facebook Marketplace first for some interesting, all wood (not MDF!) pieces. The natural wear and tear of reclaimed cabinets instantly add a sense of history and warmth that new pieces simply can't replicate.
For our upstairs main bathroom I found a pine sideboard. I had the carpenter cut the legs of the pine sideboard and swapped out the hardware with some modern nickel hardware. The top was removed and a quartz top and Kohler sink was sunk into it. Luckily the wood was the perfect colour, so it didn’t require any refinishing or painting. The image below shows it as a furniture piece (left) and then retrofitted to the cabin bathroom (right) .
I also found an old carpenter’s workbench (photo on the left below) that I thought could be used in our kids bathroom. Again I had the carpenter cut it down to a kids vanity height. We had to remove the vice that was on it, but otherwise didn’t touch the natural patina or overall look. I found a stone sink that the plumber placed on the top and had him plumb in two taps (one for each of the kids).
2. Paneling with Purpose: Adding Character to Walls and Ceilings
The inherent charm of a cabin often lies in its warm, inviting atmosphere. New builds can often feel cold if you leave the white drywall throughout the cabin. Wood paneling for ceilings and walls is an excellent way to cover up some of that drywall and bring a bit more dimension and warmth to your cabin. If you can find reclaimed wood paneling then its natural texture will help tell a story and add genuine rustic appeal.
In our cabin I was able to source a mix of both new and reclaimed materials to use on the walls and ceilings. We applied As-Is wood wall paneling throughout, but I also found old pieces of wood on Facebook Marketplace. These pieces of wood were flooring transition pieces that were salvaged after someone pulled up their flooring; over time they weathered into a nice silvery grey colour. I had the carpenter install them as wall paneling in the kids bathroom. Whether you opt for a full room clad in reclaimed wood or use it as an accent wall or ceiling feature, the depth and character it provides are unmatched.
3. Reclaimed Fixtures: Bringing History Home with Salvalged Fixtures
Lighting is a crucial element in any design, and reclaimed fixtures can add an unexpected layer of character to your cabin or cottage. From industrial pendants to vintage chandeliers, the possibilities are vast. For our cabin, I visited a reclamation place and was able to find some old factory lights. I sprayed the outside shade in a dark green and the cord in gold and hung two of them in our office. Looking back I wish I would have incorporated more vintage lighting; however, it is important with vintage lighting to ensure the wiring is safe and up to current electrical codes, so it can be a bit more work than out of the box fixtures.
Salvaged Industrial Lights
Spray painted and hung in the office
Salvaged plumbing fixtures are another way to incorporate some history. Once again I was on Facebook Marketplace and found an old cast iron kitchen sink that someone was looking to get out of their backyard. I was able to find someone who refinishes old bathtubs and took it to him to refinish. The sink was mounted on top of a base that our carpenter built and finished off by putting some left over paneling around it. If you are planning a similar project, be aware that it is difficult to find faucets that work with these old sinks. You either need to find one that has adjustable centres or have one custom made. In this case I ended up getting one made by Francone Bespoke Taps.
4. Repurposed Windows: Framing Your Interior
Windows are the eyes of your cabin, and incorporating reclaimed windows can add an incredible amount of character and a sense of history to your space. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, salvaged windows often feature unique glass, original hardware, or distinctive frames that are hard to replicate with new materials. For a truly unique touch, consider using reclaimed windows as interior partitions to divide spaces while maintaining an open feel, or even as decorative wall art.
For our cabin I found some unique windows at reclamation yards that I was able to use on the interior (top row of images). One window was a really large window that must have been used in a commercial office building. We have a small office in our cabin that I didn’t want to wall off completely, so we decided to frame it into the wall of the office to let more light though and create a nice glass wall divider. In the basement, we have a bathroom that doesn’t have any natural light. I found an old stained glass window and had that framed into one of the walls, again so more natural light could flow through. It’s framed nice and high to still allow privacy into the bathroom (bottom row of images).
By incorporating reclaimed elements into your cabin design you're not just decorating you're curating a space with history and soul. Embrace the imperfections, celebrate the stories, and let reclaimed treasures transform your cabin into a truly unique and cherished sanctuary.
If you are interested in bringing some more soul to your cabin reach out, Maddenda offer sourcing and styling services. You can also follow Maddenda on Instagram (@mad.denda) and Facebook for more design inspo.
