There’s just something about cabin life that draws people in. Perhaps it’s you escaping that concrete, rush hour, metropolitan life for a moment and living among the bears. Or trees; let’s go with trees.
But yeah… cabin life is amazing. But if you’ve been in a cabin more than a few times, or better yet, if you own a cabin, you might’ve asked yourself once or twice how you can make this awesome life even more awesome.
Worry not, there are ways to bring that cabin to the next level and provide yourself with an experience you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.
Create a More Inviting Space
A lot of people consider their outdoor space as an extension of the indoor living space, so start by thinking about how you enter and move through your backyard. Make a plan for how you’ll use the space, make ‘zones’ for lounging, dining, entertaining, swimming…
Whatever you want and have space for!
When decorating with furniture, try to use as many materials and designs that blend nicely with your cabin’s natural surroundings. Use natural and durable materials like wood, stone, or weathered metal, and add cozy elements with blankets, cushions, outdoor rugs, and soft lighting.
Outdoor Heating & Fire Features
Don’t let chilly evenings cut your outdoor time short! If you incorporate some kind of heating or a fire feature, you could extend the use of your backyard during the fall and winter.
Here are some options:
- Fire pits – These permanent features are simply amazing. And best of all, they don’t even have to cost you a lot of money. Just think about it. Regardless of you being alone, or with your partner, or whether you’re having a bunch of friends over for a fun gathering, a fire pit will be the focal point of the place. Most people will gather around it.
And if you’re worried about smoke ruining the mood, then you’d be glad to know that there are smokeless firepit options available.
Not only will fire pits keep you warm, but they’re also great focal points for any type of gathering. It’ll add a cozy feel and warm ambiance to your cabin life.
- Chimineas – If you have a smaller yard, then you can still get away with a chiminea. It’s completely vertical and jar-like; the material still retains heat very well, plus all the smoke will go upwards. They’re a great budget/compact alternative to fire pits. They won’t provide you with the same feeling, but it’s close.
- Patio heaters – Another thing to add are patio heaters. They’re available in a few options (propane, infrared, electric), and they do a pretty good job of heating the place up. They won’t do much in terms of atmosphere, hence the last placement on the list. But if you’re looking for heat – it’s a great choice.
Outdoor Furniture
Pick pieces of furniture that can endure the sun, rain, snow, and different temperatures. Materials like teak, rattan, aluminum, and recycled HDPE are great options ’cause they resist rot, fading in the sun, and other harsh conditions, and with minimal maintenance. Pair those materials with outdoor fabrics or quick-dry foam, and you’ll have furniture that will last a long time.
Adding lounge chairs, benches, dining sets, or a relaxing swing or a hammock will create flexible spaces for gatherings and relaxing. Also, for maximizing longevity, use covers for furniture and clean regularly with mild soap and water.
Hot Tubs or (Small) Pools
For those who want to add a touch of luxury to their backyard, hot tubs and pools will transform their cabin experience. Hot tubs became very popular cabin features because of their size, but also because they add a relaxing and luxurious element.
But to take it on another level, think about a small pool or a swim spa. They are more energy-efficient, can be heated, and don’t require a lot of space. If you’re thinking about it, consult with a swimming pool contractor to help you with site preparation, permits, filtration, and heating systems.
Also, place a hot tub or a pool with privacy and views in mind. So you’re not too exposed, put some screens, pergolas, or tall plants around it, with some openings for enjoying forest views while relaxing in the water.
Outdoor Kitchen
Becoming an increasingly popular outdoor feature, outdoor kitchens will improve the functionality of your cabin and the backyard space. It’s a great addition if you love hosting and cooking, because you can do both, and it doesn’t have to be a big, pricey project.
To save some money, build it close to your indoor kitchen, use portable pieces, reclaimed wood counters, or concrete prep areas.
Lounging/Dining Area
If you want to fully enjoy outdoor spaces (lounging and dining spaces), then what you’ll need to do is protect the area and provide cover. This has mainly to do with protecting those outside from high temperatures, from the sun, and from bad weather (precipitation).
Here are a few examples of what you can do:
- Gazebo – these stylish and ‘fancy’ structures are great for providing shade and shelter, since they have a full roof, which is sometimes hard to do in places that aren’t adjacent/connected to the house.
- Retractable awning – Having fabric covers that can be added/removed easily is a super option if you expect the weather to change.
- Solid roof pavilions – Much like gazebos, these permanent/sturdy structures are a great way to shelter yourself from bad weather or to find a bit of shade when needed.
Lighting
The same space with and without lighting can look completely different. And we’re talking of both regular lighting intended to illuminate an area, AND ambient lighting, which is there mostly for decorative purposes.
But since most lighting requires electricity and switches to operate, you’ll have to contract an electrician to do all the required wiring, but since the electrician might leave a mess afterwards, you’ll also perhaps have to hire a painter to fix the place up once the wiring is done.
Because of those problems – and since all of that both costs and takes time – solar lighting options are amazing.
Once you’ve gotten over how you’ll add lighting, it’s time to get creative. Place spotlights to highlight trees and water features. Add LED strips alongside your outdoor pathway. If you can imagine it, you should do it! Just ask your electrician how to make it happen, and then decide on whether it’s worth it. But, think about this – if you were able to see the end result right now – you’d say “YES!” immediately.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a more enjoyable cabin life, then think about things that last. Lighting and various features (pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, lounging area, etc.) that will stay with you and which you’ll be able to enjoy each and every day.
This way, not only are you adding value to the place, you’re also boosting the place’s charm and its luxury factor. And you’re also adding to its functionality.
Think about it. You’re investing in your happiness. That’s because you won’t pay and then get to enjoy it once. Rather, you’ll enjoy it every day.
Some people would pay a fortune to feel happy every day, and you have a chance to do it for far less.
