Step Inside a Cosy White Cabin in the Woods
This 1920s American holiday house was renovated with a love of white and rustic style in mind
For homeowner Jim Frome, this cabin in western Wisconsin, USA, is a personal getaway to enjoy relaxing with his buddies, fishing and downtime with his son. For his wife, Michele Frome, the cabin is a spa-like retreat where she “can just go and melt away,” she says.
Originally part of a resort built in the 1920s on a small lake, the cabin has had multiple additions over the years. Still, when the Fromes began looking for a retreat, they immediately knew the place was right for them and their three kids. After a renovation, this stylish and serene cabin draws a crowd of family and friends looking for blissful weekends away.
Originally part of a resort built in the 1920s on a small lake, the cabin has had multiple additions over the years. Still, when the Fromes began looking for a retreat, they immediately knew the place was right for them and their three kids. After a renovation, this stylish and serene cabin draws a crowd of family and friends looking for blissful weekends away.
Homeowner Michele Frome describes herself as a “stickler on having everything be monochromatic.” In the kitchen, white Carrara marble benchtops, white-painted poplar panelling on the walls, white millwork and shelves, and white Ikea kitchen cabinets add up to a restful palette. The chrome stools and steel stove provide just the right accent. “I love the seamless steel feel,” Michele says. “I didn’t want to walk into the cabin and see a traditional kitchen. I wanted to see through to the outdoors. Nature is our artwork.”
In the living room, a decorative wall of board-on-board reclaimed barn siding – cut into different dimensions, applied to the wall and left with a ragged edge on top – surrounds the fireplace and anchors the room. It also provides an earthy contrast to the cabin’s pristine white decor.
“I wanted the cabin to be different from my home in the city, to feel like a dream,” Michele says. Husband Jim adds that the open first-floor spaces “allow everyone to be separate or together – often at the same time. Some people can be around the table playing cards, others cooking, others watching a movie.”
“I wanted the cabin to be different from my home in the city, to feel like a dream,” Michele says. Husband Jim adds that the open first-floor spaces “allow everyone to be separate or together – often at the same time. Some people can be around the table playing cards, others cooking, others watching a movie.”
On many walls, large expanses of glass bring in light and provide panoramic views of the lake and the woods. Elsewhere, the decor reflects the family’s love of nature, the lake life and the outdoors. Natural woods, mirrors and metals add earthiness and reflection to the otherwise all-white interiors.
The white theme carries over into the bedrooms, all of which have windows that provide light and views. “I love old and new furnishings combined, so there’s no one style,” Michele says.
After creating a book of ideas, Michele asked interior designer Jennaea Gearhart to find the items that would complete her dream retreat. “I’m big on visual impact and how things look and feel,” Michele says. “I wanted the whole house to feel like a relaxing spa.”
After creating a book of ideas, Michele asked interior designer Jennaea Gearhart to find the items that would complete her dream retreat. “I’m big on visual impact and how things look and feel,” Michele says. “I wanted the whole house to feel like a relaxing spa.”
Albertsson designed wood slats, which were painted white, for the existing stairs that lead to the cabin’s upper level. “The wooden slat wall is an airy addition, so the stairway doesn’t feel completely enclosed,” Albertsson says. “The slats also continue the cabin’s thematic decor of white horizontal panelling, only turned vertically.” Behind the stairs are a bathroom, bedroom and laundry room.
The master bathroom downstairs has a starburst light fixture and a sliding door of reclaimed wood with a leather strap for a handle.
Numbered hooks in the hallway help guests remember which towel belongs to whom.
The cabin’s interior may be a study in white, but its exterior is painted black – and not only as a contrast. The black exterior “blends in perfectly with the wooded surroundings,” Jim says.
Most important, however, the cabin has become “a wonderful place for us to create memories,” Michele says. “It’s an escape from our busy lives, where we can relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends.”
TELL US
What would your dream holiday house look like? Do you already have one? Tell us in the Comments below.
Most important, however, the cabin has become “a wonderful place for us to create memories,” Michele says. “It’s an escape from our busy lives, where we can relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends.”
TELL US
What would your dream holiday house look like? Do you already have one? Tell us in the Comments below.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Michele and Jim Frome and their three children
Location: Western Wisconsin, USA
Size: 257.8 square metres
Designers: Christine Albertsson of Albertsson Hansen Architecture and Jennaea Gearhart Design
One of the first moves architect Christine Albertsson made was to relocate the kitchen from the back of the cabin to the lake-facing side. She also installed large windows for light and views, and glass doors to the deck next to the lake. The island was custom designed and is on wheels so it can be easily moved. Here the family has meals, plays cards and hosts dinner parties. Albertsson also got rid of the formal dining room to open the kitchen up to the living room, creating one airy, light-filled contiguous space.