A dated log cabin filled with design disasters has been transformed into a stunning rustic-luxury retreat by Seattle-based interior designer Jessica Nelson. The property, located just minutes from her clients' home and nestled between dense forest and the ninth hole of their favorite golf course, had been on the couple's radar for years before they finally had the chance to purchase it.
Despite the cabin's numerous design flaws, including shag-carpeted bathrooms and harsh fluorescent lighting throughout, Nelson recognized the potential in the home's structural elements. "The logs, the river rock fireplace, the floating stairs—we knew if we updated everything else, those elements would shine," Nelson explained. Working with her trusted contractor, she embarked on a comprehensive top-to-bottom renovation that honored the property's rustic character while completely modernizing the layout and color scheme.
The kitchen presented one of the biggest challenges, with its low drop ceiling, awkward peninsula layout, and institutional fluorescent lighting that made the space feel more like a high school cafeteria than a mountain retreat. Nelson's solution involved widening the window above the sink to capture views of the golf course fairway, installing a custom plaster hood for softer texture, and adding a vintage oak island to anchor the space. A green terracotta tile backsplash was chosen to connect the interior with the wooded surroundings outside.
Removing the drop ceiling proved to be one of the most technically challenging aspects of the renovation. Nelson replaced it with new tongue-and-groove paneling designed to seamlessly blend with the original log construction. "Where the new ceiling meets the curved logs, the carpenters had to carefully scribe and cut each piece," she noted. "It's the kind of detail no one notices unless it's done wrong." The result appears effortless, though the execution required exceptional craftsmanship.
The bathroom renovations addressed some of the home's most egregious design crimes, including wall-to-wall carpeting in wet areas. The primary bathroom's original layout had divided the space into a confusing maze of separate zones, with the bathtub isolated in one corner, the vanity in another, and the only sink oddly separated from both areas. Nelson opened up the space by removing non-structural walls and created a serene wet room featuring a freestanding tub and walk-in shower, with the vanity positioned just outside the wet area.
Material selections throughout the bathrooms focused on creating calm, natural luxury without overwhelming the space. Calacatta marble, unlacquered brass fixtures, and plaster finishes were chosen specifically to complement rather than compete with the cabin's existing textures. The upstairs children's bathroom maintained its original layout but received a complete finish upgrade with leafy wallpaper, soapstone counters with green veining, and warm oak cabinetry that echoes the surrounding forest environment.
In the bedrooms, Nelson's approach centered on letting the natural log construction take center stage while creating serene, comfortable spaces. The primary bedroom, located just off the main living area, required careful attention to trim color selection. After testing seven or eight different options, Nelson settled on a cool brown shade that subtly complements the natural wood without clashing or appearing too red. The upstairs area, originally an open loft overlooking the shared living spaces below, was enclosed to create a private bedroom for the family's children.
The living room's river rock fireplace became a focal point that Nelson insisted on preserving despite initial client hesitation. "There's no way we're touching this," she told the homeowner. "Re-creating that kind of natural stonework today would cost a fortune, not to mention lack the original's charm." Instead of replacement, the fireplace received thoughtful upgrades including a new gas-powered log set, honed soapstone hearth, and squared-off wood mantel that now serves as the soul of the space.
The completed transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can honor a home's original character while addressing modern lifestyle needs. "It's still a log cabin," Nelson concluded, "but now it feels serene, not stuck in the 1970s." The renovation successfully balances rustic authenticity with contemporary luxury, creating a mountain retreat that feels both timeless and thoroughly updated for today's living.
