Principal Bedroom
The standout design detail in this chic retreat is the custom headboard, upholstered in a luxurious brown-and-white striped alpaca wool from Rosemary Hallgarten, that brings both softness and understated richness to the space. Its angled “V” pattern is a subtle nod to the original 1980s pine tongue-and-groove feature wall in the main cabin—a thoughtful echo of the past that ties seamlessly into the room’s updated palette of golden yellow, burnt orange, and warm brown.
The original bedroom, built in 1979, measured just 7'6" by 7'6"—a snug square that somehow managed to fit a queen bed (with one side pushed up tight against the wall), a small side table, and a single closet. It was modest, functional, and full of character, but by today’s standards, definitely due for an upgrade.
Cabin Chic Retro Vibes
Fast forward to 2025, and the new principal bedroom—part of the rear addition—offers a much more generous 12' x 12' footprint. There’s now room for two country-style curtained closets, two bedside tables, new-vintage ceiling pendants located above the side tables, and a dark stained dresser that brings texture and warmth and helps to ground the space.
A Nod to the Fishermen Origins…
If looking for retro inspiration and colors from the past, look no further than a bundle of vintage fishing rods where you’ll find loads of texture through old cork handles, maple wood, vintage green and mustard yellow. In this bundle of fishing rods I also found some unique fly rods (I think?!) that were so amazing, I used them as criss-cross decor over the guest bed headboard.
Room With A View
The real treat for this new principal bedroom, though, comes from the room’s extended footprint. By pushing the end wall five feet beyond the original 24-foot cabin width, the new bedroom now provides a direct view of the lake from the comfort of the queen bed. Three windows were strategically placed to encourage airflow from both the water and the forest behind—creating a cross-breeze that keeps the room fresh and connected to nature.
Owl art by Jeni McKay

