Cabin Chic Retro Vibes—Cariboo, BC
Principal Bedroom
The principal bedroom in this cabin addition expanded from a cramped 8' × 8' space to a comfortable 12' × 12', gaining four feet in every direction. It’s new location offers a modest bedside view of the lake, perfectly in keeping with the cabin’s overall humble proportions.
Professional “After” Photos: Lisa Novak Photography, Kamloops, BC
Before/During Photos: Kelly Grimes
Original Main Bedroom
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.
Principal Bedroom Before…
The closet will become a new doorway in the remodel.
This doorway will get closed in.
The large window will be reframed for a smaller window.
Principal Bedroom After…
Interested to see what this 7’6” x 7’6” original main bedroom space gets repurposed as?
Click here to see it’s transformation.
New Beginnings for a Cabin’s Principal Bedroom
Fast forward to 2025, and the new principal bedroom—part of the rear addition—offers a much more generous 12' x 12' footprint.
Room With A View
The real treat for this new principal bedroom 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.
Cariboo Cabin’s Rear Addition During Construction…
Inspiration & Color Palette
Headboard Design
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.
The color palette draws inspiration from a mustard-yellow 1980s Vanguard camper and the vintage shades of 1960s fishing rods—nostalgic pieces tied to memories from years ago.
These influences come together to echo the past while harmonizing beautifully with the room’s refreshed colors of golden yellow, burnt orange, warm brown with vintage green and turquoise.
Color Palette
inspired from the past…
Decorative Elements & Furnishings
Plaid curtain fabric sourced through Kravet Canada
Soft Closing Closet Curtains
What better place to use fabric curtains than in a country setting?
With the new layout and added space, there’s now room for two country-style curtained closets, matching bedside tables, new-vintage ceiling pendants above each side table, and a dark-stained dresser that adds warmth, texture, and a sense of grounding to the room.
The blend of wood paneling and soft fabric doors creates a quiet, restful atmosphere, as the two materials together gently muffle ambient sounds.
Close the barn-inspired white-washed pine door and retreat from everything, or leave it slightly open and let the soft hum of nearby conversations drift in—joining the social buzz only when you’re ready.
Adding Meaningful Wall Art
Surround yourself with wall art that speaks to your heart. In this space, the pieces include works by a talented artist friend, a classic Prairie landscape that reflects one homeowner’s roots, and a charming Facebook Marketplace find. The latter may not have a personal history, but for a true thrifter, the thrill of the hunt becomes its own meaningful connection.
Nature Inspired Acrylic Art
Owl art by Jeni McKay
Canadian Vintage Fine Art
Cloud and Prairie Art by Bill Lobchuk and Richard Nevin, respectively
A Nod to the Fishermen Roots…
With their cork handles, maple wood shafts, and tones of vintage green, aged white, and mustard yellow, the vintage fishing rods offered layers of texture and nostalgic color. Arranged together, they form a beautiful wall display that honors the cabin’s fishing heritage.
Create Your Own Abstract Wall Art
The first decor purchased (a random collection of vintage fishing rods) would set the tone for the vintage vibe throughout the decor scheme.
In this bundle of fishing rods I also found some unique fly rods (I think?!) that were so incredible looking, I used them as an interesting wall art display in the guest bedroom. Can you spot them?
