The Loft
Originally built as a cozy hideaway for the kids, the loft served as both a sleeping nook and a quiet perch to eavesdrop on the adults' stories and guitar playing below. It doubled as a makeshift rec room—a perfect spot for rainy-day pillow fights and childhood memories in the making.
For years, the walls displayed only pink insulation behind clear plastic sheeting, a raw and humble touch. But as the cabin evolved, so did the loft. In the early '90s, after power was finally brought in, the space was finished with beautiful pine tongue-and-groove boards, concealing the insulation and bringing warmth and texture to the room.
With the new addition, the roofline was extended 12 feet off the back of the original structure, mirroring the existing slope. This created a second loft space, nearly identical in size to the original. It made sense to relocate the loft bedroom into this new area, offering a bit more privacy and quiet away from the main living space below
Cabin Chic Country Vibes
The room is anchored by a whimsical yet sophisticated wallpaper: Australian artist Kate Swinson’s hand-drawn Starry Night in a rich, muddy brown. A nod to the brilliant night skies visible far from city lights, it’s a fitting tribute to the northern setting. The design strikes a perfect balance—playful enough for kids, yet elegant enough to be appreciated by adults alike.
Lighting…
By pairing vintage-inspired lantern sconces with sleek LED strip light, the lighting design strikes a refined balance between tradition and modern—a hallmark of Kelly’s aesthetic. Though the ceiling peaks at a modest 7 feet, a soft, ambient glow is achieved through the upward-facing LED strip. The light bounces gently off the pine ceiling, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere—especially on stormy Cariboo days. The combination of pine-clad walls and carpeted floors gives the space an almost acoustic quality, muffling sound and adding to the sense of retreat.
Vintage Pennants offer genuine relaxed colors from another time
There’s a certain charm in the faded felt and crackled iron-on logos of vintage pennants—each one worn by time and rich with history. I knew I wanted to incorporate a few local ones into the decor, blending the modern wallpaper with nostalgic touches from the past. But with limited wall space, the oversized pennants I first envisioned wouldn’t work. Instead, I sourced particular vintage pennants — retro colored ones from places I’d never been (so I wouldn’t feel guilty about cutting them up!) and then transformed them into a bunting-style banner. It was a sustainable choice, too; repurposing existing textiles felt more authentic than buying new fabric. Beyond their eco appeal, the original faded hues and irregular sizes gave each flag its own character. The finished banner now welcomes guests into the loft bedroom— a one-of-a-kind accent that infuses the room with relaxed color, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia, bridging new design with aged decor.
This DIY project involved sourcing particular vintage pennants of various colors. All worn and faded felt was the goal. This allowed for creating each bunting flag with a unique size and color on both the flag, border and tails. The sustainable DIY bunting banner flag project allowed the room to have some personalized decor which helps to make a space feel special for guests to enjoy.
