Sneaky Ways to Save Space at the Cabin

When you’re designing your dream retreat or renovating an old one that’s been in your family for generations, one of the toughest questions you will face is “How much space do we really need?” Well, here are some clever ways to cut corners, make room, or otherwise get space back from your getaway. Hopefully one of these ideas will inspire you, and your cabin guests will exclaim, “Aha!” when they see how savvy you are.

Stair Drawers

Space under a stairway can often be made into storage in the form of a closet or shelves, but why not just make the stairs into storage themselves? Add as many drawers as you think you’ll need to store shoes, towels, linens, extra bathing suits, or whatever is making your getaway cluttered. The stairs in this photo are made from blackbutt timber (an Australian hardwood). Find a good carpenter, and he/she should be able to help you add these to your retreat.

Design/Builder: Henarise Pty Ltd, www.henarise.com.au

Photo by John Adderley, courtesy Henarise Pty Ltd

Divide Your Space

Using curtains to divide an open room may seem old-fashioned, but it’s a simple, easy and effective way to create some privacy in small quarters. Curtains may allow you to use the space you have more efficiently, and they can hide clutter too. They can act as a wall, door, or cabinet, and they add a decorative touch. This tiny, 800-square-foot cabin actually sleeps six people. The curtain and rod shown are from The Shade Store.

Design: Joan Heaton Architects, www.joanheatonarchitects.com

Photo by Susan Teare Photography

Divide Your Space

Three-in-One Furniture

A dining nook built into your cottage or cabin kitchen will save you space right off the bat by having seating along the walls. But this unique nook has a secret. Not only does it include drawers for storage underneath, but take the tabletop away and the area makes for a nice lounging sofa. Plus, the tabletop converts to provide extra cushions for comfort and extra sleeping space equivalent to a queen-size bed.

Design/Builder: Stephanie and Sam Dyer

Photos by Louise Lakier Photography

Three-in-One Furniture

Design/Builder: Stephanie and Sam Dyer

Photos by Louise Lakier Photography

Attic Bunkroom

Add space for guests by transforming a dark attic to a bright and fun sleeping den. To make a comfy platform (and a great place for little ones to line up their sleeping bags), push two full- or queen-size beds together and load them up with colorful pillows. Behind the beds in this photo, there is a hinged storage ledge where outlets are located. Of course, before setting up a room like this at your cabin, make sure there is proper heating, cooling and insulation in the attic (and shoo away any spiders).

Design: Hopkins Designs

Builder: Tincher’s Custom Homes & Remodeling

Photo: Courtesy Amy Hopkins, Hopkins Designs

Stacked Up

Cabin and cottage kitchens are allowed to be relaxed, but still be functional when a crowd arrives.
This kitchen has storage up high and out in the open for easy access and maximum capacity. There is a push ladder to keep everything in reach,
a moveable island for extra prep room, and hooks on the wall for storage of larger pots and pans. Coffee cups and plates are even granted their own spots. That’s thinking ahead!

Design: Tim Cuppett Architects

Photo by: Alec Hemer

Hang Your Hat

A mudroom is a great place to store your stuff in one place: hats, coats, boots, hunting supplies, etc. Add a basin with a hand-held shower, and you can clean up muddy boots and/or spray down Rover. Tile allows quick cleanup. By creating a hardworking space, like this mudroom/laundry room in a Texas ranch house, you’ll save space elsewhere in your cabin. This room shows tumbled travertine offset with hand-painted tiles and rustic knotty alder cabinetry.

Design: Linda McCalla Interiors, www.lindamccallainteriors.com

Photo by Mark Knight, courtesy Linda McCalla Interiors

Firewood on Display

Create a fireside “warming bench,” which will provide a cozy spot to warm up after a chilly hike, and allow you to conveniently stow firewood beneath. The stored wood can also add a rustic element to your living space. The fireplace shown has a black pearl granite slab surround, the stone around it is gray crab orchard in a random ashlar pattern, the mantel is Douglas fir, and the hearth bench is bluestone. The wood-burning firebox is from FMI Products.

Design: Studio One Architecture Inc., www.studioone.us

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