Ten cosy cabins with living spaces that frame views of nature
From Norway to New Zealand, this lookbook explores rural cottages with cozy living areas enlivened by natural materials and vistas of wild landscapes.
Cabins are a popular building typology among architects around the world. Typically constructed of wood, the small shelters make ideal peaceful retreats in remote locations.
Their small size and use of organic materials such as wood help these structures blend into the natural surroundings while creating warm and soothing living spaces for residents.
As this round-up shows, it doesn’t take much more to make a cabin cozy, and the restraint of the interior design keeps the focus on the main event – the views of nature.
This is the latest in our lookbook series, featuring visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. Find more inspiration in previous lookbooks featuring interiors with statement rugs, earthy bedrooms with natural colors, and hotel interiors with jewel tones.
Enough Home, Canada, by Brian MacKay-Lyons
Dark stained floorboards complement the light and exposed wood beams and columns of this cottage on a Nova Scotia homestead.
The living room has large windows overlooking the rural landscape but maintains a sheltered atmosphere with low ceilings, a plush carpet and comfortable leather furniture such as the 2 Fauteuil Grand Confort armchair by Le Corbusier.
Find out more about Enough House ›
Looking Glass Lodge, UK, by Michael Kendrick Architects
A black fireplace hangs from the ceiling of this seating area, located at Looking Glass Lodge in East Sussex.
The space has a pared-down design, with woven furniture and wood finishes that help keep the focus on the floor-to-ceiling glazing.
According to its designer, Michael Kendrick Architects, the studio’s aim was to give the cabin “a sense of transparency and belonging to its surroundings”.
Find out more about Looking Glass Lodge ›
The Hut House, Sweden, by Tina Bergman
Despite its high ceilings, The Hat House’s living-dining area has been designed to feel cozy with its warm palette of materials dominated by various woods.
This includes spruce panels on the walls and spruce wood blocks for the floor. A cushioned window seat allows the owner to soak in the view.
Find out more about the Huthaus ›
Bruny Island Cabin, Australia, by Maguire + Devin
Baltic pine trees line almost every surface of this off-grid Tasmanian cottage, designed by Maguire + Devin with references to traditional Japanese homes.
Almost every piece of furniture forms part of the building framework, creating a minimalist and uncluttered interior. This includes a raised seating area positioned next to a glass panel and finished with a low table and area rugs for seating.
Find out more about Bruny Island Cabin ›
Biv Punakaiki, New Zealand, by Fabric Architecture
Tucked away in the rainforest of the coastal village of Punakaiki, this vacation cabin features large expanses of glass that aim to immerse residents in the landscape.
There is little furniture that doesn’t distract from the view, but a cozy atmosphere is created by the warm and exposed wood structure and mid-20th-century furniture, including a leather butterfly chair.
Learn more about Biv Punakaiki ›
Log Cabin, Netherlands, by The Way We Build
Poplar arches give a chapel-like character to this tiny mobile cabin at a campsite in the Robbenoordbos forest in the Netherlands.
Its compact living area is deliberately kept simple, with just a desk and a wood-burning stove to provide warmth and a meditative space for visitors to “refresh close to nature”.
Find out more about Waldhütte ›
House on the Cautín River, Chile, by Iragüen Viñuela Arquitecto
Iragüen Viñuela Arquitectos chose dark stained wood for the interior paneling of this ski lodge in Chile, creating an atmospheric yet cozy living space that focuses on the outside view.
“The interior of the house, clad entirely in black wood, allows for a great contrast with the white winter and green summer landscape, providing an atmosphere of introspection and tranquility that befits the vocation of protection,” according to the studio.
Find out more about Cautín River House ›
Hut Nordmarka, Norway, Rever & Drage
A square corner window enlivens the unadorned living room of Cabin Nordmarka, recently completed by Rever & Drage in Norway.
The greens and blues of the wooded setting provide a colorful backdrop to the elevated space, which is characterized by light wood floorboards and matching furniture.
Find out more about Nordmarka Hut ›
The Author’s House, Denmark, from Sleth
Landscape studio Sleth designed this writing hut to blend in with the natural surroundings on the outskirts of Aarhus.
Douglas fir floorboards line the living room, creating a cozy retreat for the owner while reflecting the surrounding trees. Bookshelves at the base of its gable profile help reduce the height of the space, making it feel even cozier.
Find out more about the author house ›
Landscape Hotel Bergaliv, Sweden, by Hanna Michelson
Nestled in the treetops of a Swedish mountain, this compact wooden cabin is one of four designed for the Bergaliv Landscape Hotel.
As with many other cabins on the list, the interior is simply finished. This draws attention to a wooden L-shaped bench and window seat where visitors can lose themselves in the countryside views.
Find out more about Bergaliv Landscape Hotel ›
This is the latest in our lookbook series, featuring visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. Find more inspiration in previous lookbooks featuring interiors with statement rugs, earthy bedrooms with natural colors, and hotel interiors with jewel tones.
