Both of the fireplaces at the cabin are finished and we're one step closer to being able to start furnishing this cabin of ours. Last week, in addition to celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary, we celebrated 1 year of owning our A-frame. We dreamed and schemed for awhile before really diving in. Major renovations have been going on for the past 3 months (remember when we were demo-ing the fireplaces?!) and we can see a light at the end of the dusty reno tunnel--kind of. There's a big plumbing hole in the basement now, for a new bathroom we're adding and everywhere I look, there's at least 10 things on our to-do list, but we decided this week we're in no rush and we're going to enjoy this renovation every step of the way.
Seeing this fireplace come to life has really been amazing and added so much rustic charm (is that a phrase in my vocabulary now?) to the main living space.
If you remember, it used to be quite squatty with a drywall column going all the way up to the ceiling and a hungry pellet stove that was used to heat the entire upstairs.
The pellet stove worked, but it would take hours and hours to heat up. Last winter, we'd spend the first 2-3 hours in coats waiting for the cabin to get warm before really getting cozy. The most significant update we have made to the cabin thus far is adding heating and cooling. It's always an enjoyable temperature, we can control it from our phones, and the gas fireplaces (fueled by the large propane tank we added to our lot) are also functional, but don't have the sole job of heating the house.
You can see the fireplaces being renovated from start to finish (and really get a sense of scale!) in this week's Cabin Log video below or right here on YouTube:
The loft got a very upgraded view. What used to be a vision of drywall is now "welcoming stone." I put that in quotes because when we were picking out our stone, I thought that this one felt the most organic and welcoming. Not too rigid or sharp, a mix of all the best earth tones--the most welcoming.
Here's a true-to-life coloring of the stone below. It's Greypearl Craft Orchard Limestone by Creative Mines. We purchased it from a local stone yard.
The fireplace downstairs used to have stacked stone and a very large wood-burning fireplace that we never ever felt get warm and an opening for wood.
We minimized the facade and carried the same stone downstairs. We bought a 55" Frame TV for the fireplace down here (we love the one in our bedroom so much!) that will double as art and a great place to lounge and watch movies.
The whole vibe of the cabin is definitely going to be Modern Rustic. All the charm and coziness that you expect from a cabin with some surprising modern touches. I'm thinking of adding these sconces to either side of the television.
We ordered this 60" round table for the dining area (still on the hunt for chairs!) and are getting a large custom deer head made from a cool company based out of Idaho, Faraway Lovely, for the fireplace in the main area. I also ordered trundle beds for the loft and the carpet was installed up there yesterday. I can't wait to see that area come to life, especially since it means we can start having overnights as a family again.
Hi, we love your fireplace stone. I was wondering what stone did you use for the hearth? Thanks!
Wow, this is the first time I'm seeing this cabin and it is amazing! It allows the nature inside while making it cozy! I recently stumbled upon antler chandeliers while looking up this natural, rustic style (https://www.casthorndesigns.com/rustic-warmth-in-your-home/)
Hey- wondering the gas fireplace you got for the upstairs?
They're both Napoleon brand. I think it's one of the Ascent options.
Are you doing a mantle downstairs with the tv above? Just wondering as most tv manufacturers void the warranty if you don't follow their guidelines for a mantle to deflect hear...how many inches the mantle is to project with how high it is away from the heat source.
We are waiting to see how the TV looks before deciding on a mantle or not. But that's a good note!
Hey Chris and Julia! I love the design of your A Frame! I'm looking to build one in Colorado. Would you mind me asking what the dimensions are? Also, the fireplaces look amazing! Great job on it!
This is a great journey you're taking us on! All the fun of planning and seeing amazing changes but without sheet rock mudding dust drifting through the entire house.
Oh wow-beautiful! The stonework is amazing! This is going to be such a gorgeous place! I’m loving following this transformation!
I love the loft view. The stone is perfect and welcoming :)
Did you decide what to do with the walls? It’s all looking so good!
We are going to wait for the dust to settle (literally) before making any decisions.
This cabin is going to be stunning! I'm really interested in your solution for hanging a Frame TV over a fireplace - I'm about to do the same (over a wood burning stove over here in the UK) and am trying to work out what to do with the wires and 'one connect' box when hanging the TV on a solid brick wall. If you cover this off in a post down the line I'd love to know how how you handle it!? Thanks for all the inspiration.
We'll definitely spill all the details when we get there. There's a closet directly behind the tv where all the wires currently run, so that's looking like our best bet right now.
Wow - looks amazing and the views are stunning - especially from 2nd level looking out past the new stone on fireplace. Thanks for the inspiration and I'm now hooked on farawaylovely - a great sustainable art option for those of us who do not like real taxidermy!
Stunning! I cannot believe how much it transformed your cabin!
Amazing transformation! I just want to tell you that I thoroughly enjoy watching all of your projects from start to finish! Even when you make a decision I’m unsure of, I always know I’m going be amazed at how you pull it all together. I was on Team Dark Floors but after seeing how beautiful the light floors look and how they completely fit in, you proved me wrong yet again haha!! Keep doing what you’re doing - it’s perfection!
When we start adding some dark accents, I think the vision will come together even more. Thanks so much!