This Renovated 1970s Cabin Has Gorgeous Green Walls and Floors

published Apr 11, 2024

This Renovated 1970s Cabin Has Gorgeous Green Walls and Floors

published Apr 11, 2024
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Home Type
Bedrooms
Square feet

1456

Sq ft

1456

In 2022, photographer, artist, and traveler Kara Harms and her husband, Robin, purchased a two-bedroom 1970s cabin in Arnold, California. Kara, who runs the lifestyle and travel website Whimsy Homes, dreamed of sharing her love for experiencing new places with other voyagers. So after purchasing the cabin, the couple started making renovations. 

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Credit: Kara Harms

As a seasoned traveler, Kara drew design inspiration from global adventures to design the space. Each element in the cabin holds a connection or memory from a trip abroad. The vibrant color palette and modern dinnerware, for example, recall a summer spent in Copenhagen. The ABBA-themed bathroom wallpaper takes her back to nights in Stockholm, dancing to the band’s iconic music. And the kitchen wallpaper is a replica of the one found in a quaint Quebec cafe. 

Credit: Kara Harms
TikTok trolled me hard when I was renovating since I choose to not only paint the walls green, but also the floors (who paints their floors green?! I do!) " Plus, the orange color ties into the orange chairs in the dining room. Lastly, the big beautiful shag rug from Rugs USA helps bring everything together visually," she continues.

“When I designed my cabin, I wanted to create a space that reflected the tapestry of my travels — a place where every corner whispered a story from a different adventure,” Kara writes. “The cabin is filled with these little pieces of the world, each one a testament to the power of travel and the beauty of collecting experiences.”

Credit: Kara Harms

However, the home’s location and exterior also lend sentimentality to the house. The couple named the home “Tree Castle” because of the many trees on the property. It’s nestled between several outdoor adventures, including private lakes, ski slopes, vineyards, and hiking trails — making it the perfect vacation rental. 

Credit: Kara Harms
I believe bathrooms are meant to be fun. While living in Copenhagen, I spent WAY too much time listening to ABBA on repeat, especially during our trip to Stockholm. And, after drinking a bottle of wine one night I started Googling weird things like "ABBA decor" and ended up finding this wallpaper from Spoonflower with ABBA's face on it. I never purchased anything so quickly. I found the Dancing Queen print on Etsy, and the rest was history.

“We find that most guests (and ourselves included) have a hard time leaving the cabin,” Kara explains. “Robin and I stay at the cabin every couple of months and rent it out on Airbnb when we aren’t there.”

Credit: Kara Harms

The home bursts with sentimental and nostalgic touches. The couple stocked the house with technology from years past, like a GameCube, VHS tapes, a record player, and tons of classic games. And even though Kara and Robin welcome and encourage guests to experience a new place in their cabin, it’s fair to say that all who visit their colorful house likely feel like they’re right at home. 

Resources

Credit: Kara Harms

LIVING ROOM

  • Gallery wall prints — Etsy
  • Couch — Burrow
  • Coffee table — Burrow
  • Side tables — Burrow
  • Orange mushroom lamp — “I love the little orange mushroom lamp I found that reminded me of mushroom lamps I saw in stores in Copenhagen,” Kara writes.
  • Shag rug — Rugs USA
Credit: Kara Harms

DINING ROOM

  • Orange chairs — IKEA
  • Rhubarb print — By Kevin of Soft Side Prints on TikTok
Credit: Kara Harms

KITCHEN

  • Stove — Whirlpool
  • Professional grade espresso machine — Casabrews
  • Nordic pour over coffee maker — Hay Design
  • Pots — Kana
  • Floral wallpaper — Hollyhocks from Anthropologie
  • Microwave — Walmart
Credit: Kara Harms
One of my favorite perks of living in Copenhagen for a summer was taking advantage of the sauna culture. While it was too expensive to install an actual sauna and cold plunge in our backyard, I opted instead to built a round Nordic cedar hot tub experience. This entire lower level had a makeover, adding in decking, fencing, and of course the tub, which I found from Snorkel Hot Tubs in Washington. Shoutout to our contractor who built this entire project by hand for us! The tub is a hero moment for the backyard, and is extra magical in the snow.

OUTDOOR

  • Tub — Snorkel Hot Tubs in Washington
Credit: Kara Harms

MAIN BATHROOM

Credit: Kara Harms

GUEST BATHROOM

  • ABBA Wallpaper — Spoonflower
  • Dancing Queen print — Etsy
Credit: Kara Harms

BEDROOM

  • Flower stencil — Etsy
  • Bed frame — Burrow
  • Organic mattress — Nolah
  • Bedside tables — Burrow
  • Dresser — Burrow
  • Wall lamps — IKEA
Credit: Kara Harms

UPSTAIRS

  • Flooring — Flooret
  • Wallpaper —Otto Studio
  • Green couch — Joybird
  • Light fixture — IKEA

Thanks, Kara!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.