This Renovated 1970s Cabin Has Gorgeous Green Walls and Floors
This Renovated 1970s Cabin Has Gorgeous Green Walls and Floors
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.
Can't-Miss House Tours Straight to Your Inbox
Keep up with our latest house tours each weekday with our House Tour of the Day newsletter
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
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
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
DINING ROOM
- Orange chairs — IKEA
- Rhubarb print — By Kevin of Soft Side Prints on TikTok
KITCHEN
- Stove — Whirlpool
- Professional grade espresso machine — Casabrews
- Nordic pour over coffee maker — Hay Design
- Pots — Kana
- Floral wallpaper — Hollyhocks from Anthropologie
- Microwave — Walmart
OUTDOOR
- Tub — Snorkel Hot Tubs in Washington
MAIN BATHROOM
- Flooring — Harvey Maria blue and white luxury vinyl tile
- Blue sink — Mudd Concrete
- Butcher block counter — Home Depot
- Scandi floral wallpaper — Etsy
- Shower curtain — Quiet Town Home
GUEST BATHROOM
- ABBA Wallpaper — Spoonflower
- Dancing Queen print — Etsy
BEDROOM
- Flower stencil — Etsy
- Bed frame — Burrow
- Organic mattress — Nolah
- Bedside tables — Burrow
- Dresser — Burrow
- Wall lamps — IKEA
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.
Share your style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form