Mia’s “Sweet Dreams” Log Cabin & Vintage Camper
Name: Mia Cefkin
Location: Franklin, North Carolina
Size: 1,600 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years; Owned
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A drive down (and up) windy mountain roads past farms, fields, and old country homesteads will bring you to an unexpectedly adorable log cabin; one that fortuitously persuaded Mia and her husband David to leave their urban Florida home of many years for the simple life in North Carolina. Realizing they would be able to retire early and also be near to Mia’s sister Elise—who also shares her eclectic design style—sealed the deal.
When you enter the main living space, you are greeted by a compass medallion painted on the floor, a mark left by the previous owners—a horticulturist and a woodworker who liked to travel and sail around the world. It’s now a symbol of Mia’s Neverland, or “Sweet Dreams Cabin” as she calls it. A sunroom has features that you might find on a houseboat—hinged storage under the stairs and marine-style windows, making you feel like you are on the water. Only you’re high up in the treetops surrounded by deer and nature.
Mia’s decor also reveals these two very different styles: mountain rustic with bright coastal, since she brought many of her items from Florida. Seeing jars of seashells and mermaid artwork in a log cabin is what makes her home distinctively hers, and she brings humor to it by juxtaposing a winter sled with a surfboard outside. Her mother is a big influence in her style and family antiques and vintage pieces are mixed with easy and affordable modern accessories in every room.
The charming vintage camper at the foot of the hill is Mia’s most recent splurge and obsession. Inspired by the original appliances, she decorated the inside to match, and you may find her there playing cards with Elise or enjoying a glass of wine with David. This little trailer is primed for adventure by day and sweet dreams by night.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: “Eclectic” would be the nice way of saying “hodge podge!!”
Inspiration: My mom, Charmayne! She was always YEARS ahead of the trends. She was intuitive, unafraid, and bold.
Favorite Element: I love all the windows. I feel like I’m living in a tree house. Now ask me what my least favorite element is and that would cleaning all the windows!
Biggest Challenge: Not painting anything. It seems wrong to paint the beautiful wood.
What Friends Say: They can’t believe I moved from such an urban setting where I could walk out of my front door to restaurants, shopping, and live music, to the country! Ha! I love both!
Biggest Embarrassment: The day I hung a beautiful, vintage black lace dress on the living room wall. I was told it looked like a haunted house.
Proudest DIY: My “inspirational message” chalkboard. It’s an old metal tray that I spray painted with chalkboard paint.
Biggest Indulgence: My “home away from home” vintage travel trailer. So many adventures await!
Best Advice: Surround yourself with things you love. Then sink in and enjoy.
Dream Sources: European flea markets. I’m dreaming big; I’ve never been to one…yet.
Resources of Note:
ENTRY
- Hutch: From my mom
- Rug: Yard sale
LIVING ROOM
- Sofa and Armchairs: Rooms To Go
- Rug: Home Goods
- Coffee Table: IKEA
- Floor Lamp: Target
- Table Lamp: Home Goods
- White Candle Holder: West Elm
- Faux Fur Pillows: Walmart
- White Paper Cast Art (above fireplace): Frank Gallo
- 3 “Swimming Lady” Prints & Frames (above fireplace): IKEA
- Gold Mirror: Anthropologie
- Deer Head: Gift
DINING ROOM
- Table & China Cabinet: From my mom
- Chairs: West Elm
- Chandelier: From my mom
- Candle Holder: West Elm
- Russel Wright Dishes: Collected by my mother-in-law
- Plates (on wall): West Elm
MASTER BEDROOM:
- Furniture: From my grandmother
- Bedspread: Anthropologie
- Throw: World Market
- Rug: Home Goods
- Yellow Shams: West Elm
- 2 Sconces: Estate sale
- “Gypsy Woman” sign: Sarah Becker Design (also did the tea towels and pottery bowls in the Kitchen)
MASTER BATHROOM
- Small Dresser & Cabinet: IKEA
- Rugs: World Market
SUNROOM
- Sofas: City Furniture (in Florida)
- Embroidered Pillows: Pier 1 Imports
- White End Table: West Elm
- Coffee Table: Estate sale
- Rug: From my grandmother
- Serving carts: gifts
Thanks, Mia!
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