What’s old is new again
When I decided to reopen the cabins, I was a bit overwhelmed at the task of paring down a lot of old linens and furnishings. I wanted to give everything an update, remove the clutter to highlight the stunning log walls and natural light, and add more Scandinavian styles. This discovery process actually became one of my favorite parts of the reopening experience. I soon found that giving a fresh look to old treasures is worth the time and effort.
There’s something especially beautiful and nostalgic about old wood furniture. You can almost visualize how the pieces were used by the prior generations and what repeated rituals over decades caused the bruises, rounded corners, and faded surfaces. The bruises and imperfections, after all, are what makes these pieces and structures so distinctive and memorable. Perfectly imperfect.
I made an effort to keep as many old furnishings as possible. Some had just fallen victim to rushed and inexpensive repair jobs. For example, gluing a Formica top on a beautiful wood table is practical but not the most beautiful treatment. Thankfully, a couple hours of TLC and some gentle sanding and refinishing was all that was needed to restore its original character and charm.
For some spaces, like the sauna, some real vision was needed! The sauna had long been used as a storage building but after the clutter was removed, I was able to create a pleasant changing room area. New paint, curtains, and carpet squares brightened the room and wood and wicker accents added warmth.
The original log benches and tables built by my grandparents are still used in many of the cabins and adorn the porches. These beauties were all made from wood from the property, cut and planed on the family sawmill, along with the logs that built the cabins. The care and effort to design these pieces is on display in every joint and angle. Craftsmanship at its finest.
It brings me joy to tenderly care for these pieces but also to continue to use them as they were intended to be used. That’s where the real beauty lies.
