Refreshing This 1930s Catskills Cabin Made It Just the Right Amount of Rustic

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Project Details:

Location: Middleburgh, New York

Designer: Earth to People / @earthtopeoplestudio

Footprint: 978 square feet

Styling: Ashley Cheeks

Photographer: Capture Catskills

From the Designer: "Nestled on almost two acres in the heart of the Catskill Mountains with direct frontage on the Catskill Creek sits this charming family cottage that strays from convention. Historic details from this circa-1932 wood clad cabin are paired with environmentally mindful and modern refinements to create a unique celebration of nature, closeness, and the present.

"The renovation features non-toxic stains, plant-based paint, and renewable materials like local Eastern pine sheathing and cedar shingles. Everything runs on electric—no fossil fuels—and the hemp insulation has a net-zero carbon footprint.

"Further upgrades in this intimate, hand-built home include a full cosmetic refresh: from newly installed, handcrafted yakisugi wood siding, charred personally by the owner/designer, to new custom kitchen cabinetry made in New York. The house now has top-tier electric appliances such as a Smeg fridge, Forno Stove, Forte dishwasher, and Samsung washer and dryer. The renovation also includes a restored vintage farmhouse sink, Hudson Reed electric cast-iron radiators, Clé handmade tiles, a refinished vintage cast iron tub sourced from the Historic Albany Foundation, unlacquered brass faucets and exposed copper pipes meant to patina, and custom fixtures throughout. A labor of love, the owners/designers did much of the work themselves to create a healthy refuge for themselves and their children.

"Upstairs beckons with serene bedrooms set beneath the tree canopy. Peace of mind comes standard, thanks to earthen materials that swaddle you. Home becomes a refuge for respite and a welcomed escape from the ordinary.

"The home lives and breathes with the landscape, mirroring the surrounding mountain range and five state forests, one with nature and filled with a plethora of woody aromas. Across the tree-lined drive, there is an additional .9 acres currently being kept as a pollinator field."