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When you dream of life in a cabin, what do you see? Is it a seaside cottage? A lakeside lodge? Or maybe a mountain cabin in the countryside of Scandinavia? Whether you're looking for daydream fuel or design ideas for a DIY build, the below list of cabins represents some of the best modern cabin design from around the world, and its guaranteed it'll get your creative gears turning.
From a concrete surf oasis in Mexico, to an extravagent A-frame in Ohio, these getaways prove there's no limit when it comes to designing, building, or buying your dream cabin. In recent years, the industry has expanded far beyond the humble log cabin. Now, its cliffside perches and private island chalets, but they still preserve the certain je ne sais quoi we look for in a bothy, cabin, hut, or pod—otherwise known as a life more simply lived.
The below list features modern cabins of every type, shape, size, material, and location to peruse and save to your mental mood board. Happy browsing!
25 Modern Cabin Designs Worth a Closer Look
Cabin ANNA
Placed on railroad tracks, this contemporary cabin can slide into a variety of different positions depending on the weather, or the inhabitant's needs. A hidden in-ground bath-tub and queen-sized bed make it all the more luxurious
Manta North
These prefab cabins from Latvian-based company Manta North are available in two different basic house designs, with the ability to customize floor plans, cladding, and finishes. An online ordering system makes them just as easy to design and order as a Domino's Pizza.
The Nami Project
Located on the western coast of Canada's picturesque Vancouver Island, just south of surfers' paradise Tofino in the tiny fishing community of Ucluelet, the Nami Project combines Japanese, Scandinavian, and Pacific Northwest aesthetics throughout a boutique hotel and four stand alone cabins. Generous sliding glass doors and a personal outdoor hot tub immerse guests in nature, while the charcoal black exterior compliments the Jurassic, rocky coastline.
The Lighthus Cabin
On the banks of California's South Lake Tahoe, this cabin masterfully combines modern home design and minimalist interior design. The architecture weaves through the surrounding forest, while inside, angled walls and a soft color palette create a peaceful atmosphere. A cedar-soaking tub is the cherry on top.
Phillipsport Pond House
Located in New York's Catskill region, the Pond House features contemporary design both inside and out. Clad in rusted corten standing seam panels, the exterior is beautifully highlighted throughout the Northeast seasons, while inside, the open plan dining area and living room look out over the property's pond. A large dining table and shelving made from a maple tree on the property add homey details.
The Brillhut
This tiny cabin located in the Bahamas embraces its seaside location with a minimalist, off-grid design. Storm panels open to expose the interior to the island elements, and no-fuss furnishings are the perfect place to fall asleep to crashing waves.
The Nook
Outside of Asheville, NC, this modern, cozy cabin is full of handcrafted details and all sorts of unique features, including an indoor swing and a shell-like bathhouse. Put together using art and furnishings from local makers, you're sure to get artsy yourself.
Lucia Smart Cabin
On the banks of Juutuanvuono Lake in Finland, the Lucia Smart cabin takes modern design and prefab homes to the next level with an all glass exterior and a bright orange kitchen. Besides some killer views, the little lake house also features clever lighting design, heated floors, a kitchenette, and a dock.
The Brook Tiny Home
Inspired by the famed retrofitted warehouses of New York City, the Brook Tiny Home features a spacious loft and an industrial vibe. Space-saving design was used throughout, like a retractable ladder that makes the central living space feel big but the pièce de résistance is the extendable roof.
Casa Salvaje
Casa Salvaje is a mountain chalet in the hills of Costa Rica that celebrates nature and it's local surroundings. The unique cabin design employs cosmic healing practices and a meditation area to create a hideaway that feels as good as it looks.
Arcana Mirror Cabin
Arcana cabins are nestled in the woods outside of Toronto, Canada, barely perceptile to the naked eye as they're covered with (wildlife friendly!) textured mirrored stainless steel panels. In contrast to a bold exterior, the interior design is extremely pared-down, providing only the necessities in a Zen-like atmosphere.
Holly Water Cabin
Located in southwest England, the Holly Water cabin displays a gorgeous use of cedar wood and vernacular architecture. The mono pitched roof provides a generous overhang under which a soaking tub sits, while inside, the cabin decor is just as in harmony with nature.
Nature Villa
The Nature Villa at Maidla Nature Reserve in Estonia doubles as a getaway for guests and an event space. The tiered roof provides seating and an elevated stage, while down below, the cabin features a central bed, fireplace, and a moody ambience.
Stilt Studios Treehouse
Located in Bali, Stilt Studios provides modern cabin plans both on and above ground. The treehouse models are particularly striking, with large overhang roofs, plenty of windows, and an exterior and interior made of locally sourced wood.
Inverlonan Bothy
In the countryside of Scotland, this nature retreat offers three small cabins for rent, called "bothies". Outfitted with a thoughtful curation of local art, furnishings, and textiles, the cabins represent the best of Scottish craftsmanship, celebrating the beautiful surroundings both inside and out.
Mylla Hytte Cabin
Perched on a lakeside site outside of Oslo, Norway, this 940-square-feet vacation home features four gabled roofs organized in a pin-wheel rotation so each "point" faces a distinctly different view of the surroundings. At its center, a living and dining area provides a gathering space.
Tasmania Black Box Cabins
Remote living has its perks, but sometimes it can be lonely. This cabin compound in Tasmania is the best of both worlds, with three cabins located just steps away from the next and owned by a different family in group of friends. Inside, each cabin has a barn-like feel, with towering ceilings, wood stained in warm tones, and large sliding doors.
Villa Kymmendö
On a private island in the Stockholm Archipelago, this glass-house takes direct inspiration from the Farnsworth House plan, with amenities and utilities at its center and passageways circumnavigating the interior.
Casa Tiny
Outside of surf-town Puerto Escondido in Mexico, Casa Tiny is a no-fuss, concrete dwelling just steps away from the ocean. A large, central table takes up most of the interior space, while a lofted bed looks out over the surroundings, and an in-ground pool is the perfect place for a dip, sans salt.
Sol Duc Cabin
The Sol Duc Cabin, a 350-square-feet structure perched overlooking the Sol Duc River in Washington State, is a fortress-like cabin with a custom steel shutter system that allows it to withstand the region's relentless weather, while the warm interior and plentiful headspace offer a comfortable retreat.
The Peace Cabin
Situated next to the Ucluelet inlet of B.C. Canada, the Peace Cabin is surrounded by old-growth forest and woodland creatures. Unique porthole windows look out over the surrodunings, while indoor and outdoor living lounge areas both feature a cozy fireplace.
Dunlap Hollow A-Frame
Ohio has an impressive number of well designed woodland cabins, and this modern A-frame is no exception. Floor-to-ceilings windows and eight skylights let in plenty of light to the mid-mod interior, while outside, a triangular deck hosts a seating area and hot tub.
Cabin Knapphullet
Built into a rocky Norweigan outcropping outside of Oslo, this unique cabin features sleek, contemporary design, a mezzanine, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and is constructed primarily of reinforced concrete and oak to match the surrounding landscape.
Rock Reach House
The Rock Reach House is built into the rocky outcroppings of the Mojave Desert of Joshua Tree, CA. Besides its striking location, the high-desert home features a wood-burning fireplace, an outdoor Jacuzzi and cowboy tub, and a minimalist interior.
Aux Box
Launched in 2018, the Vancouver Island-based company Aux Box makes prefab units and tiny, tiny houses for extra space or full-time dwelling. Their durable construction is designed to withstand harsh Canadian weather, while the simple, cube structure and interior provides the perfect blank space to embrace your inner designer.
Published 05-15-2023
