5 Ways to Bring Your Lake Cabin Back to Life this Summer

It’s finally summer in Wisconsin and you can’t wait to open your lake house… you make it to the front door, turn the key… and a stale waft of musty air smacks you in the face.

Ick.

We’ve all been there, and it’s never pleasant. Musty odors are just one of many side effects of shutting your cabin up for the winter, but this doesn’t have to rain on your parade…

Opening your cabin and bringing it back to life is easier (and more fun) than you might think! Check out our tried-and-tested tips for helping your cabin smell, look, and feel as fresh as can be this year.

1. Throw Those Windows Open Wide

This sounds like a no-brainer, but we know there’s nothing quite like a steady stream of fresh air to give old odors the boot!

So when we say to throw open your cabin’s windows, we mean ALL of them. You’ll want to get a nice breeze into every room, nook, and cranny. For rooms without windows, use standing or ceiling fans to drive the old air out and the new air in.

2. Get Rid of Your Cabin’s “Musty Lost Causes”

We hate to break it to you, but throw pillows and area rugs are what we call “musty lost causes.” Even if you go to town on them with a vacuum and extra-strength Febreze, you’ll find it difficult to permanently remove the musty odor.

Instead of doing battle with your pillows and rugs, we recommend tossing these items and replacing them with new ones. (We also recommend storing these items in your primary residence during the winter.)

An added benefit of replacing these items is that you have the chance to update the look of your cabin. A new rug and pillows — especially in some creative and exciting colors — will help your lake home feel even more fresh and alive.

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3. Make Your Lake Cabin Shine Like New

Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. Not only can painting revive your walls and trim, but trying a fresh, new color can completely change the look and feel of your space.

Target an accent wall, a whole room, or even your porch. We promise the effort will be well worth the payoff: a summer cabin that feels brand new.

4. Give Your Cabin’s Woodwork Some Good Old T-L-C

Cabins are known for their woodwork, but months of being shut up can leave walls, floors, and even cabinetry looking a bit parched.

Our go-to is a Murphy’s Oil and water solution. (Use about ¼-½ cup for every gallon of water.) Not only will the solution bring out your woods’ natural tones, but it will add a bright and fresh aroma to your cabin. We call that a win-win!

5. Bring in a New Set of Eyes

We’ve been in interior design for a while, but we’re still amazed by how rearranging the furniture in a space can completely revive its appearance. The best way to do this for your cabin is to get a new set of eyes on it.

Give the experts at Lakeside Living Design a call to schedule your design consultation. We’ll take into account the way you and your guests interact with the space and how you want to feel in it. Then, we’ll share our expert advice and give you the tools to make it happen.