A Cabin Renovation & Restoration on the Russian River

Welcome to the 206th Metamorphosis Monday!

Recently I shared a wonderful Christmas table setting created by Julio who blogs at Beaux Mondes Design.  It was all I could do to not spill ALL the beans last Tablescape Thursday because I was dying to show you more of this wonderful cabin.

When Julio and Dan bought their “Russian River Dacha” it was in need of some serious restoration love.  The previous owners had made a few misguided upgrades (like metal windows) that just didn’t do this delightful cabin justice.  Julio could see it was a diamond in the rough and had tremendous potential.

Here’s a picture of how it looked on the outside before Julio got to work.  Note the metal windows, no shutters, metal door with fanlight and the drab brown exterior.

Cabin Exterior Renovation

Inside was in pretty rough shape, too.  There was so much hidden coziness and charm just waiting to be revealed.

Cabin Living Room Renovation

Check out that rock fireplace.  Wait until you see it decorated for Christmas!

Cabin Living Room Renovation 2

Here’s another view of the fireplace.  Note the lighting on either side.  It’s about to get a major makeover, too.  The entire cabin needed extensive work and as costs mounted, Julio began to worry that his design budget was in major jeopardy.  We all know how that goes, don’t we?  Those hidden issues that surface once you start ripping out carpeting and tearing out old baths.

Cabin Living Room Renovation 3

Ready for the metamorphosis?  I’ll give you a little hint by showing you Julio’s Design board for his Russian River Dacha.

Design Board for Renovation

 

As we approach the cabin, we see the outside has been transformed.  Remember the drab brown-colored exterior?  Now it’s a rich green.  Red shutters add charm galore to this wonderful cabin nestled in the woods.

Russian River Dacha Cabin Renovation

The stark white door that just didn’t belong is only a faint memory, now.  In its place we find a red Dutch door, just perfect for letting in those river breezes.

Red Dutch Door
A peek through the Dutch door and it’s shock and awe!   Just look at that gorgeous chandelier!

Beautiful Cabin Lodge Living Room Renovation

  Are you asking yourself if this can possibly be the same place?  I know, I know!  It’s amazing, isn’t it?!

Beautiful Cabin Lodge Living Room Renovation

 A view looking back toward the front door.  Such vision it took to create this transformation!

Beautiful Cabin Lodge Living Room Renovation

Julio had curtains made in a Stewart plaid and they are so perfect for this wonderful cabin.  I love the red, deer-silhouette pillow!

Beautiful Cabin Lodge Living Room Renovation

Notice how Julio took the art all the way up.  It really draws the eye upward…love that!

Beautiful Cabin Lodge Living Room Renovation
There’s a cozy writing corner for sending out warm Christmas greetings.  Or, perhaps an invitation for a special Christmas dinner.

Beautiful Cabin Lodge Living Room Renovation

Peter the Great is looking rather satisfied with this makeover, wouldn’t you say? 🙂

Beautiful Cabin Lodge Living Room Renovation

Remember the rock fireplace with the small lamps on either side?  Is this not breathtaking?  I just kept staring at this photo on Julio’s blog.  So beautiful!  I love the deer and the antelope with wreaths on either side!  I need to put a big ole wreath around my little deer next year.  🙂

Beautiful Cabin Lodge Living Room Renovation

Everywhere you look, something magical catches the eye.

Beautiful Cabin Lodge Living Room Renovation

The great room wasn’t the only area to receive a complete makeover.  Visit Beaux Mondes Designs to see the beautiful metamorphosis of the bedrooms, as well as the addition of a wonderful dining space.  Thanks, Julio for sharing your wonderful Russian River Dacha!

Cabin Bedroom Before Renovation

 

Looking forward to all the fabulous Before and Afters for this Met Monday!

If you are participating in Metamorphosis Monday you will need to link up the “permalink” to your MM post and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on your post name, then just copy and paste the address that shows up in the address bar at the top of your blog, into the “url” box for InLinkz.

In order to link up, you’ll need to include a link in your MM post back to the party so the other participants will have an opportunity to receive visits from YOUR wonderful blog readers.

Please observe these few rules:
Only link up Before and After posts that are home, gardening, crafting, painting, sewing, cooking, DIY related.
Do not link up if you’re doing so to promote a website or product.
Do not link up a post that was just linked last week since a lot of readers will have already seen that post.
Do not type in ALL CAPS.  It spreads the links waaaay out.

Let’s try something fun today! Please visit the person who linked before you and after you…that way everyone will get some visits.


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Comments

  1. That is one spectacular before and after! Great mix of masculine style with pretty touches.
    Happy New Year!
    Jeanette

  2. What an amazing transformation. Just beautiful. Happy New Year Susan!

  3. Happy New Year!

  4. merle turner says

    The outside is very much improved and inside is much warmer and inviting.
    Merle…….

  5. I am definitely visiting Julio. I cannot wait for J to see this. Dare I plan another project? So many ideas we can use to further transform the lodge.

    Happy New Year, Susan!

  6. Wow! Stunning transformation! Happy New Year, Susan!

  7. Wow, what a renovation! They did a fantastic job of bringing life back into the cabin. Thanks for sharing — and hosting — Susan. Happy New Year to you!

  8. that’s a pretty dramatic transformation and so beautiful! Thank you for hosting MM Susan. Mine transformation is just a very simple thing but may give some inspiration to others. Happy New Year. xo

  9. Susan~ In a word…Wow! Thanks for sharing and hosting! Wishing you a Healthy & Happy New Year!

  10. Wow, that was a fabulous tour. I want to see more of what he has done to that wonderful jewel in the woods. And the deer and the antelope are perfect. Its what all well dressed cabins need. Shiny but not ‘stuffed’, if you know what I mean.

  11. That is spectacular design vision. I could live here in an instant. I’m glad he kept the wood walls as it so adds to the cabin feel and the coziness and accents the Ralph Lauren look of the space. It is to die for down to the last detail. Please please let us see the pics of his kitchen when he finishes it. Love this space!

  12. Susan,
    Just beautiful!! What a transformation!! Thanks again for sharing another great home with us!!

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

  13. My heart be still! Those are my colors and I love, love, love that leopard chair. What a dream home….if only 🙂 ~ Sandi

  14. Thanks for sharing this wonderful home! Happy New Year!

  15. Susan,
    What an amazing transformation!!!
    I adore the use of multiple fabric choices! The tartan plaid is not only stunning for the Season,
    but all year through in this River hide~away!
    That fireplace is magnificient! The high ceilings are fabulous!
    Thank you for sharing this Metamorphosis to begin the 2013 Season of MM!!!
    Susan, thank you for hosting each week. . .inspiration always abounds!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

  16. Beautiful transformation! Thanks for hosting! Have a Happy New Year!
    Blessings,
    Nici

  17. Wow, Susan – what an amazing place! Love all of the tartan plaid. Thank you for sharing and thank you for hosting. Happy New Year!

  18. Wow…what a transformation!!…I love the juxtaposition of the stone fireplace and that elegant chandelier!!….the cabin is so elegant, yet so cozy and comfortable!….Happy New Year Susan….may all your dreams come true in 2013…my wishes to you for a very happy and healthy one too!!!

  19. This is truly an amazing transformation. I went to the Beau Monde link and saw the pictures that were taken before he decorated for Christmas and his house is really beautiful. BUT….his Christmas decorations add an elegance to the main living area that takes your breath away. I love what he did to that cabin. I would love to be involved from beginning to end in a remodel like that….to actually watch how everything came together from the drawing board to the last finishing touch. If Julio ever decides he does not want the mirror over the fireplace, please snag it for me!!! I think that is the most dramatic, beautiful mirror I have ever seen and it is so striking on that stone chimney. Thanks for sharing this beautiful cabin with us. What a perfect close to a wonderful year of BNOTP!

  20. That is SO AWESOME! I was enthralled from the very start of your post! I never expected the end, WOW! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful transformation!

  21. Truly inspiring for those who have a vision. Thanks for sharing Julio’s, Susan. The chandelier IMHO is the crowning touch of beauty. -Brenda-

  22. This one took my breath away!!! Just wonderful how everything coordinates (the paisley chair, every room should have “some” leopard, etc.!!!) I will certainly be visiting that blog…there aren’t enough hours!! franki p.s. THANKS for finding these fascinating displays and HAPPY NEW 2013 BLOG YEAR!!

  23. Good Morning Susan,
    I am sooo glad I discovered you and BNOTP! Every post brings a smile, a laugh and/or inspiration. Actually all three… Loved The Christmas Tour and this “cabin in the woods” is a treat, especially because I am looking for a new home which may well lead to just such a project. ( My husband cringes at the thought…) Do you know the dimensions of this little gem? Couldn’t find them when I looked at Julio’s site….
    Blessings and Best Wishes for the New Year,
    Sheila C

  24. Mary from Virginia says

    The cabin is amazing. The front of the house is charming and certainly beckons a further look, but wow the interior is unexpected and magical. I would have never thought to use gold or the various fabrics together. This is why I enjoy reading blogs, I learn so much from others who have the gift of decorating! Thank you so much for sharing this cabin! I’m ready to pack up and go see it in person!

    Have a Happy New Year, may 2013 be the best to you!

  25. Thank you for sharing such a fun tour! Charming,
    Deb@LakeGirlPaints

  26. Wow! What a change in the cabin. A-mazing! Thanks so much for hosting! I hope you have a fantastic New Years’ Eve celebrating and Happy New Year!
    KC

  27. Oh my gosh, Susan, this transformation was so amazing! Everything is just beautiful! Thanks for sharing this, the beautiful Victorian home, and for being such a great hostess of this party!

    Happy New Year!
    Carol

  28. Who hasn’t dreamed of renovating an old cabin in the woods – its amazing! Love the dutch door and that fabulous chandelier! Wishing you a wonderful new year Susan!
    Kelly

  29. I AM in shock and awe!!!! This is incredible!!! Julio is an amazing decorator and I can’t wait to suscribe to his blog. Thanks so much for sharing this and HAPPY NEW YEAR, Susan. Can’t wait to see what you bring us in 2013. XO, Pinky

  30. Wow! That’s all I can say. I love it. Thanks for sharing.

  31. Jeannie from WNC says

    Absolutely stunning! Just wondering, did Julio have to replace the flooring or did he just sand and refinish it?

    • Hi Jeannie,
      Thank you for the compliment. Unfortunately, the original floor had been covered first with asbestos tiles and then carpet and could not be salvaged. So after the carpet was removed and the asbestos abated, new sub flooring was installed and then new hardwood.

  32. Susan, I LOVE, LOVE this incredible cottage transformation!!!! It is amazing! It incorporates all my favorite things about European interior design — most especially the plaid. WOW!

    Thank you for hosting every week. 🙂

    Hugs,

    Denise

  33. WOW ! That now looks so cozy! Love that transformation.
    -Trish

  34. Julio is one of the sweetest and most talented design bloggers, and I always can’t wait to see what he does next. Thanks for sharing his work with those who may not be familiar with it.

  35. What a transformation!!! Thank you so much for hosting!!Happy New year!!
    xx
    Anne

  36. How beautiful! I’m off to click on the link to have a look at the rest of the cabin.

  37. What an amazingly decorated space! I’m speechless. Gorgeous inside and out!

  38. Wow! What an exquisite cabin. Thank you for sharing and thank you for hosting. Wishing you a Wonderful New Year. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

  39. I don’t comment often, but this is magnificent!! Few people would have the vision to create this transformation. BRAVO!!

  40. Gloria Lawrence says

    Happy New Year..Many Blessings to you and your family in 2013..May all your dreams be fulfilled..From my mountain to yours, Hugs and smiles Gloria
    Give your sister my very best Susan..I have lost touch with her when my puter crashed..

  41. Susan, thanks so much for sharing this gorgeous cabin! Using the plaid at the windows was genius! I have been to the Russian River area and I thought it was just gorgeous in its natural beauty. And this cabin is a real gem in the midst of that beauty! Happy New Year Susan! I’m so happy to have met you online and in person, and I treasure your friendship. Many blessings to you in 2013!

  42. Rattlebridge Farm says

    Susan, this is an amazing transformation. I’m swooning over the tartan draperies. The cabin could be at home in the Scottish highlands. I hope you have a fantastic 2013!!!

  43. Susan, Happy New Year! Thank you for sharing this magnificent home! Yes, Peter the Great looks proud..preety sure the fireplace menagerie are smiling too! I’d love to transport into that home for a visit. WOW! Thanks for hosting your wonderful party!

  44. Vicki Patton says

    This was beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing. I am so glad I discovered BNOTP! Eye candy for sure. I’m a dish fanatic. I would love to see a sample of all your sets of china/dishes. Happy New Year!!!

  45. Uahuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!
    Happy New Year! ^_^

  46. Happy New Year Susan!

    Thank you for yet another great article about our cabin. It was a privilege to share it with your readers. Thank you also to your readers for their generous compliments. More importantly, thank you for continuing to host such a entertaining and successful blog. Have a healthy and prosperous 2013

  47. Margaret Robinson says

    Wow – this is totally awesome! You’ve raised the bar for “cabins” around the Russian River area – it sooooo outclasses much of what’s there. We went through Guerneville on our way to Sea Ranch just before Christmas and the River was almost at flood stage (thankfully, it seemed much lower on our return drive). Hope you stayed high and dry and had no damage to this wonderful and beautiful place. Kudos to a job more than well done!

  48. FABULOUS MAKEOVER UNTIL I GOT TO THE CRYSTAL CHANDELIER…..I THINK A HUGE ANTLER ONE WOULD HAVE LOOKED A LOT BETTER WITH THE REST OF THE SPACE…..LOVE THE LEOPARD CHAIR WITH ALL THE PLAID…

  49. Debbie Rice says

    WOW WOW WOW, just came across this revolution of the cabin. Can we see more? How did he do the bedrooms and bath? I love this. Please show me more.

  50. OMG. This is so cool. I was looking for inspiration for the front of my rental cabin, and not only got that, but now I have to reconsider the inside as well!! Oh to hell with budgets!

  51. HI THIS IS JUST BREATH TAKING AWE INSPIRING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RE NOV ATI ON I HAVE EVER SEEN. I LOVEIT. I WISH I HD THIS TALENT.
    WHAT EXTERIOR PA IN COLOR/BRAND DID YOU USE?

  52. I just found you via this post as I seek inspiration for my own cabin renovation! What a treat! This was like pure sugar for the senses…..can I ever hope to make such a dramatic change in my own cabin?? Now everything I’ve chosen seems drab and boring. :/. But it seems I’ve found a treasure trove if inspiration here and I look forward to my BNOTP updates!

    • Thanks Kristin! Julio is amazing…so talented. Everything he does is gorgeous! I was so happy he let me share his wonderful cabin. You may also want to visit his blog, Beaux Mondes…he may have posted additional pictures of the rest of the cabin by now. I think he was still working on the bedrooms and some other areas when this post was written.

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