Abby and Joe Albers transformed their 800-square-foot cabin in Pentwater, Michigan, into a cozy, nostalgia-filled retreat. What was once an old barn now stands as a charming, vintage-inspired getaway, reminiscent of a grown-up summer camp where every corner holds a story.
A Cabin with History
Abby and Joe discovered their lake home’s rich history through their friendly neighbors. Originally a barn or shed attached to nearby Victorian homes, the cabin was full of quirks. What started as a simple fixer-upper turned into a full renovation that unearthed its barn origins.
“We stripped it down to the studs,” says Abby. Along the way, they found clues of its past and made space for their unique design vision.
Found Treasures and Vintage Decor
Abby, co-owner of The Found Cottage, used her expertise in vintage design to give the cabin a campy, nostalgic atmosphere. The main floor features laminate wood flooring, ideal for sandy feet after a day at the beach. Abby anchored the space with a black plaid rug and added colorful, mismatched flea market finds, like floral chairs reminiscent of her grandmother’s home.
Vintage Artwork
A collection of amateur lakeshore paintings, bought for $10 to $15, adds a cohesive yet affordable touch above the fireplace. “I love that nothing matches,” says Abby, embracing the eclectic charm.
Creative Storage Solutions
Abby’s love of vintage suitcases, passed down from her antiques-dealer grandparents, shines in her cabin. Each suitcase serves double-duty, holding her son Otto’s toys or other essentials. For a fresh scent, Abby tucks fabric softener sheets inside.
Wool Blanket Storage
An old pharmacy cabinet stores wool blankets for chilly mornings. “Cold nights are common here,” Abby explains, so cozy layers are a must. The camp canteens add a playful, nostalgic touch.
Vintage Kitchen Charm
The kitchen keeps its mid-century charm with a metal sink and cabinet unit, likely from the 1950s. Abby added a personal touch with a collection of old signs featuring vintage fonts and playful camp themes.
Throwback Signage
A seafoam-colored farm cabinet adds counter space, while 1950s trading stamp signs—found on Facebook Marketplace for $50 and $75—add vintage flair. “I love how they look with the minty wood,” Abby says.
Nostalgic Seating and Collectibles
A painting dubbed “Salty Paul” watches over the kitchen table, which is paired with vintage Herman Miller shell chairs. These chairs, purchased for $50 each from Hope College where Abby and Joe met, are a sentimental nod to their shared history.
Compact Cabin Comfort
The cozy layout, with ceilings under six feet in some spots, is a hit with their son, Otto. “He calls it the ‘little house’,” Abby says. The small size keeps the family close, with a lofted bunk room for Otto featuring twin beds, camp stools, and a makeshift nightstand made of stacked vintage suitcases.
Crafting and Collected Decor
Abby’s love for camp-inspired arts and crafts extends to her bedroom, where paint-by-number wildlife scenes decorate the walls. “It’s gotten a bit out of control,” she jokes. These sentimental pieces, like the brass duck lamp and sea captain figures, give the cabin its playful, personal vibe.
Lake-Worthy Redo
In the living room, a midcentury armchair gets a fresh look with cushions made from wool blankets and grain sacks. Nearby, a pair of Burma-Shave signs, purchased for $95, nod to American road trip history and add a quirky, nostalgic touch.
Conclusion
Abby and Joe’s Michigan lake cabin is more than just a renovation—it’s a trip down memory lane. With its vintage collections, campy decor, and charming history, the cabin truly feels like a summer camp for grown-ups, where every piece has a story to tell.
