The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway

by Dale Mulfinger, Susan E. Davis

" The Cabin is our heart's retreat" write the authors, and what a wonderful place to escape to. Building on the theory that less is more, The Cabin takes this idyllic retreat from mind's eye to reality--with striking photographs and ample charm. In this one-of-a-kind book, you'll discover an amazing array of design styles and materials -- from sticks and stones to sheet metal and glass. You'll find 37 inspirational cabins from all over the country showing how people are building, reclaiming and transforming this unique American dwelling. The Cabin celebrates the appeal of this unique form or retreat, providing inspiration and practical ideas for realizing your own cabin dream. Based on design, shape, age and material, the cabins are divided into four distinct rustic, traditional, modern and transformed. Whatever the style, each is a classic American getaway. The Cabin

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction, Reference, Design

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2001

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the houses in this book look like the inside of a Cracker Barrel, which would normally chap some of my German ass genes. But the Welsh genes, a cheek away, the kind that love color, drinking, and dancing have made peace with the pictures, because most of them portray tennis rackets, sun hats, berry baskets, and those items are usable, reasonable things for cabin porches. But then, oh my eyes! I would turn another page and a wooden goose with raffia feathers would be resting on a wood floor, beak inside a doorway. Cast iron roosters would be in kitchens for no good reason- they weren't cake pans, bread molds...they were just there, strutting around soffits. In a cabin, every space counts. And it pains me to see all the people who love cabins waste their space, just like it hurts to open a design book for home interiors and see nothing but white floors, ceilings, slipcovers, with a light khaki lampshade thrown in for what someone thinks is naughtiness.
Still, this book had some good things- information on house placement in regards to prevailing winds, and a cabin plan that I loved, called Le Porch. But I can't live in Le Porch forever, I have four children and have not enough Thoreau appreciation.

[RebL · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book passed through my hands on the way from one friend to another. It's a lovely book to dream over, with exquisite photography.

[Lynette Lark · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husband and I both read this book mainly because we're renovating the house next door and needed some ideas because that house is on the small side (but what a great view of the lake!).

I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants a vacation home or just a tiny house. My husband particularly liked the "fire tower" because he's always wanted one. I always wanted a tree house which we had once. We could combine both I think.

[Martin Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of cool ideas. I have been following the Tiny Home scene recently and realized I had this book but never read it.

[Karen Sofarin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures and stories of reclamation.

[Richardwallin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written hy an architect, describes the four types of cabins; rustic, transformed, traditional, and modern. A cabin must be 1,200 square feet or less to qualify as a cabin. He gives multiple examples of each type of cabin. He shows how cabins have a "personality" and each cabin provide a function for the family that uses it. It has made me realize that before building a cabin, one must decide what the cabin should express; what feeling it should hold, and how it should function. It is an inspirational read.

[Kathie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

You should just go out & buy this one. I know I'll turn to this book repeatedly just to daydream. Nice source section in the back so you can just order your cabin kit. ;-) The only thing I would ask for is a detailed listing of where the builders got some of the things in the pictures (names of paint colors, where to buy furniture, etc.). This would make a welcome gift to just about anyone.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eye candy that is, as claimed, "inspiration" for having a cabin some day. If this book doesn't leave you wishing you had a remote retreat to which you can escape, something is wrong.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed looking at the beautiful cabin pictures, especially as we are currently and finally building our own self made cabin escape!! What a dream! :-)

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extensive information on cabins.

[Carley Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love flipping through this book! It is fun to dream.

[Marci Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book for years and I enjoy the simplicity of log cabins. The photos are incredible and there are a ton of great ideas here for living in a log cabin.