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Deuce Cities Henhouse

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Western Wisconsin Cabin
Guys! I guess I just took a month of from the blog, whoopsiee. Normally I would feel guilty about that sort of thing, but I don’t, cause I had good reason. I shared with you guys that we were about to buy a cabin two hours from MPLS (aka the Twin Cities) in the heart of western Wisconsin (aka West Wisco). The weeks leading up to the closing were intense to say the least. Emotions were high, and Jeff and I were trying our hardest to keep cool and calm. I think we did a pretty good job of that, but purchasing property of any kind is always such a high stress situation. I was also hoarding a bunch of stuff to bring up to the cabin and making final arrangements. So many little details had to be ironed out, there was just no time for blogging.

Besides just moving a bunch of our stuff a long distance, there was tons of work to get at. Let’s start with the furniture. The place came fully furnished, it had been a rental for the last 10 years or so years, and the furniture was just a part of the deal. Unfortunately we had no use for about 3/4 of what we had inherited and it needed to be moved out before we could move in. We had a bunch of days of good weather, and we moved every piece of furniture out into the driveway before we then donated what we could and brought the remainder to the dump. In a mad rush we tore up the carpet which had been harboring a majority of that highly disgusting musty cabin smell. You know that stink that’s so abrasive that it makes you seriously regret your decision for a minute or two?

We had the carpet up in no time we estimate around an hour, and were more than happily surprised by the condition of the wood floors underneath. We knew that there were wood floors, but we had no idea what was in store for us as far as their condition goes. We lucked out big time, all these floors need is a good cleaning (still needs to be done) and they will be good to go. What a find!

Between pulling up staples we built a sofa, cleaned, built 2 sets of bunk beds, wrestled mattresses, replaced bedding, sweated our balls off, built some chairs, built some more chairs, assembled a patio table, hung party lights, cleaned out closets, moved old sofas and chairs to the basement for the kids, de-leafed the bottom of a lake, built a trampoline, inflated a relaxation station for swimming, got a DEHUMIDIFIER (!) running full time in the basement, bought a pontoon, tipped a pontoon on the HWY, had a few windows replaced, and are just now READY to take a load off and really sit back and enjoy the space for the rest of the summer before we start attacking our ever-growing list of future projects.

See! This is why I had no time to pop in on the blog. Now that we’re pretty much settled I would love to take projects a little bit slower and share with you as we go. Whew. Also, what’s up with my blog, it looks crazy r n! I’ll have to find time to figure out what is UP!?!

Here are a few more photos, I’m including the MLS photo of the furnished living room, the living room sans furniture but w/ carpet, and the living room as it sits today. We actually only bought a few pieces of new furniture for the space. Ikea was having a sofa sale at the end of the spring and we decided to just go for it, and ordered the Soderhamn. I love it! I think all sofas should probably be these. It’s so cozy and it looks kidna fancy for an Ikea sofa. It’s designed to be very modular, can have the arms removed (which we did) and the “look” can easily be customized with the addition of pillows. It’s like they left extra space for you to throw your own cushions in there to make it perfect, just for ya. I made the army canvas pillows myself from some military surplus laundry bags, I love them, they are soft and cozy. Not pictured is the Saarinen-style womb chair that I purchased brand new from craigslist. Someone in my neighborhood had ordered this chair from Amazon and was unhappy with the color so I got it for half the list price. The rug is our outdoor patio rug and the coffee table which I built for the patio earlier this summer were rudely stolen from our house. I like the rug outdoor rug in this space, and with wet feet from the lake, I think it will wear well. Like I said, the coffee table was meant for our MPLS patio, but got a little soggy in the rain, it works better here. Next season we’ll replace what we stole from home. The camp chairs from Urban Outfitters are exactly what I wanted them to be too – casual cabin, modern, and the color of the army green canvas is too perfect. The fiddle leaf fig and the Albini rattan pouf are both from home, fingers crossed that the fig will be happy here – it’s lost a few leaves which is typical of a new location but I’m still a bit worried. The dining table and chairs was one of the only items we held on to from the furniture we inherited with the home, they chairs have a nice profile and the table can be remedied with a tablecloth – for now. In case your curious, I will list sources below, and if you have any other questions, bring ‘em.

Thanks for all your nice comments, both here and on my instagram over the last few weeks! I am going to respond to each an every one of them.

Western Wisconsin Cabin Western Wisconsin Cabin

Western Wisconsin Cabin
U|O Camp Chairs | Albini Ottoman | Table Cloth | Soderhamn Sofa | Rattan Basket | Green Vase | Rug | Buffalo Check Cushion Covers | Lamp | Chandelier | Tray | Womb Chair

58 comments
in The Cabin
58 comments… add one
  • AnnMarie August 11, 2017

    Amazing! I’ve been following your cabin adventures on Instagram, and couldn’t wait to learn more about it! I’m looking forward to your posts about it. ^_^

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      I hope to have a lot more posts once I get the kids back in school! I’m counting down the days…

  • Lynnie August 11, 2017

    Wow! Those floors are great! I’m not clairvoyant but I see many happy summers in your future. You’ve really done a great job on this space.

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Thanks! We got lucky with the floors, we were living to live with really bad floors – we just NEEDED to have that carpet out!

  • Nicki August 11, 2017

    LOVE the cabin vibes. SO envious. Excellent choices and it makes me want to stalk the MLS for new listings daily!

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Stalking the MLS is one of my favorite things to do even when I have no where to move. It’s kinda like spying. It was a property that came up on our saved zillow search which pushed us to really get serious.

  • Alyssa August 11, 2017

    Thanks for taking the time to write this post! I’ve been looking forward to an update. You’ve done an amazing job setting up your cabin. It’s come together so well. I think you can call it done! You make it look so easy. I hope you can settle in and enjoy this amazing space. You’re living the dream!

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Thank you so much, Alyssa! Getting settled has been lots of fun, we’ve been trying our hardest to just sit still and enjoy the last few weeks of summer. There will be time to putz all winter ;)

  • gigi August 11, 2017

    Wow. You have done so much in so little time. Can’t wait to see more inside and out. Enjoy

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      I’m chomping at the bit to share more, gotta get these kids back in school and then (hopefully) there will be a flurry of posts!

  • kristin August 11, 2017

    Love the cabin, congrats!!

    What do you think of the Urban Outfitters chairs now that you own them? They’re very cool, but how do you think they’ll wear? Does it seem like they might fade or pill? And do you find them comfortable? Something you could spend some time reading a book in?

    I know you haven’t owned them long, just any insight you might have would be helpful.

    thanks for your time!

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Hey Kristin! Sorry for the delay, I thought I’d be able to get back to you guys sooner. The chairs look really cool, they would probably drive me crazy if I was sitting in them all the time, but they work well as side chairs. The snaps aren’t super heavy duty, so I am having to re-snap them often – annoying(!). That being said, they seat is firm and the cushions are cushy. I imagine the fabric being very durable over time and hiding stains well – def no pilling. I’m not sure I’d recommend reading a book in it, as the seat back are short, but we have cozied up in them in front of the fire. I like throwing my legs up over the arms and using the other arm as a headrest.

      • Kristin August 24, 2017

        Thank you! That helps a lot!

  • SH August 11, 2017

    Wow, those floors! I never, ever would have thought a white sectional could ever work, but so glad one of us has the insight and creativity and talent to realize otherwise :) This is beautiful. And cozy. Look forward to photos of fall and winter and fire in fireplace.

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Heya! The space needed to have zones, and the sectional did a great job of dividing the dining area and fireplace from the “living/hanging area”. So far I am all about this sofa, it is SO COMFY, everyone says so. There was even a full glass of Mike’s Hard Black Cherry dumped all over the white fabric – it all came off with a gentle cycle wash and letting the cover hang to dry. I can’t wait to share more soon!

  • Staci August 11, 2017

    It looks amazing. A true testament to what a difference the right furniture can make.

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Thanks! I hope I am not putting it together too fast – in the past I have been the queen of slow and thoughtful when it comes to figuring out the layout of a room . Doing the 3D sketchups in advance helped tons with the decision making.

  • Brianna August 11, 2017

    I’ve SO been looking forward to a cabin update post! What a difference pulling out the carpet and updating the furniture made. We have a long-term goal of owning a small cabin on a lake in Northern Ontario. so I feel like I am living vicariously through you right now–and seeing that it’s possible to update a wood-heavy space without losing the cabin charm. Eager to see more, but also wishing you a relaxing end-of-summer to enjoy your awesome new place on the lake. :)

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Thanks, Brianna! Owning a cabin has been on our “maybe-someday” list forever, in the last year we new if we really wanted it, that we’d have to change our spending and try and make it a priority. I hope that you can make that dream a reality someday! I keep saying that I wish there were more cabin blogs, I would read them all front to back, all the time!

  • Erin Prohaska August 11, 2017

    What a beaut! I live in SC Wisco, actually headed to the Minneapolis area next week so I’ll be driving past your new digs. What a fun experience that is sure to provide many memories for family & fun for years to come. Congrats!

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Hi Erin! Yeah, you probably drove by – we are in the Hayward area. Wisconsin is such a pretty state, we’ve been enjoying the drive (if you can believe that)! We can’t wait to make lots of memories, there has already been a lot of good ones made!

  • Tom Allen August 11, 2017

    Wow Alison. I had no idea how much work you guys went through. This place looks absolutely awesome. Can’t wait to see it.

    Tom

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Can’t wait for you to see it too! It’s been fun taking it from ugly to not ugly :)

  • lauralou August 12, 2017

    So splendid! Can’t wait for the future updates.

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Thanks! I’m getting stoked to share more – kids are almost back in school, and that’ll mean a lot more time to blog.

  • Meghan Campbell August 12, 2017

    Incredible. What an amazing transformation, you deserve huge credit for all your efforts!! Enjoy the rest of your season! Well done

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Thanks, Meghan! We spent the last 10 days at the cabin and enjoyed every second of it, even the rainy days.

  • Jennifer August 12, 2017

    It looks amazing! Taking up the carpet and refreshing the interior let the good bones shine. And the wood looks so good-(rhyme intended)! The dining chairs that came with the cabin caught my eye. They have nice lines, almost midcentury. Enjoy the cabin!

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Hey Jennifer! There really are good bones, I love the ceiling and beams – and the tree cut outs on the upstairs railing. Good spy, yes the chairs are worth saving and they do have a mid-century vibe to them. I just spent part of last weekend painting them a matte black and they look way awesome. Will be sharing soon :)

  • Bridget Wall August 13, 2017

    Gorgeous! Enjoy your time at the lake!

  • Vanessa August 13, 2017

    You tipped the pontoon on the highway!? Is it ok? What happened? My sister-in-law has one, it seats 8 people and 5 dogs, what could be better?

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Yes! It was our nightmare come true. We had planned so carefully and done all of our research. We were taking a left turn at turtle-like speed, and it was just enough momentum to tip the pontoon on it’s side. My brother and I jumped out and with the help of a passerby (and loads of adrenaline) popped the pontoon and trailer back upright. Crazy! We still haven’t gotten in the lake, but are hoping to have it in next season, can’t wait for sunset cruises!

  • Erin August 14, 2017

    It looks absolutely gorgeous! Can’t wait to see more.

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Thanks, Erin! I’m excited to share more :)

  • Elise August 14, 2017

    Way cool! Everything looks fantastic. Congrats to the whole family on this wonderful adventure!

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Thanks, Elise! We are still so stoked – can’t wipe the smiles off our faces.

  • Mimi August 15, 2017

    Looks so great! Tell me about de-leafing a lake

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      We have no idea how to do any of this cabin stuff, so we have been just making it up as we go. We knew that there was a sandy bottom to the lake but a few seasons worth of leafs had built up. We have been diligently using rakes to get the debris on the bottom up and then tossing it on the shore to dry out, and the kids swimming has helped quite a bit too. Don’t know if it’s the right way, or the most effective way to do it, but it’s been working so far!

  • Becky August 16, 2017

    Congrats! It looks great!

  • Kari August 17, 2017

    It looks gooooood. And those floors? PRAISE!

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      I know! We SO lucked out.

  • Jody August 18, 2017

    I don’t know you but I’m so happy for you! You guys seem like genuine people and this cabin is awesome! Can’t wait to follow along with your projects as they unfold, enjoy!

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Hey, Jody! That’s super nice of you to say, thank you! I am getting so excited to share more very soon, just need to get these dang kids back in school ;)

  • Anna August 20, 2017

    Awesome! So lucky about the floors! Will you be renting the cabin out when you’re not using it?

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Hey Anna, No plans to rent it out as of this point, but who knows! I guess it depends on how much we use it, and as of right now, we have plans to use it a lot. There is tons to do all winter in our area – so we’ll be using it year round.

  • Lori August 22, 2017

    That looks fantastic! I’m so happy for you guys!

    So…those camp chairs. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the comfiest, where would you rank them? Are they cozy enough to lounge in?

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Unfortunately, I would rank them a 6 or so on cozy level. They are good for occasional seating, but I would not want them for my every-day seating. I like to throw my legs up over the arm and lean back on the other arm – that’s when they are most loung-y.

  • Lindsey August 23, 2017

    Wow! Congrats Allison. It looks so cozy and how awesome that you scored the hardwood under the carpet.

    • Scoops August 23, 2017

      Thanks, Lindsey! I know, we totally lucked out on the NICE hardwood under the carpet. We were willing to live with any state of floors as long as the carpet was gone.

  • Kami August 24, 2017

    I love it! Is the couch comfy? I’ve always wondered about Ikea couches. They’re so friggin’ cute!

  • cheryl larimer August 27, 2017

    Congrats on your cabin! You have incredible taste and I love following your projects and finding new design ideas.

  • Gabby September 11, 2017

    It’s soo cute!! It looks so cozy!
    -Gabby
    http://www.orcuttfamilydentistry.com

  • Jason Hall September 18, 2017

    Kinda jealous, your cabin looks better than my house :D
    Can’t believe they hid that beautiful wood under a carpet haha

  • Amanda February 14, 2020

    Hi Alison! I know you’ve since got a new Article sofa, but I’d love your opinion on the Ikea Soderhamn. I’m thinking of purchasing for my basement.

    • Scoops February 20, 2020

      I love the Soderhamn too. Be prepared to replace the cushion covers eventually if you are going with the white sofa – they don’t clean up well, or at least I couldn’t find a great way to clean them in the laundry. It’s big, deep, low and comfy. I liked adding a bunch of throw pillows so that you could really sink into it. The only thing I would say is that you can sometimes feel the arch of the springs, but overall it’s very cozy.

  • Jamie Douglas May 14, 2022

    We bought this cabin next to our house and I was struggling what to do with all the knotty pine. It was everywhere. My friends wanted me to paint all of it but that was going to be too big of a job. Then I came across your cabin and I loved how you worked with it. It became my inspiration for our cabin. I patterned my living room and dining area after yours and I love it! No one is bothered by the knotty pine anymore :) thanks for the ideas!

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