In recent years, we have seen a marked change in how colours are used in interiors, especially in cabins. The traditional neutral tones have gradually receded in favour of a more nuanced and nature-inspired palette, where the cabin surroundings often form the starting point for the choice of colours.
Colours have a unique ability to create atmosphere and affect both the experience of the room and how we feel being inside it. At a cabin, most people are looking for a warm, harmonious and natural atmosphere - and this is exactly where stain colours really come into their own. Stained panelling accentuates the natural structure of the wood and gives it a vibrant look, while allowing for countless combinations with other interior design elements.
Let's explore what colour trends are dominating the cabin market today, and how you can use stain colours to create your own distinctive cabin atmosphere.
Bringing nature inside – a cabin in harmony with its surroundings
One of the most prominent interior design trends, both for cabins and year-round homes, is the desire to bring elements of nature into the home. More and more people are taking inspiration from the landscape outside – whether it's mountains, forests or the sea – and recreating these natural hues in their interiors.
Stain colours are ideal for achieving this natural connection. They highlight the inherent structure and character of the wood, while adding exactly the colour palette you find in the nature around the cabin.
Whether you are dreaming of a light and airy atmosphere or a cosy cabin with warmer tones, stain gives you the flexibility to create the look that perfectly suits your surroundings and your personal style.
Light stain tones for seaside cabins – a fresh and natural palette
For cabins on the coast and at the water's edge, we see a clear trend towards lighter colour options, with inspiration from the subtle nuances of rocks, driftwood and the many hues of the sea. Here, stain colours in light grey tones and soft natural colours dominate, which together create a calm and harmonious look in the interior.
Our recommended stain colours for sea cabins:
• Gråkampen – A cool and timeless grey colour inspired by rocks and rocks, which reflects the light beautifully
• Synshorn – A light and warm stain colour with natural undertones that create a relaxed atmosphere
• Light Valdres Grey – A perfect balance of grey and beige, ideal for creating a light and airy space
To add life and dynamism to the interior, these light stain colours are often combined with fresh interior details in pastel tones or with green plants. Stained panelling in light tones provides a soft and natural background that feels both modern and timeless, while reinforcing the sought-after connection to the outdoors.
Dark and warm stain tones for mountain cabins – a richer atmosphere
Mountain cabins follow a different trend, where the dark and atmospheric are in focus. Here, there is great demand for warm, enveloping rooms that reflect the deep colours of the forest and the rugged character of the mountains. Stain colours in darker tones create an exclusive and warm look that gives the cabin a cohesive and harmonious feel all year round.
Our recommended stain colours for mountain cabins:
• Spåtind – A deep, earthy colour that draws inspiration from the dramatic tones of the mountain landscape
• Skaget – A dark and elegant stain colour that adds a sophisticated atmosphere to the room
• Makalaus – A warm and deep colour, perfect for creating a warm and inviting cabin even on the coldest winter days
A popular trend for mountain cabins is to use tone-on-tone colour palettes, where walls, ceilings and moulding are stained in the same shade. This provides a holistic and calming effect, while allowing the natural structure of the wood to fully come into its own on all surfaces.
We are also seeing a growing preference for darker frames around large windows in mountain huts. This creates a stronger visual connection between the outdoor and indoor spaces and allows the outside nature to become an integral part of the interior. When dark stain colours are combined with natural materials such as stone, wool and leather, you achieve an interior that is both exclusive and authentic.
Timelessness and flexibility – stain offers endless possibilities
Although colour trends come and go, natural stain colours have a timeless quality. They let the wood take centre stage and create a beautiful, vibrant play of colours in the room, while also being easy to combine with different interior styles and details over the years.
Advantages of stained surfaces:
• Highlights the natural structure & growth rings of wood
• Creates a warm and vibrant atmosphere that changes throughout the day with the changing light
• Easily combined with different interior colours and materials
• Provides flexibility to change the look with textiles and décor according to seasons or trends
Stained panelling forms a harmonious frame around the interior, while at the same time providing the freedom to vary with the colours of furniture and textiles. If you want a more modern style, you can combine light stain colours with black details and minimalist furniture. If you prefer a rustic and traditional cabin feel, the darker stain colours go perfectly with soft leather hides, natural stone and rough wood textures.
Find your perfect cabin stain colour
Are you looking for the ideal stain colour that will give your cabin the perfect look and highlight the natural beauty of its surroundings? Contact us at Vyrk!
Our advisors are happy to help you find exactly the shade that will create the atmosphere you dream of in your cabin, whether it is located by the sea, in the forest or in the mountains.