Custom Interior for a Beachside Cabin in the San Juans

I had the unique opportunity to design and handcraft all the woodwork for a cabin set on a quiet beach in the San Juan Islands. With a compact 16 x 20 footprint, the project provided a blank canvas for me as a designer and maker, focused on maximizing both function and flow, making efficient use of every square foot while ensuring the space felt open and welcoming.

Cabin on a Quiet San Juan Island Beach

After turning the architectural drawings into a 3D rendered model and a few visits to the space, I began designing the furniture and cabinetry for each room. Each element was thoughtfully crafted to both serve its purpose and contribute to a cohesive whole.

Final Kitchen Design for Client Review

Alder Kitchen Installed

The custom cabinets were crafted from locally sourced alder—a wood chosen for its understated beauty and connection to the Pacific Northwest environment just outside the door. The kitchen flows naturally into the hearth area, a space for warmth and gathering.

The featured piece in this space is a large coffee and game table made from a redwood slab harvested from the family’s Big Sur, California property.

Redwood Coffee Table

For the bedroom, I crafted a suite of matching walnut furniture, including a bed with integrated storage, nightstands, dresser, and writing desk. The bedside tabletops and the featured headboard were all cut from a single exceptionally wide board of beautifully figured walnut.

To complete the the project, I delivered a bathroom vanity and linen closet.

Walnut Writing Desk

Walnut Dresser

Walnut Bedside Tables and Headboard

The selective use of complementary wood species and shared design features throughout created continuity between the spaces while still allowing each room to have a unique feel. The result is a cabin where each element complements the others, creating a harmonious environment that reflects the natural beauty of its surroundings.