Step Inside: A Mid-Century Oregon Cabin Nestled In the Woods
Every so often, we encounter a space that’s so idyllic—and in the most serene of settings—that we feel inspired to close our laptops and get away from it all. (We can’t be the only ones.) That’s exactly the case with Midnight Hollow Cabin, a newly built retreat near Oregon’s Mt. Hood, dreamed up by Schoolhouse friends Carly and Kevin.
The cabin is tucked away in scenic Rhododendron, with expansive windows that overlook an old growth forest and naturally formed hollow. The exterior isn’t the only view, either. Inside, you’ll find a bright space filled with adornments from Carly and Kevin’s favorite makers, Schoolhouse included. The vibe: traditional meets mid-century, with plenty of calm and coziness to go around.
Lucky for us (and you!) the forest sanctuary is available as a short-term rental. Below, Carly and Kevin chat about how the space came to life, with photos beautifully captured by Luke & Mallory Leasure.
First, we’d love to hear about the area! What drew you to Rhododendron, Oregon in particular?
Rhododendron truly has a paradise quality to it. It’s full of picture-perfect mountain streams flowing through lush old growth forests, while only 20 minutes from snowy glaciers and less than an hour from the city of Portland. There’s a zen-like balance to the environment in Rhododendron. The Mt. Hood area is a year-round destination with something for everyone to enjoy, like foraging, hiking, biking, climbing, fishing and skiing right at your fingertips. Rhododendron also has sentimental value for us. Carly used to explore the area when she was a kid with her father, as he did the same with his. To have a cabin in Rhododendron to share with our family is a dream.
What was your vision for the cabin?
Our vision was a modern forest sanctuary. We wanted an immersive feeling from everywhere inside the cabin, blurring the line between the external environment and the interior of the home. The natural hollow in the surrounding landscape created the perfect backdrop for a giant wall of windows and a high vaulted ceiling.
Most importantly, the interior needed to have a calming energy, so we prioritized comfort with neutral colors as a base so that the window views would be the focal point of the cabin.
Can you share what it was like working with your architect to bring the cabin to life?
The process of purchasing the land, designing the cabin, and then constructing it took three years. To create a vision and then have it materialize was pure magic. Having never designed a custom home, we could only hope our small bits of direction would translate into a practical and beautiful end product. We found a harmonious balance in working with our architect, Schuyler Smith from Polyphon Architecture, and our builder, Richard Niday from Emerald Creek Homes.
How would you describe the cabin’s interior style?
Our cabin interior style is a fusion of mid-century modern and boho luxe. We wanted to honor the elements of a traditional cabin with warm woods and cozy textures but have it be bright, colorful, and modern.
What are some of your favorite details of the final design?
We really loved how the two-story wall of windows opened up the possibility of adding a 110-inch retractable projector screen. The screen rolls up into itself and camouflages into the wall, which was a fun last-minute addition. During construction, we also added a floating terrace outside the second-story loft, providing the ideal place for coffee or tea in the morning.
Last but not least, can you tell us about a few Schoolhouse favorites you chose for the space?
The Alabax Large Surface Mount paired with the Oval Matte Porcelain LED Bulb. These light fixtures give a lovely warm glow to the kitchen. Another Schoolhouse favorite would be the Channeled Cotton Quilt. It’s the blanket everyone wants to curl up next to the fire with!
