They left with a souvenir: a $33,000 derelict cabin.
“A squatter had lived there for a year, and the cabin had been foreclosed.
There were pipes sticking out of the wall.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
The drain lines had rotted out.
And it wasn’t connected to the septic system,” Brian says.
They wanted to remake the house quickly and creatively for their own use and as a rental property.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
Now they host 120 adventure-seeking visitors each year.
The living room light fixture is made of scrap wood and a $5 light kit.
Brian turned 4x4-inch fence posts and a metal base into a coffee table.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
“We balance each other out,” she says.
Brian built most of the home’s decorative elements, including this triangle shelf unit.
Kathrin repurposed legs from a midcentury table she found curbside for the base.
Brian Smirke
I like designing with limitations.
It makes us come up with unique ideas on a budget.
It’s more rewarding that way."
The cozy, private spot is now a popular photo op for guests.
Kathrin uses Instagram to curate a real-time travelogue for future visitors.
Kathrin added yarn pom-poms to a quilt to give it the look of a Moroccan bedspread.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
Concrete floors were under old linoleum.
The pair sanded and sealed them for a modern update.
You’ll need people to do things like wash bedding, cleaning, and repairs unless you live nearby.
The green vintage fridge (a $75 find) fits with the room’s other retro accessories.
Budget finds made it possible tostick to a budget.
List it on sites like Airbnb or HomeAway so renters can find you.
The tumbleweed light fixture adds a quirky note inspired by the landscape.
(For safety, they use 3-watt LED bulbs that stay cool.)
Set a realistic budget that aligns with current material costs.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
Spend plenty of time brushing up your DIY skills before you dive in.
If a whole house feels too big, set your eye on a single project to build confidence.
This can be a more realistic way to start your DIY journey.
