An artist and musician couple built this tiny cabin as a retreat in Delhi, New York. Inspired by photos of hand-built homes from the 1960s and 70s, they constructed the cabin over four years with help from friends and family, learning carpentry skills along the way with no prior experience.
Design Details
- Location: Delhi, New York
- Builders: Artist/musician couple (DIY with help from friends and family)
- Build Time: Four years
- Style: Rustic handmade
- Features: Stained glass windows, fireplace, musical instruments
- Kitchen: Small refrigerator, mini oven, magnetic knife rack, storage
Cabin Exterior
Rustic Interior Details
Music Corner with Vintage Organ
A vintage organ by the window complements the rustic aesthetic while providing a creative space for music.
Living Area with Fireplace
Compact Kitchen
The kitchen includes essential appliances in a small footprint: a compact refrigerator, mini oven, magnetic knife rack, and ample storage.
Lessons from This DIY Cabin Build
- No Experience Required to Start: The builders began with zero carpentry skills and learned throughout the four-year project
- Community Support Enables DIY: Friends and family provided both labor and knowledge transfer
- Stained Glass Adds Character: Custom windows create unique lighting and artistic expression
- Long Build Timelines Allow Learning: Spreading construction over years provides time to develop skills between phases
- Vintage Inspiration Guides Design: Photos from the 1960s-70s back-to-the-land movement provide proven aesthetic references
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Alex
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What a great little house! Any idea what the outside dimensions are?
Decorate:
*Try a decorative mattress and cushions on the daybed.
*Try decorative, pull-out storage boxes/baskets under the daybed.
*Rather than upper kitchen cupboards, place decorative dishes and glasses vertically on narrow wall shelves.
*Store eating/cooking utensils in a colored jar, vase or basket.
*Try decorative kitchen cupboard doors, knobs and hinges.
*Add a window sheer of color.
*Add a big vase of wildflowers to the window sill.
Stained glass definitely really adds magnificence to a dwelling, and it really is in fact not that complicated to mend as soon as one has learned how.
Di thanks for your ideas! Love it
PB, sorry, I’d be guessing if I told ya!
I love this! What an awesome little cabin.
I too am in Delhi, ny. I am beginning my journey into tiny homes. I was wondering about local ordinances and rules. Who did you have to talk with down town?