Design inspiration for mountain homes and cabins — curated wallpapers, fabrics, and interiors that blend rustic warmth with designer style by Sue Pipal.
Plaid and cabins — some things are simply meant to be. For generations, plaid has been the pattern of choice in rustic interiors. From cozy tartan blankets to timeless wool upholstery, these classic checks have warmed ski cabins, lake houses, and mountain lodges for over a century.
The tradition began with Scottish tartans — patterns that once identified clans and later became symbols of craftsmanship and comfort. When plaid crossed the Atlantic, it became a staple of frontier life and early American homesteads. From wool shirts to rugged blankets, its practicality made it indispensable in the great outdoors.
Today, plaid remains a cabin essential — not just for its heritage, but for its versatility. Many of our plaids are woven from durable wool or sturdy blends that can stand up to crowds, guests, family reunions, kids, and even dogs. Dense colorations hide wear beautifully, so you can relax instead of worrying about the furniture.
Plaids can be neutral like this Galloway Plaid in Natural, above.Beiges, tans, camels and browns can look elegant with natural wood and stone rustic cabin finishes, see below.
Why not a blue plaid? Shetland Plaid in Quartz Blue, below, by Kravet has stunning coloration. We say practical, durable and beautiful!
Inspiration idea:The more the merrier. Here curtains, walls and upholstery are all in one blue plaid.
Left, Islay Plaid in Teal by Mulberry Home. This would be so pretty with log walls!
Inspiration idea: Classic Camp Style--mix plaids with Americana quilts, blankets and antique accessories. Go bold with color. In fact, go bold with everything...don't be afraid to be whimsical, afterall, a cabin is for fun!
Whether you’re styling a Tahoe lake house, a ski lodge, or a cozy forest retreat, plaid brings warmth, texture, and that unmistakable “welcome home” feeling. Perfect for winter holidays, fireside evenings, and all the moments that make mountain life special.
Inspiration idea: For a dressed up cabin interior, this beautifully styled room by Ralph Lauren home shows off his expert skills at mixing classic collections and family heirloom furnishings with plaids, Native American fabrics, Navajo rugs and furry pillows. Sticking to a simple black and red color scheme makes it all hang together.
Black and white windowpane plaid fabric, Westcliff Tattersall, is also by Ralph Lauren.
Florals and plaids together? Yes, please! We love the contrast in the mix of pretty and delicate with rustic and masculine. Opposites make for the most interesting rooms. This large-scale modern floral thistle pattern from Sanderson, Thistle Garden, on a natural linen background is pretty without being too precious for cabin life.
Plaids come in non-traditional colorations, too. This lavender and lilac colored woolen plaid, Morlich, is every bit as durable and rustic as any old-school red and green plaid, but it's pretty modern coloration gives it just that touch of style.
For over 60 different plaid and tartan fabrics and hundreds of specially curated mountain appropriate fabrics and wallpapers, visit tahoedreaminteriors.com. All items are sorted by color to make your selection process easy. We offer free samples.
For design questions, advice, or general chatting about your home, contact Sue Pipal, Interior Designer, at spipal@att.net.
Powder rooms, kids rooms, bunks and laundry rooms are all perfect places for whimsical wallpaper.
In vacation cabins and mountain homes, whimsical wallpaper patterns add unexpected charm and joy. Shouldn't your vacation home be a place of surprise and lightheartedness? Let "serious" design stay in the city. Your cabin is a perfect place for a dose of decorating fun.
Appres Ski
Are you skiers? Consider this tongue-in-cheek ski pattern in a traditional French toile style, Apres Ski. We love how it combines design sophistication, good looks and smart humor all at once. Sometimes joy is the best decor! Available in 6 colorways.
Kilim
Are you a touch boho glam? Then consider Kilim a funky bold ethnic pattern in cool contemporary colors. (4 colorways available.) Its strong patterns and cool colors make it ideal for accent walls where you want energy and personality to shine.
Wood in River
For a playful twist on natural textures tryWood in River. What's more whimsical than a brightly colored wood grain print in a woodsy cabin! Adorable in a powder room. (Available in 6 colors but for maximum whimsy try the blues, green and red!)
Bluebird Day
Bluebird Day. If you have a girls bunk room, this is your paper! (Available in 3 colors.)
Wychwood
Dream of a walk in the forest. Wychwood wallpaper...charming and affordable, too!! (In 7 colors.) Endlessly versatile, Wychwood is a customer favorite. It balances whimsy with elegance, making it a great choice for those who want playful design without going over the top.
Explore More Wallpapers for Mountain Homes
These are just a few of the whimsical wallpapers we love. At Tahoe Dream Interiors, you’ll find hundreds of specially curated wallpapers and fabrics perfect for cabins, lodges, and mountain homes.
To make shopping simple, all items are sorted by color. And don’t forget — we offer free samples, so you can see patterns in your space before making a commitment.
For design advice, questions, or just to chat about your cabin project, contact Sue Pipal, Interior Designer, at spipal@att.net.
