During the pandemic, designer Noz Nozawa and her husband Daniel Helmhold sought a New Year’s escape to Lake Tahoe. Disappointed with available rentals, they turned to Zillow and discovered a neglected 1970s cabin, which with its outdated interiors presented an ideal renovation project. They quickly closed the deal, embarking on a transformation that would unfold over five years and three phases, transforming the initially uninhabitable space into a cozy haven, uniquely tailored for hosting friends.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Noz Nozawa
Location: Lake Tahoe, California
Project Type: Cabin Renovation
Time Frame: Five Years
Special Feature: ‘Convotatsu’ Conversation Pit
Partners: Daniel Helmhold
Phase one focused on rescuing the primary bathroom and kitchen, both suffering from dire functionality and aesthetics. Bad ventilation in the kitchen led to creative cooking solutions, like taking pans outside to avoid smoke buildup. The peninsula restricting the kitchen’s flow was removed to facilitate foot traffic and interaction between cooks and guests. However, a pony wall was retained to preserve visual connectivity with the great room. This phase laid the foundation for a hosting-friendly layout that matched Nozawa’s envisioned hospitality.
In the great room, the designer’s touch is evident as classic chalet elements blend with modern finesse. A preserved fireplace and rafters set the stage, while “Convotatsu,” a seating arrangement combining a conversation pit and a Japanese kotatsu table, exudes warmth and social engagement. This centerpiece encapsulates Nozawa’s take on mountain rustic living—rich, earthy tones, nostalgic vibes, and eclectic combinations of materials and styles, creating a cozy atmosphere ideal for gatherings.
The basement underwent a transformation in phase two, becoming the epitome of coziness with a reading nook flanked by custom bookcases. A “secret” third bathroom was introduced in the final phase, expanding the cabin’s accommodation capacity to sleep ten people comfortably. The bunk room, primary bedroom, guest room, and sleeping nook ensure ample space for guests, each appointed with thoughtful details that reflect Nozawa’s design ethos and personal connections.
The renovation included personalized touches in each room, designed to harmonize with the overall aesthetic theme. The mudroom showcases a vibrant Maryville Brown paint finish on its original bench and cabinet doors, while the great room displays folk art and unique pieces like a trophy “deer” sculpture. In the kitchen, a custom-mixed burnt-orange BlueStar range adds a splash of vitality, balancing functional necessity with distinct personality, much like the rest of the house.
Today, the transformed cabin embodies Nozawa’s vision of a rustic yet inviting retreat, marking the success of what began on New Year’s with mere mattresses on the floor. Each room, from the custom quilted primary bedroom to the updated childhood bunk and art-enriched guest room, exemplifies a blend of vintage charm and modern convenience. The home stands as a testament to Nozawa’s skillful blend of practicality and creativity, ensuring it remains a beloved venue for creating future memories.
