Article by Elise Habel | Photos by Nathan Satran

Towered by mountains and carpeted with verdant National Forest, Red Lodge has always been a dream destination for Montanans to establish their homes. For decades, houses and cabins have been popping up all around the base of the Beartooths for families who desire to reside near the small town’s natural wonder and charm. As the years go by and ownership changes, some houses built in the earlier years come due for a refresh. Tiff Davidson-Blades is reviving one such cabin with fresh energy and style through her latest design project. 

“My inspiration is always based around my getting to know the individual clients and their style, wants, and needs.” Says Tiff. “It has always been very important to me to work with my clients and create a home that is a reflection of who they are and not re-creating an Instagram picture!” This fresh design perfectly incorporates the original cabin's rustic charm, the client's vision, and a taste of modern mountain comfort. 

The new owners purchased the property as a second home rather than a cabin, which is expressed organically and elegantly in the recent makeover. “One of the most important aspects of the project expressed to me from the start was that they wanted it to be a comfortable and beautiful home and not be too ‘Montana cabin’ looking,” Tiff explained. “While the home had a lot of nice qualities, they wanted to improve upon those certain areas and make it their own.” 

THE NATURAL ELEMENTS 

Texture is boldly articulated across the original concept of the home. Wood naturally stands out as perhaps the most prominent source of charm and character throughout. Maintaining the texture while altering the color tone of the wood was one of the keys to substituting the outdated cabin impression for the modern, homey essence. In a darker, more subtle tone, the exposed beams and doors in the primary bedroom complement the hand-picked headboard and dresser. The new wood tones are expanded with a natural trim wrapping the door frames and windows. 

Some staple features built into the original design are the stone fireplaces that stand proudly in the family and living rooms. The river rock palette evokes the image of Rock Creek, which flows through Red Lodge and beside the property. 

Though subtle and natural, color also plays a key role in completing the redesign. “As the project took shape, the colors that evolved were earth tones of neutrals, beautiful greens, rust-red, golds, terra-cotta, and rich blue and black accents.” Says Tiff. “The colors complement the wood tones and stone in the home and are colors my clients love!” 

A SPA-LIKE ESCAPE 

Though not a full remodel, the tub room saw thoughtful updates that made a big impact. “We didn’t do a huge makeover, but we did enough to really transform the space,” says Tiff. A larger fireplace, a smaller window, and the removal of a ceiling beam helped refine the room’s balance, while a refreshed tongue-and-groove ceiling brought cohesion. 

The standout? The tile. “The change with the most impact to me was the gorgeous tile!” Tiff shares. “My client wanted a tranquil, spa-like feel.” The result is a peaceful, elevated retreat that flows beautifully with the home’s modern mountain charm.

FINISHING TOUCHES 

Of course, any project by Tiff and her team is incomplete without furniture! “The furnishings, in general, are my favorite part of the project,” says Tiff, “a home really isn’t ‘finished’ until all of the details and personal touches are in place.” This home flaunts entirely custom upholstery with accessories and rugs straight from the Davidson showroom. “We start with a favorite fabric, piece of furniture, art, area rug, or whatever it might be and then use that as the building block to create the entire look.” 

Custom local artwork also plays a significant part in the house’s new theme. Tiff and Double Y Design Metal Works of Laurel collaborated to design and create the stunning dining room art (pictured on bottom photo of page 80). “Furnishings and accessories truly are what make any home, big or small, amazing!” Tiff believes. “It’s a personal expression of the people who live there.”

THE DAVIDSON TEAM HAS DONE IT AGAIN 

Tiff is pleased and grateful to have had the opportunity to give new life to this cabin in the Montana woods. “Individuality is so important on all of our projects.” Tiff beams. And no project reveals more individuality than this storied house in the woods that just needed some TLC and refreshment. From the elegance of the primary bath to the comfort and lightheartedness of the granddaughter’s bedrooms, it is clear that this is an intentionally curated home that is destined to bring joy and peace to the owners for decades to come. 

Originally printed in the May 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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