Log home decorating can be an

aspect of homeownership that you enjoy or that you loathe. When owning a log

cabin, it can be difficult to find just that perfect fabric, color, or

furnishing that will perfectly fit in with the look of rustic charm you are

hoping to create.

 

You can take the anxiety quotient out of any decorating project, whether it be

finding the right color scheme or picking the right furnishings to go with your

log cabin if you simply remember some critical elements of decorating with

rustic charm.

There are many styles that suit the warmth of a log home. Early American,

Arts & Crafts, Southwestern, and French Country are just a handful of styles

that can be used to great benefit in the log home. Cushions and pillows are

critical to creating that comfy feeling inherent in the log home. Pillows have a

way of softening the chairs or couches they are placed on, and give not only a

physical feeling of comfort, but a visual one as well.

Wall art is also a helpful element in any decorating scheme. First, it is

important to know how to properly hang wall art; it should be displayed so that

the middle of the art is found at eye level. Second, it is best to pick frames

for the art that are rustic in nature as well. Warm browns, or rough frames that

resemble the look of bark, are great accents to use on the walls of log homes.

And third, the art itself should be outdoorsy in nature. Photos of landscapes

and beautiful scenery shots are also great choices.

Try to look for rustic pieces that match the style of your log cabin. Search

for mirrors, tables, coat hangers, coffee tables, sidebars, etc, that have

natural, wood tones and that are a bit rough with natural accents.

Put your own spin on lamp shades by choosing new fabrics and trims of your

own choosing to put over them. Put small lamps on pieces such as books or old

wooden crates to make them more eye catching.

When choosing accessories to achieve that rustic

look, look first at the pieces that you already own. What colors or fabrics for

pillows would enhance the furniture you already have? What well-placed lighting

might offset the blinds or drapes already used on your windows? At times

furniture, drapes, and other furnishings are the exact elements that you want to

change, but sometimes these are the things that you love in your present design

and it would be wise and could save money and time working them into your rustic

design. Purchasing inexpensive accessories and then using paint to make them go

along with your current furnishings is a great way to save cash and your

treasured pieces.

Although some people would prefer to do without knick knacks, feeling that

they just are one more thing to dust, a certain amount of knick knacks are

essential for that rustic feel. Some suggestions are old canisters made of metal

or tin, cookbooks, copper pots, hand-made quilts, wicker baskets, and country

candles and potpourri. Flea markets and garage sales can be a great resource for

finding many items that can be successfully used to decorate a log cabin.

After you have chosen some well appointed furnishing and accessories to

achieve your look of rustic charm, its time to incorporate some new colors in

the mix.  It is useful to take time

and look through magazines or books that offer color schemes that you admire.

Then think about the wood and style in your home¾will

these colors highlight the wood or would another color be better to bring out

its true beauty? Don’t be afraid to explore new colors - shades of greens,

blues, and purples are all colors that compliment the deep browns of the natural

wood in log homes. Deep colors like blood red, or soothing colors like Midnight

Blue, can both be used for great effect in the decorating

of a log home.

When striving for that look of rustic charm, don’t forget your front porch

or other outdoor entertainment area. Since log homes are constant reminders of

the great outdoors, it is important to create a warm and inviting area outside

of your log cabin so that you can enjoy those warm summer days or crisp fall

evenings.

With a rustic charm decorating theme, mismatched pieces can be put to good

use. Find a nice and sturdy outdoor dining table and peruse the local yard sales

or thrift shops for chairs and accessories that can complement it. Also use your

imagination to put common items to a new use. Old wooden crates can serve as

drink tables. Use an old mailbox as a planter for those spring flowers. If your

outdoor entertainment area is protected from the elements, you can use fabrics

to your advantage. Go to your local remnants store and pick up pieces of fabric

that are at bottom discounts. Use these remnants to create runner and cushions

for your outdoor furnishings – this will help tie all your mismatched pieces

together.

Just remember to have fun and follow your own preferences and instincts when

decorating your log home with rustic elements and you will be sure to create a

home that is like you – one of a kind.