In the rustic setting of the log cabin, a variety of furnishings are mixed and matched deliberately for an informal, unplanned look. A relaxed, casual air -- and an environment that doesn't look too matched or "perfect" -- is the objective in this style of decorating. That motif certainly carries through to the selection of decorative accessories. Interior-design specialist Nancy Golden selected decorative objects that were eclectic and drawn from a number of sources, and that offered visual variety.
A definitive example of this is the mismatched dinnerware that was selected for the dining room (figure A). Varied pieces are mixed randomly or creatively for an unusual, informal table setting.
In the kitchen, a rather formal-looking lamp, featuring a ceramic rooster-figurine base and crackle-finish shade, looks suddenly more approachable in the rustic setting. A carefully selected formal piece placed in a rougher context can sometimes lend unexpected "spice" to the decor. In this case, the chicken theme is carried through with antique poultry prints hung on the adjacent wall. A twig wreath is hung in the kitchen window. The wreath can be changed out according to the seasons.
On the exposed-shelf portion of the kitchen cabinets, star-shaped architectural accents (figure B) are used as shelf decorations. The star theme will be carried through elsewhere in the cabin.
Baskets, branches and country dinnerware are used as decorations across the top of the upper kitchen cabinets (figure C). The items are placed so they are not evenly spaced or precisely lined up, drawing on the more natural and functional decorating themes.
Similarly, a white ceramic fruit bowl sits atop the refrigerator, surrounded by a handmade wreath of branches and berries (figure D).
To mask the storage area of the loft above the living room, a Native American blanket, an authentic western riding saddle and a length of rope are placed across the rough-hewn wood railing at the edge of the loft (figure E).
In the dining room, the star motif appears again with a star-shaped mirror above the console table and a wooden coat rack with cut star-designs (figure F). The coat rack is functional, and the bluish painted finish provides a nice color contrast against the natural-wood wall.
In the reading area of the living room, the large painted hutch is decorated with a variety of accent pieces and family photos (figure G), helping to give a distinctive personality to the room. A lamp with a beaded shade (figure H) blends well with the other accessories and stands out nicely against the black paint of the hutch. Wrought-iron votive-holders are mounted on the adjacent wall.
Also in this area of the room, the hemp/linen-covered chair is accented with a chenille throw and accent pillow with a muted floral pattern (figure I). A simple berry wreath is used as a window treatment. Baskets, prints and other items are placed across the log-siding shelf at the top of the wall.
One of the more unusual accessories is the door-window treatment made from a piece of stained barn-wood and four cloth saddle-girths (figure J).
In the conversation area of the living room, accent pillows are added, along with some decorative wrought-iron accent pieces, candleholders and feather balls (figure K). Family photos are mounted to the fireplace screen, used to conceal the propane heater. A framed vintage poster is used for wall decor.
In the bedroom, the bed is placed in front of the double windows. The bed is accented with decorative pillow shams in a muted green pattern, and a large-print floral for the duvet cover. An old ladder mounted on the wall is used as a rack for spare blankets. The window treatment is made from drapery panels held in place, in the center, by a berry wreath (figure L). A rocking chair is added to the basic furnishings -- nightstand and blanket chest (figure M) -- that were put in place earlier.
The antique-finished armoire is accented with metal stars for drawer-pulls, continuing the star motif from elsewhere in the cabin (figure N). Flowers and baskets are placed on top of the armoire.
In the master bath, accent pieces were chosen to blend with or complement the colors selected for the natural-tile floor. A wooden chair with distressed-paint finish, decorative towel-holders accented with natural vines, a painting in an antique frame, decorative candles and spa accessories all combine to warm up the bathroom and make it feel more inviting.
In summary, the informal and eclectic accessories selected for use throughout the cabin build on several unifying visual themes while avoiding the obvious and the pitfalls of "country kitsch" cliches. Instead, the cabin was decorated in a manner that seems at once welcoming, serene and in tune with its natural setting.
RESOURCES :
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Website: www.loghomerepair.com
The Complete Guide to Building Log Homes
ISBN: 0806974869
Author: Monte Burch, Richard J. Meyer, Lloyd P. Birmingham
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway
Model: 0879056711
Author: Dale Mulfinger, Susan E. Davis
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Small Log Homes: Storybook Plans and Advice
ISBN: 1586850431
Author: Robbin Obomsawin
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Inside Log Homes: The Art & Spirit of Home Planning and Decor
Model: 087905963X
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede, et al
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Special thanks for DIY's Log Cabin Interiors workshop
Formica Corp.
10155 Reading Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45241
Toll-free: 800-FORMICA (800-367-6422)
Fax: 513-786-3024
Website: www.formica.com
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