The goal of decorating log home plans is to capture the appearance of the exterior. Log cabin decorating is a style that takes us back to our ancient roots as pioneers on the land. It is a warm, rustic style that makes even the most sophisticated fall in love. The comfort and warmth of a log cabin is rooted deep in our collective souls, a heritage from our pioneer ancestors. Log cabins are classic, solid, and simple structures, so rustic decor should reflect this timeless, natural quality. Therefore, the wood used in this decorating style should be rough and have an unfinished look.
Furniture is often oversized, casual, and comfortable, giving it great appeal. When choosing wood finishes and paints, colors, materials, and textures should reflect the woodsy look of the exterior. Therefore, colors not normally found in nature should be avoided. Gray is a color that evokes the touch of stone. Earth tones in distressed wood tones create a natural look. Vegetables that are not found in leaves, grass, or moss should be avoided. When choosing reds, oranges, and golds, think fall colors. Walls and floors should be neutral backgrounds; save colors for fabrics, furniture coverings, and accessories.
If you’re remodeling an existing log home plan, rough ceiling joists are a good starting point. You can add faux log panels if the rooms are big enough. Make sure the texture of the wood paneling is not too polished, modern, or ornate. The woods should not be smooth but the imperfections add authenticity. If the cost of adding wood paneling is prohibitive, you can get a woodsy vibe by adding lots of wood accessories and picture frames. The joinery can be whitewashed or varnished (not too glossy) or painted with a color wash that allows the natural grain of the wood to show through. Plank, rough slate, tile, or granite flooring are all good flooring choices. Braided rugs also lend themselves to rustic decor, serving to mark groups of furniture and add pops of color here and there.
As with the other rooms in the log home plans, the bathrooms and kitchen are rustic in design. A sink made of slate with a cloth curtain to hide cleaning supplies and soaps is often found in cabins and cottages. Appliances are often retro in style, like 1950s radios and vintage toasters. Wall displays of old cookware or even old keys make an attractive accent. Cast iron or white or blue enamel pots and pans add decorative trim; Bean jars are perfect cookware containers. Dishes made of stoneware or pottery add charm to the log home decorating scheme, and candles or kerosene lamps add authenticity to the camping setting. The bathroom’s wainscoting adds an authentic touch to the decor, as do the oak shutters and toilet seats. A collection of shaving brushes and mustache cups, along with a razor strap, could be an interesting addition. If you can get your hands on a clawfoot tub, flush toilet, and pedestal sink, then you have everything you need to create the perfect log cabin bathroom style.
