In the past, people used to view log cabins, mostly as vacation retreats. However, nowadays, more and more people are considering the advantages of living in a log cabin. After all, they are eco-friendly, durable, boost air quality, and promote mental health. Thus, if you’ve decided to move into a log home, you’ve made the right choice. Still, you have a rather tricky task to complete before you can enjoy it fully. Specifically, you have to decorate your log home. The reason why this is a bit tricky is that if you’re not careful, your home might end up looking kitschy or gloomy. To avoid this, here are some tips and tricks on decorating a log home to help you out.
Pay attention to wall and floor colors when decorating a log home
The traditional wood walls and floors of log cabins will give your home a rustic feel. Nevertheless, too much dark-colored wood can make the space feel gloomy. Therefore, you should consider combining it with lighter colors. On the one hand, you can finish your wood with a natural or light stain that will preserve the light tone of the Eastern white pine. On the other hand, if you want to embrace the outdoors, you can also use a sage green or gray-blue color palette for interior drywalled areas.
Light up your log home
Having a well-lit home is very important. But this is particularly true when it comes to log cabins because they are usually darker than regular homes. Firstly, when building a log home, you should add plenty of large windows to let the natural light in. In case you bought a built cabin, you should investigate the possibility of adding more windows. Apart from having more light, you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery better.
At the same time, you’ll also need some artificial lights inside your home. And choosing the right lighting for a log home is crucial for making the space appear cozy and inviting. For instance, if you want a striking focal point in your home, a chandelier fits very well in a log cabin. As for the rest of your home, you should combine accent, task, and ambient lights to brighten up the space and create the perfect atmosphere.
Add mirrors and glass
Another great tip when decorating a log home is to use mirrors and glass. On the one hand, they reflect the light, thus making the space look brighter and bigger. On the other hand, they add a light and fragile touch to your home that contrasts nicely with the rough, rustic materials. Apart from wall mirrors, you can decorate with glass vases, accessories, and tables.
Make it cozy
When decorating a log home, you must find ways to create a cozy and inviting space. After all, this is where you come to unwind after a hard day at work. Plus, if you live in a cold mountain area, there’s nothing better than coming home to a warm and comfortable place.
The best way to create this atmosphere is by using soft textures. These should include wool or fur area rugs, so you won’t have to walk barefoot on cold floors. But you should also add plenty of throw pillows and warm blankets for additional comfort and coziness. You could also use thick wool blankets for cabin bedding.
Decorate with antique pieces
Antique pieces are an excellent choice for creating a rustic interior. Therefore, instead of spending a fortune on modern furniture, go visit some local antique shops. Of course, you shouldn’t be afraid of combining the old with the new. Otherwise, your home might feel outdated. So, apart from the antique furnishings, add some contemporary pieces as well.
At the same time, you can bring your decor with you from your previous home. Any wood furniture and accessories will fit well into your log cabin. Just be careful when packing wooden decorations for the move. Use a lot of cushioning and professional packing materials to avoid any damage during transport.
Bring the outdoors in
Even if your log cabin is in the middle of the woods, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring a bit of nature inside your home. Plants are a great way to decorate, adding color and texture to the place. Not to mention that they also boost air quality. Thus, you shouldn’t hesitate to invest in many plants of various shapes and sizes. They fit well in every room of your home.
Add a bit of leather to your décor
Leather is another excellent choice for creating a rustic interior. Plus, it also adds a touch of luxury to your home. Now, you shouldn’t go overboard and decorate your entire log home with leather. One leather item in a room is enough to achieve a rustic feel. For instance, when it comes to the living room, you can opt for a leather sofa or armchair.
Combine wood with stone
If you want to embrace the outdoors in your log home, you should look for ways to incorporate natural materials into your décor. A great option here is to combine wood with stone. For instance, you can build a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. This doesn’t just look good, but it’s also convenient. After all, what’s better and cozier than warming up in front of a fireplace on a cold day?
The first thing that comes to mind about a log cabin is warmth and coziness. Therefore, you should aim for this when decorating a log home. Nevertheless, this is not always easy to achieve. All that dark-colored wood can easily make the place seem gloomy, while too much color can make it look kitschy. Thus, to avoid any mishaps, you should use this guide. Good luck!
