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Decorating a Log Home

These are just a few of my thoughts on the matter. Please feel free to chime in with better ideas, or to tell me that my ideas are terrible.

1. You can't use contemporary items. Stainless steal and corporate granite are out. Electronics should be gotten rid of, or at least hidden behind hardwood display cases

2. Incorporating the natural world is very important. This can involve purchasing decorative and functional pieces that are made from wicker, thatch, natural stone, or hardwood, but can also involve the use of wildlife inspired decorative pieces, such as animal figurines or hunting accessories.

3. Simplicity is best. You don't want the cabin to be cluttered. You also don't want to have a bunch of intricately detailed pieces adding unnecessary frills to what should be a basic, rustic style.

4. Functional and durable goods are going to fit best in a cabin. This is because the very philosophy of log cabin living is one of being ruggedly independent and able to withstand anything. The pieces that you purchase for this space should reflect that same sensibility.

5. Rustic decor will always fit better than contemporary. You want pieces that make people think about colonial times, or ancient periods, not the modern world. Your log cabin is an escape from the plastic molded computer generated madness of modern times. Don't ruin it by bringing those elements home with you.

6. Warmth is going to be important in a log home. You want the space to be comfortable, inviting, and safe. When one thinks of log home living, they get visions of sitting on a plush rug by a roaring fire, sipping on wine, and bathed in warmth.

I don;t yet own my own log cabin but I do like to dream. I welcome any feedback on these ideas.

Tags: cabin, decor, decorating, home, log

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Comment by Stephanie Hintz on December 3, 2010 at 1:15pm: I feel that some of the sharpest rustic hybrid log homes have a definitive contemporary edge. A rustic home with edgy countertops, window and railing styles- even the layouts of the rooms in contemporary homes can be quite fitting for popular open-concept log home living. A recycled coffee table, with a modern feel to it can really add punch when mixed with soft plush upholstery. It's all about balance. A style becomes a lifestyle when it shows off the personal tastes and follows the architecture of the home. Of course, spicing it up with a few antiques and balanced with some classic lines is usually is a design winner. Eclectic, unless of course you prefer to aim for period styling. Everyone's comfort level is different, thus we end up with a wide array of styles to select from- and like and dislike. Metal is a very prominent material indigenous to the earth and has a place in even the most primitive of homes. I think that granite countertops are becoming a little mainstream, but in the same words you can't deny the beauty of any natural stone element. Stainless appliances- well, everyone has their opinions. I have them in my home and personally are disappointed in the finish as a whole but do like the look overall.

Comment by Martin Aschoff on April 4, 2009 at 10:06pm: I tend to agree with 'less is more', as I believe we are all slaves to too much stuff (myself included). At the same time, I tend to hate unnecessary rules imposed by others. Who says that a certain style house has to be decorated a certain way, in order to be 'proper'. Who says granite is out, but some poor animal's carcass might be in? I think most of us are only passing through here one time. If we're fortunate enough to find ourselves in a log home, the decorations should reflect what we want them to, not something out of someone elses life, or mind. Who knows, maybe even the grandkids will have an idea or two...without benefit of any of this wisdom.

Comment by A Palumbo on April 2, 2009 at 9:39pm: Being an antique dealer and having had the wonderful opportunity to help several people decorate their log homes I truly believe it is a thoughtful matching of furnishings and being environmentally correct. Antiques are obviously 100% recycled and help create a more authentic decor. Because the philosophy of Arts & Crafts is celebrating the construction instead of the ornamentation is is a great choice. Country or less formal pieces work well but if you are going for the rustic/elegant look lots of texture helps. Less is more.
AnnMarie from Valley Forge

Comment by Stonelog on April 2, 2009 at 2:53pm: My husband and I just bought a log cabin in Connecticut. We plan on replacing all of our appliances. If you do not recommend stainless, then what do you recommend? We will be replacing our countertop, what do you recommend? Our windows are very small and we will be replacing them as well, do you recommend a certain style for a log cabin? Thank you.

Comment by Jere Jaakkola on April 2, 2009 at 6:26am: Best regards from sunny Finland! This seems to be the portal I was looking for.

I am studying the log construction as an adult education and planning to start my own project within a few years time. Finland has long traditions in log construction, but the recent dominance of industrial production has made the whole branch of industry very narrow-minded, I think. Thusfor I'm trying to adopt influences from the log construction traditions of North-America and Central Europe.

I agree with Brad and many others and think that a log house can be stylish in many different ways. We can discuss the best practices and different opinions, but never end up the best solution or making rules to follow. Joey’s post was a good starter for this debate.

I have taken a narrative way of approach in decorative issues. If "all" the furniture and decorative details have somekind of a story to tell, it makes it my home. Of course, this is often related to the rustic, natural and organic way to furnish and decorate, which I very much prefer. But it doesn't exclude the modern design or technology.

I'm settling upon a solution that the log house where I'll be living in, is going to be handcrafted - of course - but at the same time a mixture of rustic and modern design. In addition I'm going to build another, smaller cabin - a narrative masterpiece - where everything, and I mean EVERYthing, is selfmade. Not necessarily by myself, but by my friends and family. This includes the elements of the construction work, logs, roof, stonebase, doorhandles, hinges and so on (well, maybe not the window classes…), but as well the whole decoration: furniture, carpets, curtains, paintings and even the dishes.

Yes, I know I’m dreaming big, but you can never achieve anything if you are not. And I’m already on my way to fullfill the dream…

Rita’s advice to follow your instincts is the one to take after, Joey. You cannot go wrong with that.

Comment by Joey Pebble on March 31, 2009 at 10:47am: Susan I think using first depression era decorative items in a log cabin would be a really interesting mix of styles. Let us know how it turns out

Comment by Susan on March 31, 2009 at 10:44am: if someone could tell me how to edit my posts, I'd be happy to go back and correct my spelling errors, otherwise I apologize to anybody who is offended by poor spelling!

Comment by Susan on March 31, 2009 at 10:42am: My husband and I like old stuff from the '20s and early 30's. Rag rugs, quilts, I even bought a 1928 Home Comfort wood cookestove. I guess it's not for everyone but we love farmhouse stuff from the Depression Era (that's the Great Depression, not the version 2.0 we have right now!! LOL) Anyway, I plan to use our 'stuff' to decorate our log home, new peices will be purchased as we go along that will complement our old stuff
- I think decorating should be like anything else, just use what you love!

Comment by Lake Stone Cabinetry Knobs on March 30, 2009 at 6:48pm: I agree as well. That's why I started this business. Rustic, natural, & organic is the way to go. What's the point of having a log home (with the emphasis on 'home') if it's not comfy. Home is meant for relaxing and meditation. Well stated Joey. Your last name is great - what else says nature better than a 'pebble' (as long as it's pronounced that way)! Sorry to be so corny!

Comment by Rita Hickey on March 29, 2009 at 8:39pm: Joey, trust your instincts. If your instincts are not clear, ask someone with whom you share similar tastes. Beyond that, who cares that much what others think. This your home and you have to live in it.
Cheers!