Log Cabin Living

Log Cabin Living
By Aldene Fredenburg, Fri Dec 9th

If you're looking for a rustic living experience, log cabins -either individually built or from a prefab kit - are a greatchoice; but they do present some unique decorating challenges.Most often the interior walls around the perimeter of the homeare constructed of the same rough logs as the exterior; so whatdo you do to define your décor, or to provide a new look to ahome that's become boring to you?

Drapes on the windows are always an easy option, but don't stopthere. Quilts or other fabric wall hangings can add interestwhile establishing a color scheme; add enough large quilts inyour choice of designs and the bare log walls will fade into thebackground. (Wall hangings can also do double duty by helping tominimize drafts common in log homes.) Carefully chosen artworkcan also help define the décor; a group of small paintings cancomplement the log walls, while a number of large canvases cancompletely redefine the décor, creating any look you want withinthe home. To add more softness to a room, toss afghans over thesofa and chairs, and add some colorful and comfy pillows. Rugson the floors contribute warmth, texture, and more color.

Folding screens can redefine the space within a room whileadding some decorative touches, and come in an amazing varietyof designs, from wood and paper shoji screens to wrought ironscreens augmented by colorful fabric panels. Also, consideradding plants - hanging plants on the windows, decorative treesplaced around the room on the floors - the bigger the better. Aficus tree or airy palm can add a touch of refinement to therustic surroundings. (Dieffenbachia are great, but don't usethem if you have pets or small children; their leaves can betoxic if ingested.)

If you have a brown thumb when it comes to plants, think aboutinvesting in a variety of high quality artificial versions,available in home décor stores and import stores. Good qualityartificial trees and other potted plants are indistinguishablefrom the real thing-except, of course, that you don't have towater them, and they don't die. Everything from the standardficus and palms to exotic choices like cherry trees and Japanesemaples will allow you a lot of creative flexibility whendesigning your home décor.

Major purchases like sofas, armoires,

and beds will also have asizable impact on the look of a home. Log furniture will obviously fit in with therustic look, but also consider other approaches. Japanesefurnishings will fit in well while providing a very differentlook; Shaker furniture is also a great choice. Again, soften thelook with afghans and quilts in the living room and bedrooms,and pottery and other dishware in warm tones for the kitchen anddining areas. Having a log home with wood interior walls isn'tnearly as confining as it might appear in terms of decorating.With some creativity and planning, you can choose from an almostunlimited number of comfortable, functional, and attractivedecorative styles.

About the author:Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwesternNew Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips andTopics. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.