- Cabins can have an earthy look inside and out.log cabin image by Joy Fera from Fotolia.com
It matters not whether your cabin is a home away from home or a primary residence; you can turn it into an inviting haven that caters to creature comforts, congenial gatherings and relaxation. Earthy decors echo the outdoors, drawing color, texture and materials from nature to effect an agreeable interior. As you plan your cabin's look, consider its uses, its occupants and your favorite outdoor activities, and use aspects of each to put a distinctive touch on your living space. - Use nature as an inspiration when choosing colors for your cabin.Cabin in woods image by Len Scap from Fotolia.com
Choose earthy colors that are warm, cozy and comfortable. Small doses of red--either brick red or bright red--and opulent browns will work well in an earthy palette, as will some lighter, tan elements to keep the room from being too dark. Mix in mahogany hues and splashes of amber. Bold colors enliven an environment--include a brightly-colored throw or pillow here and there to keep your cabin's ambiance vital. Nature offers a splendid array of colors to choose from; mimic the forest's verdant green and rich brown chambers, the meadow's azure-encased, grass-blanketed expanse, or the mountain's moss and cerulean stronghold. - Wooden furniture's imperfections add interest and character to a room.Warm wood from old furniture image by giacomo scandroglio from Fotolia.com
If you're updating or replacing furniture to coordinate your cabin's earthy interior, don't sacrifice comfort. Earth-harvested materials such as stone, wicker and cotton contribute ease and elegance to a cabin's décor. Wooden tables, chairs and beds displaying some of the peculiarities of the wood from which they are fashioned add interest and character to a room. Copper furnishings, meanwhile, bring a gratifying affluence to an interior. Use stone or reclaimed wood for tabletops in the living room, kitchen and any other area in which they won't overpower the setting. - Soft lighting can give a room an earthy feel.lamp isolated, furniture image by JoLin from Fotolia.com
Reap the rewards of your windows--let the sun's rays bathe rooms in light. Add lamps and candles for a golden glow. Select window coverings that are light tan or beige--especially if walls are made of dark wood. Wooden blinds and/or shutters create an adjustable light source. - A few well-placed accents add personality to an interior.romanian rustic wall decoration image by cirikate from Fotolia.com
Choose accents carefully; a few here and there go a long way. Personalize your place by situating framed photographs and artwork at key focal points on the wall. Think about implementing a cabin-wide theme. Wildlife motif items are fairly easy to find; use accent rugs, throws, pillows and the occasional knickknack to carry a theme throughout the cabin. Drawer pulls, light fixtures and mirrors compatible with your color scheme and preferences help pull it all together. - Scented pinecones make a nice decorative touch.pine cones image by fafoutis from Fotolia.com
Along with comfortable colors and textures, pleasant scents make a cabin an enjoyable place in which to relax and spend time. Use candles, essential oil or potpourri. According to Aura Cacia, scents can affect mood and outlook. The scent of cedar wood, for example, is purported to help counter anxiety and stress; the aroma also works well in a cabin setting. Juniper berry oil has a fresh, woodsy smell that can be restorative. One way to distribute a soft, cabin-appropriate aroma is through scented pines cones. Buy them prescented, or use Snowdrift Farm's cinnamon and earth-scent recipes to create your own.
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