Cabins come pre-loaded with lots of texture. Use that as your starting point for cabin decor.
If you live in a cabin with an open loft, you have already spoken volumes about your life and your style. Cabins are relaxing, welcoming, and inspired by nature. By their very design they create a warm, comfortable nest to come home to at the end of a busy day. A loft not only creates more living space, but it opens up the first floor, creating height and drama to the rooms, as well as providing the opportunity to add light and soaring windows to your overall layout. However, open lofts do create a decorating challenge, since the entire home needs to have a central design plan. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Moose antlers are a very traditional cabin decor choice.
Today's style for cabin decor can be as basic as moose heads and cattle, or it can take on a rustic cowboy look, incorporate a Southwest theme with bold color, make use of mission-style furniture for an arts-and-craft style, or become up-country by mixing a few styles together with well-placed antique pieces. Since the floor plan is open, the style you decide on must flow from one room to the next.
2. The view from the loft is probably the best in the entire house. Take your color cues from the view.
Determine how the loft will be used. Since the view from the loft will most likely be the best in the house, your use of that space should be something that will see a lot of action. Consider creating a home office or library, or putting in a pool table. Fill the space with overstuffed leather chairs with ottomans, add some natural textures, such as river rocks or braided rugs, and you'll create a comfortable, homey room.
3. Throw an Indian blanket or rug over the loft railing for great visual appeal.
Add an embellishment over the railing. If you have decided on incorporating a Southwest theme to your cabin, you may want to position an Indian rug in a bold turquoise or red color over the banister. If your look is more pioneer, consider draping a quilt. If early cowboy is your choice of decor, leather chaps or an ancient saddle sitting astride the railing make for great conversation pieces, as well as setting the trend for all the other rooms in the home.
4. Incorporate natural materials into your decor whenever possible.
Mix in a lot of natural finishes to create excitement. Your cabin already has a lot of texture, so play off it by adding natural items from the outdoors for more visual interest. Braided rugs can create warmth. Sisal, bamboo and leather add a touch of the outdoors. Also incorporate stone, slate, wood or river rock into your decor when you select countertops, fireplace surrounds, mantles, or accessories. Consider using salvage materials to give your home a ready-made lived-in look.
5. Find treasured accessory items at local flea markets and antique stores.
Finish your coordinated look by adding accessories. There are many websites offering rustic accessories, but don't be bound by conventional approaches. Fill up a glass container with stones found in your yard, bring in wildflowers from the outdoors, and add one unexpected element in each room.
Tags: cabin decor, from loft, from outdoors, into your, into your decor