Aged decoys add to the lodge look.
The lodge look brings to mind warmth, harmony with nature and a simpler way of life. This decor is casual and has a sense of history with its use of vintage items and the aged look of the furnishings and accessories. If you're bringing the lodge look into your home, begin your decorating with stone and unpainted wood and build on these elements. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Decide what palette you will use. Lodge colors include deep tones of burgundy, green, navy blue and rich earth tones. Natural wood is an important component in lodge decor and is the best choice for the trim and beams on the ceiling. Doors should be natural wood, as well. Stone is another important element. A stone fireplace makes an ideal focal point in the living area. Slate flooring adds to the overall look.
2. Choose furniture that is cozy and comfortable and has a sense of history. Furniture should look aged, not sleek and new. Sofas and chairs should be overstuffed and oversized. Distressed leather on sofas and chairs adds to the lodge look. Bent willow tables and chairs or mission-style accent furniture complement the leather furniture. Add an antique trunk that can be used as a coffee table or storage at the end of a bed. Toss some wool pillows on the sofa, and drape a American Indian blanket over a sofa or chair.
3. Decorate your walls with interesting vintage items, such as canoe paddles, snowshoes and a fishing net. Framed pieces might include sepia American Indian photographs, wildlife paintings or a collection of arrowheads and fossils. These items bring some of the outdoors inside and add to the lodge look.
4. Accessorize your decor with nature-inspired collectibles. Carved duck and fish decoys reflect the outdoors. Hang primitive reed baskets from the beamed ceilings, and scatter them around the house to hold magazines, vintage books and toys. Rustic pottery and antique crocks are interesting accents. Patchwork quilts in deep tones are perfect for the beds, as are Hudson Bay blankets. Let mission-style mica lamps serve as lighting. In the evenings beeswax candles can add to the mood.
Tags: lodge look, American Indian, deep tones, sense history, vintage items