| If you're looking for a rustic living experience, log cabins | | | | placed around the room on the floors - the bigger the |
| - either individually built or from a prefab kit - are a | | | | better. A ficus tree or airy palm can add a touch of |
| great choice; but they do present some unique | | | | refinement to the rustic surroundings. (Dieffenbachia |
| decorating challenges. Most often the interior walls | | | | are great, but don't use them if you have pets or small |
| around the perimeter of the home are constructed of | | | | children; their leaves can be toxic if ingested.) |
| the same rough logs as the exterior; so what do you | | | | If you have a brown thumb when it comes to plants, |
| do to define your décor, or to provide a new | | | | think about investing in a variety of high quality artificial |
| look to a home that's become boring to you? | | | | versions, available in home décor stores and |
| Drapes on the windows are always an easy option, | | | | import stores. Good quality artificial trees and other |
| but don't stop there. Quilts or other fabric wall hangings | | | | potted plants are indistinguishable from the real |
| can add interest while establishing a color scheme; add | | | | thing-except, of course, that you don't have to water |
| enough large quilts in your choice of designs and the | | | | them, and they don't die. Everything from the standard |
| bare log walls will fade into the background. (Wall | | | | ficus and palms to exotic choices like cherry trees and |
| hangings can also do double duty by helping to | | | | Japanese maples will allow you a lot of creative |
| minimize drafts common in log homes.) Carefully | | | | flexibility when designing your home décor. |
| chosen artwork can also help define the décor; | | | | Major purchases like sofas, armoires, and beds will |
| a group of small paintings can complement the log | | | | also have a sizable impact on the look of a home. Log |
| walls, while a number of large canvases can | | | | furniture [ will obviously fit in with the rustic look, but |
| completely redefine the décor, creating any | | | | also consider other approaches. Japanese furnishings |
| look you want within the home. To add more softness | | | | will fit in well while providing a very different look; |
| to a room, toss afghans over the sofa and chairs, and | | | | Shaker furniture is also a great choice. Again, soften |
| add some colorful and comfy pillows. Rugs on the | | | | the look with afghans and quilts in the living room and |
| floors contribute warmth, texture, and more color. | | | | bedrooms, and pottery and other dishware in warm |
| Folding screens can redefine the space within a room | | | | tones for the kitchen and dining areas. |
| while adding some decorative touches, and come in an | | | | Having a log home with wood interior walls isn't nearly |
| amazing variety of designs, from wood and paper | | | | as confining as it might appear in terms of decorating. |
| shoji screens to wrought iron screens augmented by | | | | With some creativity and planning, you can choose |
| colorful fabric panels. Also, consider adding plants - | | | | from an almost unlimited number of comfortable, |
| hanging plants on the windows, decorative trees | | | | functional, and attractive decorative styles. |