Dear Debbie: We have just finished building a log cabin, a labour of love that has taken us three years. Lots of friends helped and we will happily house them for many winter visits. Now we are working on furnishing and my question is about colour. I don’t see vibrant shades and would like to stick to brown and gray hues. What do you think?
Penelope
Congratulations on your huge accomplishment. You will have many memories of where you found your materials, how your design most likely changed as you hit the odd road block and how you conquered it all.
The log cabin style is so inviting and a big part of this feeling stems from the use of natural materials and simple, basic design elements. Your choice of browns and grays makes sense. These are calm, warm, neutral hues that allow our minds and bodies to relax and stabilize.
Your use of textures will heighten the character of your rooms. Textured layers draw you into a room like a big hug, unlike flat, sleek features that keep their distance. Referring to the cabin shown here from Shed Style, Decorating Cabins, Huts, Pods, Sheds & Other Garden Rooms (Ryland, Peters & Small), author Selina Lake describes how these layers play together. “Layered sheepskins and rugs scattered across the floor bring instant cosiness to a traditional log cabin. Kilim cushions add colour and pattern to a simple sofa, while retro-style wall lights provide contrast with the rustic log walls.”
Plain wood floors, funky wood tables and chairs, a bit of industrial metal and a wood stove complete the homegrown appeal.
Dear Debbie: After months staring at my furniture, I have come to realize that it is plain and boring. I can’t toss it all and start over but long for something that gives some individuality to the odd dresser, chair or lamp. Where do I start?
Timothy
We have all been spending far more time in our homes due to the pandemic. It’s no surprise that features hardly on our radar months ago are now literally staring us in the face.
An early trend for the year was the resurgence of what we think of as ‘pretty’ decorating. Remember that trends are set a year or so in advance to prepare for the marketplace, so no one was thinking about self-isolation. It was more a reaction to the saturation of mid-century style.
With the pretty concept in mind you can make a few changes that will give your home fresh appeal. In the bedroom that boxy dresser can be treated to ornamental details that will transform the piece. Place carved decorations such as shells, leaves, or flowers on drawer fronts. Build up the top edges with some moulding strips. Paint in a lux shade of mink and highlight the ornamentation with gilding.
Add stylized feet to the living room sofa or chair. Perhaps ball feet or a set of carved legs. Make a fabric change with slipcovers or layer with colourful quilts.
Switch out the blinds or plain draperies with floral fabric. Shop for a new lamp or check on line for second hand finds. It won’t be long before you have created a new setting that gives you more to look at than the latest Netflix movie.
Written by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email decorating questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Debbie at instagram.com/debbie_travis, facebook.com/thedebbietravis, debbietravis.com.
