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