If lining your walls with authentic wooden planks and indulging in a bear skin rug is a little beyond your budget, there are plenty of inexpensive options to give your home a log cabin feel. Start by creating "log" walls with a faux painting effect, and finish by focusing on natural elements for decor.
Log Cabin Walls
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Step 1
Prime walls and allow them to dry. Paint a brown base coat and allow it to dry. Apply a second coat if needed.
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Step 2
Tape horizontal lines across an entire wall, about 6-8 inches apart. Make a brown glaze by mixing equal parts brown paint, paint thinner and glazing liquid. Repeat with white paint for a white glaze.
Step 3
Dampen your cloth in the brown glaze and wipe it horizontally across the taped section, re-dampening when you start to run out of paint. Instead of applying the paint in solid stripes, make random patterns that resemble what you would find in nature.
Step 4
Dampen a second cloth in the white glaze and wipe it sporadically over the brown glaze.
Step 5
Dip the cork in the brown glaze and apply it to the darkest areas of the "wood" planks.
Step 6
Lift up the tape before the paint has dried.
Add The Decor
Step 1
Install simple window treatments. A gingham curtain without blinds provides a simple and charming effect.
Step 2
Cover the floors with braided jute area rugs or a faux fur rug.
Step 3
Choose furniture that is primarily constructed with wood. Keep an eye out for pictures or knick-knacks that have a nature theme. A thrift store is a good place to find economically-priced items.
Step 4
Install nature-inspired light fixtures, such as antler chandeliers and wall sconces. Lamps and other fixtures should give off a warm, natural light.
Things You'll Need
Primer
Brown satin-finish paint
Paint roller
Dark brown oil paint
White oil paint
Paint thinner
Glazing liquid (oil-based)
1/2" or thinner masking tape
2 Rags
Bottle Cork
Wooden furniture
Simple curtains
Jute area rugs
Natural light fixtures