Rustic decorating is popular today, and yet has stood the test of time. While people are incorporating rustic interior decorating in their homes, log cabins are classic and built to stand the test of time. As many of us long for the look and feel of the great outdoors, rustic and cabin style decorating fills the bill nicely. You don't have to own a log cabin to incorporate rustic decorating

Any of the wood used in this type of decorating style tends to be rough and unfinished in appearance. The furniture is often oversized, comfortable, and casual, which gives it great appeal.

You don’t have to go to extremes to get a rustic feel in your home. With careful planning you can get the same comfortable and relaxing atmosphere without having to build a log cabin or buy a hunting lodge!

So let’s get started by getting familiar with the colors, textures, and materials found in a rustic cottage and cabins. Think of the deep woodsy outdoors when choosing your paints and wood finishes.

Don’t use colors you wouldn’t find in nature. Grays should be in the colors you would find in stones. Earth tones should be in shades that remind you of weathered wood. Don’t use greens that aren’t found in grass, leaves, moss, etc. Think “autumn” when choosing reds, golds, and oranges.

Walls and floors should remain somewhat neutral…save the color for your fabrics and accessories. Now, if you still think this is the look for you, sit back, relax, and continue reading.

Let’s assume that you are remodeling an existing cabin or even a small rural house. Rough hewn beams on the ceiling would be a very good start. Faux log paneling is nice, but only if your rooms are large enough to accommodate it.

If you want wood paneling, make sure it isn’t too polished, ornate or modern. Texture is really important here.

The woods you select shouldn’t be too smooth; some imperfections will add authenticity. If there is little wood in your home and the cost of adding it is prohibitive, don’t panic. You can add that woodsy ambiance with lots of wooden accessories and pictures.

Your woodwork can be bleached and varnished (no high sheen, please!), or painted with a color wash that lets the natural wood grain show through. Plank flooring, unpolished granite, slate, and flagstone are all good choices for your floors.

Rustic decorating lends itself to braided rugs, which can be used to mark your furniture groupings and add splashes of color. And if you are adding a fireplace, make sure it has a large opening, a stone hearth, and a wooden mantle (cedar would be a good choice).

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