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Between winter-barren ridges of the Great Smokey mountains, a
solitary log cabin nestles. A thin wisp of blue smoke rises from the stone
chimney, and a homemade swing beckons from the snowy porch. Glimpsed
through windows edged with frost, a Dutch oven simmers above a blazing fire.
The glowing hearth beckons the chilled, weary traveler, who pauses only
to brush off the snow before lifting the latch.
 An American tradition of handmade beauty is contained within the
rough-hewn walls of this snug home. Like the bluegrass music that rang
through Appalachian hollows, decorative folk arts brought color and joy to a
hardscrabble existence. Log Cabin style recaptures this
uniquely charming aesthetic for modern times.
The hearth -- andirons, an ash hopper, a bellows -- is the soul of
the Log Cabin. Its radiance casts a glow on simple pine furniture.
Braided rugs in cheerful blues, greens and reds add color to the scene, and rocking
chairs provide a place to read, talk or simply contemplate the fire.
A classic copper wash boiler holds newspapers or kindling.
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In the bedroom, a colorful quilt covers a whitewashed cast iron
bedstead. Curtains in plain checked cotton and old-fashioned
house wares lend
an authentic look: straw brooms, a speckled enamel kettle atop
the woodstove, oil lamps.
Naive art, or perhaps a particularly fine antique
quilt in an intricate pattern, makes the perfect finishing touch for this
tribute to homespun design. |
Elements of Style:
Walls: In addition to exposed log beams, pine plank paneling, brick or stone
add character, reinforcing the closeness of the outdoors
and nature. A blending of natures elements, wood and stone
strengthen the rustic ideals of the Log Cabin Style.
Floors: Large pine planks or river bed stones
seem most appropriate. Braided or hooked rugs imply coziness
as well as providing some needed warm to cold feet on
winter mornings.
Fabrics: Simplicity is emphasized in this
style, therefore a white bedspread might be your easiest
choice. Checked cotton, lace bed throws, crocheted
blankets and, of course, hand made quilts can quickly
complete the room, inviting color and visual texture.
Furniture: Shaker chairs and tables fit nicely.
The simplicity of design, based on functionality, seem to
lend casual comfort to the Log Cabin room. Pine furniture,
knotty and distressed, re-emphasis the closeness to nature
that is so enticing in the Log Cabin home.
Accessories: Fireplace tools, naive art, quilts, carved/whittled
objects, washboards and boilers, hearthrugs, andirons, and the wood
stove will easily fulfill the needs of this style.
The kitchen should display hand-woven
baskets, cast iron pots, enamelware, tin plates and cups,
and no cabin would be complete without the necessary hurricane lamps.
Windows: Simple cotton checked curtains, light and airy, is all
that is desired. Simplicity with an emphasis on
accessories truly creates the rustic, comfortable Log
Cabin Style.
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