Colors for log cabin and lodge decorating are inspired by nature. Look at the colors from your surroundings such as the sky, plants, trees, the ground and water. When choosing colors for your fabrics and paint, use deep, rich colors like forest green, brown, tan, red, orange and blue.
Thick, warm fabrics such as blankets of wool and flannel are typical in log cabins and lodges. Pendleton and Navajo blankets are often used in log cabin decorating. Likewise, blankets, window treatments, lamp shades, kitchen towels and bedding are often printed in plaid, gingham, stripes or animal patterns, such as images of bears, moose, fish or deer. Likewise, quilted fabrics like blankets, table runners, tablecloths and place mats are also typical of log cabin and lodge styles.
Leather upholstered furniture is typical in log cabin and lodge decorating. Decorate with a distressed leather couch and armchairs with studded facings for a rugged look. Likewise, you can decorate with twig furniture with bark finishes, such as a rustic twig bench or chair. Log cabins and lodges may have a large, rustic, wooden table, chairs and beds that range from smooth, varnished white pine to rugged, aged barn wood like chestnut or hickory. For a contemporary look, place a glass tabletop over natural driftwood to create a living room coffee table.
Hang handmade quilts and Navajo rugs on walls or cover a floor with a Southwestern rug. Cover your windows, especially in the kitchen, with cafe curtains in a plaid or gingham print. Use wrought iron accessories like candleholders, wall hooks and table lamps. Likewise, decorate with lanterns, oil lamps, large woven baskets and duck decoys. Decorate a wall with snowshoes, canoe paddles, antique skis, antique guns or mounted fish, animal heads and antlers. Fill an umbrella stand with walking sticks, fishing poles or ski poles. Frame maps of trails or scenic photographs.