Southwestern Style
" Decorated Log Homes"

The desire of your log home style may be Native American Artwork, Cattle Ranch life style or the Spanish Mission look.

Here are a few quick tips to get you started on which ever Southern style you choose.

Flooring

Lean towards rough or rough looking materials for your flooring.Such as vintage brick, concrete with" motted coloring" ( shown in photo ) or reclaimed wood.

Countertop

In your southern style kitchen you should choose a earthy color and rustic looking countertop. A medium colored soapstone countertop blends well with a southern theme.

To accomplish the southern look

Use stucco and textured plaster on walls and fireplaces. This design will point your compass in the right direction, and give you a true sense of the southwest.

Lighting

Make your lighting make a statement with fixtures made of antlersor rusticated metals. Stay away from track lighting unlessyour going for the contemporary look which I don't think you'd like in a southern home.

Furniture

If your going to head out on a southwestern furniture shopping spree, I suggest you pick up a single item, "a handsome chest, old or new that gives your style the sense of the southwest. Rustic pieces are great for setting this tone.

An entire roomful of western furniture may be too much to take in if you have a small room, while a few pieces allow each item to stand out and become there on focal points.

Add some bent willow chairs around an old oak table, or include a few pieces in a fireplace grouping.

Warm up rustic seating pieces with cushions and pillows. These will soften the chairs visually and provide an additional level of comfort. Fabric will also serve as a unifying element to tie in a rustic piece with southwestern furnishings already in the room.

Traditional formal designs can even be recreated in a rustic style. The unusual and beautiful bed shown here, would feel at home in both contemporary and country interiors. Notice how visually appealing the room is. This is the charm of rustic furniture.

These smaller spaces can be theme-decorated in a rustic style around a few interesting items, without committing yourself to an entire houseful.

Upholstery can play a key part. Cotton, linen or wool make great candidates.

Stay away from shiny fabrics. Choose textures that are hand woven or coarse such as rawhide and leather.

Choosing southwestern decor of quality that has meaning to you will create an everlasting love of a southern home!!

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