Log on

Ditch that minimalist designer look in favour of a comfortable piece of homely goodness, writes Carol O’Callaghan.

AWASH as we are with colour and its opposite of clean white minimalism, it seems there’s room for something else too, a look that is actually less about “the look”, and more about an emphasis on comfort; after all, we’re still in the thick of winter when all white, clean lines and sharp angles really don’t cut the mustard.

Given how great an influence American house styles and sizes have been in recent years, log cabin style is one that can lend itself very well to our love of open beams, high ceilings and feature walls finished in stone and brick. But before you start imagining versions of Grizzly Adams’ humble abode with its furniture roughly hewn from trunks of trees felled by the grizzly one himself, or the parsimonious simplicity of the Little House on the Prairie, think again as this is a look that speaks of warmth and the cosy comfort of chunky furniture, bold textiles and muted colours carried off with simplicity and lack of fuss. Above all, it’s one to appeal more to home and hearth lovers rather than design aficionados.

If you have the money to implement log cabin design elements, consider wood panelling, exposed ceiling beams in dark or weathered wood, a stone wall, a brick fireplace, built-in shelves and wide plank hardwoods on the floor. But if the budget doesn’t stretch to that, furniture, and our reliable friend the accessory, can bring elements of this rustic simplicity to your home.

Consider furniture pieces with straight lines, painted finishes and little or no ornamentation. Also look with a new eye at antiques and family heirlooms, and if you fancy an excursion, the car boot sale and flea markets are great places to pick up pieces at affordable prices. They may need a little work done on them but that’s part of the fun and gives you a chance to put your own mark on a piece.

When it comes to accessories, opt for hand-made and country-style like baskets, carved wooden bowls, pottery, and metals such as hand-made wrought iron pieces. Also consider enamel kitchen wares as they have all the effectiveness of cooking in metal but are a much more lightweight option for lifting out of ovens.

Checked and striped patterns printed on calico fabric add visual interest and colour to an understated country room. Upholstery on sofas, chairs, and windows are typically neutral with accent fabrics featuring patterns of plaid, stripe or check.

An open fire is another feature integral to the look, and even though we’re attempting to be more eco friendly, as a nation we haven’t yet considered breaking off our love affair with solid fuel. Place a large basket beside the fire filled with blocks, or stack them from floor upwards for more authenticity. Pick up an old deer head from a junk shop or some in-vogue faux antlers to put on the chimney breast, hang up your beaver skin hat and stretch out in front of the fire as a storm rages outside.

Next week we help you deal with the shortcomings of your cooking utensils and appliances while the sales are still on.