Though I’ve never been the “outdoorsy” type, I’ve discovered over the last several years that natural light is a crucial factor in my mood and productivity. I’ve always required at least 8 hours of sleep, preferably 9, and if I don’t get that I’m toast by mid-afternoon. Being a mom of small children has certainly cut my slumbering hours down, and it has been working through this stage of my life that I really discovered how important light is for my well-being. (We’re even laying our next home out according to light.)
While the cabin is full of charm and character, it is not a place that screams “let’s get to work!” It’s more of a place that whispers, “why don’t you just curl up on the couch with the door open so you can listen to the fountain while browsing Pinterest?”
And even though I wouldn’t change things like the log walls, the antiqued wood floors, or the brick pavers, I can’t help but change some other elements to brighten things up a bit.
How about that sink? If I have to hand wash dishes, this is the sink I want to look at while doing so.
True to the style, there are no cabinets, just a counter with old table legs. My mother-in-law had some nice curtains up, but was having them cleaned when we moved in, so I unfortunately don’t have a picture with them, but you can see one of the panels on the right side of the counter. They were a pretty, deep blue which worked well in the space, but I thought this was an opportunity to create some more light. I went to my favorite, local home store and picked up a neutral, heavy weight cotton and a bit of ticking for a trim and got to sewing.
I love how it brightens up this spot, but stays true to the cabin’s feel. Adding the Persian rug that I found at a store closing sale a few weeks back brings in a bit of my personal style and some other nice colors to the mix. I mentioned earlier this week that I’m trying to keep things clean and simple to let the character shine. The cabin isn’t huge, but using every inch of storage and keeping counters and tabletops as clean as possible gives the illusion of more space.
The kitchen had open shelving long before it was the thing to do.
This hutch was another area I wanted to lighten up and bring in a bit of my style. The details of this thing shine on their own: the original, wavy glass in the doors, the pull out counter, and the pull out bin – perfect for root vegetables.
By clearing it out and placing some antique white pottery in the cabinets, it feels fresh and more modern. Using the old scale and the butter churner helps to tie in the cabin feel and the Staffordshire dog is a nod to my love of all things English. I think art brings so much to any space and the oil painting I picked up for $2 gives character but the color palette melds well with the rest of the space.
I would still like to update the bedding a bit and move a few things around in the living room, but I really just want to enjoy this beautiful place for what it is. It’s not necessarily my style, but I can definitely appreciate it. And how many people get to say they lived in a log cabin? I’m always up for something a bit different.
This weekend we’ll be meeting with our architect and things are really starting to take shape with our new home. I hope to get together some of my inspiration to give you a peek next week.
Any other tips you have for lightening up a space?
Nothy Lane says
How smart to not cover up the window when you want more space. I lived in a great townhouse in London but the windows were such that they didn't let a lot of light in – middle of July and really sunny outside and I would still have to turn all the lights on. I should have used your trick and dressed the windows differently and in lighter fabrics. I love your cabin. Bravo.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much!
Catherine Hansen Peart says
I am exactly like you, I need light! Lots of it. Living in the house we are now has taught me that windows on only one wall of a room (nearly every room is like that here) just doesn't work for me. I need ALL THE WINDOWS. Can't wait to build myself in a couple of years! I love those curtains on the cabinets in the kitchen – they look just beautiful. Can't wait to see more of this. I definitely could not live in a log cabin unless I could paint it all white inside (sacrilege I know!) but I do think they are beautiful in their own way (I do love that stripey wall look).
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
I totally get it. Light and colors are such factors in our moods. I love the sink area now. Perfect balance of cabin, but has a light and airy feel. That is what I think when I go to cabins too, a place to escape and relax. I hope to have a little cabin one day to escape to…but for that only…escaping…
I'm excited to see how your build progresses, I bet that's a busy process 🙂
Jenn - HomeStyleReport says
This little cabin is adorable! It definitely has a lot of character on it's own! The sink area looks amazing!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Jenn!
Shavonda@AHomeFullOfColor says
Its amazing Gwen. I love the skirted counters. Its such a wonderful interim living arrangement. The cabin is just gorgeous. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be in fall and winter:)
Rebecca - Hello Creative Blog says
Great ideas to brighten the space. Our house isn't a cabin, but it's on the "dark" side and doesn't allow for tons of light flooding in. We also have a wood ceiling – beautiful in the winter with the fire roaring but just like you mentioned, it makes you want to curl up on the couch. I've been trying to add some bright accessories and light accents as well. It'll get there!
Ariel Garneau says
I use mirrors to help lighten-up spaces. Our home has a lot of dead angles and not enough windows. Strategically placed, they bring light to rooms and spaces that would otherwise be darker. Love what you've done with the space though!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Great idea, Ariel! They do add so much to a space. Thanks for sharing!
Sherri says
I like what you have done with the space, and I don't blame you for wanting to rein in as much light as possible. The cabin looks charming and delightfully cozy. I was wondering if your mother-in-law gets offended at the changes you are making or is she on board with whatever you do?
themakerista@gmail.com says
Good question, Sherri. My mother-in-law is really awesome. Luckily, although we have different styles, we can appreciate each other's taste and she just wants us to feel at home here. She has told me that I can do whatever I would like to make it feel more me, and has been happy to help too!
Brandi says
I love what you've done here. You made the existing pieces work better. Kudos on a job well done!!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Brandi!
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Great idea to add that skirt under the sink – which, you're right, is amazing. Though hand washing dishes sounds like less fun than staring at the gorgeous sink.
Audrey @ Oh So Lovely says
I love what you've done…looks much better…and as bright and airy (as possible) 🙂
Rachel Rardon says
Love! That skirt makes those gorgeous legs even more fabulous! Before they were like – "No, don't be distracted by all that stuff, look at me!" …Every sexy leg needs a good skirt to bring out it's best! 🙂
Julie Blanner says
Great minds think alike! I wrote a post about adding light to homes just a few weeks ago. Such a cute little cottage! http://julieblanner.com/7-ways-to-add-light-to-a-room/