Having a cabin in the mountains may be a goal but to truly elevate a mountain space into a homey one, interior designer Cindy DeMaio, owner of Simply Decorated in Jasper (simplydecoratedhome.com), knows a thing or two. Serving Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer and Fannin counties, DeMaio creates beautiful spaces by repurposing items you love while giving spaces a makeover. This cabin in the North Georgia Mountains is the original space with only the bathroom changed to fully modernize it. Using décor only, this cabin is as inviting as any luxury B&B. Here are DeMaio’s tips on how you can do the same.
1 USE VARYING TEXTILES
“When someone tells me that their space feels like it is missing something, it is almost always texture. Layering textiles adds visual interest and creates a room that feels full. We used leather, hair on hide, faux fur, jute and linen, just to name a few different textiles in this cabin.”
2 FOCUS ON THE DETAILS
“What is it that you love and what brings you the most joy? These answers are how I determine the ‘details’ in a space. A certain kind of flower, animal or a beloved collection will become the focal point of the design in each room. It is what I call ‘meaningful décor.’”
3 EXPERIMENT WITH PATTERNS
“Patterns are meant to be mixed and make rooms so much more fun! In the bathroom, we used shiplap and ran it vertically to help give the room some height. Using hexagon shaped tiles on the floor was key to make the room feel less linear, especially in such a small space.”
4 KEEP IT BRIGHT
“One of the biggest challenges in a true log cabin is keeping the space feeling bright. Light-colored fabrics help contrast with the dark wood and help to create a light and airy feel in the rooms. We also used natural elements in light colors to help with the contrast. For example, the coffee tables in the living room, which are a white natural stone, bring a pop of brightness to the middle of the room. Lamps and overhead lighting are key as well.”
5 ADD MODERN TOUCHES
“The original cabin didn’t have an island but adding a free-standing island with a metal base helps add visual interest and brings attention to the old cast iron oven. Mix old and new pieces to create a collected authenticity to your home.”
