Turn your home into a Scandinavian-style log cabin with some classic rustic touches
This winter why not warm to a cosy Scandinavian theme that will banish the January blues
One of the biggest trends of the season and certainly one that’s capturing the imaginations of many high-street homeware departments is the ‘ winter log cabin’ theme.
But what is really great about this look is that it bridges the gap between pre and post Christmas.
The decor associated with the trend is festive without being overly Christmas – it will get you in the holiday mood and when the January blues hit home it will keep your abode snug and welcoming without it looking like you left the Christmas decorations up a little too long.
Intrinsic to this aesthetic are whitewashed and raw wood finishes teamed with natural cosy fabrics such as fur, wools and linen and homewares adorned with woodland scenery and creatures.
Think wicker baskets for storing logs (or magazines )and stags’ heads and skulls either wallmounted or as ornamental fixtures like door and clothes hooks.
If it looks like you just hammered together a couple of felled logs to make a table, or upcycled an old piece of timber or driftwood as a seat, you are right on trend. A quick glance at the websites of home retailers and you will find plenty of accessories decorated with enchanting forest scenes, from tea lights to dining platters, all of which work really well with this season’s tartan love affair .
And as the Scandinavians know a thing or two about kitting out a log cabin, look to Danish and Swedish brands for their contemporary ‘Scandi Style’ offerings.
You will notice pale and white palettes are a key feature and the reason why Scandinavians use it so much in their interiors is a lack of natural light during the autumn and winter months.
Danish brand bloomingville.com available online and also stocked exclusively at Debenhams are keen purveyors of this winter wonderland vibe where Mongolian lamb fur cushions and rugs in gorgeous muted tone nest beside dip-dyed seagrass baskets, white rattan furniture and book cases in the shape of cute cabin huts.
Online Nordic Elements brings the innovative stylish designs of a number of well-known and emerging Danish designers to the Irish market. Its current collection includes a graphic print grey and knitted cushion inspired by a strong Nordic heritage and a quirky wooden log lamp.
IKEA’s new Nornas pine collection is a celebration of its Scandinavian roots, showcasing the raw and natural feel of pinewood – yes, cast aside the horrors of our 1990s overload on pine as this range is slick, pared back and untreated so you can leave it as it is for a rustic feel or it can be painted, oiled or stained to your preference.
Highlights include a solid pine bench, a low-profile bed frame and a multiplicity of storage options.
Of course we can’t all live in log cabins but wallpaper retailer Digitex stocks a whitewashed board-effect panel wallpaper and roller blind that looks just as good as the real thing, and a woodburner stove like the compact Waterford Stanley Oisin model is ideal for apartment living.
And to cap your woodland haven off, Irish candlemaker Cloon Kleen has a wonderful fragrant spiced bark candle that will have your home smelling of aged wood, cardamom and saffron.