How to Brighten a Log Home

Even though log homes are quite beautiful, the over-abundance of wood and wood grain can sometimes create a dull and lifeless interior. In the absence of completely rebuilding your home, inject some life, color and light into your log home with some simple solutions. These techniques and suggestions work well not only in log homes, but in conventional homes as well.

Things You'll Need

• Lighting
• Mirrors
• Paint
• Fabric
• Skylight

Instructions

1. Add lighting to your log home. Install track lighting on high ceilings to shower a room with light. Add task lighting to specific areas such as countertops in kitchens or small bedside tables for reading. Place hanging light fixtures over kitchen islands and breakfast nook areas. Use high wattage light bulbs for more impact. Use sconces and torchiere lights to reflect light onto ceilings.

2. Place mirrors throughout your log home to reflect light and open up space. Place mirrors directly opposite large windows to visually enlarge a dark room. Use mirrored tile as a backsplash in your kitchen to add brightness.

3. Paint flat areas in your log home a light color. Bathrooms and kitchens in log homes often have smooth walls that can be painted with a light-colored paint. Paint a wood floor with a white-wash finish to brighten up your space. Paint trim around windows and doors a light or bright color.

4. Make pillows, cushions, place mats, napkins and other accessories out of light and bright fabric. Choose a lighter-toned upholstery fabric for large furniture such as sofas and armchairs. Hang custom quilts on the walls to add visual interest and brighten a space.

5. Add several skylights throughout your log home to let in natural light. Likewise, open up all curtains and blinds to let the sunshine in. Keep window coverings sheer to allow for more light.

References

• "Washingtonian: Tricks of the Trade"