Not to start this post off negatively, but I know what everyone is thinking and I just want to put it out there on the table- there are so many ways to do lodge style WRONG.  You may be picturing a vast expanse of cedar furniture- matching beds and nightstands and dressers and mirrors.  You may be picturing musty bedding with silhouettes of howling wolves beneath life size paintings of bears on skis.  Or, you may even be picturing that dark A-frame rental you once vacationed in- you know, that one with 70s appliances, a tiny river rock fireplace… and a bear rug.  But forget everything you’ve heard, today we’re going to show you lodge style- done right!

Lodge style done right is intriguing, beautiful, and everything you would want your ski retreat/fishing camp/lake cabin to be.  Furniture pieces made from natural materials, subtle antler accessories, warm colors and textures, and hints of forests and wildlife are all key factors in creating the perfect lodge home.

Natural Materials:

This double sink vanity combines natural with classy with its birch bark accents, log border and (drum roll please) VESSEL SINKS!  The three different types of wood used in this vanity make for such an elegant and unique woodsy piece.  We are doing a custom version of one of these vanities for a client where we will include a custom stone countertop!

Old Hickory Vanity with Birch Bark Accents

This “Forest Edge” bed features live edge tree slices with beautifully hand crafted wooden posts.  No more giant yellow cedar logs, this bed makes a more striking (and more subtle) statement, don’t you think?

Forest Edge- Live edge bed

Wildlife:

It’s important to include wildlife in a lodge setting, but you can do it in a way that is more classy and less hokey.

This cast elk lamp brings antlers into the equation without the overwhelming force of large taxidermied elk heads (which are also okay if that’s what you’re going for, but in this post we’re looking at more subtle ways to achieve the look).  The feather print shade also brings another lodge aspect to this piece that you don’t even notice at first, but it really adds a lot!

Beautiful Cast Elk Lamp

This is one of my FAVORITE fabrics!  We have used (and are using) different colorways of this fabric for curtains at a hunting/fishing camp in Meeker, CO, and also for pillow shams at a winter snowmobiling retreat on Buffalo Pass.  This fabric is so beautiful, and what I love about it is that it brings an elegant wildlife theme to a space rather than a cartoon-ie or western one.

Lodge Wildlife Fabric

Art is another way to incorporate wildlife into your lodge space.  Along the lines of the rest of the post, when choosing art, go for the more natural scenes.  Basically, stay away from bears wearing clothes, on skis, around fires, or in any other number of human situations.  We’ve seen this before- it doesn’t work out.  I love this canvas print of an Alaskan brown bear- the texture of the fur and the green color in the background really help contribute to a lodgy feel.

Bear canvas print

Textures:  

Texture plays an integral role in setting a stage for any style.  In lodge style it’s no different: texture is key.  It is always easy to add texture, and it can mean the difference between a flat look or a complete one.  Combine rough and soft textures for a rustic yet comfortable feel that will keep you cozy all winter!

This is one of my favorite little nooks ever, in a Western mine style home that we did on Burgess Creek.  The rough natural stone on the wall only makes the lanterns and candles seem brighter, so rather than a cold rocky space, this reading nook becomes one of my favorite warm, cozy places.

Stone floor, bench and wall reading nook

Faux fur throws have become a popular staple in design recently, and for good reason!  A fur throw will instantly add texture and warmth to any place it occupies

Faux Fur Throw

Forests:  Bringing the forest into your lodge style space combines all of the other advice we’ve given you so far.  Subtle views of the forest can be incorporated through art, natural materials, and fabrics.  While pine and cedar veneer logs are okay in moderation, try to shift instead towards a more natural  look with bark, twigs, and live edges.  Use images of aspens and pine trees, and incorporate color and texture into whatever you choose.  

This canvas print of a Rabbit Ears Pass photo is perfect for lodge style because it brings not only visions of the forest, but also color, variety and style.

Rabbit Ears Pass Canvas Print

This living room with aspen woodwork/beams is a great example of how to bring the forest into your home.  It’s incredibly unique, and I think incredibly beautiful!

Aspen beams- Image via Pinterest

Stop in to our showroom today where all of the products from this post (with the exclusion of the last photo) are available and in stock now!  We would love to help you update your lodge look, or any other look that you are going for.  You can also visit us on Facebook and Pinterest to get new design ideas every single day!

Did you know that we have a store?  I bet you did.

Did you know that we have 2300 square feet of store?  I bet you didn’t.

We call it a showroom, but it is full of pretty much any neat thing that you would need for your home, and everyone is invited.  Art, furniture, accessories, rugs, gifts, lighting, you name it, we have it.  And, what we don’t have, we can order.  Just for you.  There’s just too much at the showroom for me to give you a full-on virtual tour, so I’m just going to share a few of my personal favorite things that are in stock right now. 

 I just love this coffee table made from an old railway cart.  It’s reclaimed and industrial and western all at the same time!  

Rail cart coffee table

These vintage “olive buckets” are finding their way into rooms of every style- they look great in shabby chic, country cottage, rustic, industrial chic, western, and even coastal/beach spaces!  We have a few different styles of buckets at the showroom right now, and we are about to fill them up with beautiful summertime flowers!  

Turkish Olive Bucket

This lamp made from hand cut slate is so beautiful and unique!  I love the colors, shapes and variation in this lamp.  And, what’s even better, we have them in four different shapes and sizes!

Slate Lamp

You may not be able to tell from this picture, but this is a massive floor mirror with beautifully textured reclaimed style wood.  And who doesn’t love a good floor mirror?  This mirror would be absolutely perfect for a mountain/rustic contemporary bedroom, closet or living room.  Actually, it would be perfect for just about anywhere!

Rustic Floor Mirror

We have actually been carrying these tripod lamps for a while now, and people love them!  Myself included.  They are such perfect additions to rooms where you need a unique but functional focal piece.  We have a table lamp version of this lamp, and a floor lamp version, so no matter what you are looking for we have you covered!

Tripod Lamp

Ok, I know it’s summer time and you may not want to roll yourself up in a fur blanket at the moment, but cozy warmth is NOT the only thing these throws are good for!  We are seeing fur throws used more and more in nearly every design situation to add another level of texture to a space.  These blankies are also great for adding a little bit of warmth and color to a room.  And then, when winter comes back, you start the fire and snuggle up in it!

Faux Fur Throw

These antler plaques are another item that has found itself inserted into numerous different design styles in the last year or so.  I love the details on these little guys, they would look great stacked on either side of a mirror or headboard, or in their own grouping on a wall.

Antler Plaques

To see what else we have, you’re just going to have to come peruse for yourself!

Visit our showroom today- 1880 Loggers Lane in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, right next to Cook Chevrolet.  For directions, hours and contact information, visit our website.  See you there!

Everyone loves a rustic space.  Come on, we know you have a whole board dedicated to it on Pinterest, or a whole ideabook for it on Houzz.  But, when it comes to rustic design in your own home, it’s hard to know where to start.  Well, we’re going to make it easy for you!  Follow these 5 steps to a rustic room, and you will have a Home on the Range in no time at all!

1.  Reclaim your space

Reclaimed wood is the first and easiest thing you can do to make your room more rustic.  Think about it (or just look at your Pinterest boards)- everything that you have labeled as “rustic” most likely has some form of reclaimed wood somewhere.  There are so many ways to use reclaimed wood in your space, and the cost and difficulty range from astronomical to miniscule.  For a large scale impact, cover a wall, floor or ceiling with authentic reclaimed barn wood.  The effect that barn wood plank walls have is incredible, they are beautiful, cozy, and pretty much make the room feel rustic without even doing anything else to it.

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

If you don’t have the money to spend on authentic reclaimed wood, or don’t have the resources to go tear down a barn yourself, try another method that is taking the online DIY design world by storm- PALLETS.  Yes, pallets.  Pallets can be found just about anywhere, usually for free behind a dumpster if you’re willing to haul them yourself.  With the right stain and care, pallet boards can look just as perfectly rustic as barn wood does.  And, technically, pallet wood is reclaimed wood, so there you go.

Image via Pinterest

For a smaller scale project, focus your sights on other pieces that use reclaimed wood- mirror frames, benches, tables, the possibilities are endless!

Image via Shanty 2 Chic

2.  Mix Materials

Mixing materials is huge in rustic design.  If you’ve done your research, you’ll notice that the best rustic design pulls from a myriad of creative materials, some of the favorites being wood, stone, twigs and branches, leather, fur, logs and metal.

Image via Home on the Range

The more you use, the more interesting your space becomes.  That’s really what rustic comes from- using what’s available and being resourceful with what you have.

Image via Home on the Range

Image via Pinterest

3.  Repurpose

Along the same lines of using what’s available and being resourceful, repurposing items is a major step in creating a rustic room.  The rustier the better!

Image via Pinterest

There are so many ways to creatively turn old things in to new things, the only limit is your imagination.  Also, when doing your own repurposing, think about how to make your “new to you” items useful.  Create light fixtures, hardware, faucets, sinks, tables, chairs, or art.  Take an item that was once useful for one thing, and transform it into a new item that is useful for something else.

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

4. Disguise the new with the old

The next step to creating a more rustic space is adding a rustic or reclaimed twist to the more modern aspects of your room.  Recently, we are seeing a growing trend in “hiding” large flat screen tvs.  Yes, we all have them.  No, no one really wants to see a massive black square in the middle of their wall.  One of my favorite ways to make a tv a little bit more subtle is by adding a frame to it.  If it’s a reclaimed wood frame, even better!

Image via Remodelaholic

You can do the same thing with your kitchen appliances.  I know most of you out there are gasping at me and thinking “cover up my stainless?  Excuse me?  Oh no you don’t!” but really, I don’t think stainless is all that great.  Just putting it out there.  I would rather have subtle appliances (maybe with a wood exterior that matches or compliments the cabinets?) that contribute to a more cozy home feel, than stark silver ones that are not, in fact, stainless.

5. Bring the outdoors in

The idea of “rustic” comes from cabins, homesteads, and lodges where natural materials are widely available, but nothing else is.  The last step to creating a rustic room is by using what nature has to offer.  Some of my favorite rustic pieces incorporate really natural looking twigs and branches.

Image via Pinterest

I love tree trunk tables, live edge furniture, bedposts made from branches, and unique log work.  There is nothing more rustic than feeling like you are a part of nature itself!

Image via Pinterest

If you follow these steps, you will be living in an adorable rustic home in no time.  Do a little, do a lot, do whatever you want, but remember to make it your own!  For more ideas on creating your own rustic space, visit us on Facebook and Pinterest– you’ll love what you see!  Or, check out our website to see what rustic means to us.  For all of the rustic pieces you could ever want to get your hands on, stop in to our showroom today!

Hello and welcome to week 3 of Ask the Designer!  We only have 2 Q&A’s for you this week, because we only received 2 questions- so let’s step it up here people!  I know that each and every one of you has a question about this or that or how or when or why, and we would love to answer them for you!  So don’t be shy, we’re all friends here- and you never know, your question might help someone else in the same situation!  Ok, now that the lecture is over, let’s get going with Ask the Designer!

Question 1: 

Joni asks: How do you know when to do carpet, wood or tile?

Answer: Here are our rules of thumb, however keep in mind that rules are made to be broken and it’s your house so you can do whatever you want!!

We use tile in a bathroom, laundry, entry, mudroom or kitchen.  Anywhere that is prone to water sitting on the floor, or appliances overflowing.  In our cold climate you will want to be sure you have in-floor heating under the tile or you will be hopping from one foot to the other as you brush your teeth!

Image via Home on the Range

We tend to use carpet in bedrooms where you want to step out of bed in your bare feet onto a soft surface.  The other place to use carpet is for lower levels where you don’t want to spend the money for wood.  Stairs can be carpeted if you have little ones running up and down them in stocking feet because wood tends to get pretty slippery and you wouldn’t want anyone to take a nose dive!  Carpet is also good for deadening the sound of clunking feet, so you might want to use it in locations where there is a playroom, a child’s bedroom or a media room overhead.

Image via Home on the Range

Wood is my favorite!  It warms up a room, adds character and provides a perfect backdrop for gorgeous area rugs, Wood isn’t hard to walk on like tile is, and wood goes with just about anything!  I love wood in kitchens (oops I just broke my rule of thumb!) but I always caution my clients that if a dishwasher overflows while they are away and it isn’t mopped up quickly, the wood will cup and may have to be replaced.  In the last 25 years that has yet to happen to one of my clients, but I have heard some nightmare stories so you do need to weigh the risks!!!

Image via Home on the Range

I have seen lots of tile in living rooms, wood in kitchens and carpet in bathrooms (I always want to go in and tear that right out!) so again, this is just a rule of thumb and you will want to think about how it works for you!

Question 2:

Mary asks:   I have seen a lot of vessel sinks in friend’s homes and even establishments and i think they are nice-looking sinks and definitely a great choice. I wonder though, how much it would cost and is it possible to do the installation ourselves?

Answer: Vessel sinks are fantastic for bathrooms that aren’t going to get everyday use.  As you mentioned, they are nice-looking and there are myriad styles and materials to choose from.  If you don’t want to spend much money, you can go down to the nearest flea market and buy an old bucket that you can turn into a vessel sink.

Image via Home on the Range

We put a petrified wood vessel sink in a house we completed about a year ago, and it added a fun accent to a small powder room.

Image via Home on the Range

There are some beautiful glass sinks with leaves or fish in them, and hand cast bronze sinks that can cost several thousand dollars!  Here’s a sink from Kohler that we put in an Arts and Crafts home.  It isn’t too expensive and yet adds a nice touch.

Image via Home on the Range

I bet you are wondering why I said not to put it in a bathroom that gets everyday use.  The reason for that is twofold.  First, it needs to sit on a lower vanity – or you wouldn’t be able to get your hands into the sink.   We usually keep the top of the vessel sink at about 36 to 38” depending on the style of the sink.  If the top of the sink sits 8” above the countertop, then you end up with a 28” high countertop.  That’s fine when you aren’t doing much in the bathroom except for washing your hands but it is quite low for a normal bath vanity.

The other issue with vessel sinks is that they tend to be messier.  They are hard to shave in, or wash your face in.  There is a splash factor going on with a vessel sink that you don’t get with a standard sink.  But, again, that’s not to say that rules aren’t made to be broken- we’re just trying to give you all those extra little bits of information that you might not hear otherwise!

If you’re looking to go the DIY route and create and install your vessel sink yourself, here’s a little bit of helpful information on “how to”.  Good luck on your project!

That wraps up this month’s edition of Ask the Designer-  if you have a question that you want to submit for our next round, you can leave a comment right here on the blog, tweet it to us, or submit it through Facebook or Pinterest… we make it pretty easy for you!  And don’t forget, no question is too big or too small for us to answer!