Cabin Fever

I love looking through magazines such as Architectural Digest to get inspiration.  There are so many beautiful room designs and creative designers. With summer here, I thought it would be appropriate to get inspired by the great outdoors and catch a little cabin fever.  I recall several vacations as a child staying in a cabin at the lake and even attending outdoor school in which I have so many fond memories.

Of course, getting DIY Inspired also means getting cabin fever on a budget.  Here are some of my suggestions to get that natural outdoor feeling for less.

Think Cozy and Comfy.

Neutral colors in tans, beiges, and creams scream “comfy getaway” or “comfy retreat”.  Use inexpensive rope for curtain or canopy tie backs, or use it to embellish handmade throw pillows.

Go with darker tones.

Flooring can make a dramatic impact to any room.  Going with darker tones, I think, is a key element.  Rustic laminate flooring is less expensive than hardwood and the installation price is typically half the price of hardwood flooring. It is also extremely durable from scratches and scrapes.

Create a Rustic atmosphere.

Flea Markets and thrift stores are great places to shop for inexpensive statements like rocking chairs or armoires.  Consider refurbishing an old cupboard in green hues and sand it down for an antique look.

Bring the outside indoors.

Natural wood is beautiful and inexpensive. Check lumber yards or architectural salvage places for great pieces to add to your room décor.  Make your own coffee and side tables by simply adding glass atop of a wood stump.  Use small pieces of wood as bases for candles or vases.  Frame dried leaves or flowers in thrift store frames with mattes and arrange a beautiful collage.

A special thank you goes out to Bestlaminate.net for sponsoring this post!

 

Photo Sources: Architectural Digest