Log Cabin Basement Help Needed

7 years ago

This is the basement of the log cabin we recently moved into. It's dark (professional photo makes it look lighter), but we aren't sure what to do. It's reclaimed wood, not the typical old wood paneling. I don't want to veer too far from the rustic log cabin feel, but something has to be done. I'm hesitant to whitewash it since I can't easily undo that. Should I just add more lighting and a lighter colored large accent piece (barn door style entertainment center???)? Turn the wood horizontally and whitewash it to look more "shiplappy"? I know that's a stretch...lol. Flooring ideas? The carpet is stained and has to go. It has such potential, but I don't know what to do. And those ceiling fans will definitely go... Thanks for your help!

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housegal200
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Below is an article that just popped up on Houzz today that may be helpful. Do a search on Houzz and Pinterest for "great room log cabin" to get some ideas on how to bring out the warmth in a large panelled room with furnishings, rugs, art. You have such a big space, consider having two zones--conversational near fireplace and another for media and maybe even exercise area. It's understandable you're concerned about painting unfinished, rough wood--no advice there. Here's a room from the link that shows a panelled large room like yours:

Mid Century Magic · More Info

Below is a basement room showing a comfortable layout to media. You could float your sofa at one end of the space for TV and gaming, then set up a second space with lighter, unholstered seating in, say, reds, for conversation, exercise. Also notice how much the huge art adds to this one-window room. Oversized framed posters in subjects that would appeal to your family--travel, sports, etc.--would add interest and light to the space.

Erin & Breon's Stylish Basement Hangout · More Info

[https://www.houzz.com/magazine/midcentury-living-room-and-kitchen-get-a-stylish-comfy-update-stsetivw-vs~115016681[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/midcentury-living-room-and-kitchen-get-a-stylish-comfy-update-stsetivw-vs~115016681)
housegal200
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

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Look up oversized posters online for sources of subjects you like.
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miss lindsey (She/Her)
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
You could paint the ceiling. It would brighten everything tremendously.

That being said, I see you have some gamers. Maybe they like the darker room for better visibility of their screen.

I would improve the lighting with dimmable lighting overhead, then layer in lamps at various heights so the room can be illuminated without pockets of shadow or kept darker for gaming, movies, etc.

Housegal gave some good decor inspiration :)
housegal200
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Here's a woodsy mural--60" wide--that would brighten a wall.
"Birch Trees Oil" Artwork, 30"x60" · More Info

I do like the idea of painted ceiling. Pick an ivory, not stark white if you go this route. Yes, lighting to replace those fans would add a lot.
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