I would love to have the opportunity to decorate something like this. I like the idea if a creamy painted windowsill. In Anne Dee's picture, it looks very fresh. I would also add ceiling to floor creamy panels on both sides of any windows in order to break up the wood grain. I'm kind of thinking a wood floor might be too much? Unless you go in a complete other color then maybe not? I could picture a nice textured light-colored very low-knap carpet (assuming you're not renting this to unknown folks, then no light carpet - it just wouldn't be taken care of). Creamy bedding sounds perfect and I have a strong love for mustard and turquoise accents (wish I had more in my own house). I think an iron bed would be perfect too, otherwise it could have too much wood! Maybe some mirrored night stands and a dresser to go with the iron? Finally, if you don't like the fireplace after its cleaned, you could whitewash or paint it to brighten up the room but make sure that's what you want to do. Have fun! Sounds like you're on the tight track!

Oh and for the light, I picture a black iron orb light with some crystals to make it feminine. This one is in my house and I love it! There are others out there too.

in a bedroom as this,i would add a crystal chandelier,to offset the rustic feeling,also a large artwork over the fireplace with some recessed lights to accent the art

How would it look to whitewash the ceiling in the living room (since it's so low) and leave the walls pine, then reverse in the bedroom and whitewash the walls and leave the ceiling pine?

That could work!

I would leave the walls & ceiling "as is", and brighten the fireplace a bit. If cleaning works, great; if not, a good faux painter could transform the rocks into something rustic, but lighter. As for painting your window frames, only do that if you want the windows to stand out. In my opinion, they should blend in since they are not really what makes the room special. If you decide to whitewash either the the walls OR ceiling, I'd lighten the walls and leave the ceiling as is. Lighting makes a dark room like this livable, so spend some money on that if you can. Track lighting works great on this sort of ceiling and allows you to highlight dark corners without having the lights shine in your eyes when in bed. A very rustic iron fixture would look amazing, but I would not add crystals as others suggested. The are too feminine for this room. We just used the new warmer LED lights in several spaces around our home, and they are gorgeous. We hid ours, so you only see warm light, not the light strips. They work on dimmers, and dimmers are a must in a bedroom if you want romantic lighting in the evening, or just a dim light left on overnight. You might be able to add them under a mantle if you add one to your fireplace? If you have a tall dresser, you can also add lighting to the top of it. The room looks small, so only add a mantle if it won't cut into your walking space. Otherwise a large mirror or bright piece of artwork highlighted by the track lights will make that wall amazing.

Sarah Richardson on HGTV has a series on her fixing up the family summer cabin on an island. It is one of my favorites of all her shows. It is also pine and she has white washed most of it. Google Sarah Richardson Cottage and look at the gorgeous photos of her redo.

I once heard it said, that sometimes when people buy a home, they start painting and renovating and they sometimes change the very things that made them fall in love with the home in the first place. Before you start whitewashing or painting these beautiful knotty pine walls, be sure you won't regret it.. Would a white wall properly showcase this spectacular stone fireplace?

Good point, Lynn.

A whitewash on the walls would look fantastic. Still see the grain and knots. Still have the rustic feel. Leave the FP alone, just clean it, don't mess with the stone if you want to have a fire in it - let's not add any potential combustible surface finishes.
I like the idea of iron or black lighting, whether it be hanging, standing, or wall sconces. Also like the idea of mostly white drapes, bedding, etc.

Since it is an island cottage, you might want to look for a ceiling fixture for your bedroom that looks like it was made from driftwood, expecially if you decide to whitewash the pine walls. I also think dark wrought iron would be a good choice if you go with a wrought iron bed. White/off white linens with navy accents would look good and feel nautical. If you keep the navy as a accent color it won't darken the room, but will give you some balance against light colored draperies and bed covers.

Hi Leanne, I would suggest a color such as Santa Fe Tan by American Clay, an eco-friendly paint that gives much depth to a space as it can look ethereal and open up a space . I would also layer a flokati or animal skin rug in a light color spread on a diagonal over a sisal or jute rug. For lighting, I would hang two or three pendant fixtures clustered in varying heights over the bed. Take a look at: Elk Lighting Dione Contemporary Inverted Pendant #10158-5 or Troy Lighting Mojito Modern/Contemporary Pendant #TL-F-7014-PC, both lovely.

I would definitely whitewash the stone. You can do it easily and safely with paint, you aren't doing the inside of the fireplace so no need to worry about it catching on fire. I'd probably stay away from the gold fabrics for your bedding since there is already so much gold tone in the walls. If you are looking for soothing maybe a grey/beige comforter with crisp white sheets and pillows in different patterns. I'd choose one of those patterns and make drapes for the windows and have white sheers beneath them. I'd also whitewash the sloped ceiling to make it feel more open and airy. Hang a beautiful large mirror over the fireplace to reflect the light in the room. For your headboard I'd take another fabric from your pillows you choose and have one made of it.

I live in a house that is all t&g paneling with stone fireplaces. Remember that it is a cabin and not a "city house". I would definitely leave the paneling. We even have black countertops and appliances in our all wood house and it is still bright. I would go with the light accessories to brighten it up. In the living room, I would put recessed lights that can be turned to shine on the fireplace. It provides a nice accent as well as providing light. Then use either wall sconces or floor lamps. With such low ceilings, any light fixture is going to make it feel even lower. Is there any chance one or more of the windows in the bedroom could be changed to a patio door? That would really enhance the light coming into the room. Using crystals in the chandeliers (as was suggested in earlier posts) will reflect the light, also. Placing creamy or white bookshelves or dressers in front of the stone wall would lighten it up. It looks like a fun place with a lot of character. Your accessories will go a long way to make your home feel light and airy without losing its character. Hopefully, you will post pictures! :0)

How about bigger windows......

natudd...I was thinking skylights would solve the dark issue and nothing is better than natural light.

Since coastal space, I agree with the white washing of the walls. Add the softness through your fabrics of bedding, bench, side chairs (if room). While jute photographs well, I wouldn't use it in a bedroom. Treat your feet to something more luxurious in the a.m., or just before crawling into bed. Stay away from the iron headboard, again go upholstered (nailhead trim if you feel you need the "iron"). Add in the iron in the light fixture as noted by many pictures above. Most spaces are about feeling, the emotional connection to it. Add a bookcase somewhere to keep collections or treasures in (make it glass for the containers or shelves). Just add in a pattern or two of some sort to keep it interesting.Your instincts to keep it light are right. Keep following them.

funny that Houzz says this house is trending today...light, pattern, chair...extra inspiration

A skylight may be a possibility, but bigger windows or a door be very difficult given the stone walls.

Not sure how large the room is or what is opposite the pic you posted, but I note a baseboard heater opposite the FP firebox. I'd consider a corner bed between the two windows. You could do something really pretty with a couple of antique headboards. Pic #3 is of reclaimed wood. These are just concepts for you that would clear a lot of floor space, keep bedding away from FP and heater, and put you where there is natural light coming in.

There are times to leave walls like that and times to change them; I would put up a white wash. You would have the beautiful knotty pine, but a brighter room. OF course, once it is done, it can't be UNdone. Sarah Richardson did this in one of her shows. She has lots of examples in the cabin she restored.

What a great inspiration you'll find in Sarah Richarson's cottage. We'd all love to live there...at least I would love to spend the summers there!

I love Sarah Richardson's cottage. Our place, in person at least, has quite a different feel -- it is very rustic, and was built in 1950 and has a distinctly mid-century feel. Here are some other photos that show these elements a bit more. The first photo is the front room, carpet and shelf wall is gone and the stones are being tuck-pointed, but the rustic pole ceiling is staying (I love it). second photo is another exterior shot showing the house it more mid-century than traditional cottage. Our plans have the finished result still quite rustic. Sarah's cottage is much more polished than I have in mind. Will whitewash go with this look?

The pole completely makes it--what a cool place! You know, this somehow feels like it should be more casual than some of the suggestions are trending. Are you willing to share generally where this is, and your family's plans for its use?

It's on Lopez island, one of the San Juan Islands in Washington state. It is a casual, rural, friendly island. We are going to use it for a summer home and sometime vacation rental. We also plan to use it for large gatherings where others will camp -- it is on 3 acres. I do want it to be casual with an almost "glamping" experience :)

We will also use it for a cozy off season getaway. We have two young children, so it needs to be family friendly. It is really my dream house!

Lucky you! Thought this might be in the Pacific Northwest. Have friends with a place on Camano, whose kids have had wonderful family experiences there. Hope I won't offend anyone's design sensibilities by saying they used Pottery Barn a lot, and the pieces have really held up. (The 3 kids are teens now, and have had lots of groups through their place.) Wood tables, sturdy chairs, slipcovered furniture. They did 4 bunks in one bedroom. Also did some pretty great storage to keep/secure their own stuff there year-round. A low-pile, almost commercial grade, darkish colored carpet for ease of care/warmer feet in winter. They added a really large deck with an outdoor shower that has proven invaluable.

Leanne, I keep thinking that leaving the pine logs as is suits the house and its locale. You aren't in just any coastal location either - you are in The Pacific Northwest with cedars and hemlock as its backdrop. I hope you keep them how they have been for the last 50 years - natural and rustic.

Hey, nothing wrong with Pottery Barn! I'd buy out the store if I could.

You have a beautiful home and gorgeous setting! Now that you have your dream home, the fun begins with the decorating and you have received great ideas. Go with your gut, you know what direction you want to take and use these coming ideas to clarify your design. Good joy in your new home, what wonderful memories are in the making.

When I die, if I can't be buried in Nordstrom's under the petite dress rack, then I want to be buried in Pottery Barn!

With lots of PB pillows for cushy comfort!

I should have known you would be aware of Sarah Richardson's designs. I just stayed up late watching some of her reruns AGAIN! I am not sure what the answer is, but I truly can't wait to see what you do! Thank you for sharing. I don't know about everyone else, but these exchanges feed my inner decorator who is always hungry!

I totally agree Shelley!

What a beautiful home and location! I'm envious! Use lots of light bright and white colors. Keep some of the wood for interest. Once furniture, drapes, art and accessories and a rug is in the room, the mood will change.

this bedroom has too much texture. you will have to soften it somehow. white textile won't do it alone. Sarah Richardson always votes in favor of whitewashing. as in some other suggestion, to keep the cottage feel, keep the ceiling as is. I love Sarah's cottage. the coastal theme is the way to go definitely

Has anyone seen an explanation of the technique Sarah Richardson uses for whitewashing? I watched an episode and she didn't give any explanation of materials or techniques. I'm guessing it is pickling -- watered down paint? I will try a few spare boards and see how it looks.

Leanne: Would it be a good idea to go through a year at the house before taking that on? You'll have a better idea of summer light/winter light, and how your things look. It may be more work in terms of moving furniture, etc., to do later, but better to see and feel the house than to do something that is hard to undo. Just a thought.

nwduck, I think this is wise advice. I think I will make the house "livable" but save the painting/whitewashing for after I've lived with it a bit. As shelleyhmin says above, once I do that, I can't undo it!

Once you furnish and decorate, You may love all the wood. It's how you put it together and the choices you make that will keep it warm and inviting and still fresh and light.

Yes! And I don't want to do everything at once... I can savor the decorating for years to come! :)

nwduck may be right. We bought a short sale, and after a year in the house, we are still finding things we want to change. Things that seem important to you now may not seem important next year, and I'll bet that after you spend a few weeks there, you will find some things that just don't work for you. With us, it was mostly lighting. We were never in the house after dark, and found that many of the rooms had abysmal lighting. Our electrician is my new best friend!

An example

How about white ceiling and painted walls? See below pic ..

Is it within your budget to add two more windows?

One each to mirror the other on the left wall thus giving syymetry and a lot more light.

I like to wake up in a fresh environment... it helps my mood. All the natural light will be wonderful! Why not paint the wood a soothing color or white, hang a great chandelier, and put down a 'skin' rug of some sort and play off of that!

A custom made shuffleboard table would be perfect for this cabin like wood room!

This has been so helpful! I just posted my ideas for the BATHROOM, would love all of your great ideas for in there as well! https://www.houzz.com/discussions/cabin-bathroom-update-dsvw-vd~635653

I think the wood needs to be painted out white....it would look fab!

you can watch a youtube video on how to white wash the wood

Came across this pic and thought of your cabin - white washed or left natural.