Cozy, rustic, and each one unique – it’s no surprise that log cabin kitchens are always a trending aesthetic at this time of year. They offer a style that balances natural elements with modern features, authentic yet not basic.
And while creating a realistic log cabin kitchen isn’t possible in every home, there is much to inspire kitchen ideas of every size and style. From the materials to the decor, we can learn plenty from these natural designs.
Here, we take a look at three expert-designed log cabin kitchens to discover what makes the look so special, and how you can infuse this cozy aesthetic into your own scheme this winter.
3 log cabin kitchens that perfectly capture the style
From introducing reclaimed wood and oak kitchen cabinets to paneling ceilings and creating contrast between rustic and contemporary, these log cabin kitchens are full of inspiration.
1. A Cotswolds kitchen by Dalrymple Studio
(Image credit: Design: Dalrymple Studio/Photographer: Dean Hearne/Architect: O’LearyGoss)
When you think of a log cabin kitchen, lots of natural wood, layered log walls, and an abundance of rustic finishes likely come to mind. And while this can be the case, there’s also a more refined approach that is just as authentic.
‘We describe the style as a rustic country kitchen with a hint of ranch. A kitchen bursting with character and charm full of unexpected details. It’s important to still feel usable and cozy without having too many hard rough finishes. Softening with fabrics and beautiful textures within the accessories and door fronts,’ says Amy Dalrymple, of Dalrymple Studio.
In this log cabin kitchen, rustic wood cabinets have been paired with white walls and a blue-tiled backsplash, offering a mix of finishes that feel stylish and liveable.
‘I think it’s the unexpected and contrast to your home kitchen which ticks the boxes. It brings back a childhood feeling of playfulness and outside living, a chance to escape and switch off,’ explains Amy.
(Image credit: Design: Dalrymple Studio/Photographer: Dean Hearne/Architect: O’LearyGoss)
When it comes to introducing this cozy yet sophisticated aesthetic into your kitchen, Amy says there are a few elements to prioritize. ‘I think there are hints you can bring into a scheme. Playing with the moldings of the cupboard doors, soft Roman blinds, and curtains in a kitchen are so important and often not thought about.’
‘Art and accessories are key, unexpected larger pieces are fantastic, and objects that can be moved around and never become dull. Ironmongery is important also and we love antique or aged metals that add charm,’ she explains.
And, while wood is heavily featured, color also has its place. ‘We don’t need to be afraid of using more than one paint tone for the joinery and explore a darker tone for the lower section and lighter for the top joinery storage.’
2. A Wyoming log cabin kitchen by WRJ Design
(Image credit: WRJ Design/Eric Piasecki/OTTO)
This home has a more traditional log cabin kitchen style to it. Exposed ceiling beams are in their original form rather than perfectly cut, while wood paneling adds warmth and a rich finish to the space.
However, the kitchen itself blends a more contemporary look into the rustic bones. A stone countertop in a cooler grey hue contrasts with the wood, and taking the stone up the wall effectively zones the kitchen within an open-plan layout. And it’s a combination that is key to making a log cabin kitchen feel up-to-date.
‘A log cabin kitchen can be anything from a cozy, rustic guesthouse galley, the counters mounted against antique logs and chinking, to a more modern space where rustic materials and wood elements still play a role,’ explains Rush Jenkins, CEO and design director at WRJ Design.
‘Because WRJ Design does numerous projects in the Mountain West, including in and around our Jackson, Wyoming, headquarters, we’re often working with homes where rustic, reclaimed wood is a strong element, and we have developed a luxurious but livable approach that embraces the regional history and character that timber and stone bring to a space, but combines it with luxury, sophistication and clean-lined, contemporary appeal – plus the all-important modern function that’s crucial for a kitchen today.’
This scheme proves how integral the foundations of the design are to creating the log cabin style. And it’s those elements that offer a great starting point for infusing the charming aesthetic into your own home.
‘Our interiors find inspiration in the surrounding natural world and in the materials that define the American West. In this case, I would recommend using materials like reclaimed wood flooring, rough-edged and leathered or honed stone countertops, and beautiful colors inspired by nature. Finishes, textural elements, and a color palette that evokes that log cabin ethos,’ explains Rush.
‘We also would include antiques and one-of-a-kind items that introduce character and patina – for example, old wooden pieces [such as] a hand-hewn tray or burl-wood bowl.’
3. A moody wooden kitchen by Kibler & Kirch
(Image credit: Kibler & Kirch/Audrey Hall Photography)
‘The everlasting appeal of a log cabin kitchen is all about paring back to the things you actually need and nothing more – and having it right at hand,’ says Jeremiah Young, owner and creative director at Kibler & Kirch.
This kitchen design is heavy on wood – and it’s been introduced in a way that feels cozy yet full of drama. Dark wood on the ceiling creates an enveloping feel, while white wall tiles and appliances instantly lift the scheme and infuse a lighter hue. But the key in this design is the imperfect nature of the wood.
‘It’s the warmth of materials and the age they show that makes a log cabin kitchen so magical and satisfying. It’s about materials that only look better with some age and patina. It’s so comforting to be surrounded by an environment that’s not fussy, that doesn’t need to be perfect,’ explains Jeremiah.
(Image credit: Kibler & Kirch/Audrey Hall Photography)
‘To capture a little of the magic of a log cabin in a kitchen, I would let wood be the star of the show. I would let the most used things be readily at hand. I would make sure there’s nothing extra – except maybe some good art somewhere on an open shelf because EVERY space needs a little art.’
As well as the colors, textures, and materials you introduce to your kitchen, the feel of a log cabin kitchen can be created through a balance and a touch of thoughtful organization – no log cabin kitchen is cluttered with small appliances.
‘I would probably let the light be a little lower and make sure there aren’t can lights or anything that screams technology visible anywhere. That microwave should be behind a curtain. Those gadgets belong in a drawer. We are going back to basics here.’
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Darsey Lake Peaks Artwork
Log cabin kitchens are all about bringing the outside in, so artwork depicting landscapes feels right at home. Especially this painting of a mountain range.
Wooden kitchenware is the perfect addition to a log cabin kitchen. A cutting board like this one will feel perfectly placed displayed on you countertops.
To introduce a more rustic finish to your kitchen, these live-edge floating shelves capture the style of a log cabin kitchen – and offer extra storage space.
Whether you add natural wood finishes or blend rustic and contemporary, these log cabin kitchens prove just how cozy and stylish the style can be. And with these designers’ advice, you can add these charming details to any kitchen scheme.
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