28 Log Cabin Interiors That Are Both Rustic and Modern

If you have a log cabin but want to avoid decorating the interior in a stereotypical fashion, there are a number of ways that you can modernize the space while respecting its original features and architecture.

These log cabin interior ideas range from rustic to modern, maximalist, western-themed, authentic, and eclectic. And if you don't live in a log cabin but wish you did, we've thrown in some ideas for adding rustic charm to your interior with horizontal wood planks or paneling and other touches to give you a cozy log cabin aesthetic, no matter what kind of house you inhabit.

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Contrast Dark and Light

Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Amy Neunsinger

Leanne Ford Interiors modernized this log cabin living room by contrasting the prominent dark wood stained beams and log walls with shades of white, from the beige plaster on the ceilings to the overstuffed white sofas layered with throw pillows. Two large modern round pendant lights make the space feel timeless but current.
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Hang Some Colorful Art

Design by JLF Architects / Construction by Big-D Signature / Interior Design by Jet Zarkadas / Photo by Audrey Hall

In this modern log cabin home entry from JLF Architects with interior design by Jet Zarkadas, a colorful gold-framed landscape painting hangs over a carved wood console, and an airy black metal pendant light anchors the space.
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Use Wood in the Bathroom

Design by Kibler & Kirch / Photo by Audrey Hall

Kibler & Kirch gave this Wyoming primary bathroom a warm and authentic log cabin feel while adding sophisticated touches like intricate sink vanity details and handmade fixtures.
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Add Rustic Stone

Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Amy Neunsinger

The rustic stone and wood beam fireplace in this log cabin from Leanne Ford Interiors creates a focal point and a natural gathering space to spend chilly evenings cocooned with the ones you love.

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Leave Windows Bare

Design by JLF Architects / Construction by Big-D Signature / Photo by Audrey Hall

This modern log cabin from JLF Architects looks out onto a golf course near Jackson, WY. The large windows and vaulted ceilings make the space feel light and airy, and leaving windows and French doors bare lets in additional natural light. Reclaimed wood and beams and a stacked stone fireplace enhance the rustic log cabin feel, while soft modern furnishings, a round glass tiered coffee table, and patterned textiles in pale shades of gray and blue add a contemporary feel.
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Use Warm Wood Tones

Design by AHG Interiors / Photo by Chris Mottalini

AHG Interiors renovated this Catskills, NY, ski lodge for a young couple from Brooklyn, who wanted a rustic upstate cabin with an urban feel. Instead of the requisite deer heads, a large antler chandelier anchors the space in front of the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. The living room has an airy, modern feel thanks to tall ceilings and warm midtoned exposed wood on the ceilings, trim, mantel, and flooring. Comfy leather armchairs and ottomans and faux fur poufs and throws add modern comfort and style.
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Hang Some Curtains

Design by JLF Architects / Photo by Audrey Hall

This log cabin guest room in Telluride, CO, from JLF Architects has a separate entrance to give it a private feel. The rustic interior is elevated with color and pattern, from the rug layered on an antique trunk to the embroidered Pollack fabric of the curtains.
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Warm Up With Textiles

Design by Kibler & Kirch / Photo by Audrey Hall

Kibler & Kirch warmed up the log and river rock walls in this Red Lodge, MT, cabin bedroom with colorful and patterned textiles, from the vintage kilim rug to the bed layered with throw pillows and blankets. An outdoor seating area accessed by French doors lets in natural light and makes the space feel open and modern without losing any of its rustic credibility.

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Whitewash the Wood

Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Amy Neunsinger

Leanne Ford Interiors modernized part of this log cabin interior with a light plaster wash on the beams and walls of the kitchen, while skylights on the ceiling bring in natural light.
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Accent With Red

Design by Kibler & Kirch / Photo by Audrey Hall

In this Red Lodge, MT, cabin bedroom from Kibler & Kirch, the warm wood tones on the walls, doors, windows, furnishings, floors, and walls are complemented by red accents, horse artwork, and a decorative skull.
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Tie in Wood Tones

Design by AHG Interiors / Photo by Chris Mottalini

AHG Interiors added natural wood wainscoting details around the walls of a built-in home bar to tie it into the rest of the rustic decor, while adding modern quartz countertops, pendant lighting, shelving, and seating.
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Use Handcrafted Pieces

Design by Kibler & Kirch / Photo by Audrey Hall

Kibler & Kirch put the spotlight on handcrafted pieces in this radically remodeled Red Lodge, MT, cabin dining room, including the table locally made by Nicholis Kosorok. Vaulted ceiling and a river rock wall frames the built-in bar.

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Use Reclaimed Wood

Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Amy Neunsinger

Reclaimed wood cabinetry and a charcoal gray farmhouse sink bring modern rustic vibes to this cabin kitchen remodel from Leanne Ford Interiors.
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Mix Rustic Wood and Tile

Design by Kibler & Kirch / Photo by Audrey Hall

Interior designer Jeremiah Young of Kibler & Kirch chose handmade Mexican Saltillo tiles for the floor and countertop of this combination mudroom and laundry room in a Big Horn, WY, cabin that maintains the authentically rustic aesthetic in the most utilitarian of rooms.
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Create a Log Cabin Feel

Arbor & Co.

Arbor & Co. added medium-toned, wide horizontal wood planks to give this twin bedroom a warm and modern log cabin feel. Touches like carpeting, a sheepskin throw on the back of a Danish modern style armchair, a simple wire-framed bunkbed, and a macrame wall hanging add throwback summer camp vibes to the space.
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Add Some Steel

Design by Kibler & Kirch / Photo by Audrey Hall

Kibler & Kirch outfitted the galley-style kitchen in this Rock Creek Cabin in Red Lodge, MT, with a double farmhouse sink, Navajo runner rug, and dramatic wood-and-steel range hood that gives it an updated rustic feel.

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Mix Wood Tones

Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Emily Henderson Design added modern rustic vibes to this mountain house bedroom with an extra-wide reclaimed wood plank accent wall, and whitewashed wood planks lining the ceiling in a different direction. Mismatched nightstands, woven blinds, and a simple iron-framed bed layered with cozy textiles, and a patterned rug on top of the brick tile floor completes the picture.
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Add Western Style

Design by Kibler & Kirch / Photo by Audrey Hall

This Big Horn, WY, cabin from Kibler & Kirch is loaded with authenticity and handmade details, including the Thomas C. Molesworth-inspired pieces such as classic leather club chairs and antique Navajo rugs. The rustic cabin fireplace and chimney are made from river rock.
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Add Modern Pieces

Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Amy Neunsinger

Leanne Ford Interiors modernized this cabin interior with sculptural furniture and decor like a rounded sofa and table in front of the kitchen fireplace.
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Embrace Western Style

Design by Kibler & Kirch / Photo by Audrey Hall

In this Big Horn, WY, cabin from Kibler & Kirch, a Glenn Dean oil painting hangs above a carved-front Hickory Chair chest with handmade sconces illuminating the log walls.

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Add Plush Textiles

Design by AHG Interiors / Photo by Chris Mottalini

This New York State ski lodge bedroom from AHG Interiors has a light and airy feel thanks to abundant windows and tall ceilings. The rustic wood bed frame is finished with plush textiles including a faux fur blanket for cold nights.
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Use a Light Palette

WRJ Design

WRJ Design gave a traditional Wyoming log cabin a modern makeover with clean-lined contemporary furnishings in a light color palette. A painting by Bradford Stewart modernizes the river rock fireplace wall.
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Add Signature Touches

Arbor & Co.

Arbor & Co. added horizontal knotty wood paneling and a tiny pair of wall-mounted antlers above the bed to add modern rustic log cabin vibes to this compact Pacific Northwest bedroom.
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Add Sparkle

WRJ Design / Photo by Audrey Hall

WRJ Design added sparkle to this log cabin remodel near Jackson, WY, with a silvery shell-front cabinet, a glass lamp, a shiny silver end table, and plenty of neutral texture that turn it into a wintry wonderland escape.

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Make It Cozy

Design by AHG Interiors / Photo by Chris Mottalini

AHG Interiors added charming cabin-shaped beds to this rustic kids' bunk room that complement the low ceilings and exposed beams.
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Add Scandi Modern Style

Fantastic Frank

This Swedish country house from Fantastic Frank modernizes the codes of a log cabin to add warmth to a one-story home, mixing polished concrete floors with pale wood-clad walls and ceilings and adding in a modern clean-lined black glass-front wood-burning fireplace. Not a log cabin, but cozy and full of modern Scandi-style charm and simple to emulate in contemporary spaces.
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Create a Rustic Basement

Design by Emily Henderson and Priscilla Frost / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Interior designers Emily Henderson and Priscilla Frost added log cabin vibes to a finished home basement with rustic wood paneling and a glazed brick fireplace decorated with vintage accents.
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Lighten It Up

WRJ Design / Photo by Audrey Hall

In this log cabin remodel near Jackson, WY, from WRJ Design, the kitchen is lightened and brightened with glass-fronted cabinets, Taj Mahal quartzite countertops, and smoked glass pendants that give it a modern feel.

How do you make the interior of a log cabin look more modern?

You can make the interior of a make a log cabin look more modern by balancing rustic elements with more contemporary finishes and materials. Contrast dark wood tones on the exposed log walls and ceiling beams with white furniture, textiles, or decor accents.

Use shiny metallic tones and mirrors to bounce light around in a darker space. Leave windows bare to let in more natural light. Accent with pops of bright color or artwork. And mix new and old furniture and decor accents to create a timeless feel.

How much does it cost to build a log cabin?

According to HomeAdvisor, it typically costs an average of $75,000 to build a 500-square-foot log cabin, not including the price of land. For a larger structure of 1,500 square feet, expect to pay $250,000 or more.