- 1). Decorate the area in front of the main entry door with a welcome mat and pots of flowering plants. If you have a porch, drape an old quilt over the railing and hang flowers under the porch eaves. Install screw eyes in the ceiling of the porch roof and place solar lights in the sun during the day. These come in a lantern style, perfect for a rustic setting. Hang the lamps for 10 hours of light.
- 2). Place a durable outdoor rug on a cabin porch floor. Position wood or metal seating around the rug. Add floral or colorful cushions to the seating. The chairs, benches or seats can be found objects or antiques. Make sure they are in good repair and comfortable. Select similar, well-worn small tables for coffee mugs, books and a resting spot for items discovered on walks.
- 3). Add colorful shutters next to windows. Be brave and paint each set of shutters a different bright color. Hang oars, canoes, fishing poles, old snow shoes, old skis and other outdoor gear on exterior walls to create a lodge feel. Turn items so they won't collect water during inclement weather.
- 4). Use old carriage wheels as a trellis for vining plants. Look for aged metal items at local flea markets and junk stores. Amish hex signs can be placed in the gables to drive off bad spirits. Local area signs can point toward nowhere in particular. Look for hand-lettered signs with a message such as "no raccoons inside."
- 5). Convert an old stove into an outdoor barbecue next to the back door. Hang pots on the side of the cabin near the stove and place a comfortable stool, rock or box to sit on nearby with a tub for iced drinks. Use natural materials, items with rural themes, folk art, whimsical items and inexpensive functional items for decor.
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