Kim and Sandra Thornton had their own "rustic dreams" and now they have a vacation getaway for their extended family, and close friends.
Since purchasing their property in the rolling hills of northeastern Alberta five years ago they have fully embraced the rustic, or as they prefer to call it, the lodge lifestyle ... at least part time.
In addition to major renovations to the cedar log cabin on their property, they have decorated, built log furniture, erected enormous decks on the front and back, installed numerous bird feeders, cleared dead trees, cut their own firewood, had a new red tin roof installed, got to know the locals, and... created a website dedicated to "the lodge lifestyle " (www.rustic-lodge-lifestyle.com).
When asked why a website, Kim replied, "It's the culmination of our enthusiasm for everything rustic or, as my wife likes to say, 'lodgy'.
"We're able to put relevant content on the site because we're living it. When we face a challenge, like we did with mice (http://www.rustic-lodge-lifestyle.com/mouse-control.html), we can write about how we solved the problem and at the same time invite our site visitors to share their experiences. We see this becoming a rich exchange of ideas.
"We've scoured the web for a wide range of stuff perfect for this type of living, from rustic window treatments to rooster decor, from log beds to lodge lighting, from bedding to bird houses. In addition to over 800 products, the site has a wealth of information including checklists for seasonal opening, cohabiting with wildlife, naming your cabin, fire safety, and a recommended reading section."
Whether you call it a cabin, cottage, log home, or lodge, if you enjoy the rustic lifestyle, you're likely to find some value if you browse this website.
Thornton says they continue to add information and products weekly and look forward to the website becoming a community for like-minded people to share their ideas, stories and even photos.
They are also interested in finding new suppliers to include on the site. "There are some areas where we're still looking, such as a supplier for signs," says Sandra. "People love to name their vacation retreats and have a sign made for all to see. We'd love to provide site visitors with a supplier who can make quality signs."
The site will likely never be "finished". They say there is just so much information to keep adding and so many great products they're finding. But for anyone looking for information about country living, rustic decorating ideas, tips, and discussions on all things rustic it is already a rich resource. Visit http://www.rustic-lodge-lifestyle.com.
Urban Rebellion Rustic Lodge Lifestyle.com Leads the Return to Rustic Living and Decorating




