Is your family lucky enough to own a mountain home? The kind that the family gathers at every chance they get, to relax, read by a fire and rock the evening away on the porch? A house where the rooms hold memories of marathon Monopoly games, all night story telling sessions and piling into the largest bed because someone heard a strange noise outside?

Your new mountain top real estate purchase may not have a story to tell yet but you can easily make it look like a house with a history. You want it to be relaxed, low maintenance and a reflection of things you enjoy.

Furnishing your mountain cabin is easy. Look for tables made from natural stained wood to use for dining. If your flooring is dark than go lighter with your upholstered pieces for contrast. Your getaway is the place that you can use all the flea market finds and hand me downs that you have accumulated for years. They do not have to match, just get along.

Flooring can be anything from worn patterned rugs to stained wide plank floors. If your hardwoods are damaged and your budget will not allow refinishing, consider painting them. A rich color will ground the room and hid most dirt and mud that is tracked inside. Braided rugs fit the casual decor of cabins. Add smaller scatter rugs through out the rooms and hallways for warmth and color.

Mountain homes feel right when woodsy accessories are used. A tall piece of pottery filled with long branches can be placed in a corner or entryway. Use a large gathering basket to hold different size rocks you have collected on your hikes. The look of objects that are the same yet different will make this display interesting. Vintage skis and antique fishing rods make the home look like it has been the retreat of sportsmen for years.

Art on the walls can reflect the attractions of the area. Golfers enjoy photos of their favorite courses. You may want to frame up a scorecard of a particularly good round that was played while on vacation. Antique prints of native wildflowers are beautiful in the dining area. Unusual thrift store finds can be scattered about to give the rooms personality. Once again, use things that you might not display in your primary residence but you enjoy.

Colors in a mountain home often are in the dark green and blue palette. These colors do warm up the space and work very well but they are not your only options. Use the view outside to inspire you. Colors found around you in nature work well in any home. The blue of the sky and the green of the summer foliage are great shades to bring inside. Look at the rocks that form the mountains. Use these pigments in various intensities to paint the walls and upholster the furniture.

Fill a shelf or cupboard with books and games. The classics such as checkers, chess and Sorry will draw in all ages. Team Trivial Pursuit will encourage you and your guests to interact as you work together for a win. Books are a thoughtful touch for those who forgot to bring one.

Step by step you can create the restful retreat that will be enjoyed for years. Relax and enjoy the process.