Log Homes, Log Houses, Log Cabins, & Log Homes For Sale

Is there is such a thing as too much wood incorporation in log home decorating and design?  There are two sides to this coin, of course, on being a strong no and one being a resounding yes.  Let’s explore this topic a bit.

For those who believe there is no such thing as too much wood, you will often find:

• No sheet rock (or very little)
• Minimal use of tiles and stone
• All wood, or mostly wood constructed furnishings with cushions here and there
• Wooden doors and window frames with natural wood finishes
• Butcher block countertops, or a faux wood finish

For those who believe there is such a thing as too much wood, you will often find:

• Different wall finishes
• Stone and tile accents, wall coverings, and flooring
• Furnishings constructed of numerous materials
• Countertops created from a variety of materials
• Painted finishes on cabinetry, doors, and window cases

Does this mean one person’s taste is wrong and the other’s isn’t?  No, not at all.  The point of this exploration is to show you that, no matter your style or taste, you can make it work in a log home.  Various magazines and books provide many examples of both all wood and mixed design schemes.

Creating an old world style look in a log home is very appealing to some log homeowners.  How do they go about doing this, though?  There are a number of excellent tutorials covering this project on the following sites:

1. Hardwood Floors: Making New Look Old
2. DoItYourself.com: Distressing Floors
3. Hand Dragged Floors
4. Distressed Hardwood Floors
5. Distress Wood Flooring

Even though this is a project any experienced do it yourselfer can complete, there are contractors that have distressed flooring available.  And, in some cases, contractors will come in and distress a floor that has already been installed.  Be sure to communicate the look you are after in detail before starting.  Your vision might be completely different from theirs, so be sure you are clear.

Protecting the wood floor is not necessary because you want the distressing to continue over time.  Developing its own characteristics is part of the charm of an old distressed floor, whether is it authentic or not.  However, if you choose to add a seal this is an option you can speak to the flooring specialist about.

Do not be surprised if friends and family try talking you out of this project.  Why would you destroy a perfectly good piece of hardwood flooring?  Well, in your mind, you are not destroying it at all.  In your mind you are creating exactly what you want and it will be perfect!

Creating features and focal points in your log home not only gives the interior designs more interest; it is also an opportunity to introduce some pops of color in the midst of wood tones.  Achieve this goal by adding glass inserts and accents.  These can happen all through the log home.  For example:

1. Etched glass can be placed on the doors or walls of a shower surround.
2. Add stained glass to the side panels of exterior doors.
3. If you have cathedral, or otherwise high ceilings, add stained glass windows above doors or above windows (both on interior and exterior walls).
4. Insert small glass windows, either etched or stained glass, to doors that are both interior and exterior doorways.
5. In a half wall, add a stained glass window or glass blocks.

As you can see, there are a lot of opportunities for adding glass inserts and accents to your log home.  In order to add these features, your home does not have to be new construction.  Pre-existing log homes have the same opportunities for embellishments as new construction. 

If you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer, tackle this project on your own or with the help of a friend or family member.  If you are not experienced with home improvement projects, hire a reliable contractor.  You will not be disappointed with this decision to add some sparkle in some areas of your log home.

When you think of an accent wall in a log home, what is the first thing that comes to mind?  Is it awall filled with shelving, a fireplace, and a television?  Or is it a wall that has been sheet rocked and painting a bold color? 

There is no right or wrong way to create an accent wall in a log home interior design plan.  The trick is to create one that is based on the occupant’s interests, color palette, and finishes the occupants all enjoy.  It does not have to be solely wood and stone finishes when it comes to log home interiors.  Here are some ideas:

• Rather than using stone tiles on your flooring, add them to your accent wall.
• If you are working with a small section of wall, hang granite similar to what would be used on a granite countertop.
• Fill a sheet rocked wall with different sized photographs of family, friends, the property the log home is located on, and pictures of the building process.  Use frames that are all the same finish and color.

There is nothing like having an accent wall in a room that was previously dull and drab.  Changing things up and redecorating the room can really bring the log home back to life.  Think outside the box with the materials, themes, and elements used to create a new look in your log home interiors.

Log homebuilders hire a lot of contractors for various aspects of the building process.  Over time, these contractors become very experienced and have the desire to spread their wings and venture off into new directions.  If you are one of these contractors, this information is for you.

The decision to start a log home business is nothing to take lightly, as with any business decision.  There are a lot of things to consider, as well as a lot of people that must be involved in the process.  One decision you can make is to go the route of a franchise.  There are a lot of franchise opportunities, some of which are online.

Here are some examples of franchises available online:

• Lincoln Log Homes Franchise
• Kodiak Log Homes Dealer Information
• American Log Homes: Become a Dealer
• Flint River Log Homes
• Become an Alta Dealer

Depending on where you are located, it should be fairly simple to locate a log home franchise opportunity in your area.  In addition to conducting keyword searches on the Internet, contact log homebuilders in your phone book.  This will also give you the opportunity to find out from first hand experience what it is like to run a log home business.  Ask a lot of questions, and then speak to a financial specialist.