Log Home Design

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.

Modifications are a scary thought for a lot of homeowners, let along log homeowners.  Why?  Mot of the time, homeowners want change but they are afraid of ruining their homes in the process.

This does not have to be an issue, though, with proper planning and contracting.  Doing as much planning ahead of time will ensure a successful project, as well as satisfactory results.  Finding the right contractor, not the cheapest contractor, will also help achieve the results homeowners are looking for.

Modifications can include:

• The addition of dormers.
• Kitchen expansion in the way of cabinetry, bay windows, and French doors leading to an outdoor room.
• Addition of rooms such as guest rooms, home offices, and recreation rooms.
• Changes in flooring.
• Updating of windows, doors, counter tops, and skylights.

Communicate well, be clear about what you want, and do not be talked into modifications you are not ready for.  In addition to knowing what you want, you have to know what you can afford.  Speak to a number of different contractors, visit home improvement centers, and talk to other homeowners to get an idea for the costs associated with the project you want to complete.

It can be a difficult decision to make when choosing which architectural element into your log home design.  Should you introduce the look of timber beams or should you introduce the look of exposed log beams?  These elements are traditionally added to ceiling treatments, corners of rooms, and flank doorways.  Which is the right choice?

Honestly, there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to log home building decisions like this.  How your tastes are, what the rest of the log home’s design is, and what other architectural elements featured are will influence your decision to a point.  Ultimately, though, it is what you like best between the two.

Here are a couple of examples to get you started:

• Timber beam designs
• Log beam designs

How these elements are installed and are treated mirror each other quite a bit.  How they look, however, can differ slight in terms of curves and angles.  Visit log home models, look at pictures in books and magazines, and talk to contractors about the look you are after.  Research this thoroughly.  You will find that logs deliver a more rustic look, while the use of beams introduces a more angular and contemporary feel. 

Creative spaces are craved by every artist and, for those who are able to build a separate structure, nothing is more inspiring than transforming a log cabin into an art studio.  The sky is the limit for constructing these creative spaces.  Here are some basic ideas to get you started:

1. Build a one-room structure with zones for each art medium you use.  Include a zone for office supplies and a separate area for a kitchenette.
2. Construct a loft-style cabin where the second floor loft is open with a balcony style, much like the traditional loft sleeping areas.
3. Design a log cabin so one of the walls is constructed mostly from windows.  This will allow for the artists to take in inspirational views.
4. Create outdoor rooms surrounding the log cabin to create plain-air paintings, as well as other art projects.
5. Style the cabin so that there are several rooms, but use partial walls or large doorways to allow for room-to-room viewing and an open floor plan.

These creative spaces are ideal for writers, crafters, woodworkers, and anyone else involved in the creative arts.  These structures are conducive to creative moments for hours on end, while appealing to the tranquility craved in work environments.

Who says log homes have to be limited to just a hunting lodge type style designed after camps and barn-style living of yesteryear?  Why not build something that isn’t quite conventional, but still quite the home?  Let’s explore!

This is where the fun part comes in: your imagination!

There are a number of architectural elements that can be added to a custom log home that will not only make it unique in comparison to all others, but it will be an extension of you and your family’s personalities.  Here are some ideas:

1. Introduce actual tree trunks, including the winding roots, into the corner wall designs where beams would typically be present.
2. Use twigs as the wood elements found on windowpanes and doors.
3. Create a tree trunk chair rail and twig molded panels.
4. Use small trees as balusters in a staircase.
5. Create door handles and pulls from honed pieces of tree limbs.

The idea here is to look at your custom log home as a blank canvas or, in some cases, as your imagination’s playground.  Don’t limit yourself by traditional designs and don’t be afraid to try new things.  If a custom log home is what you want, a custom log home is what you should get!