Log Home Interiors

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.

What do you think I mean when I say, “keep nature alive?”  This could take on many meanings, but to log homeowners it can only mean one.  For those who are not quite sure what I am talking about, it is the incorporation of natural elements within interiors and exteriors of log homes.

Outdoor rooms are easier to add natural elements to because they are already immersed in a natural setting.  Therefore, we are going to explore how to bring the outside in:

1. The addition of houseplants, of course, will bring that natural element into your log home.  Do not keep this to one room, though.  Add plants throughout each room of your log home.
2. Utilization of beams and posts that look like logs, rather than timbers, in the main areas of the log home (or in every room if you choose).  There are some posts that look like trees with roots and all. 
3. Faux paint treatments on sheet rocked areas of the log home allows for the look of stone, wood, and a combination of the two successfully.  Home improvement centers carry all the supplies and manuals for these projects.
4. Installation of faux stones, or actual stones, on walls and stairways.  Stones do not have to be limited to fireplace and chimney treatments.  Half walls, as well as the bottoms of bars or islands are additional ideas.

Flip through log home magazines, books, and brochures for additional ideas.  There are a number of reputable websites offering ideas, tutorials, and products geared specifically to bringing the outside in when building and decorating your log home.

Sometimes, log home interiors need that extra punch of interest here and there.  This does not necessarily mean new rooms, changing out windows, or ripping up flooring.  These changes can be done as easily as adding interesting elements in various areas of the home.  Today, we are going to talk about adding iron elements.

Now, when I say iron elements, I don’t mean heavy iron stair rails or iron wood stoves.  What I mean, rather, are the following:

• Using iron for the table bases in dining areas, and in living areas.
• Adding sculptural architectural iron pieces over fireplaces.
• Adding architectural iron elements to the corners of entryways.
• Decorating with iron kitchen utensils, pots, and pans.
• Placing iron fire screens in front of fireplaces.
• Adding iron elements to doors and windows.
• Replacing old drawer pulls, door handles, and hinges.

As you can see, there are a lot of options available for adding iron elements into your log home interiors.  These additional elements add interest, as well as a rustic slant to rooms where another theme may be incorporated.  Through use of these elements, the ability to mix things up successfully is easier to achieve.  Have fun with this and do not be afraid to experiment with new looks and new pieces.