Warm reading light in a cozy den, bright task light over kitchen counters, strategically placed walkway lights along a garden path: lighting is one area of your home where having the right plan in place can make all the difference. One of the things we love about log and timber homes is the way the designs showcase the natural beauty of wood. Properly planned lighting design can help highlight, not hide, that beauty. “Lighting should not dictate …
Reclaimed wood is the star in this home, from the warm floors to the mantel to the vertical siding on the walls. In contrast to the sleek surroundings, the homeowners were not afraid to go bold with the carpet, ottoman, and comfortable wing chairs.
Selecting flooring for your log or timber frame home is a big decision, and not just because it’s a big-budget item. Flooring makes a major impact on the overall look and feel of your home. There are more choices than ever on the flooring market, so it pays to do a little bit of research before making a final selection. It also makes sense to rely on the expertise of your log home builder and interior designer, who have experience with different materials and can steer you in the right dir…
Fire has descended through the ages of mankind from a necessity for survival to a luxury of comfort and ambience. The earliest shelters were equipped with wood-burning pits, fireplaces, or stoves for cooking and heating. While fireplaces may still serve those primary functions in some households, the majority are designed and installed for pure enjoyment, with an added benefit as a secondary heat…
Whether you’re building a cozy cabin, a modest retreat, or a big family getaway, the exterior of your home makes a memorable impression that gives people a sense of what to expect inside. “It sets the tone for the whole house,” says Cassandra Christensen, interior designer and project coordinator for Wisconsin Log Homes in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Curb appeal is important to a home’s resale value, too—prospective buyers may decide whether they even want to look inside based …
We use them for everything from showcasing crystal to storing linens, stacking pots and pans to stowing toiletries. Cabinets are among the most frequently used items in any house, can be a big budget item, and can make or break the look of your kitchen or bath. So it’s no wonder many people have a hard time choosing just the right cabinets! You want cabinets that will enhance the beauty of your home, but they must be durable and easy to care for. You’ll need to consider style, fini…
Furniture placement can be tricky with a sloped ceiling, even with a dormer on one side. Placing the bed in the middle of the room makes the space look larger and allows plenty of room to move around. Windows on three sides keep the room airy and bright.
That storybook log home, complete with the storybook look, is attainable—even for those who have to watch every penny. Materials and square footage are two primary drivers of a construction budget, but that unique dream home can become a reality without sacrificing style or comfort. Effectively managing the bottom line requires an evaluation of wants, needs, and personal preference. Consider the investment in living space. Options include scal…
The next several pages feature floorplans from log home companies throughout North America. The floorplans show a mixture of big homes and small, intricate and simple homes … there are myriad styles to choose from. A common room nowadays in a log home is a great room. Here are some ideas to consider when you are designing a great room for your log cabin home. What makes a great room great? “The primary design aspect people typically want to achieve is an open living space between the g…
Artistic architectural elements, a spectacular view, or even classic décor elements can combine to create a home of unspeakable beauty and functionality. But one element knits it all together: the floorplan. Whether the floorplan is selected from a design book or created as a one-of-a-kind design by a homeowner and architect team, it tells a story about a family and how they live in a home. “When considering your floorplan, think about your personal preference in regard to style. …
Tile has been transforming living spaces, both interior and exterior, since ancient times. Simple, functional clay tiles were in use more than 7,000 years ago in what is now known as the Holy Land. Early Egyptians were the first to use glazed tile to enhance their architecture. Tile making eventually made its way to Europe, notably to Spain and the Low Countries, via Persia and North Africa. The Spanish conquistadors brought decorative tile to Colonial America…
Are you looking for a unique bathtub for your master suite? High-tech audio that blends with your décor? A fire pit that enhances your property? We did a little shopping for things we think will complement your logs. The Clay’s the Thing Clayworks Studio/Gallery has been practicing the art and craft of architectural ceramics in Austin, Texas, for over 30 years. Established by John and Chris Gray in 1978, the studio is known for custom architectural work, including historic tile restoration and large-sca…
