When Wes and Chris Spiker decided to build a log home on their property in Missoula, Montana, they knew they wanted a company that would respect their needs and not just offer limited options. “We were looking for architects that would work as a team with us and listen to us about what we wanted,” says Chris Spiker. The couple ended up choosing Rocky Mountain Log Homes not only because they were willing to work with the Spikers on their own home design, but because they were known as a reliabl…
Many people say the kitchen is the heart of a home. Memories are made in kitchens, from a peaceful morning cup of coffee with the sunrise peeking through the curtains, to sneaking a taste of mom’s legendary beef stew, or hours spent decorating holiday cookies together. And you can always count on a crowd in the kitchen at any party! When it’s time for you to plan your dream home, designing the kitchen can be delightful—or daunting. There are many design aspects to consider, and alm…
Choosing a stain, paint, or sealant for your log home may be as challenging as finding the perfect lot or settling on a specific floorplan. The choices abound, and the uses are often confusing. But there is hope in having an easier time making the right decisions. Before committing to a stain, sealant, or paint, understanding the attributes of each is a prerequisite. Knowledge of the basics makes charting the course easier. “On log homes the stain performs two basic jobs, protec…
Somewhere in our youth, nearly all of us have pretended to be a detective. Looking for clues, asking questions, taking notes, searching for answers… back then it was just child’s play, but who knew you were arming yourself with skills that would come in handy as a homebuyer. Now that you’re ready to make one of the largest investments of your entire life—your log cabin dream home—it’s time to channel that inner Sherlock Holmes of your childhood and really put it to work. So don that inspector’s cap and …
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-scale seals and murals. Everything is made and fired on the premises, beginning with the task of clay mixing. Sconces are shaped by hand, tiles are individually cut and stamped, and plaques are inscribed by hand. Artisan…
There are some do-it-yourselfers out there who take on the task of building their own log home. But the average log home buyer needs to find a builder or general contractor to build it. This person takes all of the package components that you purchase and crafts them into your home. It is a very detailed and meticulous job that requires a true professional with excellent building experience and communication skills. Yet finding this person takes as much research as it did to select the right log home co…
The rustic charm of a log home is ideally suited to a natural garden that is in harmony with the surrounding environment. Creating a garden that not only adds beauty to the landscape but is also gentle on the earth is easy and inexpensive if you keep a few important principles in mind. Why Eco-Friendly? Homeowners are choosing environmentally sustainable gardening practices for a variety of reasons. “In some cases local and national government regulations are forcing a reduction in water and p…
Just like the three bears in the classic children’s story, we all want a home that is not too big, not too small, but just right. Small log and timber homes have a storybook charm all their own. Cozy and warm, they are a great solution for homeowners who have a smaller building site, a limited budget, or just want to minimize maintenance. With a well thought out design you can save space and make the most of your home’s footprint without sacrificing comfort and amenities. Trend: Downsize or Resize With …
What’s popular today may look dated in a year or two, but there are a number of current kitchen trends that will stand the test of time. You can never go wrong with white subway tile. In this case, the tiles look hand made and the grout is charcoal gray. The black window trim and upper cabinet on the left contrast with the whitewashed oak lower cabinets, the gray quartz countertops, and the light floors. The industrial open shelving provides a lot of storage. The pops of blue on the …
If you are planning to build a new log home, now is a great time to think about energy efficiency and your carbon footprint. Log homes are already energy efficient because of the thermal mass of the logs—they require less energy to heat and cool. But there is a lot more you can do to hold your energy costs down and make your home both comfortable and healthy to live in. In this issue, we’re looking at solar energy, particularly the use of photovoltaic panels. Why Go Solar? Energy from the sun is renewab…
LEATHER Most of us would not think of leather as being eco-friendly. There is no certification for organic leather at this time, but there are green elements to leather. It is sustainable and can last a lifetime; it’s easy to clean, durable, recyclable, and biodegradable. As with fabrics, you need to know where the leather comes from and how it is processed. Did the animals die of natural causes? Is the leather a by-product of the beef industry? Were the animals raised and slaughtered humanely? W…
There are so many decisions involved in building a home. But when you’re building a log home, a few special considerations come into play, too. Of all the aspects you have to consider, hiring the right builder is probably THE most important decision you will make. Keep the following five points in mind as you start shopping for a builder who will transform your log package into a perfect log home. Fact or Fiction? Price should not be the deciding factor in your builder selection . Fact. Although se…
