Log Cabin Homes Magazine

Putting Down Roots

by Debra Grahl | photos Moss Creek | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, How-To, Planning

Allen Halcomb began his architectural design career in 1983. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, he works from East Coast to West, as well as internationally. His specialty is working with log, timber, stone, and other natural elements to create classic, timeless designs. If there is one principle his firm, MossCreek Designs, was founded on, and which continues today, it is a dedication to the design of rustic-style homes. Be it a design based on local history and tradition, or a new style altogether, the co…

Never Better

by Donna Peak | Jul 9, 2021 | Financing, How-To

The year 2011 will be critical for housing. It’s no secret that increases in unemployment claims and foreclosures have caused the economy to tumble over the latter half of the past decade, and housing, particularly new-construction starts, has endured the disconcerting aftermath of a lack of consumer confidence. However, the fourth quarter of 2010 brought with it a slight shift in the economic outlook, and, perhaps, hope. “We all recognize that over the past several years, the h…

17 Kitchen Design Ideas

by Jennifer Donahue | Jul 9, 2021 | Designing, How-To, Kitchens, Room-By-Room

1. Consider flagstone instead of hardwood floors; it is durable enough to last in even the busiest kitchen. 2. Incorporate universal design, with wider access and lower cabinets to make the kitchen easy to use at any age or ability. 3. Add a bar-height island or peninsula to increase seating capacity. An open floorplan allows guests to linger in the kitchen without crowding out the cook. 4. Showcase your design aesthetic in your kitchen. Contemporary stainless-steel appliances or a…

Log & Timber Homes From Coast to Coast: Midwest

by Log Cabin Homes Magazine | Jul 9, 2021 | Entire Home, Exteriors, Room-By-Room

The Midwest, America’s heartland, has everything from open plains to rolling hills and mountains. There are numerous lakes and rivers and acres of pristine forest. Early settlers built log cabins and timber frames using the abundant resources at hand. Today you’ll find everything from an ultra-modern timber frame to a traditional log cabin, built to suit an individual owner’s personal style. In the Midwest it is common to find homes that appear remote but have easy access to large and mid-size cities. T…

Floorplan Considerations

by Laura Stapleton | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, How-To, Planning

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…

Four Tips for Greening Your Great Room

by By Donna Peak | photos by Roger Wade | Jul 9, 2021 | Designing, Great rooms, living rooms, dens, How-To, Room-By-Room

These days everyone’s favorite color seems to be “green.” In a log cabin, there’s no better place to showcase the benefits and the beauty of this eco-minded hue better than the great room. Whether your goal is to protect Mother Earth, save some cash on your monthly electric bill, or ensure your home has that natural, rustic touch, these four fantastic options will take your family’s everyday living space from good to great. Reclaimed Wood Think you can’t do…

The Language of Milled Log Homes

by Jennifer Donahue | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, How-To, Planning

There is a lot of specific terminology involved with log and timber frame homes. Sometimes it feels like a whole new language! From different building styles to joinery, it helps to know just what you’re talking about. Often, you’ll hear references made to “milled” logs or “milled log homes”. What makes a log home milled, and how is it different from other log homes? “A milled log home uses logs that are put through a saw mill or planer and cut&…

Interior and Exterior Lighting

by Scarlett Barger | Jul 9, 2021 | Designing, How-To

An effective lighting plan adds beauty, comfort, and warmth to your home while accommodating the tasks of daily life. Balancing efficient light with rustic ambiance requires careful planning, but the results are worth it. Since log and timber homes have unique lighting needs, it’s important to seek advice from a lighting designer with experience. You could ask your home builder for recommendations or locate a Certified Lighting Consultant through the American Lighting Ass…

The Most Popular Log Home Floorplans

by Jennifer Donahue | Jul 9, 2021 | How-To, Planning

Sometimes the hardest part of building a home is figuring out where to start. That’s where ready-to-purchase (or stock) home plans can help. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic Adirondack, a quaint carriage house, a spacious timber frame lodge, or a cozy traditional log cabin, selecting a good floorplan can help ensure you’ve got all the important features in one package. There are a dizzying array of floorplans available, from spacious estates to intimate cottag…

Timberhaven Log Homes

Making Your Research Count

by Mike Haskew | Jul 9, 2021 | How-To, Planning

Taking the notion of a log or timber home from idea to reality requires a great deal of patience and preparation. Like marriage, the decision to build should not be entered into lightly. So those who are wise choose to begin the process with a hefty round of research. While the reasons for checking things out and asking questions before making decisions seem straightforward enough, it’s actually a process that requires some planning and effort in its own right—particularly today wh…

Vacation Days

by Debra Grahl | photography Roger Wade | styling Debra Grahl | Jul 9, 2021 | Entire Home, Room-By-Room

Rick and Mary Hollstein have very little down time. Owners of a highly successful commercial roofing business, the couple operates at a pace not many individuals could keep up with. “Back in 2003,” says Rick Hollstein, “we decided as a family to look for a getaway home that would make us feel like we were really on vacation, even if it was just for the weekend.” The Hollsteins found and purchased a log cabin on Pine River Pond in Wakefield, New Hampshire. “Quickly hooked on log home living in the north …

A View from the Top

by Karen Doss Bowman | Jul 9, 2021 | How-To, Planning

Many people dream about a relaxing getaway, and for log home enthusiasts, a home in the mountains may be the ideal choice. Not only do the mountains offer breathtaking views, but often they offer exciting glimpses of wildlife and proximity to outdoor activities such as skiing or hiking. “A mountain home is a place that’s laid back and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life,” says Sarah Smith, marketing coordinator at Blue Ridge…