| Since the beginning of 2005 when I first became | | | | So, research the builder, the products he intends to |
| aware of the Log Home/ Rustic | | | | use and talk to prior customers. |
| Decorating Style, it seems to have grown more and | | | | When it comes to decorating, your Log Home - |
| more popular. There are severalmagazines such as: | | | | warm, rich, "nature" colors work well,such as red, |
| "Log Home Living", "Log Home Design Ideas", "Timber | | | | cream, tan, brown, deep green, slate blue, burgundy - |
| Frame | | | | in stripes, plaids andrustic muted prints. |
| Homes", and others totally focused on that | | | | Windows are often left "natural" without any |
| decorating style. | | | | coverings - sometimes taking up the wholeside of |
| There is a long list of Builders, (Heritage Log Homes, | | | | the building, maybe even two levels high, providing |
| Katahdin, Cedar Log Homes, | | | | light and a decorative element. For those who prefer |
| Lincoln Logs, just to name a few) that specialize in | | | | some type of covering for privacy or added |
| Log Home construction. | | | | decorative effect can use blinds, a translucent half |
| There are Log and Timber Home Shows in several | | | | curtain, or a fabric-covered cornice with a simple |
| states - throughout the year exhibiting models of log | | | | drape. Ruffles or heavy ornate draperies don't fit |
| homes and other products related to that type of | | | | with this decorating style. |
| home style. | | | | Floors are wood, or ceramic tile in muted neutral |
| Because Log Homes and a Rustic Decor are so very | | | | colors, with an antique or rustic stylearea rug used in |
| distinctive, it does not appeal toeveryone. I have to | | | | the seating, and dining areas. Carpeting, if used would |
| admit that my own decorating preference is | | | | be flat pile |
| Contemporary/Modern. | | | | "industrial" type. |
| However, since I have a weakness for Model Homes | | | | Kitchen cabinets as well as any other "built-ins" are |
| and Decorating Magazines, I foundmyself going | | | | finished to preserve the "natural"wood. Accessories |
| through the Log Home magazines and finding many | | | | used are from "the woods" and "nature" to further |
| beautiful, invitinghomes. | | | | the rustic theme. |
| It's hard not to appreciate the richness of a well | | | | Real deer or moose antlers become light fixtures. |
| crafted all wood home. The coziness of afurniture | | | | Rawhide lampshades, twig wreaths,pine cone |
| grouping around a huge stone fireplace and the | | | | centerpieces all further the "outdoorsy" feel. |
| warmth of a real wood interiorcombine to make a | | | | The layout is generally open in the living/entertaining |
| perfect home for those who live in the colder | | | | area - the "Great Room / Lodge"style, and bedrooms |
| climates. | | | | are off to the side or on another level. |
| The key here, is finding a quality builder. (OK - that | | | | Don't be fooled by the title "rustic" - the Log Home |
| advice could be used for just aboutany home). But | | | | style when built by a reputable builder, finished and |
| wood, if not properly treated - can deteriorate | | | | furnished with quality products can be quite |
| rapidly - I had a woodendeck built on my house and | | | | spectacular. |
| in less than five years it changed from beautiful to | | | | There is a page on my website that gives some |
| warpedand splintery. In addition to being unattractive, | | | | resources for more information. |
| it was actually dangerous. | | | | |