Saturday, May 30, 2009

If You Had To Build Your Log Home Again........

Generally, the most common complaint amongst log home owners is, if they had to do it all over again, they would have added more living space. Adding more square footage not only adds to the resale value but also to your own needs. Remember the size of the logs when you are drawing your floorplan, because of the thickness of the logs, it will cut down on floor space in the home, so you need to factor that into the equation when you are deciding on your square footage. Some also say they would have added more space to their outdoor living areas, for instance, a larger covered deck, so in rainy weather, they are still able to entertain outdoors. Another sentiment is, depending on where you live, a screened in room to keep those pesky bugs at bay. The entryway is also another concern, there never seems to be enough room in that area, so you should pay closer attention to the one space that seems to get overlooked most often when building a log home.

Please visit our website at Muskoka Log Homes for more information.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Decorating in a Log Home

There are many colours to choose from when it comes to selecting colours that will compliment your log walls. It basically comes down to, 'The colours you like.' If you like your walls to be neutral in colour then the furniture and accessories you chose could have some punch, for example: you may have a neutral coloured sofa and adding red throw cushions adds some boldness to the look. If you keep your colour palette neutral it will always be in fashion and that way you can change accessory colours instead of your furniture. Wood is powerful and makes a strong statement, so adding little splashes of colour here and there will certainly compliment the wood. Bold colours really stand out against a neutral coloured wood. One of the trickiest colours to use is yellow. It's always in style and people find it rather stimulating , and apparently helps with concentration. Shades of yellow in log homes bring out the grain and character of the wood. Green is the livliest colour of all and fits in anywhere in a log home. Dark greens are conservative and calming and is ideal for dens and bedrooms. So if you are wondering about colour for your log home, just remember that strong vibrant colours and cool colours make ideal compliments.

For additional information, please visit our website at Muskoka Log Homes.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Enjoying Your Log Home Outside

Outdoor living can have a significant impact on how you enjoy your log home to its fullest. Here are some ideas that may help to get you started on making your outdoor space. When setting up seating areas it would be a good idea to incorporate a table and bench combo so that you can have a sitting and eating area all in one. It wouldn't be outdoor enjoyment without having a campfire, whether for telling stories, roasting marshmallows or just simply watching the flickering of the fire. Make sure the fire is well contained in a pit to prevent accidental fires. Another way of enjoying your outdoor area is to install a do-it-yourself pond with a small waterfall so that you can listen to the sounds of the falling water while you are sitting outside. Let your imagination run wild when it comes to being creative with your outdoor projects...the sky's the limit..

For more information on Log Homes, visit our website at Muskoka Log Homes.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The Process Of Building Your Own Log Home

The job of considering building your own log home can seem impossible. Thinking of all the jobs that need to be completed, putting together a good contracting plan will make the task at hand move along a little easier. One of the first things you shoud consider is, 'Who will be building your log home'? If you are hiring a contractor he will ensure that the whole project goes as planned, and that the home is completed on time and within budget. It isn't unusual to act as your own general contractor because it gives you an overall know how of what actually takes place. If you act as your own general contractor, here are some things you need to know; you will have the responsibility of hiring the subcontractors, preparing specifications, getting bids, interviewing, you will have to prepare the construction schedule, order materials and look after the job site. Although this is a lot of work it can also be very rewarding as you see the progress taking place with your log home.

For additional information, please visit our website at Muskoka Log Homes.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Building A Smaller Log Home

We have noticed a trend toward a smaller log home. People seem to be more concerned about how much square footage they actually need. Today people are really taking a hard look at how much space is used. Whatever the reason, home size is starting to change from more square footage to less. People are asking themselves, while in their existing homes, 'How much space do I actually need?' They are taking a more practical approach to the space that they will need in their new log home. You should consider maximizing your functional space. Basements are usually finished off as living spaces. When you decide on a smaller home you can allow for a bigger budget for more luxury features. We have noticed that although the home is scaled down the master bedroom is still spacious. Try to design you floorplan with flexibility so that later you will be able to incorporate those bonus features. If you aren't planning on living in the home right away you might want to consider building a weathertight shell and finishing it off yourself over time, when time and funds are available.

For additional information on log homes, please visit our website at Muskoka Log Homes.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Tricks To Make Your Log Home Kitchen Appear Bigger

There are many tricks to making your small kitchen appear larger. For example, vertical stripes on pine siding has an heightening appearance, as well, tall cabinets will draw the eye upwards. To make your kitchen feel larger overall you should carefully plan its main elements. Use the same flooring in adjoining rooms that you use in your kitchen, and if you keep the floor colour close to the cabinet colour it will have an even larger impact. Glass fronted cabinets also open up a kitchen while providing a space to display china. Shiny brass or chrome hardware will reflect the surfaces of the room, making it appear larger. One of the biggest trends in kitchens today is an open floorplan. If you have limited space in your kitchen your best option might be a galley-style kitchen. They may be small but highly functional and efficient. So, if you want to creat the illusiom of more space, consider placing a window at the end of the room, and finally a clutter-free counter will also give you the illusion of more space.

For more information on log homes, please visit our website at Muskoka Log Homes & Chalets Inc.