Modern log homes often feature the same luxuries and amenities you’d expect to see in traditional stick-built homes. Everything from walk-in showers and whirlpool bathtubs to decked-out designer kitchens.

While trends change from year to year, they’re often based on our current needs. This has never been truer than in 2022.

With so many people working from home and many opting for early retirement, homes today need to serve triple duty—as primary dwellings, offices, and retreats, all rolled into one.

It’s no surprise then that lifestyle-minded design is the dominant trend for 2022. Nature-inspired color palettes, curvy furniture designs, and cozy comforts are mainstays this year.

Here are some decorating ideas for a cabin based on what’s trending in 2022.

 

Earthy, Muted Tones

Every year, leading paint manufacturers come out with their “color of the year” selections. This year, the theme is green.

Benjamin Moore chose October Mist, a subtle sage-green hue, while Sherwin-Williams went with Evergreen Fog, a dusty gray-green tone. Glidden chose Olive Sprig, a punchier shade—like the inside of a ripe avocado.

Soothing hues are just what we need in 2022.

If green isn’t your thing, not to worry. Nature-inspired hues across the color spectrum are trending, like sky blue, camel, and rust.

Earthy shades are a natural fit in log cabins. You can incorporate them with wall paint (in a bathroom, for example), cozy textiles, or with neutral color schemes in the kitchen.

 

Curvy Lines

The shift away from straight lines toward softer forms started years ago, but it’s really taken off in 2022. Flip through any design catalog and you’ll quickly notice a theme: furniture and home décor with curvy, rounded edges.

A Pinterest report found that searches for “curved couches” and “curved kitchen islands” shot up by 300%, while four times as many people searched for “curved wall interiors” this year compared to last.

Incorporating curvy furniture pieces, lighting, and home décor is the perfect way to contrast the angular architectural features that typically define log homes.

 

Biophilic Design

Biophilic is just a fancy word for interior design that embraces natural light, earthy color schemes, and lots of houseplants. The idea is to bring the outdoors inside.

There are so many sophisticated ways to bring life into the home. Designers today are playing with everything from plant-covered “living walls” to unique hanging installations.

Log home dwellers have a head start when it comes to biophilic design since log cabin architecture favors bountiful windows that bring in views of the outdoors.

You can embrace biophilic design philosophy by choosing earth-based colors and incorporating air-purifying plants or displays throughout the home.

 

Spa-Like Bathroom Amenities

Indulgent amenities like waterfall showerheads, heated floors, and elegant light fixtures aren’t limited to upscale resorts. Adding a few luxury features in the bathroom is an easy way to create your own self-care oasis and make every day feel like a spa day.

You don’t need a complete overhaul or a messy remodel. Simple things like an extended shower head, clawfoot tub, or spa-inspired accents go a long way in creating a relaxing vibe. Even the simple addition of a basket with rolled towels can give the room a more upscale feel.

If heated floors sound like a dream, radiant heating is a popular choice in new log home builds. Ask your contractor or builder for recommendations on the best system for your situation.

 

Hygge Elements

Scandinavian winters are notoriously long and frigid, so it’s no surprise that the Danish hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) style emphasizes coziness, warmth, and togetherness.

Simple comforts like soft, natural materials, neutral colors, and mood lighting define hygge, which is as much a feeling as it is a style.

Some of the staple features of hygge design include pared-down (clutter-free) rooms, layered textures and materials, and a communal dining area—all of which fit effortlessly into the aesthetic of log cabin interiors.

 

Local, Sustainably Sourced Furnishings

As awareness grows about our environmental footprint, more people are striving to buy consciously made furniture and décor items.

People want to know what’s in the products they buy and whether the materials were sustainably sourced. It’s why there’s been such a huge uptick in sales of everything from organic mattresses to FSC-certified wood furniture.

Materials matter, but the best way to reduce your carbon footprint is to buy local and use eco-friendly regional suppliers.

Also think about incorporating reclaimed items into your design, from old barn doors to reclaimed wood furniture. You’ll reduce your carbon footprint while adding character to your log cabin.

 

Find Your Perfect Log Cabin Home

We hope these 2022 home decor trends have given you decorating ideas and inspiration.

If you’re thinking about building a log cabin home, you’ll find the perfect floorplan with eLoghomes. We’re the nation’s premier manufacturer and builder of log home kits. Our catalog includes more than 200 models, from small cabins to multi-story luxury homes.

eLoghomes streamlines the process and offers guidance and support throughout your home-building journey. Get in touch to learn more.

Each year thousands of Americans fulfill their dream of building their very own log home. More people than ever are choosing the efficiency and affordability of a log home kit rather than going with a completely custom build.

Today’s log cabin kits offer incredible choice, with hundreds of designs and layouts to choose from. You choose the best model and floor plan for your needs and lifestyle, and the shell package is delivered to your site in sections.

Since log home kits have already been expertly engineered and designed, there’s no need to hire an architect.

Log cabin homes are popular in every state, from Alaska to Florida, but here are some of the hotspot locations for new log cabin builds:

• North Carolina – Southern culture meets mountain adventures in North Carolina, one of the country’s most beautiful states—and a prime spot for log cabin dwellers.
• Tennessee – With affordable land and an abundance of lush green forests and woods, people are scrambling to build log cabin homes in Tennessee.
• Montana – Easy access to Yellowstone National Park and an abundance of outdoor recreation make Big Sky Country an ideal location for cabin builds. Land goes for as little as $2,000 an acre.  

What Does a Log Home Cabin Kit Include?

The contents of a log home kit vary depending on which log home kit manufacturer you choose, but most kits will include a complete set of drawings and plans (blueprints) and the pre-cut and numbered logs.

More complete kits may also include things like windows, interior and exterior doors, interior and exterior stairs and railings, interior partition framing, and a partial or complete roof system.

Building a log home with a kit takes around 3-4 months on average. Reputable log home cabin kit manufacturers will work closely with your builder or general contractor to accommodate your construction schedule. 

If you’re planning to build a log cabin home—whether as your primary residence or a vacation getaway—the infographic below outlines some of the most important things to consider during the planning stage.

 

Building a log cabin is the ultimate dream for thousands of Americans. It’s a tradition that goes back centuries to some of the country’s earliest pioneers.

Today, more people than ever are choosing to use a log cabin kit to build their home rather than hiring an architect for a build.

It makes sense. Kits simplify and streamline the construction process but still give you the freedom to design your home how you want it, down to the last detail—especially when it comes to interior design. Reputable log home kit manufacturers will offer dozens or even hundreds of customizable models, from tiny cabins to multi-story luxury homes.

Whether you’re building a log cabin home for full-time living or as a vacation getaway for your family, here are some guiding principles to keep in mind as you plan your build.

 

1: Location/Site Considerations

Think about where you want to site your new home or vacation property.

Do you picture yourself out in the country with acreage? Or would you rather be within a short distance of a city or metro area? Is self-sufficiency or off-grid living your goal, or do you want a modern log home with luxury amenities?

If you’re struggling to decide on a location, ask yourself one simple question: What have you always wanted to wake up to in the morning? A spectacular mountain view? A babbling brook? A wide-open expanse of prairie or desert?

If your property is on a slope, ask your contractor about the possibility of building a walk-out basement. A finished basement is a great way to boost your home’s square footage without adding significantly to your construction costs.

If a waterfront property is in the cards, ask your builder which weather-related measures you’ll need to take to comply with local codes. In hurricane country, for example, you’ll need a special wind-resistant roof and other reinforcements. Also ask your builder about setbacks to prevent flooding.

If your site is relatively flat, work with your builder to identify a spot on the property with the best drainage. Poor drainage can create huge headaches down the line. Your contractor may recommend building the site up for better water flow, especially in rain-prone areas.

 

2: Size

Whether your dream is to have a classic hunting cabin or a luxurious retreat to host parties, you have lots of options today. Today’s log cabin homes come in a variety of sizes and configurations to suit every need and preference.

The number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need will play a large role in determining the size of your home. But a good rule of thumb is 600-800 square feet per person for a primary residence. For a family of four, around 2,400 square feet is typically enough to keep everyone comfortable.

If you plan on hosting guests regularly, the layout of your home will be just as critical a factor as the size of your home.   

 

3: Floorplan/Layout

When deciding on layout, think about how you want to move through the space. Do you prefer an open floorplan, where one room flows seamlessly into the next? Or would you rather have a more traditional design with cozy spaces that envelop you?

Do you picture yourself in a home with an expansive porch or deck where you can admire the view? Perhaps you’ve always wanted a cabin with a classic ski-style loft to accommodate extended friends and family.

Keep an open mind as you look at all the different floor plans available. Consider things like:

• The number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need
• Your preferred number of levels or floors
• Your preference for an open floor plan or traditional (closed) plan
• The layout/configuration of the kitchen (especially if you love to cook)
• Whether you want or need a basement and/or a deck
• Whether you want an open second level and/or a loft

 

4: Usage

If this will be your forever home, it’s essential to consider future use. Do you need room for a growing family—or grandkids? Do you see yourself hosting lively parties, or is your priority having a quiet, peaceful retreat for two?

If you plan to age in place, a single-story floorplan may be the best option. You’ll never have to worry about installing a stair lift or—worse—selling your home because of limited mobility.

Another option is to choose a floorplan with the master bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, which you can move into if stairs become challenging.

If you’ll only be hosting guests occasionally, you may ultimately decide that a smaller house is the best option. A right-sized log cabin home is easier and less expensive to maintain, and rooms won’t sit empty for months on end.

That said, a well-designed home—even one with a small footprint—should accommodate both residents and guests comfortably. You might opt for a design that gives guests their own private space (like an upper floor) for maximum privacy.

If you have a large family or will regularly host young kids, consider adding a playroom. A dedicated space for little ones will help minimize noise, keep your nerves intact, and give kids a place to burn off excess energy. Finished basements and lofts make ideal spaces for kids.

 

5: Budget

Creating and sticking to a budget for a new home can be tricky. An online cost calculator can help, as can a good general contractor. Here are some tips for establishing and staying on budget:

• Map out your plan in detail
• Choose a reputable general contractor/builder
• Understand the cost of each stage of construction (a contractor will guide you)
• Identify your non-negotiables
• Choose interiors/finishes before breaking ground
• Set aside a contingency fund (ex: 10%) in case you go over budget
• Don’t make decisions hastily

Using a log home kit will help you avoid the additional cost of hiring an architect. Unless you’re an experienced builder or contractor, it is not generally advisable to approach construction management yourself.

A reputable builder or contractor is worth their weight in gold. They will help you see your project through from start to finish and ensure your new log cabin home is well-constructed and designed.

 

Find the Perfect Log Cabin Home with eLoghomes

Log homes kits are an efficient, affordable way to build a home. Since the floor plans have already been expertly engineered and designed, there’s no need to hire an architect. This can save you thousands of dollars from the get-go.

eLoghomes offers more than 200 customizable log home models, from small cabins to multi-story luxury homes. View our log home options and join thousands of clients who have used our kits to build their very own custom log cabins.

Constructing your very own log cabin can be a challenging yet satisfying journey. The process is similar to building your home. However, you’ll need some knowledge of the different types of wood logs you can use for the project.

There are over 300 species of wood just in the United States alone. However, not all of them can be used as cabin logs because they don’t have the durability and versatility to support your structure.

We’ll take a closer look at the different types of wood logs for cabin building. We’ll also share our recommendations for the best wood types for this project.

Types of Log Cabin Wood: What Types of Wood Are Log Cabins Made From?

Since there are so many wood types, it can be challenging to choose the right variety for your log cabin. Here is a quick overview of the different possibilities:

• Cedar: Cedar is one of the most popular construction woods, thanks to its durability and attractive looks. It can also endure harsh weather, and it is considered to be moisture- and insect-resistant. However, cedar knots can be a source of leakage, unless they are carefully maintained on a regular basis.
• Cypress: Although the Cypress can be considered a softwood tree, you can use it for some types of construction. It is mostly used for flooring because of its unique style, but it lacks durability compared to real hardwoods.
• Redwood: Redwood might not be an affordable option, but its premium quality makes it excellent for construction. However, some people consider it overkill for log cabin construction.
• Eastern White Pine: Eastern White Pine is the most versatile and affordable material available for log cabin construction. It has superior strength, weather resistance, and an attractive appearance.
• Yellow Pine: Yellow Pine is offered by some log home companies, but be aware that it is more prone to losing its shape and retaining moisture than the more popular Eastern White Pine.

 

Best Wood for Log Cabins: Why We Like Eastern White Pine

We believe that white pine is by far the superior choice among all the available woods. It is highly durable, meaning that it can endure harsh weather without cracking or shrinking. White pine is also incredibly stable and attractive.

Overall, Eastern White Pine has superior strength, versatility, and many other benefits that make it the overall best wood for a log cabin. That’s why, at eLoghomes, we use Eastern White Pine for all our log homes.

Make Your Perfect Wood Log Cabin with eLoghomes

If you are looking for the right tools and materials to construct your log cabin, you should look no further than eLoghomes. We have everything you need to make building a log cabin home process easier, faster, and enjoyable.

At eLoghomes, we provide reliable log cabin kits, complete packages, and blueprints so that you can start your project today. If you want to know more about our services, you can look through our website, register for pricing, or contact us at (888) 675-3678!

When you build your log cabin, you have a period of time to select items and color schemes that will complement the beauty of the structure and wood elements that you will be surrounded with. Although luxury log homes can be successfully decorated with modern themes and items, most people tend to decorate with a rustic or primitive flair. The need to “get back to nature” often translates to the furniture and furnishings throughout the home in order to feel more connected with the common woodland or rural settings one usually builds a log home in.

What is Rustic and Primitive Décor?

You only need to turn to the earth to get your color palettes and natural items to get your furniture inspirations. Log cabins are often outfitted with heavier furniture pieces and in the case of upholstered pieces, they tend to be the bulkier upholstery. Color blocking is perceived as a more modern interior décor approach. You’ll likely be drawn to prints, large floral patterns, country scene paintings, natural element lamps made of wood, stone, or antlers, and wooden or stone carvings for statues, candleholders, and other accent pieces. Primitive décor and rustic décor do denote an assumption that a piece will appear to be “worn” or of some age. While that may hold true, it also implies that a piece that is rustic is also substantial, trustworthy, and still viable. An old rusty wrought iron gate or cast iron hand pump may have years of wear, but still, convey a look of having worth as a sturdy piece you can still “trust” – that still has the quality and useful life. Those pieces are usually made of material (wrought iron, hammered copper, etc.) that are less commonly used today than a century ago. Thus, old pieces that still have useful life or substance can be incorporated into a rustic design for both function and beauty. We appreciate older items because the quality workmanship truly shines through the years of service.

Handcrafted Artisans – Quality Woodworking and Stonework

A few luxurious, high-quality items well placed throughout a log home are elevated when it is a one-of-a-kind handcrafted piece. Reclaimed barn wood, reclaimed brick and stonework, and custom wood carvings or custom paintings not only preserve natural materials by being repurposed but also preserve history or give you a story that no one else can tell. Many great artists can provide you with pieces of art or custom reclaimed furniture that will intrigue your family and friends. The history of “back-story” of your rustic, reclaimed wood sofa table made from the state Governor’s barn that was built in 1789 and housed 3 championship racehorses is a great conversation piece – and it catches your keys when you walk through the door!

Cabinets made from reclaimed wood serve the function that you desire, however, the primitive charm and ambiance that comes from using this type of material can hardly be faked. When constructed correctly from reclaimed wood that is inspected for continuing sound quality, your cabinet can last yet another hundred years while making your kitchen one of the most inviting rooms in the whole neighborhood.

In Search of Quality Log Home Interior Items and Custom Work Artisans

In eLogHome.com’s effort to bring our log home buyers the best experiences in building their log cabin home kits – we are also always on the lookout for builders and handcrafted artisans that can provide you with a choice of high-quality items for your rustic, primitive log cabin décor.

Visit our friends through the many avenues that we’ve established on Google, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Oh yes – please follow us too!

Our social media accounts focus on log cabin kits, log homes, log home décor, rustic décor, primitive décor, and being the best log home builder you can find – anywhere!

• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/eloghomes/
• Twitter – https://twitter.com/HomesElog
• Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/eloghomes/
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/eloghomesgram/

People might assume that some of the first homes built by settlers in America were log cabins. According to an article called “Westward Expansion“, “the first log cabins in the Americas were built by emigrants from Sweden and Finland. Log cabins had been built in these countries for thousands of years”. Log homes were predominantly built after the movement toward settling the West began. It is surprising to note that most new settlers involved in colonizing the eastern coastal areas built homes with the board. Log home popularity is on the rise and for many valuable (and attractive) reasons.

Log Homes Are Extremely Energy Efficient

One of the primary reasons there has been an uptick in log home popularity is energy efficiency. Today, people are very aware of building with the most energy-efficient materials and designs possible. The National Association of Home Builder’s Research Center completed an air infiltration test of 8 log homes, produced by 4 different log home manufacturers, in 4 different states. The test showed;

• Our system had the lowest air infiltration rate of all the log homes tested; and
• When compared to a computer model of a conventionally built home with 2×6 framed insulated walls, the eLoghomes had an annual heating energy prediction which was 7.4% better than the conventional home. Or, in other words, the conventional home was predicted to require 8.0% more MBtu (thousands of British Thermal Units) per year.

Superior Log Home Construction – Desirable Eco-Friendly and Efficient Log Home Building

Of course, the log walls need to be built correctly – but that’s one of our specialties as well! And here are some of the reasons why an eLoghomes log wall performs so well:

• A true notch & pass system (NOT butt & pass) that features a factory precut mortise and tenon joint;
• Hardwood dowel and caulking for all in-line vertical log joints;
• Integral double tongue and groove for all horizontal log joints with;
• Double row polyfoam gasket;
• 1/8″ caulking bead against the outside tongue;
• Self-tapping lag screws that achieve immediately, and long-lasting, wood to wood contact;
• Exterior drip edge to shed water down and away;
• Solid wood corner posts with post-to-log spline system for inside and angled corners.

The Most Popular of All – A Log Home’s Natural, Stunning Wood Beauty

Just look at the photos of the awesome log homes that have been built up until today. Yours will be the next awe-inspiring creation made from our finest logs based on the fantastic design and log plans that you customize to make it intimately your own. Log homes have evolved to include modern touches, larger panoramic window displays, innovative floor plans, and some of the latest conveniences, however, one will never be able to remove or modernize the presence or natural beauty of true log homes made skillfully by master craftsmen.

Our philosophy is clean and simple. We strive to be the best log home builder based on quality. We aren’t working to be the biggest. We are honored to have the opportunity to show you our beautiful, unique log home kits and know that when you trust us with your new log home build, we concentrate on giving you the best possible service, materials, and craftsmanship available. Quality: that is what makes eLogHomes the best log home builder in the USA. And oh yes, we build log cabins nationwide. It is a great source of pride for eLoghomes to be a dedicated, “Made in the USA” product company.

What Makes Us The Best Log Home Builders?

Of course, other log home companies will claim to be the best, but based on what criteria? Is it based on their volume of sales? Is it assumed based on their massive inventory of materials purchased from third-party resources? Is it based on thin air with little experience or evidence of serving the log home buyers well? We realize that on the Internet, claims can be made that are grandiose with little substance. That is where eLoghomes shines. We have years of proven experience in not only selling log home kits, but also being the designer, manufacturer-supplier, and log cabin builder.

The Best Log Home Kits In the Industry

The use of the word “kit” may put some people off, however, it is the best way to describe that a log home is cut specifically for a family based on the chosen plan. During your process of putting together your log home kit, you choose what style of logs and corners to use, what windows and doors you desire, where customization should be made to the plans, and other choices that create a bundle, or a “kit” that is manufactured to your specifications. That is YOUR kit – and it is not something that is already sitting on a yard waiting to be chosen, loaded on a truck, and shipped off. In fact, your log home kit is more personal and customized than any traditional stick-built home!

We also work very hard to have the best log home package materials in the industry. The longevity and thermal efficiency of your home is a top priority with eLoghomes. Watch our video on Youtube that walks you through most of the processes that go into creating the top-quality log cabins that truly make us the best log home builders in the country. We take great care and pride in producing each and every log that goes into a home with precision and attention to detail.

How do we know we produce the best log home systems? In 1991 the National Association of Home Builder’s Research Center completed an air infiltration test of 8 log homes, produced by 4 different log home manufacturers, in 4 different states. The test showed:

• The eLoghomes system had the lowest air infiltration rate of all the log homes tested; and
• When compared to a computer model of a conventionally built home with 2×6 framed insulated walls, the eLoghomes had an annual heating energy prediction which was 7.4% better than the conventional home. Or, in other words, the conventional home was predicted to require 8.0% more MBtu (thousands of British Thermal Units) per year.

Of course, the log walls need to be built correctly – but that’s one of our specialties as well! And here are some of the reasons why an eLoghomes log wall performs so well:

• A true notch & pass system (NOT butt & pass) that features a factory precut mortise and tenon joint;
• Hardwood dowel and caulking for all in-line vertical log joints;
• Integral double tongue and groove for all horizontal log joints with;
• Double row polyfoam gasket;
• 1/8″ caulking bead against the outside tongue;
• Self-tapping lag screws that achieve immediately, and long-lasting, wood to wood contact;
• Exterior drip edge to shed water down and away;
• Solid wood corner posts with post-to-log spline system for inside and angled corners.

The Best Log Home Service

In addition to the goal of having only top-quality material log homes to offer homeowners, we consider quality service a top priority as well. If any eLoghomes customer needs assistance, we are just an email or a phone call away. Our Log Home Specialists go through rigorous training, spend time in the yard where the logs are actually milled, pass tests of extraordinary magnitude, and understand how important knowing the details “backward and forwards” is to every single log cabin buyer. They know what they are doing and when a call comes into our toll-free number, you can be sure a qualified person is ready and eager to help you with your questions. It is important to us to be able to help when we need it. Our company is quick to serve you and assist in making your dream home grow from an idea to a long-lasting, cherished log home.