Creating Outdoor Living Spaces With Log Houses
With features ranging from fire pits and outdoor kitchens to private retreats, decks or patios can become second living rooms or private getaways in a log home design idea. Make the most of scenic views while taking full advantage of being outdoors! These log home design ideas will show how.
Taller door heights are an increasingly popular trend in log cabin design that can make a powerful statement while increasing light flow into areas without windows.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are a favorite feature in log cabin homes and can range from basic grilling areas to full-blown gourmet spaces with sinks, refrigerators, additional burners and even pizza ovens. Ideal for entertaining large crowds of people and spending quality time enjoying your backyard together as family and friends, outdoor kitchens can extend living spaces by creating additional gathering places in which to prepare food or simply dine al fresco.
As you design an outdoor kitchen, take into account its frequency of use and what meals will be prepared outdoors. If you anticipate hosting frequent barbecues or dinner parties outdoors, ample seating should be provided for. To provide shade during early morning breakfast or lunch prep time, create an covered area.
An outdoor kitchen requires materials that are both sturdy and easily maintained. Popular options for countertops and flooring in an outdoor kitchen are stone, as it withstands extreme weather conditions; wood cabinets and furniture such as cedar, cypress or teak are suitable options; regular sealing will keep these natural materials looking their best.
Create a screened porch, patio or gazebo area to increase the usability of your log home and make outdoor living more comfortable. A screened area will block insects and debris from entering, making them perfect for reading in the warmth of sun or shade – not forgetting protection from rain and snow! A great way to maximize usage of outdoor living space in log homes!
Fire Pits & Fireplaces
Nothing creates the feeling of warmth and community quite like the alluring allure of fire. Gathering around a crackling fireplace or fire pit brings families closer together while marshmallow roasting, sharing stories and making memories that last a lifetime. No matter if it’s crisp autumn evening or snowy winter night – nothing compares with its comforting glow!
Finding the ideal fire feature for your log home starts with understanding your goals. Do you intend to host large gatherings or prefer quiet relaxation? Will additional outdoor living features such as decks be integrated in the near future? Likewise, budget, space considerations and maintenance needs must all be factored into any decision process when weighing each option’s benefits.
Fire pits come in all sorts of sizes and styles, from wood burning to propane fuelled. You have your choice between lava rocks or decorative fire glass for creating an atmosphere that is both classic and elegant. Some options even double as cooking stations by offering built-in grills or burners so you can prepare meals outside.
Gas firepits offer more versatility for outdoor entertaining spaces than their wood-burning counterparts. Elevated on legs, gas fireplaces can connect to natural gas lines for an endless supply of fuel – creating the ideal year-round gathering spot.
Professional assistance can make choosing an outdoor fire feature much simpler when designing your log home outdoor living space. By considering your goals, assessing space constraints and working with knowledgeable specialists, you can enjoy years of warm and inviting fireside warmth!
Sunrooms
If you’re in search of the perfect space to blend indoor and outdoor living, adding a sunroom could be the solution. These versatile rooms allow homeowners to take in breathtaking natural views without compromising the comforts of home; installation time can also be relatively quick and inexpensive when compared with other home additions – perfect for those on a tight budget!
Sunrooms provide an ideal space for taking advantage of natural lighting, which has been found to boost productivity and overall mood. Furthermore, these comfortable rooms can serve as ideal locations for houseplant growth; providing both sunlight and moisture as necessary for their success. Sunrooms create an enjoyable, relaxing space ideal for hosting guests and spending quality time with loved ones.
If you want to maximize the potential of your sunroom, designing it with purpose in mind is key. Many homeowners use their sunroom as an informal dining or entertainment area where they can entertain family and friends easily. Be sure to include ample seating so guests are accommodated easily!
Depending on where you live, some municipalities require permits and inspections before building or remodeling any sunroom for entertaining purposes. These costs could add thousands to the total project cost; to help lower them further choose a standard-sized sunroom over one designed specifically to your space; materials and labor will save money this way; also discuss heating/cooling options with your contractor as these could add costs; sometimes portable mini-split systems or baseboard heating may suffice while more comprehensive HVAC solutions might be necessary depending on your space requirements.
Vertical Gardens & Living Walls
Log cabin homes set within forest settings offer an ideal way to connect with nature and enjoy stunning views, as well as enhance that connection through gardens full of flowers, herbs, and vegetables that bring the beauty of nature right into the home. Gardens also create peaceful and relaxing environments to spend time with family and friends – whether enjoying morning coffee or an evening cocktail!
Garden design may appear daunting at first, but creating one can be both enjoyable and fulfilling. A beautifully landscaped garden can add character and serenity to your log home while providing you with an opportunity for restful relaxation. To make the most of your garden space, plan ahead by including elements that maximize efficiency in using space effectively and efficiently.
One such element is a living wall, also referred to as green walls or vertical gardens. These attractive installations add lush foliage and eco-friendliness while offering numerous environmental and psychological advantages.
A living wall can be set outdoors (with roots in soil), indoors without additional infrastructure, or attached to structures such as walls or atriums. They may consist of modular panels with loose soil, mat media or structural media as well as freestanding planters equipped with irrigation systems.
Artificial solutions like Vistafolia have emerged over the past decade to offer safe and cost-effective living wall alternatives without high maintenance requirements. Unlike natural plants, artificial walls such as Vistafolia meet all industry standards for structural integrity and safety – making them popular choices among home and business owners looking for living wall benefits without the hassle.
Decks
Decks are an integral component of log cabin life. Not only can they serve as places for relaxation and entertainment with friends and family, they’re also great ways to take in the natural scenery around your log home. Constructed of wood or composite materials to match its surroundings, decks offer great spots for summer cookouts or afternoon lunches while fireplace-equipped decks can add atmosphere in cooler months; some decks even double as storage areas for garden tools – an essential feature in many log homes!
Before designing and building a deck, carefully consider its purpose and location. If your goal is to create an inviting, relaxing environment, then water features like waterfalls or ponds can add serenity. Decks may be fitted out with benches, seating or pergolas for extra comfort and appeal.
Decks can be constructed either attached to your log home, freestanding, multi-leveled and built to accommodate hot tubs or fire pits. Roofed decks provide shelter from inclement weather while simultaneously cutting power consumption and humidity levels.
As you plan your deck design, keep in mind that the type of material will have an impactful cost and maintenance impact. Pressure treated lumber is an economical choice that has been chemically treated to resist insects and fungus; additionally it can be stained in nearly any color you like. Cedar and redwood decks are popular options as they naturally resist rot, insect infestation and fungal growth; however they tend to cost more and need regular staining to retain their beauty.