Log Home Living – June 2019

36 |^ Best Log & Timber Floor Plans 2019

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4

Love the look of hardwood floors

in the kitchen but balk at the price

tag? Consider tile that mimics wood

planks. There’s a huge variety of

highly realistic-looking faux wood

tile on the market, and they’re a more

resilient option for high-moisture areas

than real wood can be.

5

There’s a tendency to over-design

the master bedroom. If you spend

a lot of time in this most private

of areas, by all means, pile on the

square footage with zones for sleep-

ing, reading or lounging in front of the TV.

But if most of your time here is spent with

your eyes closed, reconsider how much

space (and budget) you allocate to it. One

area you shouldn’t skimp on, however,

is storage. Just when you think you have

enough, add a little more.

6

People feel more comfortable in

rooms that are in proportion to our

own dimensions. For this reason,

alcoves, window seats, nooks,

corners and areas with lowered

ceilings appeal to us. Now think about

a great room with a cathedral ceiling.

Varying a great room’s ceiling height can

add visual definition and drama. Design

one portion of your great room with the

wow-factor of a majestic, soaring ceiling

and then lower the height in another for

coziness.

7

Add an element of surprise in your

home by installing fireplaces in

unlikely areas, like the kitchen,

bathroom or dining room.

8

Avoid incorporating an exercise

area in your master bedroom. In

most cases, fitness equipment

finds a way to transform itself

into impromptu clothes hangers,

prohibiting you from using the stuff and

messing up your room in the process.

Lofts, basements and even sunrooms

are better workout options. Keep your

bedroom tranquil.

9

If you set your great room at an

angle to other living spaces, the fo-

cus moves to the interesting views

and spatial relationships. Adding a

bay or jogs in the walls can give a

room variety and balance.