Customer Reviews

Inside Log Homes: The Art & Spirit of Home Decor

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There seem to be two types of log home owners. First, there are the owners with an unlimited budget who hire archetects, interior designers, and lighting specialists who build and furnish the home immediately ready for "Archetectual Digest." Then, there is the rest of us.

This book offers superb ideas, hints, and warnings for both groups. In my case, the log home we are renovating was roughly built and poorly maintained. However, the price was right and the home had, as they say, potential.

The potential and decoration was also going to have to match our lifelong possessions. After three decades of marrage, dozens of moves, and time in Europe and Asia, our furniture was certainly eclectic. We were not about to have a giant yard sale and start over. Cindy Thiede's book on decorating help us in many ways.

Most importantly, she gives specific ideas and pictures that can help log home owners regardless of their problems or budget. In our case, there was the perfect answer to an problem we were having with an addition. Additionally, we found a picture of the exect rock fireplace we were seeking. In each case, we marked the book and told the subcontractor that this was what we wanted.

Finally, the author offers highlighted tips, facts, and web sites to help you through your decorating and renovation problems. The book concludes with a resource directory that cross-references pictures and ideas with the specific archetect, designer, or retailer.

In summary, if you building, renovating or decorating a log home, this book will help you in many countless ways.

Inside Log Homes takes log homes to new levels. While log homes are the feature, artistic expression is the focus. Each home is carefully accessorized in order to maximize the beauty of the living space. This is Cindy Thiede's fifth book and she presents quite a few beautiful ideas like the cabin wrapped in soft green summertime trees with transparent walls and massive pine posts that reach from the floor to the ceiling. It is like living in comfort outdoors.

I had never noticed how the colors of the furniture could match the wood for stunning results. Most of the homes have expansive windows that invite the outdoors inside. Other ideas include a chef-style kitchen and vaulted ceilings. The house on the lake glows with warmth as lights reflect in the water.

The pictures in this particular book are the best I've ever seen because the variety and artistic elements and the variety of wood on display. There is everything from dark-stained rough-hewn fir floors to light almond-stained walls gracing the walls. There are even some pictures of famous lodges and ranch houses. Whether you are looking for rustic or refined, there are ideas for a wide variety of styles. The cook in me loved the wood-burning cook stove and the spa girl in me loved the deep tubs. Looking for deck ideas? A few pages are dedicated to decorating for the summer. I liked the idea of the permanent campfire setting in the backyard.

You don't even have to own a log cabin to enjoy this book. Now I'm dreaming about red couches and Persian carpets. The kitchens and bookshelves were also an inspiration.

~The Rebecca Review

Loved all the idea's and variety this book provided. For anyone planning an adventure in log home construction and living, this book is a true inspiration. Thanks for access to so many creative expressions by homeowners and builders, and for another wonderful log home experience.

This is a beautiful book with a lot of excellent glossy photography, but on the whole I wasn't happy with the execution. The authors chose log homes that are just not what log homes should be; simple, rustic, and cozy. These homes are large, expensive, and over-decorated. If you like baroque decors fine, but I think most people would agree with me that these rooms are too ornate. In addition, the photography while glossy, sharp and color saturated, is too harsh and contrasty. If you like the log theme and at the same time favor really ornate decors, this book will suit you, otherwise....

The interiors are not the quality I had hoped for.And an entire book of log home interiors became too much for my eye in the end. I have bought several second home books recently, and my favorite remains a new book called Second Home, which shows not only log and timberframe homes but airy beach cottages, cabins in the woods, lake homes, and every other style one can imagine.

Packed with stunning, full-color photographs on virtually every page, Inside Log Homes is a gorgeous compendium of interior decorating ideas and examples meant to evoke the spirit of log cabin life. The text sidebars are filled not only with notes and descriptions of the furnishings, but also useful tips, tricks, and techniques for any reader - whether a professional interior decorator or an ordinary homeowner - interested in capturing a reflection of the frontier on their property. "There's no question that rare objects and well-preserved antiques can be expensive, but you need not be rich to seek out wonderful things... there are other old pieces by lesser-known artisans and wonderful new spin-offs by contemporary craftsmen with approachable price tags. Folk art, windmill weights, old movie posters - such things can be found for hundreds of dollars (or less) or for thousands and thousands." Inside Log Homes is also an absolute treat for anyone who loves rustic decor or log cabins to simply page through.

I am referring to this book again and again. Love the book and it came in great shape quickly! The seller was right on the mark. Thank you!