Discover the Blue Ridge Custom & Log Homes Blog: Your Source for Home Design Inspiration and Expert Advice!
Blue Ridge Custom & Log Homes Blog is your go-to resource for all things related to custom home design, construction, and lifestyle in Wilkes County and the surrounding areas of the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your dream home, expert tips on home improvement projects, or insights into the latest trends in home design and decor, you’ve come to the right place. Our blog covers a wide range of topics, from innovative construction techniques to interior design ideas and local community events. Stay tuned for informative articles, helpful guides, and engaging content that will elevate your home-building experience and enhance your living space. Explore our blog today and let us inspire you to create the home of your dreams!
Log Raising and Mill Tour Feb. 1
Blue Ridge Custom and Log Homes invites you to visit its manufacturer, Honest Abe Log Homes, at their National Headquarters in Moss, Tenn., on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, for a Log Raising and Manufacturing Tour. The event begins at 9 a.m. with a Log Raising, during...
A Playroom That Grows with Your Family
Every child dreams of having their own space to play, imagine, and explore – and every parent dreams of keeping those toys off the living room floor! A custom children’s playroom in your Blue Ridge Custom and Log Home is the perfect solution. Designed with your family...
Navigating Conflicting Ideas When Building Your Home
Building a home is one of the most exciting—and challenging—ventures a couple can undertake together. As you plan and design your dream space, it's only natural that you’ll encounter differing ideas about everything from floor plans to finishes. While these conflicts...
The Timeless Energy Efficiency of Log Homes
For centuries, people have turned to logs as a building material to create homes that offer protection against the elements. From the Scandinavian forests to the Appalachian Mountains, logs have proven their worth in harsh climates. Today, this time-tested material is...
Repairs After the Holidays
There is nothing more joyous than welcoming friends and family into your home for the holidays. The beautiful Honest Abe Log Home pictured above shows exactly how welcoming a custom log home can be. However, with more people and possibly their pets, there will be...
Celebrating Christmas in a Log Home
Creating a Cozy Haven for You and Your PetsFor many, the holiday season is a time of warmth and togetherness. In the Pagano household, this spirit is embodied not only in their love for each other but in their deep bond with Ling Ling and Min, two affectionate canines...
Embracing Natural Features in Your Log or Timber Frame Home Design
Designing a log or timber frame home is an invitation to live in harmony with the land. The property you choose plays a crucial role in shaping your home’s layout, functionality, and aesthetic. Natural features like swales, wetlands, hillsides, and wooded areas...
Bathroom Concepts
Bathrooms in a log or timber frame home are more than just functional spaces; they are retreats where you can relax, refresh, and recharge. Whether it’s a master bathroom with spa-like features, a practical family bathroom, or a welcoming guest powder room, thoughtful...
Designing the Heart of the Home
In a log or timber frame home, the kitchen is much more than a place to cook — it’s the heart of the home. It’s where family meals are prepared, where friends gather, and where everyday life is shared. Designing a kitchen that is both functional and beautiful requires...
Designing the Perfect Bedroom for Your Log or Timber Frame Home
The process of designing a log or timber frame home is as much about crafting a lifestyle as it is about constructing a building. Each room serves a purpose, but the bedrooms, our sanctuaries of rest, are unique spaces that must blend comfort, efficiency, and timeless...
Embracing the Change and Embracing Nature’s Gifts
From City Life to Log Home Living Are you tired of city life’s relentless noise, congestion, and stress? Do you long for a change of scenery, where you can breathe in the fresh air and wake up to the gentle rustling of leaves? If so, it may be time to consider...
When Is the Perfect Time to Deck the Halls for Christmas?
As the air turns crisp and the holiday spirit begins to stir, the age-old question arises: When is the right time to start decorating for Christmas? In this blog post, we delve into this perennial debate and explore the factors that can help you determine the ideal...
Single-Level Layout Advantages
Single-level floor plans offer a variety of advantages over multi-level layouts, making them an increasingly popular choice for homeowners of all ages. Here are some of the key benefits of single-level living: Accessibility and Safety: Single-level homes...
Log Homes: Beyond Rustic Charm, Lies Financial Wisdom
Log cabins have long evoked images of cozy getaways nestled amidst nature, but did you know they can also be surprisingly budget-friendly? In this age of ever-rising housing costs, opting for a log home might be a smarter financial decision than you think. Let’s peel...
How to Decorate a Rec Room That Appeals to All Ages and Interests
Creating a recreational room that caters to a wide range of ages and interests can be a rewarding challenge. Whether you’re designing a space for family gatherings, entertaining friends, or simply providing a versatile area where everyone can unwind, a...
Meet Our Blue Ridge Custom and Log Homes Mascots!
At Blue Ridge Custom and Log Homes, our two beloved mascots, Ling Ling and Min, are more than just pets – they're part of the family! Together, Ling Ling and Min embody the warmth and spirit of Blue Ridge Custom and Log Homes. They remind us every day that home is...
Harmonizing Heritage and Innovation
In an era where technology undergoes perpetual evolution, the allure of custom log homes has transcended the bounds of tradition. For enthusiasts seeking a harmonious blend of rustic charm and state-of-the-art convenience, the union of heritage and innovation beckons...
A Home for Raising a Family
Designing a log or timber home for raising children is in some ways preparing for a home for retirement. Honest Abe's sales professionals have prepared a list of suggestions to discuss with your sales representative as you begin designing your family home. Safety...
Cozy Reading Retreats in Timber Surroundings
Log home libraries meld the rustic beauty of timber homes with the timeless joy of reading. These libraries are more than just collections of books. They are serene havens crafted from the natural warmth of wood, offering a distinctive reading experience. The appeal...
Cold Weather Tips for Stains and Sealants
It is getting cold. It usually does that this time of year and, as in most years, I start getting calls from homeowners as well as contractors asking about what the temperature has to be to apply log home products. Seems everyone is trying to finish up before winter...
Lofts are Versatile and Beautiful
Separated from the formal area of your home above the places you want to keep organized and tidy but still be part of the open plan design is the loft. From the loft, there is a separated space that still benefits from the floor-to-ceiling windows present in many log...
Outdoor Hot Tub Tips
Log and timber frame homeowners often desire to have a hot tub or jacuzzi as an amenity at their new home. Deciding where the hot tub will be placed and designing the area around a hot tub can be a fun and creative process, but there are several things to keep in mind...
Options for Off-Grid Heating and Cooling Systems
The idea of designing heating and cooling systems that do not rely on the electric or gas company is appealing to many log home and timber frame home owners. There are several options for off-grid heating and cooling that can be...
Is a Basement Right for Your Home?
Basements may or may not be a part of a home plan for a log home or log cabin. There are cost and design elements to consider with the Blue Ridge Custom and Log Homes design team to understand whether a basement makes sense for your home. Beyond the considerations of...
Positioning Your Home to Take Advantage of Passive Solar Energy
Building a log home or SIP/timber frame house offers a unique opportunity to create an energy-efficient living space, and one of the most effective strategies to achieve this is by incorporating passive solar design principles. Passive solar design harnesses the...
Preparing Your Log or Timber Frame Home for Fall and Winter
As the seasons change, it's essential to prepare your log or timber frame home to ensure it stays warm, cozy, and protected from the elements. This preparation not only keeps your home comfortable but also helps to maintain its beauty and durability. Here’s a...
Deciding When to Build
Navigating the Timing of Custom Construction Embarking on the journey of custom home construction is a monumental decision, fraught with considerations and complexities. Determining the opportune moment to commence such an endeavor requires a delicate balance of...
“Why Choose a Log or Timber Frame Home: Benefits and Unique Qualities”
When it comes to building a new home, the choice of construction style can significantly impact your living experience. Log and timber frame homes offer unique benefits that set them apart from conventional houses. From their natural beauty to their energy efficiency,...
“Timber Frame vs. Log Homes: Which is Right for You?”
When it comes to building your dream home, choosing between a timber frame and a log home is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Both styles offer unique advantages, and understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for your lifestyle,...
Choosing the Perfect Land
Selecting the right piece of land is a crucial step in building your custom log home or cabin. The land you choose will influence everything from your home’s design to its energy efficiency and overall comfort. At Blue Ridge Custom & Log Homes, we understand the...
The Right Roof for Your Log Home
The roof of your log home is more than just a protective covering—it’s a critical design element that contributes to your home’s aesthetic, energy efficiency, and durability. At Blue Ridge Custom & Log Homes, we offer a...
Creating Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor Living Spaces: Extend Your Log Home’s Beauty and Comfort Outdoors At Blue Ridge Custom & Log Homes, we believe your home should be as inviting outside as it is inside. Designing outdoor living spaces that complement your custom log home or SIP home allows...
Designing a Modern Floor Plan
Modern Floor Plan Ideas for Your Log Home with Blue Ridge Custom & Log Homes Modern living demands flexibility, efficiency, and style, and at Blue Ridge Custom & Log Homes, we understand the importance of a floor plan that meets contemporary needs while...
Enjoy Your Log Home Throughout Life’s Seasons
Designing Your Dream Log Home for Aging in Place with Blue Ridge Custom & Log Homes At Blue Ridge Custom & Log Homes, we specialize in creating beautiful, custom log homes and SIP homes designed for every stage of life. Whether you’re building your dream home...
Building a Custom Log Home That Grows With Your Family
Choosing to build a custom log home with Blue Ridge Custom & Log Homes offers a unique opportunity to design a space that not only meets your current needs but also adapts as your family grows. Our custom-designed log homes and SIP homes with Douglas Fir timber...
Unanticipated New Construction Costs
Building a new home is an exciting journey filled with anticipation and dreams of your perfect living space. However, amidst the planning and construction process, there are often hidden costs that can catch new homeowners off guard. Understanding these potential...
How to Maintain Your Investment in a Custom Log Home
Investing in a custom log home is a significant and rewarding decision, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, comfort, and durability. However, like any valuable asset, maintaining your log home is crucial to preserving its charm and structural integrity over the...
Ideal Great Room Design Tips
Tips for an Inviting Open Floor Plan When it comes to designing the heart of your log home, few spaces hold as much significance as the great room. A well-designed great room with an open floor plan not only enhances the aesthetics of your home but also fosters a...
Expanding Your Living Space
Designing Outdoor Living Spaces That Enhance Your Home As the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living continue to blur, creating well-designed outdoor living spaces has become increasingly popular among homeowners. At Blue Ridge Custom and Log Homes, we recognize...
Embrace Innovation with Southern TimberCraft
Designing Your Custom Home with Southern TimberCraft Structural Insulated Panels When it comes to building your dream home, innovation meets tradition with Southern TimberCraft Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). At Blue Ridge Custom & Log Homes, we're excited to...
Creating Your Dream Master Suite
Design Tips and Décor Ideas for a Private Haven Your master suite is more than just a bedroom; it's your personal sanctuary, a place where you can retreat, relax, and rejuvenate after a long day. At Blue Ridge Custom and Log Homes, we understand the importance of...
Bathroom Planning for Every Stage of Life
Beauty, Functionality and Timeless Innovation The bathroom is a central hub of any home, serving as a space for daily rituals, relaxation, and rejuvenation. When designing a bathroom that can accommodate the needs of the entire family, from raising kids through old...
Designing the Ultimate His and Hers Walk-in Closet
Innovative Storage Ideas for Maximum Efficiency Creating a his and hers walk-in closet is a dream for many homeowners, offering not only ample storage space but also the opportunity to showcase personal style and organization. At Blue Ridge Custom & Log Homes, we...
Prepare for Aging in Place During Design Phase
As individuals age, the desire to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes becomes increasingly important. Designing a home for aging in place involves thoughtful consideration of various factors, including safety, accessibility, comfort, and...
Efficient Pantry Design for Food and Household Storage
In every home, the pantry serves as a vital storage space for food and household items, keeping essentials organized and easily accessible. However, designing an efficient pantry requires careful planning and consideration of layout, storage solutions, and innovative...
Rain Barrels – Inexpensive Yet Valuable to Homeowners
"Hey, hey, little playmate, come out and play with me And bring your dollies three. Climb up my apple tree, holler down my rain barrel, Slide down my cellar door, and we’ll be jolly friends forever more." Most of us sang the nursery song without giving a thought to...