Think of the outside areas of your log home as having a purpose the same way as the inside of your home. For instance, the kitchen is for food preparation, the dining room is for dining, and the great room is for relaxing. Three different rooms—three different purposes. Setting aside special areas outside follows the same logic:
How to Design a Welcoming Entrance for Your Log Home
This is the area where guests approaching your log home will either feel “welcome” or not. It’s their first impression and often sets the tone for their visit. You can make it a positive feeling by arranging landscaping that “leads” them to the front door—providing attractive focal points along the way. A winding stone walkway is more natural and more interesting than cement, for instance.
Plant “tiers” of shrubbery:
- Small – Flowering shrubs and ground cover approximately 10”-12” high
- Medium – Mostly evergreens and shrubs approximately 18”-22” high
- Large – Bushes, grasses, and small trees up to 5’-6” high
Use a 2-to-1 or 3-to-1 ratio in distributing plants. The ratio is arbitrary but simply means you should have several “neutral” shrubs for every “accent” shrub. The “accent” shrubs can be a different color or size but tend to be focal points, much the same way a dark green wall accents a room with three light green walls.
Plant shrubs and trees, especially “accents,” that reach peak colors at various times of the year. That way, you always have a season to look forward to. Even in the dead of winter, a Colorado Blue Spruce brightens the landscape!
Outdoor Kitchen and Grilling Area
This is usually “Dad’s Domain”—so women beware! (At least until the food is done.) An outdoor equivalent to the “Man Cave,” this is where dad cooks his famous barbecued ribs doused with his secret recipe sauce.
All kidding aside, this is where the grill or stone fireplace is located along with a few lawn chairs and a picnic table. It should be partially out of the sun, especially during the supper-time hours. It should also be located fairly close to the kitchen and deck to save steps and accommodate extra guests.
Relaxation Area
This is an area where you escape, and hopefully, forget about the hassles of the day. It is total relaxation! So, grab your favorite book, your favorite beverage, and your favorite chair and just take in the music of nature.
A cascading waterfall emptying into a small pool with water lilies provides the perfect backdrop. Since constructing this takes time and money, you can frequently build this in stages. And when it is finished, it will probably be your favorite area!
Garden Area
As the name implies, this is where you plant your garden. But don’t be limited to just vegetables.
Although homegrown tomatoes, onions, carrots, corn, and potatoes are always a welcome addition to any meal, you can spice it up a little by adding an herb garden. You may have to do a little research to find out what plants thrive in your area, but it will be time well spent.
Recreation Area
This is where the fun begins! This is a location spaced away from the house where all the whooping and hollering is less noisy and intrusive.
So whether it’s a volleyball or basketball court, horseshoe pits, a croquet layout, or cornhole setup, your guests will likely remember the games they played and the fun they had at your place.
Final Thoughts: Think Natural
Your log home is built of one of the best materials ever created. It has a beautiful wood grain, is unbelievably strong, and due to “thermal mass” is also one of the best insulators. Plus, it is all-natural, so it makes sense to design your home inside and out with that in mind.
Landscaping, for instance, should retain the original and unique shape of the shrub or tree. Prune to remove dead material or “out of control” branches while still maintaining the basic shape.
A log home always looks best when surrounded by a picturesque natural setting—like a stand of mature trees, beside a meandering stream or small pond, or overlooking a scenic valley.
So whether it’s inside or out, planning for how you would like to live and surround yourself can make your log home a great place of hospitality, relaxation, and usefulness.
