Speaking in Accents with Wood Features

1. Go Really Rustic with Railings

Not only do twigs-turned-balusters give a staircase woodsy flair, leaving the bark on the posts and beams adds a measure of unexpected texture.

Tom Stock Studios photo

2. Spruce Up Exterior Doors

Your front door is your first chance to set the tone for the home. A custom wood door that incorporates elements of nature, including logs and timbers, lets everyone know they’ve arrived someplace special.

Murray Arnott Design photo

3. Bake the Rustic Glam Right In

Thanks to cabinetry, the typical kitchen already boasts quite a bit of wood, but in a more refined way. Amp up the log and timber look with details like one-of-a-kind vent hood trim and a natural decorative base for pendant lights. 

Home by Golden Eagle Log Homes

Photo courtesy of Golden Eagle Log Homes

4. No Limits on Screen Time

Nothing melds the indoors with the surrounding countryside like a screened porch punctuated by timber or log trusses and beams, structural or decorative.

Photo courtesy of Appalachian Antique Hardwoods

5. Wonder Wall

Greet guests with a prominent log accent wall, complete with extra-wide bands of chinking (whether real or simulated with drywall), in your entryway.

Restoration by Christina Wedge & Chip Wade

Photo courtesy of Christina Wedge and Chip Wade

6. The Ultimate Drive-Thru 

A porte cochere — literally a covered porch you can drive though — supported by log posts and timbered framework will rev up an exterior in a flash. 

Home by Modern Rustic Homes

Photo by Tom Harper

7. Reclaim to Fame

Salvaged wood — particularly if it has an aged patina — lends instant provenance to a new home. Use as much (structural framework) or as little (window and door trim) as you please.

Home by MossCreek

Photo courtesy of MossCreek

8. Simple Addition: Logs + Timbers = Charm

If all you need is a little extra space to your current abode, a new log or timber-framed addition will lend that collected-over-time appeal. 

Home by MossCreek

Photo courtesy of MossCreek

9. Trending Post

Forget social media … something as simple as a single character log turned support post in an otherwise non-log space becomes a true conversation starter.

Home by Kalispell Montana Log Homes

Photo by Heidi Long

10. Rough Around the Edges

Every polished kitchen can use a natural touch. Try a live-edge wood countertop, where the bark and natural contours of the wood have been left on for rustic appeal.  

Home by Hochstetler Log Homes

Photo by Kris Miller

11. Rim and Trim

Be bold in a bathroom — or any otherwise wood-free room for that matter — by adding large-diameter logs as wainscoting. 

Home by Hilgard Log Builders

Photo by Heidi Long

12. Raw Bar

Looking for that Wild West saloon vibe? Just add textural posts, beams, faux rafters and a smooth wood bar top. 

Home by Timberlyne

Photo courtesy of Timberlyne