The floor is made of old poplar
boards planed down to resemble
those in an old log home.

Aging Gracefully

To blend the new construction with the original log structure, the Blackburns used cedar siding and quarter-sawn oak that weathered almost immediately. Inside, they also left the logs untreated, instantly achieving an aged effect. Installing pine and poplar floors and keeping furnishings and accessories to a minimum underscored the primitive look. The couple opted not to hang curtains so they could enjoy the country view. "When we look out one window, we can see the creek," Brenda says. "When we look out the other, we can see the woods."

 

A handmade pine shelf holds
towels, while an antique
wall-hung cabinet provides
additional storage.

The sparse look of the home was part of the plan from the beginning. "We only brought things to this house that we knew we would use," Brenda says. She credits Terry for his guidance. When she was ready to hang baskets on a wall one day, for example, Terry discouraged her. "We love the look of the logs," he said. "Let's just keep it simple." The result is a home that is comfortable, functional, and true to its country roots. "I collected a lot of things for the house, not knowing where I'd put them," Brenda said. By choosing only the things she loved -- and not too many of them -- everything fit, just like the puzzle pieces of the log home.