Are Log Cabins Outdated? Never.
October 7, 2024
Let’s be real—log cabins sometimes get a bad rap. People think they’re stuck in the past, a little too *rustic* for modern tastes. But with our #IntoTheWoodsCabin remodel, we’re here to prove that log cabins can be anything but outdated. By blending the charm of the original 2,500-square-foot cabin with a fresh, modern touch (and a shiny new 10,000-square-foot addition!), we’ve given this place a total glow-up. And guess what? It’s all about honoring the old while giving it a fresh twist.
Why Do Log Homes Get A Bad Rap?
Log cabins have somehow earned a reputation for being, well… stuck in the past. Think dark wood everywhere, heavy furnishings, and a vibe that screams "mountain lodge circa 1970." And sure, that can feel a bit too much in a world where light and bright spaces are trending. But here’s the thing—log cabins have so much potential if we just look at them differently. The natural beauty of the wood, the craftsmanship of those old logs—there’s a story there that we can’t let go to waste. By updating the finishes, lightening things up, and blending the rustic with modern design, you can totally transform the whole vibe. Trust us—log cabins aren’t outdated; they’re just under-appreciated!
Keeping the Character, Ditching the Orange
When we started working on the #IntoTheWoodsCabin remodel, we knew we had to keep that original 2,500-square-foot structure front and center. The craftsmanship was ✨chef’s kiss✨—too good to mess with. But we couldn’t deny that those logs had seen better days. They had that orange-y hue that felt incredibly dated. So, what did we do? We went all in on a major log refresh! Instead of slapping on some paint, we decided to sandblast the entire cabin to strip away the old finish. Was it messy? Absolutely. Was it worth it? 100%. Once we had those logs back to their raw, natural beauty, we knew we had a solid foundation to build on. The best part? That history and craftsmanship stayed intact.
Khaki Glaze FTW
Now, we couldn’t leave those freshly sandblasted logs naked forever. To make them pop and bring everything together with our 10,000-square-foot addition, we went with a khaki glaze for the finish. It gave the logs a whole new look—subtle, earthy, and totally in sync with the modern vibes we were going for. That khaki tone softened things up and made the logs feel more refined while still letting their natural beauty shine through. The result? A cabin that feels both cozy and contemporary—a perfect marriage of old and new.
Design Tip: Give the Old Stuff a Second Chance
Pro tip: When tackling a remodel, don't rush to replace the old with the new. While home-flipping influencers are busy painting the world in shades of 'Millennial Gray,' consider being the one who preserves the charm and character that make a home unique. If you’ve got solid foundations—like original logs or stunning stonework—restoration is almost always the best option. Take Mr. Eagle, for example. Hand-carved into the railing post above the living room, he's a quirky feature of the original cabin that we couldn’t part with. He’s woven into the home’s story, so of course, he stays. It’s all about striking the perfect balance between honoring the past and adding a fresh twist for today!
So, are log cabins outdated? No way! With a little creativity and some TLC, you can absolutely take those dated vibes and turn them into something cozy, rustic, and timeless. Our #IntoTheWoodsCabin remodel showed us that preserving the past doesn’t mean sacrificing modern style—it’s about blending the best of both worlds. The sandblasting and khaki glaze took our logs from dated to dreamy, and now this cabin feels like it’s ready for the next chapter. So if you’ve got a log cabin—or any older space—don’t write it off just yet. Give it some love, and it’ll surprise you.
Want to see more of this massive cabin remodel? Check out the FULL TOUR on YouTube! ↓
2 Comments
I have been in love with this Log cabin house for so long. And what really sells this house is your design work. Stunning
JULIE! Thank you so much! If this cabin sings to you, then you are going to LOVE one of the projects we just started working on. Rustic mountain vibes but with an elevated vibe 🤍