Jim and I are still fine-tuning our kitchen and bath choices. And we probably will continue to do so, right up until the day the appliances, countertops, backsplashes, and fixtures are installed.

There is so much variety in the products available to us today, that it is difficult to stay abreast of all the latest changes in bathroom and kitchen design, as well as the trends that are shaping the future of kitchens and baths.

Here, I've summarized a number of kitchen and bath trends that I've noticed while reading through home magazines, newspapers, and online reports in recent months.

The average bathroom remodeling project costs $15,800 and results in an increase in home value of about $12,400
 -- Remodeling Magazine, November 2007

After letting the log home magazines that I subscribe to (3 different ones) pile up for months, I decided to dive in and catch up on my log home reading the other night.

I knew it was coming... I mean, this is a feeling I've had for awhile... a feeling of dissatisfaction with log home magazines in general. I've just never verbalized it before.

The fact is, here we are 2 years into the process of designing and building our log home. We still haven't exactly broken ground yet (due to the fact that banks aren't really in the business of loaning money these days). And I'm already tired of seeing the same stories about the same things and the same pictures in the same log home magazines. Yet, I still want to be a well-informed log home owner.

Of course I realize (and can appreciate the fact that) the log home magazines are going to cater to those who are "potential" log home owners, future log home wannabees, newbies, and those considering building their own log cabin retreat. Especially since the advertisers are eager to reach those exact same people.

But at what point are the log home magazine publishers (and advertisers) going to realize there's more to be said about log homes than how to plan, design, and build 'em?

What about all of us who are past all that? I'm not even officially an "owner" yet, and I'm already craving information about the many ways that you can jazz up your log home and make it uniquely yours -- inside and out. I'm already thinking beyond just building it. I'm much more interested in other aspects of log home living at this point.

(Just wait, this gets better...)

Your log walls will absorb 50% of the light in your log home, so you will need to be especially diligent in selecting and placing the lighting in your log home. 

Here are some great lighting ideas that won’t break the bank but will light up and showcase the beauty of your log home!

Missy M wrote in recently:

I am remodeling bsmnt I have 2 poles that can't b moved I saw on tv, make the poles look like real trees....they never said how or where they bought the materials Can u help, suggestions?

If log homes are your thing and 'rustic' is your game, then you're going to love these pictures of real tree accents and the use of rustic looking logs (or heavy timber) inside a log home.

You'll also see photos of fun ways to incorporate trees and heavy timber logs into the exterior characteristics of your log home.

Check it out...

Looking for a rug to place on the hardwood floors in your new home or log cabin? I know I am.

Lorraine's question has prompted me to start looking for fun rugs for our new log home... now!

Here are my favorite places to browse for area rugs online...

Lorraine wrote in recently:

I have been all over this site and can't seem to find a answer on what I should use in front of the doors when you enter my log home with pine wooden floors.

Here's what I've learned about rugs and hardwood floors...