Modernizing a “Log Cabin”

8 years ago

We recently purchased a ranch house that is a “faux” log cabin, it has log cabin style wood siding essentially. We are not fans of the log cabin look, and would like to make it more modern and neutral, without breaking the bank.

I worry replacing with normal siding will just make it look like a mobile home.

One thought is to stain the wood white, change door and window trim to black, and add a larger, natural wood entry/front porch.

Looking for other suggestions that are not ridiculously expensive or time intensive. Thanks all!

Featured Answer

njmomma

8 years ago

Not a Pro.

White with black windows reminds me of a farm house.

I think the colors that were used for the home below would be a big update for your home.

KNOLL HOUSE · More Info

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

miss lindsey (She/Her)
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Dark grey as shown above would be nice. As long as you have the logs, they should be a colour of logs imo.

However, your house would *not* look like a mobile home with different siding. The foundation, basement, L shape and attached garage all quite clearly point away from mobile-ness. So if it's in the budget and you want to re-side, do so without fear :-)

Maybe the mobile idea is coming from the flat front? A portico over the door would fix that!
Related Professionals
Tuscaloosa Architects & Building Designers · Juneau Architects & Building Designers · Des Moines Home Builders · Bemidji Home Builders · Fergus Falls Home Builders · Madison Architects & Building Designers · Rochester Architects & Building Designers · Pueblo Architects & Building Designers · Coeur d'Alene Architects & Building Designers · South Bend Home Builders · Guymon Home Builders · Chico Interior Designers & Decorators · Denver Interior Designers & Decorators · Saint George Architects & Building Designers · St. Louis Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
Julia LaL
Original Author
8 years ago
@lindsey yes changing to siding is a definite possibility in the budget, and I think a portico would go a long long way!

Thoughts on adding any small amount of stone along the bottom?
Irene Morresey
8 years ago
It's cute, I think bigger steps and walkway would look great. A porch too. Adding stone to the front landscaping also, perhaps built up stone planters along the front of house. Brighter door and maybe a grey or sage green siding. Amazing the difference landscaping will do
miss lindsey (She/Her)
8 years ago
You can't add a small amount of stone along the bottom. You can do as Irene suggested and bring in stone with planters, or you can go all in and do the entire foundation (including the full story on the lake side) in stone veneer. This place and setting is too pretty for half measures!
suezbell
8 years ago
Irene Morresey has the right idea. (half hour ago).

Adding a front porch across most of the left side of the house (at least 6' deep) could be the best curb appeal upgrade to the home itself.

You could use a shed roof and wrap the porch around the corner with a hip roof at the corner and add a small gable only over the part of the porch immediately in front of the front door

You could use stone around the base of a concrete floor of the new front porch and at the base of the porch pillars.
crystalpea
8 years ago
YES to the Knoll House njmomma posted. That's a modern version of your house. I vote no on the stone, I think keeping it simple, but modern would be lovely.

If the roof needs to be replaced I'd definitely consider that metal roof if you can swing it. It's a big part of what makes that house look nice.