How to Turn a Brick Home into a Log Home

Turning a brick home into a true log home may not be entirely possible, but achieving the look of a log home is certainly feasible.  Creativity, imagination and a willingness to think outside the box, will make the transformation smooth and quick.  Search through log home pictures and magazines to help decide on the look desired on both the inside and outside of the house.  When ready, the tips below provide guidance on how to turn a brick home into a log home.

Exterior Features

For the homeowner who is determined to have the exterior look of a log cabin on his brick home, attaching siding that is similar in appearance to wooden logs or boards may be an option.  Custom siding, although expensive, can typically be manufactured to fit the needs and desired style of any home.  Fabricated logs can give the appearance of a true log home and transform a brick exterior into a log cabin replica.

Front Porch

Adding or updating a front porch can be another way to give a brick house the appearance of a more rustic log home.  Thick, log pillars are ideal for the support structure of the porch and smaller logs can be used as the railings along the porch sides.  Specialty log home manufacturers will usually carry the wood necessary for such a project, although some larger home improvement and lumber yards may also have the desired pieces.

Faux Painting

The interior of a brick home can be easily transformed into a log cabin like space.  By faux painting wood paneling on the walls a more rustic look is achieved.  A simple base coat followed by a steady, artistic hand can create the look of paneling in under a week.  Patience is the key to faux painting wood paneling.  Installing actual wood paneling in a room can be an expensive endeavor, but faux painting takes little more than time, effort and a couple of cans of paint.

For an authentic look and feel to the newly transformed home, the decor must reflect a log cabin's.  Consider replacing traditional furniture with rustic, wooden sofas, chairs and tables.  Native American printed blankets or throws will also enhance the rustic feel of the room.  Chunky candles, wrought iron lamps and a glowing fireplace with a bear rug thrown before it are all possible options for making a room appear like it came straight from a log cabin.  Browse through decorating and log home magazines for redecorating inspiration.

Before beginning the transformation of a brick home into a log home, consider the effort involved.  Simple steps will change the space and give it a more rustic feel, while larger home improvement projects can actually change the facade of the building.  Determine the extent to which the transformation will take place and research the available options.  Check pricing, and consider hiring a highly qualified contractor to do the home improvements if they are beyond the homeowner's scope of expertise.  Enjoy the transformation and the newly created rustic feel of log cabin decor.