You don't notch the beams, but install the larger ones first, then the smaller ones are cut and placed between. We used real cedar beams on the exterior and interior of our home. Our beams were placed before the dry wall - some are structural. My parents lakehouse has beams that were placed after the dry wall - they have large holes with large bolts, then hole plugs. Here is our kitchen: Here is a link that might be useful: Our kitchen This post was edited by allison0704 on Sun, Jan 20, 13 at 15:13

I thought this was a very cool look. I Googled Images...rustic adirondack kitchens . See what you find...they are some beauties out there. c Here is a link that might be useful: rustic adirondack kitchens

Hi. It would be great and helpful if you could post some pics of the exterior of the home and some pictures of the interior elements that reflect the Spanish/Mexican decor that you are referring to. This would give us existing styling cues and a color palette range. That being said, we like wood laminate as a material in general, and the idea of keeping the rustic concept, however introducing wood may be inconsistent with Mexican/South American decor which almost exclusively features ceramic tile or stone tile in the floor. Wood, when used, is generally reserved for furniture and structural accents such as beams, rafters, and lintels. Once you post some pics we will be able to sharpen our ideas. Our initial thoughts are to look for rustic tile. We define rustic as having texture and a color range between beige to brown. This could be ceramic tile or stone tile. Stone tile generally requires a thicker mud set, so it may affect the underside of your doors and other built in elements. Ceramic tile typically can be thin set (depending of the size format) and depending of the construction of your home may be the better option. Size: we recommend a standard to medium size tile, 12"x12" or 16"x16" However you choose to proceed please post the pics of the finished product. Good luck! -AS, Interior Designer

That is a stunning room. I would absolutely not paint the walls. The white with the wood is utter perfection. Jan's suggestion for the windows will work out beautifully. Jhmarie's ideas are great too, but please, the contrast of the white walls with those beams and the gorgeous proportions should be allowed to stand alone. You have true architectural interest. Use color like that when you need to create interest (and I love color- not opposed to it at all.)