Just discovered this topic, but weighing in anyway. I am in New England, so I don't have experience with the log firm you are considering. I did recently move into a log home and can give you some insight on the homes in general. The log home company I went with insisted that I use a GC that had past experience building log homes. I also talked to home owners that had gone through that company, and saw their homes, got their feedback. The company also had a yearly date when they made a small structure (garage) on their property to show how the homes are constructed. Very informative. When my house was being built, they sent one of their experts to assist in the laying of the log shell, to make sure that no corners were cut. (I am glad they did.) As far as Summit Studio's feedback: In my home, each log is connected with a layer of insulation. My home here in the hills of western Massachusetts is more tightly insulated than my old stick built home down in Connecticut - this is noticeable in the winter! Up here, I'm on the side of a hill with little in the way of trees to serve as a wind buffer -- it's a LOT cozier here than back down at the old place, where the winds never amounted to much. When the house shell was constructed, there was space along the floor allotted for electrical conduits and outlets. Light switches on outer walls didn't prove to be a problem, either - planned for at sensible locations by entry doors. As for plumbing, all my plumbing is on interior walls or sections of the house, with the exception of my prep sink... those hoses and drain pipe go down to the basement just before the back of that cabinet (which is how it's done in just about any house that has a basement). In winter country I really don't want plumbing on outer walls anyway. Yes, a log home will settle more than a conventional stick built home. When building, they take this into account (a reason why my log company insisted on my hiring a GC with past log home experience). I've had a few minor drywall breaks, but minor, and I knew to expect them. (I did have a few troubles with the GC I chose, but those had nothing to do with this being a log home.) Pricing notes: This worked out to be less expensive than my original stick built plans even though the ultimate house was the same square footage and more or less the same footprint (different design). I knew in my rural area dropping a half million on a home was just plain stupid. The log company charged me for the log shell, and included the roof, front porch, and exterior doors - but not the staining or floors. The GC charged twice that to do the foundation, the walk out basement, all the interior including carpentry for cabinets, the back deck (it wasn't an option on the log company plans), and the septic. (I'm not including the well or the landscaping in this.) I was able to do custom higher end things where it mattered to me, and scale back on the trivial stuff. Excluding that landscaping and well, this worked out to just about 10 percent above the GC's quote. I was able to modify the plans I chose from the log company. I discovered GW (now owned by Houzz) about the time I was working on the kitchen design, and I'm grateful for their assistance! Although the logs were being milled at that point (no changes on exterior), I was also able to get a couple other pointers placed towards my benefit inside.

I think you are confusing yourself, by trying to do too much multi think ! Trying to "decorate" too much at once. Start with only the kitchen. Why not a just a simple slab door and drawer face? Or the skinniest shaker trim on slab. Completely opposite all that heavy log and pine detail. Pick a green! It's a natural with ANY wood tone, looks great with black, great with stone, with concrete. Do the open shelves as black iron.... repeat it on green cabinets Love weathered zinc for lights Let all the stainless gleam, Use a soapstone for counter tops. Thin what drew you to the bedroom inspo...? The only color is in a blanket ! Pendleton has it : ) You can add color anywhere! Ask yourself how you want to sit....keep it sleeker and un fussy........ Lose the country white table and dining chairs The point is you must build your own look. Sometimes, getting a pro in there is very helpful. I'd have to lose the boat shine on the ceiling, and I would HAVE to be rid of the log/timber railing between sitting and dining: ) If there's no change in floor level, you don't need it. Then you just have to realize you HAVE it when you do. Don't buy shoes, until you figure out the dress. The dress is the kitchen

I would look at a hybrid fiberglass and wood interior.

As usual, that's a great qult, Lois. I, too love log cabins. I started quilting late in life. I was just going to make one quilt, like a bucket list item. I was going to make a log cabin as my first quilt. Of course, everyone discouraged me from doing it as my first. Now I know why. Somehow I never got back to making that log cabin. Donna, here's one that you can make with all mid-color strips. It's my next quilt.