Log Living December 2013
Heather Smith
Contents Design Thesis 3 About the Editor 4 Elements of Design 5 Line Texture Light Color Space Shape Form
6 10 14 18 22 26 30
Principles of Design 34 Balance 35 Harmony 39 Emphasis 43 Massing 46 Rhythm 49 Proportion 53 Scale 56
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If you love nature and being outdoors, there’s no better way to live than in a log home. A log home has a special cozy essence that immediately makes you feel right at home. Within these log homes are many design principles and elements such as texture, line, harmony and rhythm; all inspired by the great outdoors. 3
About the Editor My name is Heather Smith. I have always been interested in the “arts”. I have clogged and played the piano since I was in first grade, as well as sewing quilts, pillows, and other items for years. Ever since elementary school I have had my TV glued on HGTV, as it has always interested and inspired me; and have been forever redecorating my parent’s home. It was not until my freshman year of high school when I was introduced to drawing, painting, and other various art forms, that I learned my natural ability for art. It took me a while to realize what I actually wanted to do in life, but I have finally figured it out. I currently attend East Carolina University as an Interior Design major and Merchandising minor. My focus for this program is to collect as much knowledge as possible to make me eligible to design log homes in my future. When I was a child my parents took me to vacation at mountain cabins regularly; I fell more in love with them every single time. I am so intrigued by the amazing craftsmanship and design of each and every cabin I’ve encountered, as no two cabins are alike. I also am infatuated with the raw materials and natural wood that they display. Although I do love to choose paint colors for rooms, I would vote for a natural wood wall, floor, and ceiling any day. There is just something so cozy and folksy about a cabin that you can’t achieve anywhere else. One day I hope to designing cabins by day, and residing in my own by night. 4
Elements of Design Line Space Light Shape Color Form Texture 5
Line
Line forms the direction or feeling of a design. Straight Horizontal lines create a feeling of solidity and strength. They also are used to elongate different forms. Log homes are almost always made from a series of straight horizontal beams stacked on top of each other, and held together by chinking, to create a single building. The horizontal lines below make the home look very elongated and squat.
Straight Horizontal Line
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Straight Vertical Line Straight Vertical Lines offer a feeling of height and dignity. Vertical lines are used to draw the eye upward and to give the illusion of height. In this picture, the vertical lines of the door and ceiling lead your eye upward, making you feel that the room is far taller than it actually is. 8
Curved Line
Curved Lines add a delicate and graceful touch to a space. In the picture above, curved line appears in the arch way. This arch way is deemed a tight curve, as it has structure and is not a free flowing form. Also this arch way can be called a large convex curve, as it is an upward curve; this gives the room an uplifting feeling. Curved lines give a space interest and character.
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Texture
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Texture refers to the surface quality of an object or surface. Texture quality can not only be touched but sensed from memory. Textures have many assets, they give a space visual interest, can reflect light, and can absorb or reflect sounds. Tactile texture refers to a texture that has real surface quality, or has an actual texture that you can touch and feel. In the picture below we see the tactile texture of a log home. If we reached into the picture we could feel the grain of the wood, the rough surface of stone, and the chinking holding it all together.
Tactile Texture 11
Reflective Surface Every texture has a reflective quality, whether it is reflective or nonreflective. Reflective surfaces are surface such as glass, mirrors, satin, porcelain, and highly polished wood. A reflective surface reflects light and will aid in brightening a space. In the picture above on the left, the piano is a very highly polished wood that is reflecting the sunlight coming in from the window throughout the space. In the picture on the right, the bathroom ‘s highly polished stone countertop and mirror 12 allow for light reflection as well.
Non-Reflective Surface
A non-reflective surface is a dull texture such as brick, concrete, stone, and coarse wood, that do not reflect light. The picture above shows a close up of a corner of a cabin. We see the logs and chinking material, 13 both of which are non-reflective surfaces.
Light
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Task Lighting Task lighting is extra lighting placed in a space to utilize during a specific activity. Task lighting is in addition to the existing general lighting. Whether it is for food prep, reading, writing, office work, or grooming; all task lighting is utilized to help illuminate a certain task, while also avoiding shadows and glare. In this picture these task lights are directed over a multipurpose area that could be used as food prep, dining, or work space. These task lights will 15 help illuminate whatever the resident chooses to use the space for.
Natural Light Natural light is lighting in it’s purist form. This form of lighting comes from the sun and enters our homes through windows. Natural light allows for ultraviolent light, warmth and radiant energy to sneak into our homes; which are vital to a persons health and well being. This form of lighting is very sustainable. In these pictures we see how natural light illuminates a room beautifully with no help from artificial lighting.
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Lamps Lamps are a form of portable lighting, which means it is lighting that you can easily relocate. Lamps can be used decoratively or as a form of task lighting, or both. There are two types of lamps, floor lamps and table lamps. A table lamp, such as the one in the picture to the left, is shorter and placed on a table or surface to utilize. The lamp in this picture is most likely used as extra lighting for reading or other purposes while in bed. The second type of lamp is a floor lamp, such as the one in the picture in the top left corner. Floor lamps are taller and placed on the floor wherever you need extra lighting. The floor lamp in the picture is mostly for decoration but can be used for reading or other activities while sitting on the couch. 17
Color
Neutral Color can altar how we perceive different objects. It also can affect a person psychologically. Color is completely dependant on light and can be used to enlighten a room or convey a more subdued mood. Neutral colors fall in-between warm and cool color groups; beige, taupe, cream, ivory, and off-black and white are all neutral colors. Neutral colors are more tranquil, and unobtrusive. In the picture above ,the chair is upholstered in a neutral color schemed fabric. In the picture to the left, the table, lamps, wall color, floor, and accents are all included in a 19 neutral color scheme.
Monochromatic
A monochromatic color scheme is composed of one single hue, in all different values. Monochromatic schemes are usually enhanced by the use of different textures and patterns throughout the space. In the picture below they are using a monochromatic scheme with different shades of brown. They bring in different textures with the couch and flooring; and also different patterns through the flooring as well.
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Analogous color schemes are composed of three to six colors that are adjacent on the color wheel. By using an analogous color scheme you can easily achieve harmony within ones space. In the picture to the left we see an analogous color scheme between the plants and birdfeeders on the exterior of the home. In the picture below we see the same scheme but used within the furniture and curtains.
Analogous 21
Space 22
Positive
Space
Negative Positive space in a room is anywhere that has something occupying it. Negative space is everywhere else. For example in the picture to the left positive space is represented by the wood and negative space is everywhere around it where there is nothing.
Crowding in a space happens when there is too much cluttered together. It could be seating, furniture, or just things. In the picture above we see a coat rack, two chests, three chairs, things hanging, and stuff on the floor, all shoved in one corner. This would be deemed a crowded corner. In this corner, crowding occurs from too many “things�. Crowding can also occur by furniture arrangements that are too compact, and rooms with too much furniture.
C r o w d i n g
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Territoriality
Territoriality refers to ones “territory”. An example of a territorial space is a bedroom, bathroom, or maybe even a kitchen for a mom. A territorial space is any space that one deems their “own”. In the picture above we see a bedroom in a cabin that is someone's territoriality.
Shape
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Dynamic shapes are shapes that imply activity or movement. They are used to lead your eye in a certain direction, or lead your eye to a certain point. In the picture above the main light source for the room has silhouettes cut out in different shapes of animals. All of the animals appear to be walking in one direction, almost as if they are circulating around the fixture. The movement implied by the animal silhouettes encourages your eye to travel around the fixture.
D y n a m i c
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Abstract shapes happens when something exists as an idea or thought, but does not actually exist. Sometimes it is unrecognizable, but sometimes it is reused as something other than it original purpose. In the picture to the left we see a lamp and side table, but it is no ordinary pair. The table looks like it is actually a drum; and the lamp looks like it is made from arrows. Therefore we think we are looking at a drum and arrow made lamp. But it is in fact not true, just portrayed.
Abstract 28
Natural and Organic shapes are those that curve, flow, and are similar to those in nature. Natural and organic forms mimic different forms in nature such as plants or bodies of water. In the picture above we see curves and flow throughout the wood working of the rafters
Natural & Organic
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Form 30
Natural A natural form refers to a form from or in nature. A natural form can be actually from nature, or made to look like something from nature. There are real and faux natural forms. In the picture to the right we see the beginnings of a log home. The logs are natural forms as they are from nature and for the most part not tampered with. In the picture above we see a display with rocks. The rocks are natural forms as they are straight from nature and used as ornamentation. 31
Geometric
Geometric shapes are the most basic shapes that everyone knows. Geometric shapes are squares, triangles, rectangles, or circles. Geometric shapes are very common in log homes. In the picture above we see three main geometric shapes. The whole building is a square, the roof is a triangle, and the door opening is a rectangle. 32
A b s t r a c t Abstract forms are forms that may suggest a square, triangle, or circle, but are far more complex. Abstract takes forms and makes them almost unrecognizable. In these two images we see how the ceiling may suggest square or triangular forms, but they are much more complex.
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Principles Of Design Balance Massing Harmony Rhythm Scale Emphasis Proportion 34
Balance
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Symmetry refers to objects that are arranged so that if a line cut them in half they would be identical on either side. Visual symmetry refers to symmetry that can be seen just by looking at an arrangement. In the picture to the left if you cut the table and chairs straight down the middle they would be identical on either side. Therefore this picture is a representation of visual symmetry.
Visual Symmetry
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Structural Symmetry
Structural symmetry refers to symmetry located within the structure of a building. In the picture above we can see the structural symmetry of the great room in this cabin. We see symmetry through the ceiling, beams, railing, and chandelier. The whole picture is symmetrical. 37
Asymmetry refers to symmetry that is balanced but yet it is not identical on either side when split in half. Asymmetry involves different objects, shapes, textures, or colors that are combined to create a unified balanced whole.
Visual Asymmetry In both of these pictures visual asymmetrical balance is present. They both involve different objects being displayed. If you cut either picture in half, it would not be symmetrical. Yet the objects work together and still make the scene 38 balanced.
Harmony
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Unity through Repetition Harmony is a unifying theme that ties everything together in a space. Harmony can be an expression through unity or variety. In the picture above we see harmony portrayed through repetition. The log beams repeating across the ceiling serve as a unifying whole. Therefore repetition is the element that is unifying the space and creating harmony. 40
Unity through Line
In the picture above there are many different lines going in many different directions. This is what brings this space harmony, unity through line. All of the lines are going in different directions but they all correlate and bring unity the space. 41
Variety through Modern in contrast to Vintage
In this picture we see variety through modern in contrast to vintage displayed. The modern refers to the shower and toilet, both modern advances, present in a vintage old cabin. If this was a normal old cabin it would not even have a bathroom, but by inserting modern technology it is much more livable. 42
Emphasis 43
Visual Focal Point
A visual focal point is something that is used as the center of attention or the most important component in a room. Focal point’s bring interest into a space, without one a room will feel lack luster. The focal point in this picture is the chandelier. All of the ceiling beams and windows are shaped around the focal point, forcing your eye to detect it. 44
A structural focal point refers to a focal point that is built into a space. For example, in this picture to the left the stone fireplace would be considered a structural focal point because it was built into the home.
Structural Focal Point 45
Massing 46
Actual Density Actual Density refers to something that not only looks dense but is in fact dense. Density is something that has mass to it. The cabin above is an example of actual density because it is a solid object that contains mass. The picture to the left is a close up, showing the actual density. 47
Optical Density Optical Density refers to an object that looks dense but is not actually dense. In the picture above we see a cabin without the chinking. This is an example of a optically dense object. It looks dense, but it actually not very dense at all as it has spaces in between every log and is not yet a finished cabin.
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Rhythm 49
Transitional
Transitional rhythm is a rhythm or pattern with the intention of keeping the viewers eye moving. In the picture above, the staircase railing is used as transitional rhythm, as it leads your eye up the stairs through the multiple railings and angled position. 50
Climactic Rhythm Climactic Rhythm refers to rhythm with bits of exciting parts to it. In the picture above there is a dining table set with many different elements and a big display of flowers in the middle. This variety of different things, of different sizes and shapes put together as one is an example of climactic rhythm. We can also see the same thing occurring 51 on the side table to the right.
Repetitive rhythm refers to things that are repeating in a rhythmic form. In the picture below, the stairs and railings are both examples of repetitive rhythm as they both are repeating each other in a pattern to create a rhythm.
Repetitive
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Proportion
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In Proportion Being in proportion means that the furniture or things in a space are fitting for the space. In other words, if the space is human scale, then the things occupying the space should be human scale as well. The picture below of a kitchen in a log home is a perfect example of a space that is in proportion.
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Not in Proportion
Objects not in proportion refer to objects that are too big or too small for the space, or not human scale. In the picture on the top right we see a horse not in proportion with the space, as it is way bigger than the chair and not very fitting for the space. In the picture above and to the right we see another horse not in proportion, but this time it is way too small for the space as it fits right under a table and it not very 55 appropriate for the room.
Scale
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Human Scale Human scale refers to the size of something being made for a human to use. In the picture above we see a table and two chairs, all in human scale. These pieces of furniture were made for humans to use for whatever purpose, therefore they are human scale. 57
Symbolic Scale
Symbolic scale refers to something being made much bigger than for human use. Symbolic scale is usually used to make a point or emphasize. In the picture above this home is human scale, but the very front grand entrance is symbolic scale. If a human stood under the grand entrance it would engulf them, therefore it is symbolic scale. 58
References Photos by Author: Heather Smith Greensboro, North Carolina
Julian, North Carolina Whitsett, North Carolina
Other Resources: http://interiors-designed.com/2013/06/12/barn-wood-flooring-love-the-look/ Pg. 21