Perfect Harmony

Bickering over differing design ideas? Conversation and compromise go a long way toward creating a log home floor plan you’ll both love.

- Durr Albert

The idea that opposites attract may certainly ring true in the realm of relationships, but when it comes to home design, incompatibly could be a recipe for disaster.

"People often go into a home project with two different ideas," explains Jay Parmeter, president of Gold Eagle Log Homes in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. “And, in a log home, every single wall and ceiling has to be talked about, so there is a great deal of thinking, discussion and compromise that needs to take place.”

The good news is that with the right attitude and sufficient planning, you can indeed achieve floor plan harmony (no matter how different your tastes may be), creating a home that all parties will love. Here’s how to get started.

Can’t We All Just Get Along?

Whether you’re building a house with your soul mate, a family member or a friend, disagreements are bound to pop up; after all, no two people, nor their needs, are exactly alike.

“Each person may love log homes, but for different reasons,” explains Karen Youngstrom of Yellowstone Log Homes in Rigby, Idaho. “One may view it as a perfect getaway for fishing and outdoor sports, while the other loves it for its coziness — a place to get all the family together.”

Another issue that may fuel the fire is the dynamics of modern relationships. “Modern couples oftentimes lead very independent lives,” shares Allen Halcomb of MossCreek Designs. “Designing a house requires a higher level of agreement and interaction than may be the norm for them.”

The Biggest Battles