The House Plan Shop Blog

The House Plan Shop is proud to announce our newest collection: House Plans with Photos. This photo collection represents the work of residential designers, architects and builders throughout the United States and Canada. Many home plans in this collection display both interior and exterior photos while others simply have exterior photography or interior shots. No matter how few or how many photographs are available with each plan in this collection, they all deliver a better sense and feel for the finished home. These house plans also include color renderings and left, right and rear elevations when available. Please visit our new collection, House Plans with Photos, and enjoy the photography the designers, builders and home owners have proudly provided for our customers to view.

Please Note: The photographs displayed on The House Plan Shop’s website may differ from the actual plans, depending on the modifications performed by the owner/builder. Refer to the floor plan for the actual layout of the home.

Tags: home plans, house plans, photographs, photos

Whether you are thinking about building a permanent residence or a cozy wooded getaway, your mind might easily drift to a log home or cabin. So why do we like them so much? Before you build your new home or your weekend retreat, consider the following reasons why people like log homes. Who knows, you might just decide to build one yourself.

Natural Beauty: Having a natural look, log homes and cabins offer a sense or calmness and peace, counterbalancing our busy lifestyles.

Blend with Nature: A log exterior complemented with stone accents helps the home blend with its natural surroundings while removing us from the hustle and bustle of suburban living. There is something about a rustic look that makes us feel like we are a million miles from civilization. Furthermore, designs with large decks and covered porches encourage us to take in panoramic views and submerge ourselves in the sights and sounds of nature.

Simplicity: Cabins and log homes are designed with simple style and few details. Usually, the exterior is not complicated lending to low maintenance and simple yet stylish street appeal. These homes look good, yet require little effort and upkeep on our part.

Open Spaces: A log home designed with exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, large windows and an open floor plan inside delivers an easy and relaxed lifestyle. With few walls and sweeping views we feel a sense of spaciousness instead of that confined feeling we often have in a traditional home.

Comfort: Nothing says comfort like a big stone chimney outside and a toasty hearth inside. It is easy to imagine ourselves relaxing in front of the fireplace with our kids and other loved ones sharing snacks and a movie on a wintry night.

Tags: cabins, log home features, log home plans