Designing for Your Passions

For the Jewelry Maker… 

This 6,600-square-foot timber frame studio was designed for two artists and has three levels that house a gallery and jewelry studio on the lower level. With abundant cabinetry specifically designed for the storage of many small treasures, plenty of counter space and overhead lighting for intricate tasks, this jewelry studio showcases the value of custom design.

Architect: M. Shawn Leatherwood

Photo: Roger Wade

For the Skier…  

A third-story tower and ski bridge provide the owners of this Montana home with primo access to the Yellowstone Club’s private slopes. When the day is done, this durable zone, crafted with porcelain tile flooring, reclaimed wood and metal-mesh-and-wood lockers, offers storage and a functional place to shed snowy layers. 

Architect: Reid Smith Architects

Interior Design: Design Associates

Builder: Teton Heritage Builders

Photo: PK Gibeon Photography, Inc.

For the Antique Collector…

The owners of this Pennsylvania hybrid home dreamed up an old-timey general store for the lower level. An antique cash register cements the look, and jars of candy make it a favorite hangout for the grandkids. 

Log Provider/Designer: Timberhaven Log & Timber Homes 

Photo: Allen Mowery 

For the Musician…

For a couple brought together by music (he was the church worship leader, she was in the band), a space for music-making and instrument storage was a must in their forever log home. The loft proved to be the perfect place thanks to tall ceilings provided by an extra course of logs. 

Log Provider/Designer: Coventry Log Homes

Photo: Mark Sorenson 

For the Movie Buff… 

At Lucky Man Ranch in Montana, the views of Big Sky country outside are sweeping. But when night falls and it’s time for a little indoor R&R, nothing beats a gathering around the big screen. In the home’s cozy (and window-less) theater room, plush, oversize loungers invite guests to kick back and relax. 

Timber Provider/Designer:
Natural Element Homes

Photo: Courtesy of Natural Element Homes

For the Oenophile…

An impressive wine collection calls for a special cellar to match, and this northern Wisconsin home certainly answered the call. The floor is covered in 26,000 pennies laid by one of the owners and her best friend over the course of a weekend. (The pennies are heads-up of course, with the exception of 27 wheat pennies added for subtle contrast.) 

Log Provider/Builder: Tomahawk Log & Country Homes

Photo: Glenn Sanderson 

For the Jet Setter…

Situated on one of Maine’s most popular lakes, it’s easy to think you would never want to leave this contemporary timber frame retreat. But if you must, might as well make it easier. The owner’s closet is storage central and features a “packing desk” at a comfortable height as well as storage underneath for suitcases when not in use. 

Timber Provider/Designer: Canadian Timberframes Ltd.

Photo: Courtesy of Canadian Timberframes Ltd.

For the Art Collector…  

How do you prevent an ever-growing art collection from feeling like clutter? You give it the proper treatment: its own private gallery, as the owners of this Wisconsin retreat did. Plain white walls make for a gallery-quality backdrop, while reclaimed wood on the ceilings and floors adds one-of-a-kind character. 

Timber Provider: Custom Timber Frames

Builder: Larry Meyer Construction 

Photo: Courtesy of Custom Timber Frames

For the Home Chef…

A kitchen window with a view is nice. A kitchen in the view is even better. This 7,000-square-foot stunner in Montana boasts just that, with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen that features a grill, refrigerator, sink and a pizza oven, all under the deep, covered patio. 

Log Provider/Builder: Caribou Creek Log & Timber

Interior Designer: Xact Interiors

Photo: Joe Hilliard