The results picture for the kitchen countertops is incorrect. Granite has won, but they are showing tile. Hopefully someone can correct this so not to many people will be confused. Thanks.

I love most of the selections in the win column, ie; the tin roof, outdoor fireplace, the modern shower, Frankly, I am surprised that the carbonized bamboo floors got such a low vote. With all the talk of going green, then not many others voted for them. That one had me scratching my noggin'. I sure would have liked a wrought iron glass door instead of a wormy wood door. And I thought the branches on the railing would have added a custom detail that would have made it delightful.

Hi,
I love eveything that was picked. I can't wait to see the cabin. I bet it is going to be beautiful! Good luck everyone.

Well, here it goes!!!

Good luck Amy and all, you have your jobs cut out for you.....

AND how bigg is that addition you didn't say we could add to this cabin. How many square feet are we working with? OH YEAH!! About 1800!!!

Love some of the different ideas, but have you all noticed that we seem to be looking for a HOUSE, not a cabin. Ah! A cabin in the woods, brings out thoughts of bunk beds, an old Coleman stove and a basin of cold water to wash in.

I spent my honeymoon in a cabin in the Adirondacks and we had a bedroom and a bathroom, of course that is all we needed on our honeymoon. I digress, this is not the old cabin but the new cabin in the woods with all the modern conveniences. Heaven forbid we should need the cold stainless, which is not maintainance free.

So, the granite needs sealant every 6 to 12 months. Just make it look good with whatever country kitchen is selected. Hope you give us a chance to look at what options your are considering and let us have some say before you actually make the final selection. I have learned a lot of times that you may not like all the basics selected, because one can not always visualize how the items will come together.

The actual cabinet, natural tile, wall colors selection, etc. can be combined together to create a log cabin with the modern touches that make our lives livable. Hope you make this cabin with its own house generator so when the lights go out and don't come back for a long time we can all still live with comfort. Our friend in TN says she thinks it's a neccessity in the mountains.

I know you will do a great jobs putting together all our ideas and get rid of the ones you know won't work in our log cabin. Thanks for the opportunity to dream the dream. Now you have to do the work. .......

S

Well I loved all of the choice I am glad my door won the wormy chestnut and the cherry oak flooring the door will go well with the tin roofing as well with the flooring.Every thing is going to fall in to place because DIY know how. Bennett

Hooray for my floor of choice! Thank you fellow cherry oak lovers for all your last minute votes. I am so very pleased with most of the choices; what a cabin this will be and what a crazy bunch of talented designers we all are!
One tiny little thing:
It would be GREAT if the kitchen cabinets are left natural wood and not painted or whitewashed. Cabin to me... is all about the warm color of wood. I would hate to see it covered up in the kitchen.
I can live with the front door choice, but I think after all my voting I'm entitled to pout about it. I wonder if it's just the name "wormwood" that creeps me out??
I can envision sitting outside on a crisp morning, drinking coffee at the outdoor fire place & listening to the calls of the wild.
I can hardly wait to see how this compares with the images in my mind.

Hi Amy, This is my first blog. I wanted you to know that everyone of the cabins results was my pick too. I just love this cabin, I have always wanted to live in a log cabin. This is a beautiful cabin and I know the finished cabin will be wonderful. Looking forward to seeing the results.
Thank You,
maedens

Well I think this has been a fun and unique opportunity...thankyou Amy, Ron and DIY. When the cabin is completed I'm certain it will be a wonderful and cozy spot for the lucky winning family (OMG it could even be me!!!!)

Eventhough some of my choices dind't get the final winning spot: contemporary kitchen, the Savannah gold pine flooring, glass tile in the bathroom(I think you guys really blew it on this one) and textured walls, I know the final product will be a thing of beauty. I'm particularly interested in what the view will be from the cabin windows. I am really anxious to see the outdoor spaces of the home. Can't wait to see it all come together. Have fun with watching all you cabin bloggers out there.

The choices were good for the most part, though a woodstove is far better in a log cabin (from experience) For god's sake don't use any colored stain on the exterior. CWF-UV is the only choice for the logs!!

Good Morning Watson !

Thanks for tallying up all the votes and letting us know the results so quickly !!!
Seeing the photos of the design elements all together, really gives us a great idea of how the Blog Cabin will look as it comes alive !!
It's going to be absolutely superb !

Many Thanks for sharing this experience with us, it has been fun,and Good Luck with the actual construction ~ looking forward to seeing the Cabin Raising on T.V. in the summer.

Happy Blogging, Building and Bonding with the whole team :o)

Goldilocks and The Three Smokey Mountain Bears .

What a fine job we have done!  Can’t wait to see how Amy and Ron will take these ideas and make them better still!!!! I hope you all don’t wait too long before posting pictures!

It occurred to me that the upstairs ceilings could follow the roof line adding drama to those rooms and maybe help cool. Ceiling fans provide cool or when reversed will force the heat down in the winter.

Any chance the ceilings on the first floor can be raised? Yes, I'm still trying... A uniform 9’ beamed ceiling would help, but 10' or more would be awesome!! This is a lovely way to have a smaller home feel big, even when the family comes to visit. (We have 4 with spouses and our brothers and sisters number 7 with spouses and children) I like to collect, so taller walls also offer a larger canvas for art and collectibles.

Before all the logs are laid….

This is great! Everything is just wonderful.I can see myself and wife setting back and enjoying all of this place.My two dogs will be happy too!It has been fun voteing allmost everyday,but being able to call this home would be even better.Have fun building it! Thanks

I love the outcome of the choices. I believe the finished home will be beautiful no matter what.I would love to be lucky enough to win it!

Hello -
I realize that some of my choices were not at the top of the list, but I thought that the ones listed below would make this a truly one of a kind cabin. And.....since you are going in to construction....I wanted to share them with you!

*glass tile

*soapstone

*stainless steel kitchen to flow with the shower that received the most votes

*brick fireplace

These choices in conjunction with the most popular ones would make an amazing, unique cabin!!

Thanks -
Teresa Daylight

I know that the cabin will be a dream haven. I will admit that I was disappointed that the rustic branch stair rail and claw foot tub didn't make the cut. I guess if I win I could always add them myself!!

I'm looking forward to watching the progress.
Thanks for letting us have a say in the planning.

I THINK THE OUTCOME IS GOING TO BE GREAT, I HAVE BEEN BLOGGING SINCE THE BEGINNING I AM SO EXCITED THAT ALL BLOGGERS HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN THIS CABIN RETREAT.
THE FLOOR PLAN IS PERFECT FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR, IT 'S A PERFECT GETAWAY.THE KITCHEN PLAN IS GOING TO OPEN A SPACIOUS WITH AN ISLAND WILL BE PERFECT FOR BREAKFAST. THE DARK WOOD FLOORS WILL WORK WILL HIDE THE DIRT/AND EASY TO CLEAN, THE BATHROOM WILL BE EASY MAINTANCE..I THINK EVERY PART OF THE PLAN IS GOING TO WORK INSIDE AND OUT..ACCORDING TO YOUR NOTES POSSIBLY A SCREENED IN PORCH WILL BE GREAT FOR AN AREA TO PLAY CARDS AND LET THE KIDS PLAY ITS GOING TO BE ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL...LET THE BUILDING BEGIN.... WE ARE KEEPING OUR FINGERS CROSSED, MY LITTLE BOY WAS SAYING TO ME THIS MORNING. MOM CAN I HAVE THIS CABIN HOUSE IN THE FOREST COOL..HE'S ONLY THREE BUT HE SURE KNOWS WHAT HE LIKES. THIS WOULD BE A GREAT PLACE FOR OUR FAMILY TO RETREAT TOO SINCE THEIR BOYS. THEY LOVE TO GET DIRTY ...SO A CABIN RETREAT WOULD NOT ONLY BE EXCITING FOR THEM, BUT FOR ME AND MY SPOUSE HE WOULD BE LIKE HEAVEN. THANKS AMY AND DIY FOR LETTING THE COMMUNITY AND DIY VIEWERS PARTICIPATE..
HAVE A GREAT BUILDING EXPERIENCE ..PS DONT FORGET TO CONTACT US IF WE WIN...

THE PAULSON'S

The choices can produce a really nice cabin. Just hope you tweak the floorplan of the two baths and kitchen to make a more workable and useful space, show off those wonderful granite countertops to best advantage, create a truly exciting walk-in shower, and make sufficient room for storage and use by a crowd of friends and relatives descending at once. Compartmentalization of baths should be essential to use by multiple adults. Thanks for allowing us a vote!

Fun. Thanks for the opportunity. Now, the real fun begins, watching it go up.

Well, I have to say that all my choices won except for the floorplan. I preferred Smokeyview because of the wrap around porch and it seemed to have a better flow.

There are several things about the Greenbriar that should be pointed out. 1) Lack of closet space down stairs. 2) Having to go thru the bedroom to get to the downstairs bathroom. 3)Lack of mudroom/utility room--were is the washer and dryer? 4)Also what about an attached garage!

I also agree with other bloggers that cabin should be handicap accessable. I know that stairs are a problem for me and my husband. Safety for all ages of course should be considered.

Thanks for letting me speak my mind. Can't wait to see the cabin come together. Love DIY!!!!!

Well, it's all over except for the winning. :), I hope that something can be done about the bathroom situation in the cabin, Hate for guests to walk through bedroom to get to bath. but the selections that won, all sound lovely. Can't wait to win. lol. One question though, have u mentioned where the cabin is to be located? The busy side of the mountains ( Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge area) or the quiet side ( Townsend, Little River side)? just wondering. I can't remember if you had mentioned that before. Thanks for the fun, cindy from KY.

Amy-
You've had some wonderful ideas and selections chosen for the Log Cabin. I was also hoping for a cabin with some more new, fresh, and unique approaches Of course, we all have our favorites! Granite counters are being used everywhere (have been for years-becoming boring) and aren't as easy to maintain/sanitize as some of your other choices. Handicap friendly comments were great too. Many persons are disabled, without having any appearance of being so. The chosen front door doesn't seem to adequately complement the exterior architecture. Glass tile is beautiful,long-lasting, easy to maintain and unique these days. The "country" kitchen and cherry floors are again, overused and not unique-major disappointment to me. The modern, slate walk-in shower selection was a pleasant surprise! A log cabin "retreat" doesn't have to be rustic, especially since it's being newly-built. How is the dining room furniture going to be arranged with the inswing door? Perhaps the door could inswing the other direction, or become an outswing door? The downstairs bath could also be designed (rearranged) to allow more closet and counter space-ex. one sink with more counter (and cabinet) space, tub moved under window or in another corner (like upstairs), pocket door, etc. The upstairs bath could have one sink with more counter space. Casement windows with Prairie muntins and wrought iron door would have been awesome. These are some of my opinions. I've learned a lot from watching the DIY channel and visiting the DIY website!

Some of the votes don't have to be only 1 choice -- there is more than 1 bathroom (so a clawfoot or whirlpool tub could be added -- or, use the whirlpool inside in the 2nd bath & then put a clawfoot tub outside in a secluded glen with good screening & a showerhead over a slatted floor that drains to the ground) & exterior door; all the wall finishes don't have to be the same -- but, if different, need to ensure it is done at a logical spot; more than 1 thing can be done outdoors -- add a gazebo near the creek at the back of the property & perhaps enhance that area with a waterfall; & the branch idea for the stair rails can be used as railing for the porch or on that new gazebo.

And, the unvotable hot tub is still a good idea.

For the outdoor bathing area, a raised horse trough also can work. Then, put up a short clothesline as a way to hang towels when needed. Even if not used for "bathing", it can be a way to cool off on hot summer days.

Need place for a vegetable garden too. Plus, way to collect rainwater to use in the garden & drip irrigation.

Great selections on the design of the cabin, but could I add one suggestion? How about an utility room with a washer and dryer for laundry? There's no provision for one in the Greenbrier floorplan and you just gotta have a laundry facility in a home!

[quote]Posted by: Karen at April 3, 2007 2:36 PM
The actual cabinet, natural tile, wall colors selection, etc. can be combined together to create a log cabin with the modern touches that make our lives livable. Hope you make this cabin with its own house generator so when the lights go out and don't come back for a long time we can all still live with comfort. Our friend in TN says she thinks it's a neccessity in the mountains. [/quote]

I totally agree Karen. As a country person myself I know from experience that when you live in the woods you need at least a backup power supply. We have been 'powerless' many times after windstorms. My more affluent and resourceful neighbors have a whole house backup generator wired into their homes. But my ideal cabin would be equipped with a solar array and battery bank, so that I could sell any excess power to the power company. After all, a REVERSE power bill would be a great 'green' addition to the cabin!

[quote]Posted by: Hilary Ireland at April 4, 2007 8:09 AMAny chance the ceilings on the first floor can be raised? Yes, I'm still trying... A uniform 9’ beamed ceiling would help, but 10' or more would be awesome!! This is a lovely way to have a smaller home feel big, even when the family comes to visit. (We have 4 with spouses and our brothers and sisters number 7 with spouses and children) I like to collect, so taller walls also offer a larger canvas for art and collectibles.
Before all the logs are laid…. [/quote]

I agree Hilary, and one step further, I'd love the heating system to be one of those floor systems that are IN the tile floor - I forget what they are called.

I can not wait to see the finished product. Even though I did vote for the outdoor water accessory, I was very pleased to have the fireplace win the votes. Especially since finding out that there is a creek near the cabin building lot. Maybe you can have the best of both worlds.

Hello to all,
Although some of the winning choices were not what I had voted for, I can picture a beautiful mountain cabin in the Smokies. I can't wait to see the construction as it progresses. There isn't anything I can think of more scenic and serene than being in the middle of God's beautiful universe in such a cozy home. Amy and DIY, you are all to be lauded for working so hard to make someone's dream come true.

[quote]Posted by: adele at April 5, 2007 5:08 PM

Great selections on the design of the cabin, but could I add one suggestion? How about an utility room with a washer and dryer for laundry? There's no provision for one in the Greenbrier floorplan and you just gotta have a laundry facility in a home!
[/quote]

Yes, a utility area in a nice big attached garage would be great.

Good Morning Bloggers !

Umm...Laurel, Thank you for "quoting me" regarding some ceiling fan height/beam ? and under floor heating system ...however, I did not blog about those items, so I think you may be mistaken.You owe your thanks to some other Blogger:o)

Happy Weekend !

Goldilocks and the Three Overheated Bears Fans :O)

i have been blogging this since the first and i'm happy with most of the selections. just wish we could round up all the ideas that weren't part of the voting process...like: a basement would have been great, the mud/utility room w/washer & dryer, carved bears, handicap access, safety features, extra storage, garden area w/garden shed & rainwater barrell, play area, landscaping...any chance of rock solid helping out?? ... so many wonderful ideas and any one of us would be more than blessed if we were to win! thank you, once again DIY! this has been so much fun and i can't wait to see the finished project!!

Well thanks for the voting fun.Hope to hear soon about wining.Must get busy packing for the good news.I'll be waiting,like everyone else.Thanks agian. Ed

All the choices are great ones. I still like the claw-foot tub it would be great in a cabin. I love old world style looks.

Terrific idea, Adele!

I had hoped we might be surprised to find several of our alternate choices incorporated into unique situations the final cabin.

Best to put the idea on paper, just in case!! :)

I love reading all the plans every one has they are good . Was I mistaken or was their a stackable washer and dryer in the closet in the down stairs bath It could have been wrong.

Hi Amy,

I really liked what Kathy J. wrote, since I'm part Cherokee. My dream has always been to have a log cabin in the woods, with all the luxerys and the beautiful surroundings of trees, water and wild life.

Wolf Estates
Great Smokey Cabin
Hillbillie Retreat Estates
Greenbriar Estates
Old Oak Estates
Old Smokey Estates
Mountain Lodge Estates

Greetings Amy,

My dreams of a Smoky Mtn log home include the development of a hummingbird/butterfly garden feature. Out of respect for the original inhabitants of those beautiful mountains--the Cherokee people--I like "Welela Lodge."
In the Cherokee language "Welela" means hummingbird.