French doors open into the spacious formal dining room (right) that is roomy enough for a large dining set, cabinets and sideboard (not seen). Christine was happy to paint the walls a sunny yellow to offset potentially cloudy winter days, a trick she learned from living in England. Decorated with a touch of Tuscany, the kitchen (below) is the new gathering place for the Kniss family. The large island and comfortable stools brings everyone closer to the cook for lively conversation and taste testing. The colors are rich and bold, with golden walls and “Corn Maize” slate floor tiles.

Adding color in a log home

One design idea the Knisses incorporated into their log home was the result of living in England for two winters.

“The sun could disappear for days, but we noticed the interior walls were all painted with bright, cheery colors, and even the couch was a bright yellow,” Christine says. “We thought we’d try this strategy because of the overcast winter days we have here in the north. I painted the kitchen and dining room a golden yellow and the bedroom and bathroom a silvery white.”

The use of Sheetrock walls (right) in many of the rooms provides a great balance between wood walls and painted ones,

something Milt and Christine were looking for in their dream home.

Here, French doors open to the covered rear porch for

morning coffee and a breath of fresh air. The master bath (below) was increased in size at Christine’s request. Here she was able to include a large soaking tub, walk-in shower, twin vanities, and a large walk-in closet with built-ins. Silvery marble floors and bright counter tops keep the room light and refined.