Wood Beams

I've noticed the trend towards exposed wood beams in both new home construction and existing home renovations. I was chatting with a local company last week, The Wood Beam Company, and they mentioned that they are extremely busy with requests for both new and existing homes.

And yes, these wood beams have come a long way! Many are not even solid wood, but rather a hollow veneer box made to look like the old original beams from an old torn down structure.   Nothing like the wood beams that were in my 1974 bungalow -  butted up against the leather bar in the basement. Yikes!

I even saw them incorporated into one of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Dream Home Lottery houses this past weekend. A great way to add warmth to a more modern space.






And cruising around Pinterest I found these following examples of exposed wood beams in residential homes.  I like that they don't scream mountain get away.

I love the contrast of the dark stain on the beams with the light coloured materials in the furniture and on the walls.




Love the use of beams in the bedroom....makes it so cosy!




And a more modern take on a farm house kitchen...the use of white smooth beams.




Beams added to an eclectic kitchen....as I always say, its all in the details!



Is this something you would think of adding to your home or would you rather leave it for the mountain cabins?