Celebrated Creations: RenoMark’s Finest Transformations
In Corman Park, Saskatoon, a once-dated home has been reimagined through a standout log home renovation. Hometown Homes earned national recognition at the 2025 CHBA National Awards for their project The Log House Reno, which won Best Whole Home Renovation in the $300,001 – $500,000 category. This renovation demonstrates expert craftsmanship, functional design, and the balance of rustic architecture with modern home features.
Transforming a 1990s Log House
Built in the 1990s, the original log home layout featured a boxy floor plan that no longer met the needs of a growing family. The homeowners wanted a home that offered more space, better flow, and room to host. Hometown Homes addressed these goals with a complete interior transformation.
Open-Concept Kitchen and Living Space
The renovation focused on maximizing usable space. The kitchen relocation from its enclosed area to a new open-concept layout connected it to the living room, turning the space into an ideal area for hosting. A large island provides multi-functional workspace, family dining, and improved flow between rooms.
Purposeful Design with Rustic Features
Every design choice in this Saskatoon renovation served a purpose. Highlights include a custom tapered hood fan with maple detailing and recessed lighting integrated into the log ceiling beams. A built-in bar with a boxed design and polished nickel fixtures brings refined contrast to the natural wood textures.
One clever feature is the wrap-around pantry, concealed behind cabinetry for a clean look and expanded storage—key in any modern kitchen renovation.
Challenges of Renovating a Log Home
Working with a log cabin structure meant precision was critical. Cutting new kitchen windows required chainsaw work that had no room for error. Installing triple-pane, energy-efficient windows was complicated by the triangular shapes and need to blend with the logs. Due to budget limits, older windows were painted black to match the new ones—a cost-effective renovation solution that maintained visual consistency.
“The biggest challenge was relocating the kitchen into the great room while also adding two brand-new windows through the log walls. With logs, there’s absolutely no room for error. On top of that, moving the kitchen meant rerouting plumbing and electrical into a space that was never designed for it. By carefully working through the design process, planning every detail, and leaning on the technical expertise of our trades and suppliers, we were able to pull it off. The result is a transformed space that feels bright and open, all without compromising the home’s integrity” – Hometown Homes
Functional Upgrades for Family Living
Functionality was central to the renovation. The former kitchen became a new bedroom for the family’s daughters. In the bathroom remodel, relocating the toilet created better flow and usability. The former vestibule was replaced with a custom L-shaped mudroom bench, improving storage and entryway organization.
Other upgrades included hardwood flooring, large-format tile, and space optimization throughout the home—prioritizing comfort without sacrificing the home’s log cabin style.
“By restoring the original logs, opening the space with new windows, and bringing the kitchen into this room, it became the true heart of the home. It’s warm, welcoming, and filled with light. It is the perfect place for the family to cook, gather, and make memories; it feels both timeless and tailored to how they live now.” – Hometown Homes
Preserving Log Home Character
Despite modern upgrades, preserving the home’s original charm was a priority. The team used chinking, a technique that involved sanding each log and filling gaps for a more natural look. Exposed arch logs now frame a cozy coffee nook, while new windows maximize natural light and reinforce the home’s connection to its rural surroundings.
Community-Driven Excellence
The success of The Log House Reno reflects not just design expertise but a collaborative effort. Visual storytelling by King Rose Visuals captured the transformation in full. Winning at the CHBA National Awards celebrates the dedication and technical skill that brought this renovation to life.
Discover More RenoMark Award-Winning Projects
The Log House Reno stands as a model of modern rustic renovation, achieving functionality, energy efficiency, and design excellence. Explore more exceptional work by RenoMark renovation professionals in the Celebrated Creations series—featuring top projects from across Canada that highlight innovative remodeling and design solutions.
Celebrated Creations: RenoMark’s Finest Transformations – Series Overview
“Celebrated Creations: RenoMark’s Finest Transformations” series shines a spotlight on the exceptional winners of the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. This collection showcases the remarkable designs and renovations accomplished by RenoMark members, highlighting the creativity, innovation, and dedication that go into crafting homes that stand out in style and functionality. Each post delves into the unique stories and challenges faced by these talented teams, offering viewers an in-depth look at the artistry and precision that define award-winning home renovations.
