With visions of log-cabin vacations in the mountains, Elizabeth Reich and her husband, a mechanical engineer, purchased a small lot near Maryland’s Deep Creek Lake. They hired Eric Lapp of Snowy Mountain Construction, which specializes in log cabins, to build their weekend retreat. Choosing from a range of floor plans, the couple tweaked their choice to reflect their personal tastes.

“It gets really cold up there, so I wanted everything to be as cozy as possible,” explains the designer. “And there’s no question that log cabins are cozy!”

Clad in sturdy standing deadwood, the three-bedroom abode encompasses an open-plan living/dining area and kitchen, with a mudroom and separate owners’ suite. The second floor houses a bedroom for the couple’s 11-year-old son, along with a guest room and a loft with a pullout sofa overlooking the living area. Natural pine clads the interiors from top to bottom, and Reich had the floors and doors stained dark for contrast.

Against this backdrop, she imparted “a rustic-modern feel—but not country,” she says. “I layered fabrics and mixed materials, patterns and textures to create interest.” Soft but durable Moroccan rugs warm the rooms and bright-hued fabrics adorn the beds and punctuate the living spaces via pillows and throws. When it came to furniture, vintage and new pieces serve the dog- and kid-friendly home well. “I like everything imperfect,” Reich avers. “Nothing should be too precious, even if it’s new.”

After a day skiing (or ziplining, their son’s favored activity), a stone fireplace beckons, adorned with a reclaimed-wood mantel. On one wall, sliding-glass doors lead out to a deck while expansive windows take in those dazzling mountain views. n

Building Design & Construction: Eric Lapp, Snowy Mountain Construction, LLC, Swanton, Maryland. Interior Design: Elizabeth Reich, Jenkins Baer Associates, Baltimore, Maryland.