LIVING IN THE LOGO: THE ADK AFRAME

Oct 7

October 2024

As a graphic designer, I’ve worked on thousands of homes across the world. From A-Frames, bungalows, and cabins to famous architectural masterpieces from the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe. The @HouseLogos Instagram page is a graphic, colorful, artful testament to the exteriors of these homes.

As pretty and colorful as it may be, I wanted to create a way to give people a look inside them. Quite literally. That’s how LIVING IN THE LOGO was born. An interview series with the owners of popular House Logos. For the first in a series of (hopefully) many, I virtually sat down with Rob and Melinda of ADK Aframe. A beautifully built and curated STR in Upstate New York. Enjoy.

And if you’d like to be part of LIVING IN THE LOGO, please send an email to makemeahouselogo@gmail.com

John from House Logos

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JD: Rob and Melinda. Hey! Thanks for doing this. Let’s start here: Tell me a little about ADK AFrame.

R/M: ADK Aframe is a modern, luxury mid-century rustic A-Frame cabin. Located in the beautiful Adirondack mountains of upstate NY, our cabin serves as a peaceful woodland retreat for our guests to relax and recharge after adventure-filled days hiking, biking, paddling, fishing and skiing amongst the High Peaks of the Adirondacks.

JD: Well, that sounds fun. What inspired the Adirondacks?

R/M: We love the outdoors and had been taking camping vacations in the Adirondacks for a few years. We had always had a dream of owning a “mountain home”, so during one visit we decided to investigate purchasing a vacation home in the greater Lake Placid area. Not able to find something that really caught our imagination in our price range, we decided to look into building a cabin instead, using our own labor to make the process more affordable.

JD: Impressive. That’s like the ultimate DIY. Was an A-Frame an aesthetic choice or a practical choice? Or … “yes.”

R/M: A bit of “yes.” We’ve always enjoyed the look and feel of A-Frames (and they make perfect sense in areas that see lots of snow), so it was fairly quickly that we decided that was the route we would take. Rob has made several furniture pieces from reclaimed wood over the years for our primary home, so we knew we wanted to combine the rustic and cozy nature of wood with a mid-century modern feel. Our tagline on our Instagram page is ‘rustic reclaimed meets mid-century modern’, and we hope that is what we’ve achieved.

JD: That’s an excellent description. The outside, I’d say, exudes more of a sleek, modern vibe. The inside must deliver more strongly on “rustic”?

R/M: To some extent. From a distance, the outside does look modern with it’s all black siding and a pop of color on the front door, but up close you’ll see that the siding was created with a process known as Shou Sugi Ban, a traditional Japanese technique that preserves the wood through charring the surface. Closer up, this process creates a rustic appeal and look. It was a ton of work, but truly worth it in the end. Inside, we’ve tried to blend the rustic and modern by utilizing the stained wood for the walls (the rustic), while having the wooden covered vertical walls painted an off-white and incorporating sleek modern furniture styles and modern amenities, such as the European Rais woodstove.

JD: Shou Sugi Ban. I just learned something. Sounds like an internet wormhole. Look forward to it. Okay, a ‘Living in the Logo’ specific question. Do you have a favorite spot inside?

R/M: This is easy. Definitely the view from the reading nook on the balcony out of the window wall into the woodland beyond. One of the first design choices we made was to install a window wall at the front of the A-frame, and while it was not budget friendly, it was totally worth it. The window wall invites so much of the outside in and provides the most wonderful light at all times of the year, especially on those clear, cold winter days.

JD: It’s a great little spot! I’m sure your guests love it. As an STR, technically, a lot of people live in your logo. Talk about the experience of building this amazing place, then sharing it with others.

R/M: The most fulfilling experience has been reading and hearing about the experiences guests have and the memories they have created while staying in our cabin. Several guests who have stayed are potential A-frame builders of their own, and to act as a source of inspiration to others, from both a design perspective and that a self-build is possible, has been a truly humbling experience.

JD: That’s amazing. Love that you’re helping demystify the build process for other cabin dreamers out there. What a powerful way to use the account. Which has amassed quite a following. So, you’re doing something right.

R/M: We never imagined that we would gain the following we have and that so many would reach out to us to learn about our experience. One reason we decided to document our build on Instagram was to show that with a positive attitude, some hard work, and a good support team, including the wonderful folks at AvrameUSA (@Avrameusa) dreams are possible.

JD: Love a good shoutout. Earmarking them for myself.

JD: Alright. Last question. I’m continually blown away by all the unique ways people use their House Logo. How have you used yours?

R/M: Our House Logo is proudly framed and hung right in the entryway to the cabin. The background color of our logo matches our front door, so there is an immediate connection as you walk into the cabin. The warmth within the logo’s interior lighting also beautifully captures the cozy nature we have tried to create for people to enjoy after experiencing the wonderful outdoor activities the Adirondacks offer.

JD: I was just on the Cabin Culture podcast with Janice of @CozyRockCabin, and I talked exactly about this! I think the people who are using their House Logos the best are the ones who, like you, are using it to create a connected experience from the moment guests walk in the door. For example, maybe you’re greeted by a doormat using the logo. “Oh, that’s cute.” Then a framed print in the entryway. The welcome materials have the logo again. A sticker, too. Maybe it reappears on a deck of playing cards. Or etched in a wine glass as guests pour an evening drink. Connected. Thoughtful. Special.

It’s a very simple graphic tool that can do more than brand your cabin, it creates a connected and memorable branded experience for guests.

R/M: We’ve also had custom playing cards made!

JD: See!

R/M: We also did stickers that each guest receives as part of their welcome gift basket upon arrival. One item on my list to add to the cabin is a custom made cornhole set with the logo painted onto the cornhole board with bean bags that match the interior lighting shown on the cabin. I think it’ll be a big hit with our guests.

JD: Love that idea. Stoked to see it. I could end it there, after that wonderful House Logos endorsement from you … but I’m genuinely curious, what’s next for you two and the ADK AFrame?

R/M: We’re actually currently looking at building a second cabin in the area, on a ridge between two ravines in the woods. We plan to take full advantage of this setting and hope to have a deck that will provide a sense of hovering above one of the ravines and the small stream that runs through it. The cabin will be set within the woodland, so you’ll be enveloped by the sights and sounds of nature while cozying up to the wood stove or enjoying a soak in a hot tub.

JD: The naming potential is endless. Can’t wait to see it. House Logo round 2?

R/M: House Logo Round 2.

JD: Well, this was fun. Thanks for doing it. Of all my clients, you’re one that I’ve continued to work with quite a bit after the creation of logo. I’ve enjoyed seeing all the ways you’ve used it. The board set will be fun. Look forward to following along on IG.

R/M: Thanks John.

JD: For anyone wanting to follow along in the ADK AFrame journey, or even book a stay, what are some places they can do that?

R/M: Instagram: @ADKAframe
Website: www.adkaframe.com
Airbnb: www.airbnb.com/h/adkaframe

JD: Rad. Thanks so much, Rob + Melinda.

✌🏼

John from House Logos

john doessel