There is a quiet, ongoing revolution in kitchen design. Busy adults, stressed for time by increasingly demanding schedules, are sharing kitchen duties. In a survey done by the University of Minnesota in 1987, while only about 50% of existing kitchens could accommodate more than one person, responders reported that over 95% of the time more than one person was in the cooking space. According to the National Kitchen ... more

One of the hottest trends in kitchen design right now is stainless steel. Whether turning your kitchen into a replica of the hottest restaurant in town’s kitchen prep area, or combining it with elegant warm woods to really make it glow, stainless steel is hot. Stainless steel is versatile, light, easy to clean, water and heat resistant, super strong, and hygienic. Photos courtesy of Elkay... more

You’re standing in the middle of your kitchen thinking about how wonderful it would be to have new cabinets and countertops to create a more modern, more welcoming feel. Then you think about the time and energy it will take to choose the cabinets, place your order, and then wait for weeks until they’re delivered. And then there’s the time it takes to coordinate having your contractor come in to install the cabinets... more

Whether replacing damaged molding or adding decorative vintage detail, there are countless knife profiles to choose from. Do you associate the word custom with the word costly? Or, do you think of the word custom as choice? If you live in an older home there’s a good chance that all the moldings in your home are unique. Decades ago, profiles were cut on site using special hand planes with custom-cutting... more

When we last visited with Zach and Beth Collins, they were in the middle of a major remodel on their 900 sq ft bungalow. The scope of the work included adding a complete second floor with two bedrooms, a bath, a sitting area, and veranda. In addition, they were adding about 150 sq ft to the main floor, tearing out the existing bathroom and building a new one, adding a full-length front porch. As if remodeling were not enough of a challenge, the couple was also expecting their first child. Beth... more

A number of years ago Pamela Kunse spotted her dream home in the Vernon neighborhood. Located next door to the residence of old family friends, she frequently gazed at the structure. Built in 1909, it has lots of character, especially the wrap-around porch, the most appealing feature to her. The house had been vacant for almost 10 years when Pam made her first attempt to purchase in 2000. But she wasn’t... more

In previous articles for Northwest Renovation, I discuss how homeowners can protect themselves when working with contractors (“Five Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Construction Liens,” April/May 2003; and “The CCB: A Friend to Oregon Property Owners,” August/September 2003) and how to file a complaint against a contractor in state court (“What to Do When Construction Deals Go Bad,” December/January... more

Choosing paint sheen is as much about personal preference as it is about the amount of wear and tear the painted surface will receive. The sheen or gloss level of a paint — either oil or water based — is the degree to which the coated surface reflects light. The more resin or binder in the paint, the higher the sheen, the smoother the finish, and the more durable the surface coat. Conversely, the higher the pigment... more