Impressive entrance greets visitors on approach. The Pittock Mansion in the West Hills is Portland’s own “Hearst Castle.” It was built in 1914 by Oregonian newspaper founder and publisher Henry Pittock and his wife Georgiana. Many would say that it is the grandest of the great homes of early Portland. Descendants of the Pittock family lived in the house until 1958. In 1964 it was purchased ... more

Kitchen Ideas Span Continents; Capture the Style of Both Old Europe, and Asia. If you’ve never been to Tuscany, this year’s Home & Garden Show provided a virtual passport to the region’s rolling hills and sweeping vistas. For homeowners gathering ideas for a kitchen remodel the message is clear: Today’s top trend is all about capturing the essence of Italy. The signature look combines stonework and iron, terra-cotta tiles and earth tone hues, textured plaster walls and exposed... more

What’s in your closet? If you’re living in an early- or mid-century bungalow, the answer could well be “Nothing!” because the space is so oddly configured as to be essentially useless. The first family to live in your home probably didn’t have more than two suits of clothing apiece (work and Sunday wear), making the closet a luxury. The space was probably dedicated to creating wider hallways or larger... more

There is something reassuring about being helped in a plumbing and electric store by a friendly salesperson who actually has knowledge and experience with the project you are about to tackle. This is the way it used to be in all building supply stores, and remains that way today at A-Boy Plumbing and Electric. The family-owned business is, at its roots, a neighborhood plumbing, electric, and hardware store.... more

One of the best things about summer is the scrumptious fruit available, and if you want that truly just-picked flavor, consider turning part of your yard into a mini-berry orchard. Blueberries, huckleberries, and raspberries require relatively little space, are easy to grow, and are generally pest-free as long as a few rules are followed. Berries thrive in well-draining, acidic soil with partial to full sun and ... more

Summer means increased use of elevated decks and balconies. For homeowners and renters who worry about the safety of their decks and balconies, the state Building Codes Division offers Oregonians five important tips. For homeowners and renters who don’t worry about the safety of their decks and balconies there is a sixth tip: Pay attention to the other five tips, because so far this year accidents involving... more

We all have our favorite colors. But when it comes to painting a home for resale, color selection is not about us, but about what buyers find attractive. From a realtor’s perceptive curb appeal makes a home sell faster and at a better price. According to the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal, that is a positive first impression, sells more than half of all houses. Curb appeal gets the buyer out... more

The Sanivite gray water pumping system from SFA Saniflo Inc. is small enough to fit inside a kitchen cabinet or under a sink, yet powerful enough to handle discharged wastewater from a variety of plumbing fixtures and kitchen and laundry appliances. Like the other models in the Saniflo line of macerating systems, the fully automatic Sanivite drains... more