The ending of World War II brought profound changes to this nation culturally, economically, and architecturally. The ensuing baby boom, rising car culture, and new technologies all thrust America into a new era. The mid-20th  century in America would be a time of exceptional growth and expansion. The generation of Americans that lived through the Great Depression had just won a world war and was looking to the future. Following the war, eager and industrious Americans went to work on building modern... more

The American builders’ hardware industry has produced an endless array of architectural hardware over the years.  These are the light fixtures, door hinges, and door escutcheons, and of course the doorknobs that allow us to enter and leave our homes as we please. Over the past century and a half, companies ranging from small regional lock makers to family companies that grew into well-known national corporations changed lighting and hardware technology forever and designed some of the most... more

Portland, OR is well known for its unique array of architecture: new and old, residential and commercial. These neighborhoods were built and designed by interesting people with forward thinking ideas. Getting to know a home’s history, its architectural origins, and its designers/builders can give a new appreciation for the houses we live in. Researching a home’s history can be fascinating and informative. Your home probably had several owners, and could have undergone a remodel or two.... more

While traveling around town it is easy to notice creative uses for recycled articles that have had a previous life with another purpose. Portland is especially great for this because we recycle everything. Almost all things can have a second life and that a good thing. Old house parts left over after a remodel or deconstruction can be recycled into another home. They can also have a second life reused as something functional, rustic, or whimsical. Old doors, for instance, can be made weather resistant... more

When remodeling or adding on to an older home, it adds value to use as many true vintage building materials as possible. Knowing your home’s architectural style and era helps. If your home suffered a bad remodel years before that removed all evidence of your home’s original splendor, drive around your neighborhood and check out other homes that appear to be built around the same time as yours. Pay attention to the style of the front entry door and window shapes and styles. If you can tour the... more