Tax Breaks and Rebates Help Ease the Switch If you’re looking for one more way to slow water consumption, save energy, and save money, consider buying a new refrigerator, dishwasher, or clothes washer. The environmental benefits are immediate, and you’ll earn your investment back in a few years, especially with the rebates, Oregon tax credits, and federal incentives now available to most homeowners. Why is making the switch important? Because saving energy prevents pollution. When you choose... more

In the past few years “green” eco-friendly buildings have been receiving a lot of notice. Most of this attention has been directed at constructing new green buildings. But those wanting to restore an older house or business are also finding more products and services available to them. Cork flooring was used extensively in mid-century homes and is popular again today as a green alternative.Photo courtesy of Arciform LLC Refurbishing older cabinets, rather than replacing them... more

Ask designers Rhonda Knoche and Anne De Wolf about kitchen trends, and you’ll get at least a moment’s hesitation before they reply. That almost imperceptible moment of silence has nothing to do with their knowledge. Both can readily answer questions about kitchens from floor to ceiling, including historic design, structure, appliance features, efficiency, and ecology, but trends — well, both prefer to make things a bit more personal. This open kitchen and family room shows one family’s... more

Several companies manufacture rubber roofs from recycled tires. These products are durable (many come with 50-year warranties), as well as fire and wind resistant. Metal Roofing With a long life, metal roofs keep composite material out of our landfills. Also 100% of the material used is recyclable. Solar-Powered Attic Fan Make your home more energy effcient and save money too. Attic fans operate by solar power from sunrise to sunset at no extra cost. It’s possible to reduce the workload on... more

Refrigerators Four doors are fabulous. Lash out against the mundane by choosing Samsung’s QuatroCooling Convertible refrigerator. This 24.6 cu. ft. unit has four compartments, each with its own independently adjustable evaporators, ensuring the perfect amount of cooling or freezing for everything from salad fixings to fresh meat. Lunchtime, dinnertime, and primetime, life is good with LG Electronic’s refrigerator-TV. It boasts a remote-controlled, cable-ready, 15” LCD television screen on the... more

Today’s kitchen tools let you grind, pound, and smooth your way to culinary success. Even the family handyman will be impressed because he (or she) will know you did it yourself the next time you serve up a bowl of hot soup fresh from the blender or a tart serving of homemade yogurt. One-Stop Cooking This is no ordinary whirlybird. The Vita-Mix Professional Series blender defines one-stop cooking: It mixes, chops, whips, grinds, and purees — even cooks soups and sauces you can serve steaming... more

Whether it’s a stainless steel suite of kitchen appliances or the latest in front-loading washing machines, Gladstone-based Hamilton’s Appliance offers customers something more than just a fair price: They offer a level of service that distinguishes the 44-year-old company from its competitors. “We’ve been in business since 1962,” says Larry Snider, one of the owners. “We do business the old-fashioned way. Our intent is to satisfy the customer and along the way make the sale. If we do... more

Often times, the impetus for beginning a kitchen remodel is the simple fact that the appliances are in the process of a slow (or sometimes fast) death. Only one burner works on the range, the shelves in the refrigerator are broken, or the oven stops altogether. A journey to the appliance showroom gets scheduled. Top left, Gagganeau combination steam and convection wall oven; above, Thermador convection microwave speedcooking oven; left, Bosch ... more