The dazzling patterns and colors of old-fashioned Formica grabs attention. And in a world run amok with granite countertops, this has never been truer. Formica (laminate) used in the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Gorden house at the Oregon Gardens in Silverton, OR. Resources: Bars and Booths Boomerang laminates www.barsandbooths.com Pastense Retro diner furniture and laminates www.pastense.com Formica is made of paper, topped with a high-grade paper, with bright solid colors or wild patterns... more

Inspiration strikes homeowners in many forms: for the owner of one Queen Anne Victorian, it was improving the flow and feeling of the home while at the same time embracing the original design and elegance of a great example of the “Painted Lady” style … and to make sure that the “new” design featured her red velvet couch. “I wanted my red velvet couch in the kitchen,” the homeowner confessed. “It’s an antique that belonged to my grandmother, and I’ve been carrying it with me from... more

Aging and disability are facts of life. If you live long enough you will end up needing modifications to your home — that is if you want to continue living in relative comfort. Face it, try as we will, there comes a time when we will not be able to enjoy the level of mobility — real accessibility — that we had when we were younger, fearless, and willing to climb stairs. Whether or not the modification(s) is as simple as adding a grab bar, or as complicated as remodeling a home that you absolutely... more

Kohler-Kelston I have been a kitchen and bath designer for 26 years and I just purchased my first low-flow toilet. I have been specifying low-flow toilets since it became the law in 1994, but I never owned one, so I was not aware of the “idiosyncrasies” of actually experiencing one over the long haul. What I learned really changed my perception of toilets. Before I go any further, I must add a disclaimer: “What you are about to hear may be disturbing for some.” I am sorry about this — but... more

Showerhead from Kohler's Forté collection that uses 1.75 gpm of water. Photo courtesy of Kohler As we head into the time of year that we hear about water shortages, it might be a good idea to talk about conservation. Water conservation has come a long way in the past 15 years when people grimaced upon the mere mention of the topic. Today we have toilets that actually perform well while saving water, and the same for showerheads, and faucets. We now have hot water heaters that are more efficient,... more

Spokane County, WA became the launch pad last July for the nation’s strictest ban on dishwasher detergent made with phosphates, a measure aimed at reducing water pollution. The ban will be expanded statewide in July 2010, the same time similar laws take effect in several other states. Among other states that have banned or are banning phosphates in dishwasher detergent are Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York. A bill on Capitol Hill... more

A short interview with the owner of Portland Vintage Plumbing, Brenda Wasco on what products she has to offer and why she opened her business. Why did you start Portland Vintage Plumbing? I have worked in the plumbing industry for 10 years, and can’t imagine anything I would rather do. I feel it’s an honor to work with customers that trust you with their home projects and joy to see the finished result. I love the whole process of the job, from picking out fixtures to keeping track... more

For this how-to we are using limited installation guidelines and photos for a Laurelhurst Fan. If installing a Laurelhurst Fan, a more custom installation brochure comes with the fan. We would like to thank the owners of the Laurelhurst Fan Company for providing this information. This basic overview should work with many wall mounted exhaust fans. Every fan has its own characteristics so check with the installation guide that came with your fan before attempting any installation. Safety Precautions There... more