Wanting to remodel your kitchen or considering it in the near future? With the realization that your home may not be worth what it was three or four years ago, it still may make sense to go ahead and improve your space. Whether you want to remodel for resale or you have come to the conclusion that you will be staying put for a while, you will need to make many decisions. Budget Regardless of which group you fall into, the first thing that should be addressed is the budget for the whole project. A... more

If you are considering a remodeling project that requires design work, such as an addition, kitchen, or major bathroom remodel, one of the best ways to approach the work is to use a design/build company. By “design/build,” I mean a company that does both the design work and the construction. There are many variations on these services. One company may do all the construction and have an architect or designer on staff as an employee. Another company may have salespeople who also do design work,... more

Previously in this column, we discussed Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in our entry titled A Little Place for Mom.  ADUs are often called “mother-in-law” apartments, and a major hurdle for homeowners in constructing one is the $7,500 to $12,000 in city systems fees imposed. The Portland City Council passed an ordinance on March 3 that waived the System Development Charges (SDCs) for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) beginning April 15, 2010 and ending June 30, 2013. So, during this period, the... more

A fireplace is more than just a place to warm yourself on a cold day. In any weather, it sets the atmosphere for its surrounding environs. A home with the right fireplace will feel more comfortable, both because of its heat on a winter day and its aesthetics year-round. Likewise, a house with an unharmonious hearth will feel disjointed. If you suspect you’re not getting enough from what should be the centerpiece of your home, you have a few decisions to make before dismantling that mantle. When... more

When asked to contribute an article to Northwest Renovation about design trends in period kitchen renovation for 2010, I thought about both what — as a professional designer — I am observing industry-wide and locally what many of our clients are doing. Only a couple of “new” trends came to mind: we will see more durable eco-counter surfaces with period appeal and better integration of smart appliances into cabinetry in 2010. Designs that respect the original character/period of the home will... more

This issue’s musings from across the architect’s drawing board ponders how to talk to an architect. When I was in college, which seems like centuries ago, I had two favorite cartoons. One showed a hot dog shaped man opening his mailbox. He was withdrawing an envelope displaying the statement “You may already be a weiner!” The other illustrated a dapper gentleman strutting down the street with cane, beret, and cape. He was flanked by curvaceous supermodels on each arm while another man... more

I am not one to push or tout trends. My belief is that your home should reflect you, your family, your lifestyle, and the way you live in your home. The reality is, as consumers we tend to want a lot of the same things. What’s new in the kitchen for 2010? Not surprisingly, the trends lean toward products that are environmentally responsible and multi-functional, appliances that promote healthy, fresh food preparation, and kitchens that are designed to accommodate personal technology devices. The... more

ECOpdx started out four years ago selling their own custom line of furniture made out of local deconstruction and storm damage woods. Soon after they added the Tropical Salvage line of furniture made from 100% recycled handcrafted tropical woods pulled out of rivers and volcanic pits in Indonesia. Owned and operated by three friends, Darren and Patricia Morgan and Brian Kelly, ECOpdx is a business founded on the belief that quality craftsmanship and personal attention are the cornerstones... more