What many of us could use in our lives right now is stillness. Stillness is the quiet restfulness of the contemplative – harmony, if you will — that allows escape from the mind-numbing sensory overload of the technological world. What I call stillness is what Arts & Crafts progenitor John Ruskin called repose, what he considered the ingredient essential to calling something a work of art. Because the ultimate work of art in the Arts & Crafts Movement was the home, it... more

Flipping through shelter magazines, you’d think “green” remodeling involves the installation of expensive energy-saving devices and a minimalist design that advertises the homeowner’s familiarity with the cutting edge. Or, conversely, an environmentally conscientious remodel might reflect a low-tech, salvage-focused approach, often at the expense of comfort and design. Preserving the original woodwork in the dining room not only saved resources, but also authenticates the home’s... more

(All photos courtesy of WILLCO, copyright WILLCO.) Many homeowners want to create more livable square footage in their existing homes without the expense or hassle of new construction or a new addition. While they may feel limited, there are actually quite a few possibilities that can produce exciting results. Perhaps the attic, with its steeply pitched ceiling and dormer windows, would be perfect for a new master bedroom. The basement, with its exposed concrete walls, could make a great family game... more

Your front door is the gateway to your home. It’s the first impression visitors get when they enter your home. Over time an entry can look outdated and weathered. Replacing a new exterior door today could cost more than you’re willing to invest, depending on the quality of materials and craftsmanship. However, if getting a brand-new door sounds like a lot of work, with all the demolition, time, and money, you’ll be surprised to hear of a cost-effective way to create an elegant entry. BEFORE AFTER Most... more

There are many reasons to replace your windows, and a lot of questions come up in the decision making process. I’ll try to answer some of the more important ones here. Q Should I replace my old windows and doors on a house I intend to sell soon? A New windows and doors are a great way to improve the resale value of your home. If the existing windows are in poor shape, a potential buyer may not even make an offer, and if an offer is made it will often include a requirement to upgrade the windows.... more

By Robin Rigby Fisher What I love about designing is the challenge of creating function where it didn’t previously exist. When I first entered this home, the kitchen was generic: oak cabinets with white Corian countertops. The island was small — not enough counter space where it was needed, and too much where it wasn’t. The home, which was built in the mid-1980s, featured three eating areas (eating bar for four, breakfast table, and formal dining) all within 20 feet of each other — standard... more

The truth is that although older homes are beautiful and charming, they aren’t as accommodating to today’s lifestyle. We do more work from home. We have man caves, media rooms, home gyms, project rooms, and generally want our homes to be our own little versions of paradise. If we want the charming old bungalow we are going to have to adapt it, bend the house, and make it the home we need it to be. We love the old telephone cubby, the thick paneled pocket doors, the old wobbly doorknobs, the vintage... more

Portlanders love their old homes. Features like original moldings, millwork, built-ins, coved ceilings, covered porches, leaded glass windows, and hardwood floors are irresistible to many homeowners, who will go to great lengths and expense to preserve and restore them. That appeal of another era loses its romance, however, in the kitchen, where many homeowners abandon preservationist ideals. Who finds anything seductive about a refrigerator on the back porch or counters with the working space of... more