My column this issue will focus on two technology trends I see as we move into the second decade of the 21st century. Number one on the list is battery power. This trend has gained tremendous traction in the past 10 years in the world of cordless tools, cell phones and laptop computers, with the current state-of-the-art lithium-ion cells leading the way. This technology continues to move forward as we speak, and suddenly the prospect of mass produced non-hybrid, electrically powered “plug-in”... more

We are all interested in reducing the rising cost of energy to heat and cool our homes. Insulating your home is one way to reduce those costs. With the ever-increasing interest in green products, it’s no wonder that companies are creating products that fill that need. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

While novice painters will have better control painting with a brush than a roller, rollers do cover walls and ceiling surfaces at least 50% faster than a brush. Painting with a roller will require more paint than painting with a brush and as with any tool, both prior practice and the quality of the tool will determine the outcome. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

The changing perceptions of the consumer and the explosion of product selection have fundamentally changed the way people acquire flooring products today. While not unimportant, the cost of the product is not as dominant a factor. Sustainability, style, longevity and practicality are now at least as important, if not more so. What many people seem to be looking for (and these different attributes are weighed differently from person to person) is value. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

When you want to “renovate” an old home, sometimes stuff happens, and you just have to roll with the punches. When Noel Larson’s house suffered a house fire, the first thought was to do the usual fire restoration, such as remove the charred wood and alleviate the smoke damage and smell. This would have been tough enough, on this noble 1914 French Provincial stucco home right on Alameda ridge in Portland; but things were bound to get more complicated. And then, more complicated still. This... more

Coconuts…they are good for more than just Piña Coladas, or so says John Stein, president of Kirei USA. With the introduction of The Sumatra Collection of decorative tiles made using coconut shells discarded after harvest, Kirei, a company specializing in eco-friendly interior design materials, brings style to eco design. Kirei Coco Tiles are an answer to the gauntlet thrown down to interior product makers — a challenge to be eco-friendly, but with flair. The green interior design movement has... more

Gone are the days of purchasing a burly tank-type water heater. Navien America’s latest product explodes onto the scene with an eye-popping 98% efficiency rating. The wise men in the east have been using tankless water heaters for years; unfortunately, “super size me” Americans have only recently caught on to the economical benefits of downsizing their utilities. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

When purchasing new or reproduction hardware, note some of the basic rules to ensure your purchases will proceed smoothly. Non-stock new items can take up to four to eight weeks to arrive. Schedule accordingly. When placing special orders, choose carefully as most special ordered items are non-refundable; check with your supplier. Choose timeless classic styling that will stand the test of time. Architectural hardware tastes change about every seven years. You may also want to go with a more common... more