They say a messy desk is the sign of a genius. But what they don’t tell you is that the same mess can ruin your Douglas fir floor. So, heed your Dear Auntie’s advice and keep it clean. It’s as simple as knowing what to watch out for and knowing when to clean, so your Douglas fir floor can keep on keeping on for years to come. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

Think back on some memorable moments in your home from the past 10 or so years. Chances are many of them have been in your kitchen. In mine, I’ve not only cooked, eaten, and entertained, I have made my first candles, had pivotal conversations with my daughter, and watched our border collie pup delight in her first Thanksgiving turkey (“Look, Ma, I can reach the counter!”). This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

You’ve been tearing pages out of magazines, searching websites, talking to co-workers, friends, and family members to find that right kitchen or bath design. You seek a design that you can afford that won’t disrupt your household for six months or more. Over and over you keep thinking, I love the layout of my kitchen. The space works well. It’s just dated. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

When it comes to favored architectural styles for old Portland homes, the Cape Cod doesn’t have the cachet of its Craftsman cousin. However, homebuyers Carolyn and Bret Winkler weren’t put off by the unassuming exterior or unappealing kitchen of the 1947 northeast Cape Cod. “We liked the space, the neighborhood, and above all, the price… we were prepared to look past the lack of obvious curb appeal,” Bret says. “We also saw past the ugly-duckling kitchen — literally, it had duck... more

Kohler Karbon Kitchen Faucet With five pivoting joints, the Karbon articulation faucet offers total range of motion, putting water exactly where it needs to be. Now featuring an extended palette that includes Bronze, Polish and Brushed Gold, and Black with polished Chrome. Available in deck and wall mounts units. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

The average homeowner remodels his or her home one time. One of the most important decisions homeowners make during the remodeling process is choosing the right cabinetry. In most cases, the individuals remodeling know very little about the subject and often feel obligated to hire whomever their contractor suggests — not knowing the contractor will be making a considerable profit from the purchase. In some cases a friend or neighbor may have had a recent remodel and the name of a seemingly reliable... more

The kitchen can be the most challenging room to light. Your surfaces need to be bright enough to be able to see where you are chopping, soft and inviting for conversation and midnight snacking, and in many cases, available to show off collections or family heirlooms. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

A Designer’s Take on How to Become Architectural Salvage Savvy Photos courtesy of Arciform LLC One of the hottest renovation trends today is the use of salvaged materials in remodels and even new construction. With today’s builders trying to incorporate more sustainable practices and materials into their work, salvaged materials offer a great mix of financial, environmental, and esthetic benefits. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →