With vintage houses and buildings, the hardware and lighting are architectural “jewelry.” In any renovation or restoration, attention to detail is crucial to a successful outcome. And among the many details, matching the style of hardware to the period of the architecture is critical. Actually, any changes to a vintage or historic house or building need to be considered with regard to what is right for the period of the architecture and the individual building. Mid-Century Modern Sputnik... more

Anyone with an interest in historic architecture will find Newport, RI, among the most interesting cities in America to visit. I was there for the first time this October, taking an all-day side trip from the Boston area. I will return again, as one single day was not enough time to take in all the city’s architectural treasures. I will share with you, good readers of Northwest Renovation magazine, some of the things that I saw and learned in my one day in this remarkable city. The Breakers,... more

If you live in North Portland you now have your own vintage house parts business. Salvage Works is located in the historic North Portland Kenton neighborhood, and offers a wide array of reclaimed vintage architectural salvaged house parts. Salvage Works also offers handmade custom furniture and collectables and hosts shows by local furniture makers and artists as part of Kenton’s Third Thursday Art Walk. Owned by finish carpenter and furniture maker Preston Browning. Browning moved to Portland... more

The new EPA lead paint removal rules starting this April 22 will probably have a big impact on how contractors deal with lead-based paints. Contractors will be responsible for containing and cleaning lead dust during remodels and renovations. Certification for contractors will be required and done by the EPA. Although these rules do not apply to homeowners unless they use paid help for the removal, the health risk is there for them too. Homeowners should take the same precautions when disturbing... more

The American builders’ hardware industry has produced an endless array of architectural hardware over the years.  These are the light fixtures, door hinges, and door escutcheons, and of course the doorknobs that allow us to enter and leave our homes as we please. Over the past century and a half, companies ranging from small regional lock makers to family companies that grew into well-known national corporations changed lighting and hardware technology forever and designed some of the most... more

The new kid on the block Old Portland Hardware & Architectural is making friends fast with quality house parts from Portland and other parts of the country. Northwest Renovation decided to pay them a visit and ask owner Bret Hodgert a few questions. We explored the showroom, finding many one-of-a-kind architectural gems and replacement hardware. Also new to the neighborhood is Portland Vintage Plumbing, owned by Brenda Wasco. Her shop is nestled in OPH&A, selling new, vintage reproduction... 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

Several times a month we have customers through the shop with a common frustration. Somewhere in their old home they have a new door or doors with modern hardware. They want to replace the modern hardware with something keeping with the age of the home, but have found that old hardware seems to be incompatible with the newer door. We hear the same lament from owners of newer houses that are trying to add some “old world” character to their home. Left; mortise lock, above; tube latch and square... more