One of the most common types of remodels done in older Portland neighborhoods is the renovation of the attic (or “upstairs”). People back in the early part of the 20th century must have been more athletic than us today, because usually going up the “stairs,” alluded to by the word “upstairs,” was more like climbing a ladder while ducking to clear low headroom and carrying an armload of daily laundry, or other detritus. Some of those goofy Japanese TV ninja-style course competitions pale... more

Ask designers Rhonda Knoche and Anne De Wolf about kitchen trends, and you’ll get at least a moment’s hesitation before they reply. That almost imperceptible moment of silence has nothing to do with their knowledge. Both can readily answer questions about kitchens from floor to ceiling, including historic design, structure, appliance features, efficiency, and ecology, but trends — well, both prefer to make things a bit more personal. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

Tile has been around for thousands of years. That’s one reason why the form appeals to Jason Coleman, who owns and operates Stardust Glass with his wife, Megan Coleman. “I love the fact that people have been making tile for one purpose or another since the dawn of time,” says Jason. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

Homeowners have countless choices when it comes to fixing their floors. One option is to re-sand and re-stain an existing wood floor. If that won’t do, it’s possible to tear out the old floor and start anew, using new or reclaimed wood products or environmentally friendly materials like cork or linoleum. In some cases, setting a new floor over an old is the best option, especially if the existing floor — for example, vintage linoleum — contains asbestos. A licensed contractor can help you... more

For three days in November 2007, over 900 vendors of green and sustainable building materials and services converged on Chicago’s McCormick Place. According to the US Green Building Council’s website (www.greenbuildexpo.com), the “USGBC’s Greenbuild Conference and Expo was an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other green building peers, industry experts, and influential leaders as they shared insights on the green building movement and its diverse specialties.” Many new products... more

In the last issue of Northwest Renovation I wrote about visiting some of the best-known Arts and Crafts buildings in England. In this issue I will continue this architectural journey into Scotland and look at some early 20th century buildings designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his Glasgow cohorts. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

A door defines a room, as entry and exit; it is both introduction and conclusion to a space. A door exists for purposes of privacy, sound insulation, heat, and airflow. Doors lead us to new discoveries and are integral to the “flow” of a home. The perfect door can be an elegant way to express the unique personality of your home. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

What does it mean to re-build green? As with any other home improvement project, the answer comes down to the scope of work and budget. The material choice is where you get to decide how “green” is your garden, or in this case, the kitchen, bath, or other living spaces. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →