Terry and Sue Minshull built their home in 1964 for $19,000. It was a stretch for the young couple, who weren’t sure they could keep up with the $102 monthly mortgage payments. Forty-nine years later, they’re still happy with their decision. Sue says, “Sometimes I think about buying another home, but…

Veronica is a large genus of herbacious perennials that has something for everyone multiple flower colors, multiple foliage textures and a variety of forms. Whether you need an upright accent in cool white or a durable, evergreen ground cover, Veronica, or speedwell, may be just the ticket.

I grew up in homes with wall-to-wall carpeting and didn’t know the beauty of a hardwood floor until my late 20s. Moving into a newly built condo in the heart of downtown, I was faced with what seemed like acres of gleaming wood floor. I loved the coolness under my feet and how streamlined everything…

The bookcase is one of my favorite pieces of furniture. It’s a functional way to display books, pottery and small collections, and its height adds visual interest to a space. Today, bookcases are designed in many fresh styles, interesting shapes and innovative materials. There is bound to be one perfect…

If I hadn’t become an architect, I surely would have become a car designer. These two objects, homes and cars, are by far the most wonderful expressions of aesthetics and function. While a house needs to provide shelter and a car needs to transport us, both can go well beyond these simple, mundane…

Chris McCormick bought this north Portland home in his bachelor days and did some structural work to fix it up. When he married Jennifer four years ago, it was time for a new phase of remodeling and redecorating. They tore up the carpet, refinished the hardwood floors, painted every room (twice), spruced…

I start to crave nature like a kid craves candy in spring. I think we’re all ready to start spending some time with the brighter side of nature. For those of us still stuck inside thanks to dreary weather, the natural materials and nature-inspired forms of these pieces can help jump-start spring in the…

Brown is generally thought of as a masculine color that promotes feelings of strength and stability. It is also said to symbolize reliability and approachability. This practical color is produced by mixing red, yellow and blue. The softer, honeyed browns are warm and cozy, while the deep red-browns…

Who doesn’t love the Italians? So cool, so well dressed, so much dolce vita. Their homes are no different. They too appear effortlessly stylish and individual. But look closely and you’ll see that there are certain rules that Italian homes usually follow. Just about every Italian home focuses…

Paraphrasing Benjamin Franklin, wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy. Regardless of your belief in a higher power, opening an easy-drinking red is as close to heaven as some of us get here on Earth. So it’s not surprising that a growing trend in home design and planning…

Houzzers, we made the call and you answered, showing us the dramatic difference you’ve made in your homes with paint. Today we’re looking at how paint has changed your rooms, from the kitchen to the bedroom, from the living room to the laundry room. We have only so much room here, but to see all of the…