Have you ever bought furniture online? Many retailers sell furniture through websites or operate web-only stores, but shopping for furniture online requires different considerations than typical e-commerce purchases. Beyond choosing the right piece, you must choose the right retailer—one that provides the services and customer care necessary to ensure you receive the product you expect … Read more

Most homeowners rarely examine the exterior of their house closely. Because you see it every day, you stop really noticing it. A color fades, a trim chip appears, or a feature begins to look dated. At first it registers; then it fades into the background. Life goes on, and the front of the house simply … Read more

Even in an age of screens and digital tools, there’s an irreplaceable pleasure in putting pen to paper—sketching ideas, solving equations, or jotting quick reminders in a pocket-sized notebook. Field Notes has become synonymous with that tactile experience, producing beautifully designed memo books that thousands of people carry daily. I’ve long admired designer Aaron Draplin, … Read more

Autumn is approaching, and with it comes one of the busiest moving seasons of the year. Whether you’re heading off to college, making room for a growing family, or downsizing after the kids have left, packing and moving remain some of the most stressful parts of major life transitions. Below are practical, sensible strategies to … Read more

Jonathan Adler has become a self-made icon in the world of design. He began his career as a potter and soon expanded his talent into home furnishings and décor. Known for his vibrant use of color and witty sensibility, Adler’s collaboration with KOHLER—KOHLER Colors featuring Jonathan Adler—was a natural extension of his work. Adler’s well-known … Read more

I’ve been an AT&T wireless customer since the first iPhone, and I recently learned that the company now offers home security and automation through AT&T Digital Life. Launched last year, Digital Life is available in 63 markets, and many AT&T retail stores have in-store displays that demonstrate how the system works. During a visit to … Read more

Shopping at IKEA can be a love-hate experience: their designs are stylish and prices are hard to beat, but sometimes the furniture feels less sturdy than expected and the shopping trip can turn into a long, tiring task. It isn’t necessarily IKEA’s fault—its popularity means crowded aisles, long waits for staff to bring out products, … Read more

If you spend enough time building and repairing things in your garage, you eventually reach a point where wood, standard fasteners, and off-the-shelf hardware no longer meet your needs. In any trade or serious hobby there’s a “hard way to easy way” cycle: once basic materials limit your results, you move on to stronger, more … Read more

Building a picnic table is one of the most satisfying ways to enjoy warm weather and outdoor meals. Dining outside instantly elevates even simple meals, and a well-built picnic table makes your backyard a welcoming place for gatherings and relaxation. If you want a durable, attractive table without buying one, a DIY picnic table is … Read more

Ever feel like your house is working against you? Whether it’s a mysterious leak in the ceiling or a washing machine that swallows socks, home life shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. Especially in rainy cities like Portland, where weather tests everything from your mood to your roof, your home should be a refuge—not a … Read more