High school sweethearts Mark and Gail Westin enjoy the views of both the snow-capped Olympics and the waters of Hood Canal from the oversized windows of their forever home. Having recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary, they describe the contentment they feel in … read more

At the end of March, birds hunt for suitable nesting sites to raise their brood. It is the time of year to clean out the birdhouses and make them livable, or erect new ones for the next bird couple. Until humans decided to … read more

A few tweaks of your home décor can have a huge impact. Your friends will think you’ve freshly redecorated, when in fact, you made just a few well chosen changes. Here are the easiest ways to achieve a new look. 1. Remove Clutter … read more

One Saturday each February, excitement builds as the line outside the Gig Harbor Boys & Girls Club lengthens and eager shoppers wait for the doors to finally open. At 11 a.m. sharp, the anxious crowd floods into the room and patrons scurry between … read more

After dealing with the how and why of buying a building in a vacant, dank-smelling city, I moved in and art in Bremerton sprang like a million destined rockets to the moon. On May 1, 1991, the Amy Burnett Gallery and several other … read more

Inspiration is the process of being emotionally stimulated to experience something that influences and encourages: an impulse, a motivator; the vital stroke of energy and movement that lifts us up and moves us forward. Turning inspiration into colorful expression almost instantaneously, social media … read more

In 1908, Zenhichi Harui came to Bainbridge Island from Japan and started growing plants and flowers, selling them at a small farm stand. The business grew to include a general store, gas station and gardens that attracted visitors from far and wide. The … read more

A walk through Lisa and Glenn Eastep’s garden makes it clear that creative minds are at work here — from the clipped gables and rolled-edge roof of the cottage-style home they designed to the inviting, arched entry gate and the foliage colors that … read more

Trends in home design for 2018 run the gamut from simple and strong to stunning and dramatic. Just like in fashion trends, there are always hot new colors and styles — and it’s tempting to feel like you need to revitalize your home … read more