Kevin Ryan is a problem solver, which is a very good thing to be when building a new home. Being Ryan’s first time out with the intricacies of permitting, building and achieving the desired look with the correct materials in the available space, this was a deep-end-of-the-pool experience. Fortunately, Ryan — an engineer — enjoys […]
craftsmanship
Octopus Studios — Creating Custom Designs
In a world where products are predominately cookie-cutter and mass-produced in factories, creative individuals offer fresh perspective, artistic lenses and a sense of beauty. Gary Barber of Octopus Studios is one of those individuals. He uses his creativity in his stained glass work to provide beautiful and original pieces to his customers. “I’ve got a […]
Master Woodworker Hugh Montgomery — The Touch to Transform Any Home
Hugh Montgomery, a custom furniture and cabinetry maker, sits in a small office, just off his noisy shop on Bainbridge Island, and tries to explain what he does. “I like to work with my hands,” says the 58-year-old carpenter. “I like to make things and build things. … My business is what I like to […]
A Vinland Midcentury-Modern Home Spreads Its Wings
Three years ago, Jeff and Ann Granlee were looking for waterfront. Fortunately, word of mouth and a real estate agent who kept her ears open lead them to a pretty piece of Hood Canal shoreline just south of Vinland Bay in North Kitsap. The property included a home that had begun as a cabin in […]
Design Trends in 2023
Every year, we gather our panel of design experts to discuss some of the hottest design trends. In 2023, expect to see natural-looking finishes, natural materials like wood, and more recycled and upcycled choices for the environmentally conscious. Comfort is the key for families. A “must have” is gathering areas, where you can meet and […]
Your Walls Are an Open Canvas
When you think of your walls as a canvas, there are a multitude of ways to enhance the look and feel of any room. As with most projects, you need to consider some initial criteria: Now that we have defined the four basic criteria for determining how you approach your project, you can consider the […]
How to Install Bathroom Tile Like a Pro
Updating the flooring can help infuse new life into tired, outdated bathrooms. For an upscale, polished look that doesn’t have to break the bank, consider installing tile flooring. Before you get started, you’ll want to make some decisions about the look and feel of your flooring: Ceramic or stone? Weigh factors such as how porous […]
A Gingerbread House You Can Actually Eat
Everyone knows the story of Hansel and Gretel, the German fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. Abandoned in the forest, the children came upon a house made of gingerbread and other sweet delights, but owned by a wicked cannibalistic witch. The witch intended to fatten up Hansel and eat him, but Gretel pushed the witch into […]
Holiday Decorating
In this article, I offer you my inspiration to decorate for Christmas as you allow your garden to rest. A few ideas: It’s time to dress your home and garden with all the available natural materials. I’ve collected bird nests, cones, moss, ivy from the forests, dried hops from my garden and twigs from the […]

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