We are fortunate to have been in a strong building economy for the last year, and it appears that it will continue for some time. The downside for consumers is the availability of quality contractors and tradespeople. The economic downturn wreaked havoc on … read more

The arrival of an AARP invitation in the mail can be a trigger that sends a person off like the proverbial dog looking for its forever home. It may come as a shock —”What?! I’m nowhere near old enough for retirement!” — but … read more

Stepping into the foyer of Brian and Holly Jacobsen’s home and looking into the great room, one is struck by the amazing light flooding through the massive expanse of windows that face the water. White millwork and a well-chosen monochromatic color scheme of … 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

Lisa Stirrett’s eyes light with excitement when she talks about the holiday season. “I love Christmas. I love when my boys come home,” she says. As long as she can remember, Stirrett helped her mother decorate their home. Even as a small child, … read more

Long, long before word processors, computers, cellphones and inkjet printers were invented, all writing was done by hand. History was recorded by hand. Official documents and books — especially religious texts — were written with handheld pens and often beautifully embellished with richly … read more

An extraordinary love for Christmas was perhaps written in the stars for local Carol Burk, better known as “Christmas Carol,” as even her own December birthday happens during the Christmas season. “Christmas Carol” is also the name of her residential and business tree-decorating … read more

Top designers recognize the elegant beauty of Navajo weavings, which are a quick and easy way to bring a new look into your home that is warm, cozy and tranquil. Authentic Navajo rugs and blankets are handmade with quality wool to last for … read more

Bapatoms is all about home, family, creativity, plasma cutters and a MIG welder. Of course, it is also about metal, lots of metal! The name came from a creative grandchild who couldn’t quite say “Grampa Strom” and substituted “Bapatoms.” With extraordinary energy and … read more