The garden of Gretchen Lee is filled with delights for the senses. It exudes peacefulness in many areas but also includes raucous, gleeful rampages of colorful plants in others. She has created garden rooms throughout the landscaping surrounding her home in Hansville. When … read more

With the beautiful weather upon us, we have the chance now to spend more time outside with friends and family enjoying our beautiful surroundings. Here are a few ideas for getting your spaces looking their best. If you have an existing patio or … read more

Sleep is a hot topic these days, as demonstrated by the popularity of books such as Arianna Huffington’s “The Sleep Revolution,” topping bestseller lists throughout the United States. Many sleep experts agree that a good night’s sleep starts from the bottom up with … read more

According to New York Times best-selling cookbook author Jamie Purviance, one of the top trends in barbecue today is a movement toward more individual expression. “It used to be that barbecue styles were determined by regions, but in our internet-connect, melting-pot nation, those … read more

This year’s Design and Construction Week, hosted in Las Vegas in January, did not disappoint. Comprised of four distinct shows — the International Builders Show, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, the International Window Coverings Expo and the International Surface Event — it … read more

Look in any magazine that features kitchens and baths and you may notice that 90 percent of the rooms show inset cabinetry. Many people don’t notice the difference but they comment that is looks very sleek. So what are inset cabinets? Inset cabinetry … read more

The first thing that jumps at you when you see Susie “Sooz” Mansueto’s tiny wood dwellings is the whimsy — bright, lovely designs that instantly put a smile on your face. But pause to study them, and you realize there’s something much deeper … read more

Orange is a real monster — not intentionally, but a color that can sneak up oh, so slowly and not be the pillow-pal one might have expected. “Confrontational” may be a more appropriate word. It is a love-or-hate color that balances on interpretation. … read more

The temperate weather of Western Washington and the long growing season create a gardener’s paradise. This year, due to unusually warm temperatures, I have found myself out in the garden early, visiting with my plant friends that have lain dormant all winter. I … read more