Summer is my season to spend afternoons in the garden (when my schedule allows) and really get my hands dirty. I find it both relaxing and rewarding. As many of you know, we are also in the process of downsizing and I often wonder what my next – inevitably smaller – outdoor space will be […]
Boring Boathouse turned Nautical Guest Cottage
Summer is finally here, so when I found this fabulous Boathouse makeover over on Remodelista, I had to share with you. Look at how Seattle-based architects, Bosworth Hoedemaker, converted this rather dull, concrete boathouse into a stunning yet simple guest cottage. Doesn’t look like much from the outside but open up those doors…Front row seats […]
I’m dreaming of a dacha…
Happy Friday! So…ever heard of a dacha? Well, neither had I until I came across a story in Food & Wine magazine. A dacha is a Russian summer cottage and they are widely seen through out the country. Most of these homes were built during the Soviet era and had size restrictions – a majority […]
Bikes and Sunshine – the perfect pair
The last couple of days here in Portland have been absolutely gorgeous! Sunny with a light breeze – it’s the prefect conditions for a spin on the bike! Cyclists are always seen in Portland but as the rain begins to stop, more and more people hit the streets on their bikes – including me! While […]
Pdx Events: “Home for a Lifetime” Fair
As many of you know Aging in Place is a big focus of my work (see definition below) and having this knowledge truly helps my clients make their lifestyle one that will last! Aging in place refers to living where you have lived for years, typically not in a health care environment, using products, services, […]
Bring your Antiques!
Just because you are downsizing doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your favorite antique pieces! With a little creative thinking and good space planning those beloved hutches, chests, secretaries and bookcases can come along with you. They often provide ample storage, which is key in a downsized home and they almost certainly hold […]
Pre-fab it : Logical homes
Green building, as you know is something I love. Recycled, re-purposed, re-used, I can’t get enough! So, when I found this fantastic California based, green, pre-fab home company – Logical Homes, I had to share some of their plans with you. Sleek and modern, they pride themselves on filling their structures with light, clean lines […]
Planning for The Next Great Migration
Heavy title, I know…but it’s something cities like Portland, has to consider. I’m biased but the fact is our city is incredibly beautiful, rich in resources and available land. We can count on an influx of our population in the future and people will continue to flock to the Great Northwest – SO – how […]
Poetic Downsizing
It’s been a whirlwind of activity with four pending sales in one week, which is fantastic but also exhausting. A trip to my beach house was exactly what I needed. Some downtime. A day or two to rest. Thinking that my weekend would be a rainy one, I had plans to do some creative projects […]
What makes a great place to live?
image via KDA Developement What makes a great place to live? It’s a good question right? I was recently listening to webinar on AARP about this very topic. Click here for the webinar handout full of good resources! Certain ingredients are needed to create a truly wonderful place to reside and walkable communities rank among […]