Then, meet Chicago natives Gregg Wilson and John Maienga, whose Santa Barbara, Calif., 1940s ranch-style house emphasizes the connection between the home and its beautiful natural environment.

Tour Tim and Nancy Corwin's North Dakota home, which was made from salvaged stone and has cathedral ceilings, exposed dark wood beams and white-washed walls.

Finally, see how Lynn Guildred altered her Beaver Creek, Colo. vacation home to fit her family's casual and intimate style with the help of the designer Carrie Casey.

Portland Heights Facts:

• The average price for a home in Portland, Ore. is $165,700. Most residences in northwest Portland start at $200,000.

• In order to avoid wall rot, when using synthetic stucco, make sure that water drainage is adequate.

• Textured or stone tile creates a more casual feel in the home, while glossy or marbleized finished tiles are more formal.

• When burning firewood, use only well-seasoned hardwoods such as oak, maple, ash, and hickory.

• Chimneys should be checked yearly. Install a cap to protect the top from blockage.

Resources

AEC Resource Directory - The City of Portland
www.nwbuildnet.com
Resource Directory for architecture, engineering and construction services in Portland. Includes links to news, weather and housing information.

HPBA (Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association)
http://hpba.org
Guide to wood burning, the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association.

The Patterns of Home: The Ten Essentials of Enduring Design
by Max Jacobson, Murray Silverstein, Barbara Winslow

Seascape Facts:

• Some characteristics of ranch homes are one-story, pitched-roof construction, built-in garages, wood or brick exterior walls, sliding and picture windows and sliding doors to patios.

• The colors in the house are inspired by the California landscape painters known as The OAK (open air klub) Group.

• Yellow has been known to evoke optimism, cheerfulness and stimulate the mind. Pastel colors reflect more light and expand the feeling of a room's size.

Resources

Ranch House Style
by Katherine Ann Samon (to be published Feb. 25, 2003)

The Oak Group
www.theoakgroup.org
Painters for Preservation

Color Solutions
by the editors of Better Homes and Gardens

Country Retreat Facts:

• Manufactured, cultured stones cost half the price of real stones, which cost approximately $25 per square foot.

• Mexican tile from Saltillo, Mexico is also called Saltillo tile, and is made by hand from clay.

• Water damage to dark woods can often be repaired visually with brown shoe polish.

Resources

The Art of the Stonemason
by Ian Cramb

Mexican Tiles: Color, Style, Design
By Masako Takahashi

Wood Stain Repair
http://members.tripod.com
How to Repair Stains and Scratches on Wood Furniture and Floors

Vacation Home Facts:

• Antlers can be found in the wild; they are naturally shed by deer, elk and moose.

• When buying Turkish rugs, check the structure and ask what materials, dyes and fibers were used.

• Rustic accents include rusted items. To avoid further corrosion, apply a clear-coat seal.

Resources

Rustic Style
by Ralph Kylloe

Oriental Rugs: A Buyer’s Guide
by Lee Allane