Expert Advice

Lessons from the Louvre

Ask a Lighting Pro

If you’ve invested in a beautiful piece of art, you want to display it in the best possible light. Here are examples from our store of Tech Lighting’s Georgi lamp mounted on track and “monopoint” canopies.

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Portland living room

Get Off the Hot Seat

Green Living

Six years ago, Ross and Christine Endicott stopped selling furniture containing toxic chemicals; now the state is following their lead. In August, Maine became the first state in the nation to ban the use of flame-retardant chemicals in residential upholstered furniture. By wide margins in both the House and Senate, state legislators rejected chemical-industry lobbyists’ […]

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InLawUnit

Is an In-Law Unit Right for Your Property?

Partner Post: Houzz

They can alleviate suburban sprawl, add rental income for homeowners, create affordable housing, and much more. Most urban and suburban lots are governed by zoning ordinances, laws that (among other things) restrict the number of dwellings allowed on a given lot. A dwelling is technically defined as a place for habitation that contains cooking, sleeping, […]

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Leak-Proof Your Chimney

Partner Post: Maine Preservation

In a monthly column, Christopher W. Closs, an expert with Maine Preservation, answers your questions about maintaining antique and vintage homes. Q: How can I prevent water from getting into my house through the chimney? – Peggy Gierhan, Auburn A: Historically, when fireplaces were used on a daily basis for cooking, rain was absorbed into […]

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Pink Offices

Rethinking Pink

Sponsored Content: Penelope Daborn Limited

For a room of your own, or a shared space, today’s rosy shades are just right. In 1918, the trade publication Earnshaw’s Infants’ Department published an article stating, “The generally accepted rule is pink for the boys, and blue for the girls.” The rationale: pink was “a more decided and stronger color,” while “delicate and dainty” blue […]

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Home with Marvin Windows

Take the Pain Out of Replacing Your Windows

Advertisement: EBS Building Supplies

As the autumn chill arrives, it’s a reminder that there are many reasons to replace your windows and doors, and energy efficiency is often at the top of the list. While the investment can be significant, your family will feel the added warmth and comfort now, plus you’ll reap the financial benefits in years to […]

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Task lights

Tips (and Task Lights) for Aging Eyes

Ask a Lighting Pro

Q: As I get older, I’m finding it harder to see when I read or do other simple tasks in my home, even with my glasses on. Can you suggest some lighting improvements that might help?

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Modern Maine Kitchen

5 Trends with Staying Power

Home Decorating Guide

Brass, navy, marble, and more — interior designer Heidi Lachapelle explains how to incorporate today’s top décor elements into your home. Two years ago, designer Heidi Lachapelle’s quest for a matte brass faucet for her kitchen island took her to a specialty robinetterie store in Montreal. To her dismay, the only available model at the […]

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Safford House, Portland, Maine

10 Steps to a Tighter Home

Partner Post: Maine Preservation

In a monthly column, Christopher W. Closs, an expert with Maine Preservation, answers your questions about maintaining antique and vintage homes. Q: What are some practical ways to make my 1911 home more energy efficient? – B. Randall, Portland As the temperature drops and the threat of higher energy prices looms large, this is an […]

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Marvin Ultimate Lift-and-Slide Door

What Do Architects Recommend for a New Interior Look?

Advertisement: Marvin Design Gallery by Eldredge Lumber

What interior finish is a current spin on a classic look, both traditional and contemporary? What color can replicate the feeling of a European metal window, as well as a painted Colonial sash, while giving it a modern interpretation? According to Maine architects, black interior finishes are a trend to watch — and incorporate into […]

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