Oregonians are pioneers. And our state’s eclectic architectural style reflects an adventurous spirit, with everything from majestic Victorians to Craftsman Foursquares gracing our cities.

Tucked against a hillside in the Rogue Valley, a unique guesthouse inspires the kind of tranquil activities you might expect from a rural getaway — watching a deer bound over a nearby ridge, observing the sunset on vineyards from an outdoor hot tub, picking wild blackberries or listening to cows bay.

The kitchen is the hub of a home. It’s where our mornings begin and our workdays end. It’s where we cook, eat and spend time with our families over dinner. But a kitchen is much more than just a place to prepare a meal; it’s the social pulse of a household.

When is it time to bring in professional designers? The Prewetts, who own a cozy home in Southwest Portland, were not initially convinced they should take such action when tasked with remodeling their living and dining rooms. But after considering taking on the project themselves, they quickly realized they could use professional help.

When Beverly Vogt moved into her 50s Ranch home in the southwest Portland Raleigh Hills neighbor- hood in 1972, she wanted to renovate the original galley kitchen that featured fluorescent tube lights and darkly stained, plywood cabinets, as soon as possible. Still, for well over the next three decades, Vogt cooked in the dim, cramped space.

Donna knew she needed more storage, more electric plugs and more light. But she also wanted the kitchen to feel like it belonged.

A decade after an architecturally sensitive renovation, this classic cottage still retains its charm.

An architect’s stunning design blurs indoor and outdoor space, but poses many challenges for the artful builder.

When it comes to energy efficiency, it’s the attention to detail that separates the pale green from the emerald green projects. Marc Hoffman was looking for an emerald green solution. That’s why he wanted Ed Hesse and his firm, Mac-Bo, on the project when he went in search of his dream home.

This scenario might as well be the plot for a kitchen-themed Hollywood comedy: Twin sisters Jackie and Kathie have the same design-build firm remodel their kitchens, but — as much as they like to emphasize their individuality — they each make many of the same design choices in the process.