The Columbian

A Rope Co. doormat, handmade in Maine by fifth-generation lobstermen ($65-$129, theropeco.com). Rope Co.

The best doormats, according to experts

January 22, 2019, 6:05am Life

Even if you have a no-shoe policy in your house, there will be times when you need to dash inside with your shoes on for one last thing, or times when a handyman or repair person needs to wear work boots indoors. For these situations — and for shoe-on houses… Read story

Nandina Burgundy Wine shows winter color and Pieris Cavatine shows early spring bloom.

Gardening With Allen: These hardy shrubs don’t need pruning

January 22, 2019, 6:04am Clark County Life

I am tired of pruning my overgrown barberry and Spirea shrubs in my front landscape. What would you suggest for replacement shrubs that will stay under 4 feet without pruning and keep their leaves all year round? Read story

A room in Maureen Stevens’ project in the Seaholm district of Austin, Texas. Stevens incorporated a number of chic, provocative elements, such as curvy sofas and shots of bold hues. Carefully curating dynamic accessories, textures, color and furnishings in the space keeps the look tasteful and stylish.

As a counterpoint to minimalism and neutrals, decor takes a playful turn

January 22, 2019, 6:03am Life

Dorothy Draper once said of her decorating projects, “I always put in one controversial item. It makes people talk.” Read story

FILE- In this Oct 2, 2018, file photo a for sale sign stands outside a home on the market in the north Denver suburb of Thornton, Colo. Entry-level homes are hard to find. As a homebuyer, you can broaden your search by considering homes in need of improvement.

Renovation mortgages may be answer for first-time buyers

January 22, 2019, 5:20am Life

It’s the lament of first-time homebuyers in just about every housing market: There aren’t enough entry-level homes available that are move-in ready. Read story

Giant bakery associate Wynnifred Franklin, 94, pulls freshly baked rolls from the bakery racks.

No loafing around: 94-year-old works in bakery

January 19, 2019, 6:00am Life

Meet Wynnifred Franklin, 94, a great-grandmother who’s worked in the bakery of the Giant supermarket in Audubon, Montgomery County, Pa., since 1996. Read story

Lifestyles

The best doormats, according to experts

Gardening With Allen: These hardy shrubs don’t need pruning

As a counterpoint to minimalism and neutrals, decor takes a playful turn

Renovation mortgages may be answer for first-time buyers

No loafing around: 94-year-old works in bakery

You don’t need Marie Kondo to get organized

‘Phone, registration, insurance card’ coming soon?

Allen Wilson: Seven new vegetables selected for award

Poppies do well on frozen ground, melting snow

Small touches create a great master bathroom