While they've been popular since the 80s, high barstools in kitchens are being ditched by interior designers for stools of a more practical height.

Q. In planning the remodeling of our kitchen, it occurs to me that the countertops need not be of standard height. I am 5 feet 5 inches tall, and everyone else in the family is also of average height.

Dear Gail: I’m reconfiguring my island as it’s just too big. I currently have a raised bar area that I want to keep and adding a lower countertop area for my grandchildren. Right now I’m able to get ...

Haley Mast is a freelance writer, fact-checker, and small organic farmer in the Columbia River Gorge. She enjoys gardening, reporting on environmental topics, and spending her time outside ...