Easy Yard Prep Checklist for Spring
As the days grow longer and the Willamette Valley shifts into full bloom, now’s the time to get your outdoor spaces ready for the season ahead. Whether you’re planning quiet evenings on the patio, summer BBQs, or simply soaking in the view with your morning coffee, a little yard prep goes a long way. Simple ...
Building Community Starts at Home
Why Community Matters A few weeks ago, someone asked us what we meant when we say we don’t just build houses, we build community. At first, it seemed like a simple question. But after thinking it over, I realized—it deserves more than a quick reply. Home Is the Foundation of Connection Maybe a better way ...
Why Multigenerational Homes Are Here to Stay
In nearly four decades of building homes and communities, we have seen a quiet shift grow into something much bigger. Multigenerational living has nearly tripled. I still remember back in high school, when a close friend told me about his grandmother, who lived with their family. She used to tuck “well-cured” tuna fish sandwiches into ...
Planting Your Urban Garden
Fresh Ideas for Oregon Homeowners You don’t need sprawling farmland to enjoy the satisfaction of a homegrown harvest. In places like Salem, Monmouth, and throughout the Mid-Willamette Valley, even a modest patio, balcony, or courtyard can become a vibrant urban garden. With a little planning and creativity, you can bring fresh flavors to your table—no ...
Cottage Clusters
Late last year, we met with a couple who had been searching for a home for over two years. Frustrated by the lack of options that truly suited their needs, they had explored everything—from a houseboat to a tiny home, and even a sprawling 3,300-square-foot McMansion outside of Salem. While their broad search may have ...
Spring Cleaning: Refreshing Your Home Inside and Out
Your Home Spring Cleaning Checklist As the days grow longer and the air fills with the promise of spring, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home and outdoor spaces. Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about resetting your home for the months ahead, making it more functional, beautiful, and enjoyable. Start inside by ...
The Future of Homebuilding & Design Trends of 2025
As we step into 2025, home design trends continue to evolve, shaping the way we build for the future. From energy-efficient solutions to multigenerational living, these shifts reflect changing homeowner priorities and the future of homebuilding. Understanding these trends will help homeowners future-proof their homes for long-term value, comfort, and sustainability. Multigenerational Living The rising ...
Looking Forward—Looking Backward
The Lampost Newsletter from Olsen Communities Timeless architecture isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about purpose, durability and how spaces shape our lives. Whether in a grand public structure or a well-designed home, lasting architecture balances form and function while honoring materials, craftsmanship and the people who inhabit it. As we look back at enduring design principles ...
