Design marketplace MINTED has changed the world of wall murals. Minted’s newest collection of murals is not only adhesive and easy to remove, but it was designed by a community of independent artists. The wall murals come in an array of seascapes, abstracts, and watercolor designs and are customizable to be square, portrait, or landscape format in sizes ranging from 6’ x 18¼’ to 15’ to 12¼’. Each mural is printed on finely woven fabric with a luxe matte appearance that mimics the look of wallpaper. The murals adhere best to smooth surfaces, wood, glass, light textures, and brushed metals, and can be removed as easily as they are installed.

Bob and Aline Strout have begun plans to renovate the OLD LISBON VILLAGE SCHOOL into a five-unit apartment building. With an estimated two years to completion, “This will probably be our biggest remodel job ever,” says Bob Strout. While the interior is worn, the bones of the house are still salvageable. The roof needs to be replaced, and the foundation needs to be stabilized before interior work can begin. The Strouts want to honor the school’s rich history throughout the process, and they intend to keep it “looking a lot like it has since 1893.” A neighbor has even given them a diploma from 1930 to hang in the common area of the building once renovations are complete.

LACHMAN ARCHITECTS has completed a new mixed-use project in the heart of Deering Center Village. 502 DEERING CENTER was purposely created to demonstrate how to grow Maine’s city neighborhoods through traditional small mixed use buildings and housing for middle-income residents. Infill lots, like the one where the structure was built, are often the only remaining places to build in cities. Lachman Architects repurposed the lot, providing a space for residents to live, shop, work, play, rest, and engage. Within the three-story building are two businesses and a live/work studio on the ground floor, and six apartments on the two upper floors. The compact site design features parking spaces at the rear and a village pocket park for public use and enjoyment.

Released in August, the DIXIE PIVOT SCONCE designed by TRACY GLOVER STUDIO is a modern and elegant adjustable sconce that pivots in its backplate, allowing it to direct light exactly where it’s needed. Made to order, the Dixie Pivot Sconce is constructed of five-watt LEDs, handblown glass (seen here in the wrap pattern), and a backplate. The sconce is completely customizable, available in 30 different glass colors, five glass patterns, and nine metal finishes. The backplate can also be customized to have a round or square shape. After graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design, Tracy Glover mastered her craft at Dale Chihuly’s Pilchuck Glass School, where she was mentored by its Venetian maestri-in-residence. Tracy uses traditional Italian techniques in the execution and design of her glassworks.

FLOS ARCHITECTURAL has reimagined track lighting. The minimalistic TRACKING MAGNET EVO has a 48-volt electrical core with adjustable positioning that allows unlimited flexibility to span ceilings and walls. The magnetic track light fixtures can be moved and repositioned as desired without the use of tools. The Tracking Magnet EVO comes in chrome and black finishes, has 0- to 10-volt dimming capabilities, and can be suspended, mounted, or embedded into walls and ceilings. In addition, the Tracking Magnet EVO has both vertical and horizontal track corners to create a seamless transition from ceiling to wall.

European company ECOBIRDY has created their first-ever line of eco-friendly children’s furniture, made with 100 percent recycled plastic from unused toys. During the recycling process the plastic waste is carefully sorted and cleaned. Once formed, the final furniture pieces have a mosaic-like appearance. The sustainable furniture collection consists of Charlie the Chair, Luisa the Table, Rhino the Lamp, and Kiwi the Container, all in a variety of color options. With this collection, ecoBirdy is able to simultaneously raise awareness about sustainability and reduce waste impact on the planet. To accompany the collection, ecoBirdy has created a storybook and school program to teach children about design and to inspire them to create a sustainable future.

In Brunswick, DAVID MATERO is the lead architect for a versatile farm-to-table aquaponics greenhouse that’s currently under construction. CANOPY FARMS will share the new multipurpose center with chef CARA STADLER and CEO CECILE STADLER, owners of Tao Yuan restaurant. Once completed, the building will house a retail shop and cafe, a laundry room, a six-car garage, a commercial kitchen, and a space to grow food and raise fish. KATE HOLCOMB, founder and director of Canopy Farms, says the building is an example of “beauty in functionality.” The goal of the aquaponic greenhouse is to simulate and create an ecosystem: the fish produce waste that fertilizes the plants, which filter the water for the fish in return. Together, Canopy Farms and the Tao Yaun family are on a mission to grow food, create jobs, and support sustainable, year round agriculture in Maine.

A collection of CHARLES and RAY EAMES PINS is available through ACME STUDIOS. Within the collection are three classic Eames designs: the iconic DCW Chair, House Bird, and Dots. With this year marking 40 and 30 years since the passing of Charles and Ray Eames respectively, the collection is a perfect way to remember two of the world’s most influential designers. At just $14 apiece, the pins are affordable pieces of design history that can go anywhere. A Verner Panton Chair pin will be added to the collection in the future. Each pin is made with zinc alloy and handmade cloisonné enamel with a butterfly backing to secure it all.

The ACADIA COLLECTION, the newest line of rugs from ANGELA ADAMS, is lightweight and made with 100 percent polypropylene. The rugs are UV stable, mildew resistant, and durable—ideal for indoor, outdoor, commercial, and residential use. Named for Acadia National Park, the collection reflects “the mineral palette of coastal granite, the warm glow of the sunrise, and the dusky blue hue of coastal fog,” says Adams. “A subtle blend of colors that evoke the natural textures and palette of the Atlantic coastline” can be found throughout the line. All three colors are available at Angela Adams’s Portland showroom.

A former oceanfront residential property in York is being renovated into a residency program for visual artists and writers. The board of directors at SURF POINT FOUNDATION is in the process of establishing program parameters. Surf Point is the former residence of a number of artists—arts patron Mary-Leigh Call Smart, artist Beverly Hallam, and poet May Sarton—and for over 50 years it has been envisioned as a future haven for visual artists and writers. With the dream finally happening, Surf Point will help artists and writers to focus on the creation and completion of significant projects, and to share their artwork with Maine’s public.