“Our goal was to re-create a functional family cottage in this historic beach community. We designed a clean and simple Craftsman-style home with room for family to gather and relax. Cedar shingles and wood decks honor the traditional summer cottages all around, while a modern, clean interior offers a timeless look and feel.” 

—Paul Leddy, Leddy Build Design

“Walking into this space for the first time, we saw so much potential. By elongating the kitchen and island, it became more family friendly. We went for a modern farmhouse look in neutral colors to speak to the style of the house while also bringing it into the twenty-first century.” 

—Kim Connell, Arcadia Kitchen & Bath

Builder & Designer: Arcadia Kitchen & Bath
Art: That’s the Point by Annie Darling, mixed media and oil on panel, 40” x 36”, Portland Art Gallery
Backsplash: WOW
Cabinetry: Bridgewood Cabinetry
Countertops: Discover Surfaces
Door & Drawer Hardware: Top Knobs

“The Stone Sphere represents wholeness, completeness, and peace, and the precision of Dan’s work speaks to integrity and craftsmanship. Even though it is created in stone, the sculpture sparks instant curiosity as it conveys a sense of weightlessness.” 

—Ted Carter, Ted Carter Inspired Landscapes

Landscape Designer & Contractor: Ted Carter Inspired Landscapes
Art: Stone Sphere by Dan Morales-Walsh of Maine Stone Scapes, New England granite, 5’ x 5’ x 5’

“One significant aspect of the design philosophy was the choice of materials. Collaborating closely with the clients, we decided to incorporate board-formed concrete, a unique material seldom seen in Maine. This decision not only added character to the pavilion but also established a visual boundary with the neighboring property, using a long concrete wall as a distinctive feature. This wall served as a reference point for the entire project, allowing us to align and cantilever the roof to create a covered outdoor dining area with uninterrupted views of Casco Bay.” 

—Caleb Johnson, Woodhull

Architect & Builder: Woodhull
Design Team: Caleb Johnson, principal; Bud Angst, project manager; Stacey Woodworth, architect
Build Team: Vince DiYenno, construction project manager; Maslen Flett, site superintendent
Art: (from left) Cliff Walk and Tide Coming In, both by Karen Blair, mixed media on canvas, 48” x 44”, Portland Art Gallery
Structural Engineering: Trillium Engineering Group
Lighting: Reflex Lighting Group
Windows: Loewen Windows

“This sunporch, just off the main kitchen, looks out on Richmond and Ram Islands and is entirely open on one side to the outdoors. It’s a perfect retreat for reading, painting, lounging, or socializing out of the sun or wind while still taking in the fresh air. The clients are longtime fans of Sister Parish fabrics and were happy to have their favorite patterns—Burma, Burmese, and Mahalo—in a performance fabric made for this exact setting. The recently refreshed outdoor sitting area was calling for a fun piece of art to complement the summer blue fabrics and view. We found just the piece from Bibby Gignilliat.” 

—Bronwyn Huffard, Huffard House

Interior Designer: Huffard House
Art: Octopus Teacher by Bibby Gignilliat, acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 40” x 40”, Portland Art Gallery
Upholstery & Pillows: fabric by Sister Parish Design; fabrication by Marion Scharoun Custom Sewing 
Coffee Table: JANUS et Cie

“Painter Christopher O’Connell draws inspiration from serene nature walks and the shifting seasons of Maine’s landscape. Deviating from the conventional stone veneer fireplace, the art’s coastal subject matter effortlessly integrates the essence of stone into the subtle plaster fireplace surround inside this bright new residence nestled near Goose Rocks Beach.” 

—Jessica Jolin, Mobile Studio Design 

Architect & Interior Designer: Mobile Studio Design
Art: Coastal Waters No. 17 by Christopher O’Connor, acrylic on canvas, 36” x 36”, Portland Art Gallery
Builder: Bowley Builders
Ceramics: Kylie Smithline
Fireplace: Maine Stove and Chimney 
Furniture: Chilton Furniture

“A century-old, southern Maine cottage in need of repair has been transformed into a shingle-style, multigenerational family residence by architect Joe Waltman. The landscape design includes a 75-foot lap pool with cascading steps, a spacious shallow end for lounging and leisurely dips, and a salvaged granite quarry tailing that serves as a diving rock. The front yard incorporates a custom boulder firepit surrounded by robust colonies of native plants that nourish pollinators and provide strong multiseasonal color. Granite planking connects the buildings, subtly guiding guests through outdoor spaces. Evergreen and deciduous screen plantings provide privacy while creating a habitat for migrating bird species. The property serves as proof that residential landscape design can deliver on a wide range of programmatic demands while creating beautiful, sustainable, and environmentally responsible gardens.” 

—Matthew Cunningham, Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design

Landscape Architect: Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design
Art: Atalanta by Andreas von Huene, bronze on gabbro, 9” x 7½” x 10” (on table at left); The Lyricist by David Moser, solid bronze, 12” x 33” x 19½” (on diving board); both from Portland Art Gallery 
Landscape Contractor: Gnome Landscape, Design, Masonry & Maintenance
Swimming Pool & Spa: SSG Pools

“This space was so fun to remodel. We worked hard to make the kitchen feel updated but fit into this established home. The owner is a great cook and spends a lot of time in the kitchen, so I wanted to make sure that her time here was enjoyable. The goal was a beautiful space that also functions well, and the feedback from her has been, ‘goal met!’ Working with Vining’s Custom Cabinets, we were able to customize every single aspect of the cabinets. The result is a one-of-a-kind kitchen. A truly unique space!” 

—Jill Crosby, Rangeley Building & Remodeling 

Architectural & Interior Designer: Jill Crosby
Art: Millbrook #3 by Philip Barter, acrylic on panel, 40” x 30”, Portland Art Gallery
Builder: Rangeley Building & Remodeling
Cabinetry: Vining’s Custom Cabinets
Cabinet Hardware: Rejuvenation
Countertops: Morningstar Stone & Tile
Fixtures: Watermark Designs
Backsplash Tile: Pratt & Larson
Floor Tile: Sant’Agostino Terre Nuove
Lighting: Pottery Barn
Windows & Doors: Andersen

“We took full advantage of the height that we had to build the new home on the property, essentially making a ‘glass box’ for the living space. When within the space, you feel like you’re on a boat because you’re surrounded by water, especially at high tide.” 

—Kevin Browne, Kevin Browne Architecture

Architect: Kevin Browne, Kevin Browne Architecture
Art: Mattina by Dietlind Vander Schaaf, encaustic, oil, and 23-karat gold leaf on panel, 30” x 40”, Portland Art Gallery
Builder: Wright-Ryan Construction
Countertops: Morningstar Stone & Tile
Fireplace: Cornerstone Masonry
Floors: ED Bessey & Son
Furniture: Verellen (living room sofa, chairs, and coffee table); Federer (sofa throw); Ralph Lauren (dining table); Heller Furniture (dining chairs)
Lighting: Ralph Lauren (dining room chandelier); Kelly Wearstler (wall sconces)
Rugs: Armadillo
Windows: Marvin

“This project was a symbiotic collaboration among the owner, architect, and timber framer. What I love about this frame is that, even though it is complex in design, it features simple, clean, and elegant lines—and we executed it perfectly! Plus, the owner’s finishing details really bring out the artistry of this distinctive home.” 

—Brian Rouleau, Rulo Timberworks

Timber Frame Builder: Rulo Timberworks
Architect: Dickinson Architects
Art: River Meditation by Jane Dahmen, acrylic on canvas, 40” x 40”, Portland Art Gallery
Finish Carpentry: Cornerstone Carpentry & Consulting
General Contractor & Owner: Chip Orcutt
Railings & Stairs: Modern Edge Metal Fabrication

“Pairing Windsor Chairmakers’ traditional furniture with these two contemporary landscapes demonstrates the timeless appeal of our designs. Everything we make is handmade to order and created to fill our customers’ needs and desires. Our classic, high-quality furniture never goes out of style, which makes it an ideal fit for any home environment.” 

—Mike Timchak, Windsor Chairmakers

“This project was all about beauty balancing function. The building was an old rural post office recently brought back to life as a summer residence. The kitchen renovation required period-sensitive elements such as beaded face frames, brass butt hinges, and porcelain knobs. The goal was to retain the classic and timeless character while adding function and storage.” 

—Rick Sawyer, Blue Hill Cabinet & Woodwork

Cabinetry & Interior Designer: Blue Hill Cabinet & Woodwork
Art: Sunny Sunday by Liz Hoag, acrylic on canvas, 30” x 20”, Elizabeth Moss Galleries
Builder: Poole Construction
Countertops: Dennis J. King Masonry

“Art as the Driver. We call it the ‘driver’—a textile pattern, a beloved rug, or a fantastic piece of art selected to be the ‘informant’ on every project—the piece that will drive the project’s color palette and the mood. We were faced with a large blank wall when we were asked to turn this waterfront living room into a ladies’ sitting room. We were so delighted when our client agreed to relocate the Alex Katz piece from her stair hall so it could be appreciated front and center in her updated sitting room. We love the abstract, seductive nature of this mysterious woman donning her sun bonnet.” 

—Linda Banks, Banks Design Associates/SIMPLY HOME

Interior Designers: Linda Banks, ASID; and Edith Smith
Art: Ada (Beach Hat) by Alex Katz, 2000, oil on linen, homeowners’ collection (© 2023 Alex Katz / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society, NY) 
Furnishings, Window Treatments & Accessories: SIMPLY HOME
Sofa: Bristol in Performance Fabric by SIMPLY HOME
Wallcovering: Thibaut (discontinued pattern)