“We collaborated with our client to customize the built-ins throughout the entire house, which is a Greek Revival residence by Waltman Architectural Design. Typical to many of our design-build projects, the floor plans reflected a built-in layout without any elevations of what was to be built. Once the framing and drywall were completed, we met with the client on-site and sketched up the elevation within a couple of hours.

“We designed the shelving specifically to fit the layout of the room and its planned use, with an emphasis on accommodating the client’s vintage record collection and turntable. The house was smart-wired throughout, allowing the spinning vinyl to be heard in any room via overhead speakers. We started with the turntable and retro custom radiator and designed cubbies around each, ultimately resulting in a symmetrical layout that was visually pleasing as well as functional.

“Throughout the house, we incorporated 13 Hudson Reed radiators in place of baseboard heating. They come from England, and they’re essentially a modern version of the classic cast-iron radiator. The one we added in the library is anthracite black to match the mood of the room, which is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Spellbound. We also added a small gas Valor fireplace.

“The flooring, which is 2¼-inch rift-cut white oak, was our recommendation. There’s something to be said about narrow hardwood floors that are put in unfinished, sanded, and then have a matte finish applied on-site. To me, it’s much warmer and more authentic than what you find in many homes these days.

“Modern architecture has been popular over the last five to seven years—we’ve seen lots of homes with clean lines and fewer traditional architectural details, both interior and exterior. Although we appreciate the modern style, our goal with this build was to be as true to the Greek Revival farmhouse era as possible. We’ve been building in Maine for 20 years, and we see a revival—no pun intended—of authentic and honestly built New England–style homes. When we hired Joe Waltman to design this house, we were specific about wanting a Greek Revival–style farmhouse vibe. All the components—the trim, the built-ins, the hardwood floors, the paint, the double-hung windows—were done in the spirit of a new build that stays true to how the home would have traditionally been designed in circa-1800s Maine. When you look at just the library itself, it’s an honest reflection of the theme and finish of the entire home.”

—Matt Wogan, principal, Wogan Brothers