In this section, we feature beautiful projects by some of Maine’s top home and design professionals. These spaces, as the photographs show, are works of art in themselves. Each image includes one or more pieces of artwork, almost all by Maine artists, sourced from our excellent local galleries. We looked for pieces that resonated with each project to demonstrate how a work of art can bring out the special qualities of a beautiful home. In some of these spaces, we didn’t need to bring anything in; we simply captured the works that owners had chosen to be part of their homes and their lives. We hope this section will inspire readers to step into local galleries, to spend time with the abundant, diverse art of our state, and to imagine their own walls as frames for beautiful objects.

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“In a kitchen where form meets function, even the art becomes part of the story—a beautiful balance of creativity, craftsmanship, and coastal calm. Designed by Caitlin Tucker and Katie Therrien of Arcadia Kitchen and Bath, every element in this space was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the home’s natural surroundings while delivering timeless elegance. From the custom cabinetry to the serene stone surfaces and the art that now graces the wall, this kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s a curated experience that brings beauty and purpose to everyday living.”

—Kim Connell, owner, Arcadia Kitchen & Bath

Kitchen Designer: Arcadia Kitchen & Bath
AJ Oishi, Foundations 7
Acrylic on canvas, 20” × 20”
Courtesy of KW Contemporary Art

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“This kitchen has a walnut, end-grain butcher-block island top, slate countertops, and lightly stained rift-sawn oak doors with a beveled bead detail. The hardware is antiqued solid-brass butt hinges, pulls, and latches. Simple details put together well can draw the eye and add interest to the character of the style. In this case, the style is no more or less than the elements.”

—Rick Sawyer, Blue Hill Cabinet & Woodwork

Island & Cabinets: Blue Hill Cabinet & Woodwork
Robert Pollien, Western Point, Oil on linen, 12” × 12”
Jennifer Judd-McGee, Swirled, Hand-rendered papercutting, 12½” × 6½”
David Sears, Cormorants, Carved and painted cedar, 10” × 22” × 5”
All courtesy of Artemis Gallery

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“Every one of our agents connects with the community in their own way—through kids, grandkids, golfing, sailing, animal rescue, even designing clothes for breast cancer survivors. A personal connection for me is through artists I’ve known as people long before knowing their art—swimming with Jessica Ives and Colin Page in master’s swimming groups, waiting tables with Jo Rocknak a lifetime ago at the iconic Waterfront Restaurant in Camden. This is a place where our lives are woven together in all kinds of ways, and we are fortunate to be able to experience it through the vision of our local artists.”

—Nancy Hughes, owner, Camden Coast Real Estate

Architect: Christopher Glass
Jo Rocknak, Megunticook Reflections, 36” × 36”
Jessica Lee Ives, The Sound of Sunlight Made Visible, Oil on cradled birch panel, 40” × 40”
Colin Page, Birch Hill, 40” × 40”
All from owner’s collection

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“My vision was to embody casual elegance with an organic nod to our coastal surroundings—not as a typical beach house but as a timeless, year-round generational home. I believe a home should have a strong sense of place, and our art selections reflect that intention. I’m most at ease in a calm, neutral palette that still offers warmth and comfort. It’s where I truly thrive.” 

—Anne Clarke, interior designer, Hurlbutt Designs

Interior Designer: Anne Clarke, Hurlbutt Designs
Jill Matthews, Beach Break, Oil on linen, 48” × 60”
Purchased from Maine Art Hill
Jill Matthews, Misted Point, Oil on canvas, 20” × 20”
Courtesy of Maine Art Hill

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“In this understated lakeside retreat defined by clean lines, midcentury forms, and natural materials, artwork has a profound effect on the atmosphere of the space. Night Dock by Gail Spaien envelops the viewer in a sense of calm, the flickering light dancing over water mirroring the lake’s surface just beyond the home’s generous windows. Much like the chandelier that echoes wind-stirred leaves, the painting offers a connection to the natural world that feels both intimate and expansive.” 

—Andrea DiBello, interior designer, Kevin Browne Architecture

Architect & Interior Designer: Kevin Browne Architecture
Builder: Codere Construction
Gail Spaien, Night Dock, Acrylic on linen, 38” × 40”
Courtesy of Elizabeth Moss Galleries

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“We are drawn to the simplicity of Jean Jack’s paintings, specifically the way the buildings fit into the broader landscape. A similar approach guided the siting of this multi-gabled residence, nestled among the trees near Goose Rocks Beach. We used natural materials to connect the interior to the natural beauty of the site. The oak flooring contrasts with the soapstone counters and slate tiles of the fireplace surround to create a home that is very Maine and very modern.”

—Jessica Jolin, principal, Mobile Studio Design

Architect & Interior Designer: Mobile Studio Design
Builder: Bowley Builders
Cabinets & Table: Derek Preble 
Countertop: Morningstar Stone & Tile
Jean Jack, Black Barn in Friendship, Oil on canvas, 40” × 40”
Purchased at Portland Art Gallery
Photograph: Liz Daly

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“This cherry library tells a story through custom details and materials, including the custom-tiled gas fireplace, art niche, and bookshelves for an extensive collection. The room is designed to create an elegant yet relaxed space for enjoying reading and conversation, or even competition in the bonus game table area. A custom, hand-molded thistle tile reflects the family’s Scottish heritage, while the owner’s world travels are evoked by House of Hackney’s Florika wallpaper, inspired by paisley patterns from the ancient Silk Road. The jewel tones of the hand-glazed hearth and rich wallpaper create inviting and inspiring surroundings for gatherings of family and friends.”

—Michelle Phelps, principal, Phelps Architects

Architect & Interior Designer: Michelle Phelps, Phelps Architects
Builder: Hewes & Company
Feature Lighting: Currey & Company
Windows: Marvin
Tile Fireplace Surround: Old Port Specialty Tile Co.
Custom Feature Tile: Lea Nigel Studios
Kathy Buist, Captured Light, Mixed media on canvas, 36” × 36”
Digby Veevers-Carter, Small Hunkered Heron (1/10) Bronze
Both courtesy of Artemis Gallery

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“We’re often asked what makes the Portland Art Gallery different. Honestly, it starts with the space—soaring ceilings, tall windows, and natural light that fills the heart of Portland’s Old Port. But more than that, there’s no pretension. Visitors come in whether they’re collectors or just curious, and everyone gets the same warm welcome. Prices are on the wall, and you can ask to see works in storage or hear stories about our 65 represented artists. Our goal is simple: help people find something they connect with and love. It’s about making art feel personal, accessible, and part of everyday life.”

—Emma Wilson, gallery director, and Sean Thomas, gallery manager, Portland Art Gallery

From left to right and back to front: Dietlind Vander Schaaf, Jean Jack, Liz Prescott, Andreas von Huene, Dick Alden, Helen Lewis, Holly L. Smith, Sheep Jones, James Bonner, Susan L. Johnson, Annie Darling, Karen Blair, Dale Roberts, Brian Emerson

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“In recent years there has been a trend toward larger and more complex lakefront homes. We loved building this small, classic lake house because it was a chance to get back to the roots of it all—the simple Rangeley camp. With the warm wood tones of Douglas fir and lots of natural light, the home brings the outside in and is the perfect place for a family to gather, year after year.”

—Jill Gordon, designer, Rangeley Building & Remodeling

Builder: Rangeley Building & Remodeling
Ed Wintner, White Mountains Calling, Acrylic on canvas, 30” × 24”
Courtesy of Portland Art Gallery

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“My business does a good amount of general contracting for renovation and restoration, and this project is a great example. It’s a beautiful 1990s custom-built home by the ocean, and the owner wants it to be in good shape to hand down to his daughter. It’s very special to be part of making sure a home like this is ready for the future.”

—Steve Boucher, woodworker

Home renovation: Steve Boucher, LLC
KX2, Ferry Beach (individual section from set of 12) Brushed aluminum inset with mixed media on panel, 10½” × 3½”
Carolyn Johnson, Firm Foundation, Mixed media, resin, and surfboard, 76” × 19”
Chloe Saron, Caeruleus (Blue), Oil on wood with varnish, 12” × 9”
All courtesy of KW Contemporary Art

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“For Woodhull, the Safford House wasn’t just a property; it was a future home. Though it required extensive modernizing to meet the demands of our design and build firm, its original layout proved ideal for our organization, facilitating collaboration across our specialized teams. The space comfortably houses our entire operation while also providing room to showcase local art. We are committed to opening our doors for public events in partnership with our local arts community and are thrilled about the current show in collaboration with Lights Out Gallery”

—Scott Stuart, director of millwork, Woodhull

Atlantic Morning exhibition curated by Lights Out Gallery
Terracotta sculptures by Lynn Duryea
courtesy of Lights Out Gallery
Paintings by Melanie Essex
courtesy of Caldbeck Gallery
Wooden sculpture by Steve Bartlett
courtesy of Lights Out Gallery