HAMMOND LUMBER COMPANY

1087 Hammond Street, Bangor

From hammers to housing, Hammond is a one-stop shop that sells everything you need to build a house from the ground up—though if you prefer, Hammond will even build one for you through their Maine Pine Log Homes packages. Inside the massive hardware store, I ogle dream kitchen displays, including one that has as a double sink in an arresting matte black. While I’m exploring, store manager Steve Hardy asks me if I need help. Unsurprisingly, he tells me that the store prides itself on stellar customer service.

FRANK WEBB HOME

67 Target Industrial Circle, Bangor

Showers, sinks, hardware, toilets, and lighting—this showroom has everything you need for a bathroom overhaul. When I tell manager Heather Gaudett that I’m surprised to see modern manufacturers such as Hansgrohe, Toto, and Brizo (Brizo recently did a collection with fashion designer Jason Wu) represented right next to more traditional lines, she explains that the store carries a mix of styles so there is something for everyone. Right next door is F.W. Webb Company, which sells professional plumbing parts, large and small.

REDLON & JOHNSON

162 Target Industrial Circle, Bangor

Almost directly across the street is
this 20,000-square-foot plumbing and heating supply warehouse. While the company has four design showrooms across the state, this location mostly serves professional contractors. Manager Paul J. Turner, Sr., gives me a tour, and together we wander the rows of aisles stocked with boxes and bins that contain thousands and thousands of products.

ATLANTIC DESIGNS

1172 Hammond Street, Bangor

I’ve tried using an online tool to map out a new kitchen design by myself, but measuring down to an eighth of an inch while also trying to maximize functionality proved beyond my skill set. That’s where family-run Atlantic Designs comes in. The shop provides custom kitchen and bath designs that are available in hundreds of colors, while also helping with planning, dimensions, and installation. You can select from numerous countertop options, including Corian, quartz, and granite, at the on-site shop.

QUALEY GRANITE & QUARTZ

1506 State Street, Veazie

The granite slabs inside this vast wholesale dealer’s warehouse are huge and humbling. There are over 1,000 slabs on display, and like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike. Some feature amoeba- like patterns while others have wavy striations. Some sparkle with iridescence while others range in colors from deep emerald green to gold. When I express my admiration, I’m further astounded when the sales assistant reminds me that each piece’s natural beauty comes directly from the earth. On my way out, I notice a “Rescue Pets Rock” sticker on the door—a shout-out to vice president Laurie Qualey’s charitable animal rescue organization.

THE LAMP GOODS

Online (Frankfort, Maine)

Designer Jann Richardson scours flea markets and garage sales for vintage mason jars, thoroughly cleans them with steel wool, and then uses them to create her modern country pendants, chandeliers, and sconces. Her studio isn’t usually open to the public, but she’s kindly arranged for me to have a tour of her meticulously organized workshop. Her busy internet-based company, which she founded in 2009, produces 20 to 40 fixtures a day and sells them through Houzz, Etsy, eBay, and the company’s own website.

COASTAL INTERIORS

21 Water Street, Ellsworth

I drive to Ellsworth’s historical downtown, where this showroom is located on the banks of the Union River. Owned by Lori Chase, a graphic designer turned interior designer, the 7,000-square-foot space is filled with anything and everything you might need to finish a room. There’s flooring ranging from hardwood to cork to bamboo, as well as plumbing fixtures, hardware, and tile. Shelves are lined with dozens of inspiring sample books—avery easy way to lose an afternoon.

PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS

409 High Street #1, Ellsworth

I’m running a bit behind thanks to those sample books, but when I give Pella a call, sales representative Gerry Grigsby offers to stay a few minutes late for me. He gives me a tour of the windows and doors, and I admire their ornamental grille patterns and their energy efficiency, as well as the option to have blinds installed inside the glass. (Think: no more dusting!)

DOWNEAST KITCHEN DESIGN

10 Acadia Way, Ellsworth

Just two minutes away is Downeast Kitchen Design. If you’re redoing a kitchen, this two-floor shop is definitely worth a stop. There’s a large selection of lighting, including pieces from Vermont’s Hubbardton Forge and New Hampshire’s Northeast Lantern, modern surfacing from Caesarstone and Corian, and even a selection of industrial-inspired ceiling fans.

RICHARD PARKS FURNITURE

132 High Street, Ellsworth

Drive by this shop and you’ll spot second-floor bay windows showcasing artful furniture displays. While Richard Parks has a thorough selection of seating, tables, and more, today I’m here to browse lighting. Dozens of pendants hang from the ceiling and give the design center a fun, colorful vibe. I’m particularly attracted to a fluted steel shade with cutouts, which I think will be a nice way to add texture and warmth to a room. Owner Aaron Piacentini tells me there is even more lighting at the Trenton location.

ELLSWORTH BUILDING SUPPLIES

261 State Street, Ellsworth

Established in 1959 by three families who summered on Mount Desert Island, this hardware store has now expanded to 10 locations and has a staff of over 250 employees. I’m excited to visit the namesake location, which features a drive-through warehouse that’s three stories tall. Stacks of lumber line its exterior, while inside the EBS store there are 25,000 items in stock, ranging from flooringtoroofing.