Design to Inspire: 20 Eye-Catching Interiors that Celebrate Maine Style
Our annual Interior Design listing provides a healthy dose of inspiration for the new year
Nature and creativity converge in the Pine Tree State to inspire innovative and beautifully crafted interior designs. In this annual roundup, we celebrate the most impeccably styled residential and commercial interiors in Maine, showcasing how local designers are pushing boundaries while honoring the region’s unique character.
RESIDENTIAL
Lakeside in Sebago
The design of this residence embodies a harmonious blend of timeless elegance and contemporary functionality to accommodate a growing British family. The heart of the home is the expansive kitchen, perfectly positioned to enjoy beautiful lake views. An intimate dining room/library offers a cozy retreat with a custom window seat that beckons for quiet moments. Natural materials and a soothing color palette were selected to echo the landscape, mixed with plush textures and warm brass accents to
add a layer of sophistication.
The biggest design challenge in transforming the residence lay in reconfiguring the original layout, which featured a small kitchen tucked away at the back and a spacious dining room overlooking the lake. Reversing the two rooms required careful consideration of how to integrate modern functionality within the existing 1990s architecture. Balancing the need for a contemporary, family-friendly space with the desire to retain the home’s character posed additional hurdles, especially given the deep cherry finishes that clashed with the couple’s modern aesthetic. Achieving a cohesive design that would honor both the family’s heritage and contemporary living required thoughtful planning, innovative use of space, and strategic choices in materials and finishes.
“Integrating natural elements and a calming color palette that reflects the lake fosters a sense of harmony with the surroundings, while custom- built pieces and careful updates to the home’s architecture showcase the importance of blending modern aesthetics with existing character,” says Ariana Fischer.
Firm: Ariana Fischer Interior Design
Interior Designer: Ariana Fischer
Builder: Lakeside Construction
Photographer: Liz Daly
Location: Sebago Lake
Be Our Guest
Why count sheep when you can count lighthouses? From this oceanfront home overlooking the shipping channel in Cape Elizabeth, designed by Linda Banks of Banks Design Associates/Simply Home, overnight guests can view five lighthouses in just one evening.
Zoning constraints in the footprint of the new build dictated the overall size of the second-floor guest rooms. Banks, a 14th-generation New Englander, put her Yankee ingenuity to work and sketched a pair of wall-mounted nightstands to free up floor space around the bed. Milk glass wall scones and a porthole mirror enhance the friendly, timeless cottage vibe. English needlework pillows adorn the bed, and delicate cream-colored linen curtains are stamped with flying seagulls. Horizontal nickel gap anchors the tufted wooden headboard.
“I suggest to all of my clients that they spend a night in their own guest room to experience what their visitors will enjoy, making sure each space is properly appointed for a good night’s sleep and a welcome sunrise,” says Banks.
Firm: Banks Design Associates, LTD
Architectural & Interior Designer: Linda Banks
Builder: Christopher J. Ballard, Inc.
Furniture: Simply Home
Photographer: François Gagné
Location: Cape Elizabeth
Seaside Retreat
Drawing inspiration from the homeowners’ love of the ocean, the vision for this project was a relaxed yet refined coastal aesthetic. The guesthouse is used by the clients’ friends and family, many of whom have young children, so the space must provide a welcoming environment for easy beach vacations.
The clients’ favorite color is blue, so Cara Fineman of DAG Design carried various hues throughout the home while incorporating soft greens in the primary bedroom and shades of pink and orange in the kids’ bedroom. Carefully selected art, including a John Vinton painting in the kitchen, introduces additional colors into the home. Furniture selections were made with an emphasis on durability and quality; most items were custom-made in the United States. Natural woods, rattan lighting, and white walls counterbalance the more playful elements of the residence.
Completing a project on Prouts Neck comes with an inherent challenge: there are heavy restrictions on building, installing, and receiving large deliveries from mid-June to mid-September. Since little work can be completed during the summer months, it’s essential to finalize all details well before June while allowing time to address any unexpected complications that may arise. “My design philosophy blends vibrant colors with the calming essence of coastal living,” says Fineman. “I like to balance bold shades with large swaths of neutral—in this case, white walls throughout the home.”
Firm: DAG Design
Interior Designer: Cara Fineman
Architect: Mary McKee Design
Builder: Jeff Bartlett, Ultra Homes
Photographer: Sabrina Baloun
Location: Prouts Neck
Maison Mer
The owners of Maison Mer wanted the amenities that a modern build has to offer without sacrificing character. They had bicycled extensively through France and were so charmed by the countryside there that they hoped to incorporate the feeling of southern France into their own home. Serendipitously, Sarah Duquette of Duquette and Company previously studied painting in the hills of a quaint village in Provence, and the memories of her time spent among its architecture and rich organic colors served as a source of inspiration for many of the design features in the home.
The residence evokes the feeling of a tranquil European retreat with warm, painted surfaces mixed with aged wood and patinated walls. The owners are enthusiastic art collectors, and walking through the home is akin to surveying a gallery of cherished memories told through brushstrokes. True to the oceanside estate’s farmland origins, the color palette of the house and large-format kitchen inspires thoughts of freshly baked scones on a lazy Sunday morning. The interplay of verdigris and greige provides a serene backdrop to highlight the beautiful warm tones of the architectural details, while dijon yellow adds a whimsical joie de vivre.
The biggest design challenge of the project was infusing a newly built home with an authentic “antique feel” without caricaturing European country living. Special consideration was given to creating warmth and coziness within the home’s tall ceilings and freshly painted walls. To do this, the walls and ceilings were hand-plastered and colored to create a faux patina. Hand-formed and glazed tiles, characterized by their irregularities and imperfections, were used for the custom stovetop backsplash.
Reclaimed wooden beams were added to the ceilings of both the kitchen and the living room to generate visual interest. Classic French reproduction chandeliers leverage the height of the ceilings while still evoking a sense of warmth. Custom built-ins incorporate archways inspired by the French countryside. Finally, hand-turned balusters were created for the staircase based on an inspiration photo the client took of a staircase she admired while journeying through France.
Firm: Duquette & Company
Interior Designer: Sarah Duquette
Photographer: Liz Daly
Art Director: Kiersten Wilcox
Stylist: Tamara Savage Clay
Location: York
Playful Wells Residence
Interior designer Vanessa Helmick of Fiore Home was tasked with making each space in this contemporary Wells home beautiful and unique. The clients’ family has been visiting the area for three generations; they currently summer in the home with active twins while visiting cousins, aunts, and uncles who are year-round residents, so the home’s small rooms need to fit as many family members and guests as possible.
The residence’s fun, textural, modern design—developed during the pandemic when supply was short and lead times were long—places an emphasis on art and wallpaper that draws the eye, paired with family-friendly furnishings and finishes. The primary bedroom has a feature wall of patterned grasscloth paired with a neutral palette that weaves in sand and stone colors. A one-of-a-kind Moroccan rug, concrete lamps, and warm wood tones balance the peaceful sanctuary designed for busy parents. In the powder bath (the smallest Helmick has designed in her 19-year career), bold vinyl wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries stands up to water and turns the tiny space into a jewel box.
“We are committed to textural, modern spaces that are durable enough for real life,” says Helmick. “We love creating art-filled sanctuaries like this one.”
Firm: Fiore Interiors / Fiore Home
Interior Designer: Vanessa Helmick
Architect: KW Architects
Builder: Richard Moody & Sons Construction
Photographer: Sean Litchfield
Location: Wells
Camden Renovation
Built in the 1830s, this existing brick Federal Cape was not a showpiece or an extravagant gem; rather, it was a simple home made for a family to live in. This was a touchpoint throughout the design: clad the spaces in honest materials that are at once respectful and fresh, while reworking the outdated, compartmentalized interior layout to create a comfortable and generous space for contemporary family living.
The library, a private space for introspection, is intentionally set apart from other areas within the house with a darker color palette. The deteriorated wood-burning fireplace and chimney was removed, and a new gas fireplace unit was installed in its place to reanimate and bring warmth back into the room. In contrast, the primary bathroom is a tranquil haven with a mixture of warm walnut wood, pale gray-green Fireclay tile, and subtle blush walls. The Room and Board vanity features a Carrara marble remnant from a local stone supplier and deVOL brass knobs and pulls which tie into the rest of the house.
“While our tasks as architects and designers include selecting finishes and organizing the myriad decisions that encompass the practical function of a home, we are, perhaps more importantly, working to evoke an atmosphere that is intangible, one that embodies the spirit of the home,” says architect
and designer Helena Leclair.
Firm: Hay Runner
Interior Designer & Project Architect: Helena Leclair
Architecture Team: Jeffrey Leclair & Kate Swayze Project Manager: Matt Day
Painting: Bay View Painting
Stone & Tile: Morningstar Stone & Tile, Rockport Granite
Photographer: Sarah Szwajkos
Location: Camden
West End Kitchen
A longtime client tapped Heidi Lachapelle Interiors for a full redesign of this Portland home’s dining room and kitchen, first featured in MH+D’s 2018 Interior Design issue. A significant amount of structural work was necessary to open up the two spaces, including the removal of a chimney, the addition of a structural beam, and leveling the flooring for even limestone tiling.
“Our client deeply trusts our vision, and we understand her taste and preferences, so we were really able to push the design,” says designer Heidi Lachapelle. “The layout was a bit tricky, but we made every inch count.” Dark plum cabinetry by Block Brothers Custom Cabinets plays into the client’s love of color and pattern while decorative detailing, oil-rubbed bronze hardware, and paneled appliances add a sophisticated touch. Imperial Danby marble with light veining graces the countertops, the stunning island is an antique, and the window treatments and custom cushion are from Home Remedies.
Firm: Heidi Lachapelle Interiors
Interior Designer: Heidi Lachapelle & Juliana Barton
Builder: MGM Builders
Cabinetry: Block Brothers Custom Cabinets
Plaster: Athena Paint & Plaster
Photographer: Ari Kellerman
Location: Portland
Acorn Lane
Inspired by the charming aesthetics of a Nancy Meyers movie set, but with an understated spin, this project aimed to create a relaxing, light-filled home for a family of four with children in high school and college. The design strove to evoke a tranquil, pseudo-coastal vibe with an emphasis on warmth, familiarity, and cohesive spaces that invite comfort and connection. A palette of soft neutrals was used throughout, accented by refreshing blue and green tones and natural stone in the baths.
The home’s original layout featured a powder room directly off the commonly used side entry, which closed off the kitchen from the dining room, and a wall with cabinets separating the kitchen and living room. The flow of the space was disrupted, so a main design challenge was to connect all three spaces. This was achieved by moving the powder room to another area off the first floor and changing the full wall to a half wall in the living room.
“This project embodies the philosophy that a space should be both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional,” says interior designer Andrea DiBello. “The design merges charm with practicality, featuring durable, easy-to-clean materials that stand up to everyday wear and tear and cozy, inviting furnishings arranged to foster connection, allowing for both lively gatherings and quiet moments.”
Firm: Kevin Browne Architecture
Interior Designer: Andrea DiBello
Builder: Codere Construction
Photographer: Jeff Roberts
Location: Scarborough
Whimsical Yarmouth Home
Drawn to the generous acreage and prime location of their home, this client sought to update the interior to reflect their personal style and create a warm, welcoming space for their vibrant young family. To brighten the atmosphere, darker surfaces were replaced with lighter, more natural materials, while a color palette of soft greens and blues with white undertones is complemented by warm, natural white oak.
Throughout the home, lighting fixtures were updated to create a more casual ambiance, while playful wallpaper patterns, along with a budding art collection, infuse the space with personality. Much of the wallpaper features a delightful variety of animals— owls, birds, and sea creatures—paying homage to the wife, a veterinarian, and the family’s shared love of animals. To soften the original formality of the home, the fireplace surrounds were updated with natural cleft stones and wood mantels. The kitchen and butler’s pantry were revitalized with new countertops, lighting, hardware, and a built-in banquette. Inspired by a vintage newel, various details were reproduced, including the staircase design and new legs for the kitchen island.
As with any renovation, Knickerbocker’s design team worked to seamlessly blend the old with the new for a cohesive feel throughout the home. When designing for a young family, the selection of materials and their longevity are key considerations. Storage was also a top priority; built-ins were added throughout the home, and the oversized mudroom now features ample cubbies and drawers so that toys, games, and gear have designated spaces to be neatly tucked away. Ultimately, the home embodies a harmonious blend of chaos and love, its serene palette interspersed with whimsical touches.
Firm: Knickerbocker Group
Interior Designer: Leah Lippmann
Design Team: Chloe Kregling & Scout Hartz
Millwork: Tidewater Millwork
Tile: Old Port Specialty Tile Co.
Photographer: Jeff Roberts
Location: Yarmouth
Westacre Cottage
Leandra Fremont-Smith approached this Mount Desert Island project with a sense of whimsy and a nod to the home’s historic charm and stunning location. The playful breakfast nook was inspired by the client’s favorite color, green. A custom hooked rug by Melina White in shades of green and blue is reminiscent of the view of Somes Sound outside. Performance fabrics were selected for the banquette, along with a fresh geometric fern print on the cornices. Antique yellow chairs and a garden-themed Visual Comfort lantern help the room feel young enough for the whole family to enjoy.
Casa by PC’s “Spring Pagoda” grasscloth wallpaper in seaglass dominates the walls of the petite powder room. Fremont-Smith considered painting the trim a bright color, but ultimately left the natural wood to make the wallpaper truly pop. A brass Ralph Lauren light fixture and gold bamboo mirror add dimension to the small space.
“I love using color in my designs,” explains Fremont-Smith. “In the powder room, color livens the small space while keeping with the traditional look of the house. In the breakfast nook, it plays into a design theme that will stand the test of time.”
Firm: Leandra Fremont-Smith Interiors
Interior Designer: Leandra Fremont-Smith
Photographer: Jeff Roberts
Location: Northeast Harbor
Neutral Vibes
Most Morrison Design House projects are inspired by nature, but this one emphasized creating spaces that soften the rich architectural details of a Cumberland Foreside home. The client is not a big fan of color, so designers Jennifer Morrison and Olivia Eckles selected a palette of neutral hues and earthy tones from Portola Paints for a casually elegant aesthetic.
High ceilings and long rooms throughout the residence posed a challenge in the project’s scale. Soft drapery was chosen to tame the height and length of each space, while linen furnishings with clean lines balance out the elaborate casework and older detailing in the home. Textured rugs from Loloi and Nordic Knots pair with a vintage wood console and lighter wood accents to reinforce the tonal feel. The curated collection creates a thoughtful juxtaposition between the old and the new.
“We love spaces to feel approachable and lived in,” says Morrison. “While this project has a refined vibe to it, everything feels warm, cozy, and meant to be enjoyed.”
Firm: Morrison Design House
Interior Designer: Jennifer Morrison
Senior Interior Designer: Olivia Eckles
Photographer: Sean Litchfield
Location: Cumberland Foreside
Cliff’s Edge
The owners love to spend relaxing weekends at the beach surfing, playing music, and enjoying time with family, so Annie Talmage and Ainsley Luken of Saltwater Home aimed to create a laid-back space that felt comfortable for gatherings while maximizing the home’s peaceful view. The space gives a sophisticated, bohemian, worldly surf vibe. It welcomes all ages and is designed for maximum seating and comfort, with the flexibility to reconfigure the space based on party size.
Since Mother Nature provides the masterpiece at this property, Talmage and Luken worked to keep the color palette soft and neutral. Adding texture and unique textiles was vital for creating a dynamic look with simplicity. Bringing in African baskets and mudcloth, sisal, rattan, leather, carved wood, glass beads, stones, and other organic elements allowed the designers to set the stage for the sunrises and sunsets that light up the seascape outside. These materials were intentionally selected for quality, texture, tranquility, and playfulness to keep the aesthetic youthful. A painting by Maine artist Jill Matthews hangs in a guest bedroom, while commissioned shell art by Trudy Elliott graces another bedroom.
“We work collaboratively to learn about our clients, their lifestyles, and how they want to feel when in their home,” says Talmage. “Asking questions and listening helps us learn what each family member values. This project allowed us to incorporate the organic textures we love so much while providing a space that meets this family’s needs in every season. We did this with layers of quality products, handmade pieces, simplicity, and intention.”
Firm: Saltwater Home
Interior Designer: Annie Talmage
Design Associate: Ainsley Luken
Styling: Kaylei McGaw Creative
Photographer: Sean Litchfield
Location: York
Princes Point Renovation
This home for a young family is simple and refined without sacrificing pattern and color. The natural surroundings of the coastal residence played a huge part in the inspiration for its interiors. The key to the design is balance: adults feel relaxed in the space, while children feel invigorated.
The original home, which has a lower ceiling throughout, is paired with a new living space that features high, vaulted ceilings. Selecting materials and fixtures that worked well in the lower ceiling areas of the home—and even helped to make it feel taller—was important. Specificity in the direction of different design aspects, like the grain of the white oak wall running vertically in the dining room or the vertical lines on the hood cover in the kitchen, helped to stretch the height of the spaces visually.
The color palette balances earthy neutrals (wood tones, creamy whites, darker and olive greens) with pops of fun blues and pinks. Patterns and detailed accents tie the palettes together. The living space features a loft, often used by the family’s children for fort building, that has a custom green railing and ladder and an acrylic blue swing that provides a burst of playful energy between the living and dining rooms. The textiles and wallpaper in the home act as art, providing interest and encouraging the eye to move throughout the space.
“I believe that a beautifully designed and decorated home can provide a sense of peace and joy to the people living there,” says designer Samantha S. Pappas. “This space was purposefully designed to reflect the fun nature of the family it houses while pulling the outside environment in.”
Firm: Samantha S. Pappas Designs
Interior Designer: Samantha Pappas
Architect: BRIBURN
General Contractor: Plowman Builders
Photographer: Courtney Elizabeth
Location: Yarmouth
Riverview Ranch
Situated on a large lot that slopes toward the Royal River, this ranch-style home features a living area with panoramic views of the river, where the family enjoys fishing, paddling, and skating through the seasons. Sarah Fischer of Sarah and Sons Interiors looked to the mature landscape and riverfront surrounding the house for inspiration as she considered the color palette and materials as well as sight lines and general flow through the living spaces.
Originally built in the 1950s, the home had undergone several renovations over the years that left the kitchen in direct view of the front door and created structural limitations that made it difficult to relocate the room. After workshopping a remodel within its existing footprint, Fischer decided to swap the kitchen with the dining room. In this new and unconventional location at the front of the house, the initial challenge now posed an advantage: the new range was perfectly proportioned to replace a defunct fireplace without demolition of the brick chimney. Windows flanking the range and wrapping the corner provide views of mature pines and the Royal River, while the extended sink wall creates privacy from the adjacent front entry. Utility supply lines didn’t have to move significantly in the process, which kept down costs, and the client was delighted that the original kitchen could remain in place and available throughout construction.
In a nod to the lichen-covered trees just outside the window, a soft, dusty green graces the base cabinetry while rich walnut on the paneled refrigerator and furniture-style pantry cabinets connect to the vintage midcentury dining set inherited from the client’s grandmother. Warm brass hardware and fixtures balance the clean-lined cabinetry details, and touches of alabaster, linen, enamel, and creamy stone bring a softness to the space.
Firm: Sarah & Sons Interiors
Interior Designer: Sarah Fischer
Cabinetry: Maine Cabinet Company
Photographer: Sarah Szwajkos
Location: Yarmouth
Revamped Cape Elizabeth Home
Original architectural details like the coffered ceiling and custom millwork inspired a “cozy transitional” modern update to this Cape Elizabeth family home. Liz Kirby of Surf Road selected high-gloss paint, contemporary light fixtures, soft furnishings, woven textiles, and geometric-print wall coverings to create a warm, inviting aesthetic that suits the young family’s lifestyle.
The residence’s cherry red hardwood floors posed a challenge in the updated design: the owners did not want to take on the cost or headache associated with ripping out the floors, so Kirby worked around them. Wood tones were selected to complement the cherry without drawing attention to it; instead, unexpected colors and coverings on the walls draw the eye away from the floor.
The color palette is neutral but modern with pops of black and white geometric prints and more earthy tones like browns, blues, and greens. Kirby worked with the Willard Gallery in South Portland to select artwork for the home and ended up commissioning a piece from an artist specifically for the space. The marble coffee table and side tables feature dramatic veining that plays into the space’s earthy and modern vibes.
“This project represents the Surf Road design philosophy in that it is comfortable yet polished,” explains Kirby. “We tend to focus on family-friendly design, and this home is no exception. We love to give our clients designs that they can live in—where they can be proud of their space but not worried about its ‘preciousness.’”
Firm: Surf Road
Interior Designer: Liz Kirby
Artwork: Willard Gallery
Flooring: Transit Flooring
Photographer: Melissa Gabriel
Location: Cape Elizabeth
Authentic Update
Spanish Colonial architecture is a rarity in Maine, and Tyler Karu of Tyler Karu Design and Interiors had the honor of working on this home, piece by piece, with the clients over the years. The most recent updates addressed the kitchen and powder room. The primary goal was to honor the home’s architecture and design with a complementary and enduring plan while creating an inviting space, accentuating and preserving the original details.
In the kitchen, Karu added clean cabinetry, terra-cotta floors, and handmade backsplash tile. Small details, such as an ogee edge on the countertops, custom trim tile pieces in the backsplash, and small flush mounts instead of recessed lighting keep the kitchen timeless.
Challenges stemmed from the limited size and space Karu had to work with. Starting from scratch with the layout, she focused on a functional work triangle and optimization of storage. The clients cook and entertain often, and the previous version of the kitchen was not conducive to either. The issue of crowding was solved by creating zones for specific usage, being thoughtful of clearances, and panelizing all appliances to prevent breaking up the elevations with material changes.
Firm: Tyler Karu Design & Interiors
Interior Designer: Tyler Karu
Builder: Woodbury Building Company
Photographer: Erin Little
Location: Portland
Commercial
Eartha Lobby & Magno Terra Cafe
Bowerbird Design Collective teamed up with Whipple Callender Architects and understood that Eartha, the world’s largest rotating globe, was everything; the lobby renovation and new cafe needed to complement and support her visually while functioning as a community space. Taking inspiration from modern museums, the design team sought to create a backdrop to Eartha that would be clean and crisp.
At the start of the project, the lobby was underutilized and tired. The biggest design challenge was having the existing floor epoxied: the new floor must withstand immense amounts of weight from machinery coming in to service the globe while being low maintenance, durable, and quick drying. Garmin, along with several other businesses, require access to the lobby, stairs, elevator, and bathrooms on the first floor, so detailed planning was necessary to determine where the metal transitions would fit to make sense with the architecture while allowing the flooring contractor to pour the floor in a strategic manner.
Eartha’s fresh and modern lobby features a color-blocked, three-story staircase with railings at each viewing level (the ground, the equator, and above). One soft seat- ing area features two Herman Miller Eames Compact Sofas in a fiery orange textile; two adjacent seating areas are arranged atop custom Angela Adams rugs. A custom metal safety awning fabricated locally by Bradbury Mountain Metalworks replaced a dated, striped fabric awning. Gorgeous plantings and pots were designed and provided by Plantwerks. With its slight Scandinavian aesthetic, the adjacent Magno Terra Cafe features a neutral palette consisting of blond woods, white shiny hand- forged tiles, light walls, and white speckled terrazzo quartz countertops. A woven feature wall hangs from acoustic panels above the wooden cantilevered bench, and a series of circular sconces reinforce the shape of the globe.
Firm: Bowerbird Design Collective
Interior Designers: Laura Zoulamis & Melanie Scamman
Architect: Whipple Callender Architects
Furniture: Creative Office Resources
Photographer: Lauren Sawyer
Location: Yarmouth
Bread & Friends
The inspiration for Bread and Friends’ brick-and-mortar space was the animated and fun brand itself. The ownership team brings an upbeat and collaborative spirit to the food, and Mey and Co. wanted the space to feel as friendly and creative as its owners.
The biggest design challenge was creating a layout that would allow the kitchen, pastry area, and wood-fired bread oven to all work efficiently while creating a comfortable front of the house that lets customers see and experience the action in the kitchen. The color palette is based on the space’s neutral, natural palette of whitewashed brick and light maple floors, contrasted with the bright bar-face tile, jewel-tone fabrics of the banquette, and paint accents. Shelby Drabman, a friend of the owners from California, provided the fiber art that hangs on the wall.
“We are always looking to create the visual and spatial manifestation of the brand we are working with. This means understanding the product as well as the people behind the product,” explains designer Carrie Dessertine. “We approach projects as a design challenge of weaving together the operational needs, the inherent nature of the existing space, and the personality and language of the brand.”
Firm: Mey & Co.
Interior Designer: Carrie Dessertine
Architect of Record: Leslie Benson Designs
Photographer: Nicole Wolf
Location: Portland
317 Main Community Music Center
Nonprofit performing arts organization 317 Main is committed to sustainability, so when it came time to update its Founders Hall, Paul Lewandowski of Paul Designs Project (PDP) suggested using cross-laminated timber to create a warm, eco-friendly, beautiful space. Positing the hall as an instrument of sound, PDP looked to the guitar as inspiration for the alternating pattern of acoustic panels that are a subtle nod to those on a fretboard.
Creating a state-of-the-art music center that matches the historic feel of the building was a challenge, as the original structure viewed from the street is an 1850s captain’s house with a historic cupola on top. Tripling the program to suit the nonprofit’s needs while maintaining the same presence from the street view, matching Yarmouth’s town vernacular, and complying with form-based zoning required creativity and a keen attention to detail. Each floor of the community music center features a different pop of color for wayfinding, while a muted external palette matches the downtown land- scape. The building exterior is historic, but as soon as one enters, the space is playful, adventurous, and ripe with inspiration for learning.
“We enjoy working on projects for clients that serve the community and affect people in a positive way,” says Lewandowski. “Nonprofits with modest budgets deserve great design. This type of project is rewarding on a personal level.”
Firm: Paul Designs Project
Interior Designers: Paul Lewandowski & Ellie Bradeen
Project Architect: Andrew Treworgy
Photographer: Ben Gancsos
Location: Yarmouth
Aroma Joe’s Headquarters
Aroma Joe’s core values of caring, passion, and commitment to excellence helped define the guiding principles of this project. Employee wellness, social cohesion, and a strong connection to the brand and mission played a significant role in the design. Unassigned workspaces promote flexibility and social connection among employees, breaking down the silos of a traditional work environment. An on-site coffeehouse, lounge areas, and an outdoor patio encourage employees to connect over their favorite Aroma Joe’s drinks and snacks while fostering connection and collaboration. In addition to the welcoming color scheme and furnishings from Red Thread, the curated Aroma Joe’s playlist played in each coffee shop location can be heard throughout community spaces.
Breathing new life into a dated, dark, drab office building that was originally designed to support a more traditional approach to work was an exciting challenge. With cost drivers in mind, much of the building’s infrastructure was maintained, utilizing existing plumbing locations for the kitchen and restrooms and repurposing perimeter private offices as meeting and huddle spaces. By incorporating interior glazing, the design spreads natural light to the interior of the building, improves visual connection through the space, and creates intuitive wayfinding. Strategically removing low, dropped ceilings in the entry and kitchen maximized volumes, making spaces feel brighter and more energizing.
The color palette weaves in brand identity by taking cues from the lush landscape of the Honduran coffee farms from which Aroma Joe’s proudly sources its beans. Biophilic-inspired blues and greens are interjected with coffee bean–inspired dark wood tones and leather. Linear wood features mimic the organic texture of burlap coffee sacks. Collaborative spaces take advantage of expansive volumes and flexible furniture to create bright, welcoming spaces to spark innovation and facilitate connection. Cozier, squeezed volumes, dark wood, and ergonomic work settings set the tone for spaces intended for quiet, individual work.
Firm: SMRT Architects & Engineers
Interior Designer: Jeana Stewart
Project Architect: Adam Yothers
Flooring: Paul White Tile
Millwork: W.S. Dennison Cabinets
Photographer: Ryan Bent; Matthew Batista
Location: Scarborough