Letter from the Editor-May

by Kevin Thomas

Photography Jarrod McCabe

Transitions.

I’ve weathered a few over the years. And they’ve all brought me, without fail, to where I need to be.

My latest transition has been a move away from a shingle-style home that was built to accommodate a family of five and myriad visiting friends and family. It was designed to create memories and to hold them. The home brought me great joy in the planning process, the execution of the build, and raising my three boys within its walls.

Two years ago, aware of my sons growing older and their eventual departure to college, I began to imagine the perfect downsizing opportunity. This time it wouldn’t be new construction; I was ready to tackle a renovation. One-story living, energy-efficiency, and maybe a glimpse of the Atlantic were my criteria. Last fall I found my project, a 1950’s ranch that was in serious need of some tender loving care. I bought it despite a dismal home inspection report, thus beginning my transition.

Designed sixty years ago, the landscape architect who conceived of the layout was ahead of his time. The house angled back to maximize the distant water view, the floor plan was open, almost perfect, and every inch of space was designed to be used—daily. There were no walk-in pantries, cathedral ceilings, media rooms, or home offices. I began to do what I love—the very things that brought me to publish Maine Home+Design back in 2006: imagine and design.

Windows with a more contemporary grill pattern were researched and purchased from Anderson through Hancock Lumber. They fit like a glove, replacing the original Andersons installed six decades before. A standing-seam metal roof was installed by C.O. Beck, whose craftsmanship I’ll forever respect. Karl Kamerath applied a Venetian plaster treatment to the living and dining room walls. Derek Preble built breathtaking bookshelves and a clean-lined maple kitchen. Old Port Specialty Tile provided some straight-up subway tile and Carrera marble that were expertly installed by Bob Vedder. Ted Carter began his magical development of outdoor living space and planned subtle landscaping changes. All along the way, my friends Kevin Lord of Thomas & Lord and Brett Johnson of Maine Street Design offered me advice and kept the project moving forward.

At the beginning of April I moved in; my latest transition complete. The process reminded me that we are surrounded here in Maine by ridiculously talented craftspeople and designers, that we can never take for granted the hardworking contractors getting their first cup of coffee at 5 a.m., and that I simply love the home and design business.

Kevin Thomas
Publisher
[email protected]