Earlier this year our extended family presented an opportunity to buy a house on a beautiful piece of property in Midcoast Maine. It was in rough shape but we were up for the challenge. We have been wanting to buy a home here for years, debating between buying land or renovating, and I have been saving ideas of what I dreamed this home would look like, feel like and become. 

Starting the day we heard about this house, Aaron & I started sifting through old inspiration and melding that with new ideas we had come up with from seeing the layout. By taking the time to think through the design direction, both on a micro and macro level, and creating an overall vision helps guide all the decisions we have to make.

• Design Style 
• Color Inspiration
• Inspiration from Pinterest

Here are our initial thoughts… 

All Images Linked On My Pinterest

Design Style

We knew the home was a bit run down… we just didn’t know how run down. We were told the home was built in the 1920s which felt exciting to buy an exactly 100 year old home. As we were going through the demo process though, we discovered that the home was built in the 1840s and moved to this property in 1920. In many ways, it feels like a time capsule of history and we want to honor the time period in which it was built while seamlessly mixing in modern pieces and amenities. Naturally my style is a bit bohemian and raw, but with this house I am leaning into transitional with some farmhouse touches. 

Transitional – Combinations of tried & true décor styling utilizing traditional furnishings mixed with modern elements that keep a room from looking like too much of one particular style. The best of transitional style interior design boasts balance in the unexpected mix while lending a home warmth and a relaxed feel.

Bohemian – A globally inspired comfortable mix of vintage and antique furnishings sourced from passionate flea-market treks and travels, the eclectic style also touches on an overall relaxed mood.

Modern Farmhouse – Modern farmhouse interiors have many characteristics of what we know as traditional farmhouse design. Things become more simplified and clean without losing the character. Shiplap isn’t going anywhere and we still want to see barn doors galore. Modern updates like wide plank floors, open concept living, and sleek lighting. 

My vision for this house is a coastal cottage, European inspired with primitive & minimalist decor. 

Color Inspiration

Color is such a powerful medium to evoke feelings and set the tone of a space. I wanted to pull inspiration from our natural surroundings, from our beloved experiences and from our own photography.

I want to have a lot of neutrals, beige wood tones, off-white walls, and touches of soft sage and muted blues in different elements of the house. Can’t wait to see the space come together! Until then, follow me on Pinterest to see where I share more inspiration. 

Since our last renovation, my style has further evolved and grown but I have always been drawn to texture, unique elements and an eclectic mix of decor. I definitely want this house to feel more elevated, sophisticated and timeless – though I still love the style of our Hawai’i home! My goal is to tone down the colors to be more earthy and subtle while incorporating more texture, art and historic elements.