Destination, Home: Maine

Maybe it was Kennebunkport’s coastal charm, the shore vibe of Old Orchard Beach, the historic charisma of Bangor or the outdoorsy ruggedness of the Moose River Valleys that made you fall in love with the 23rd state. But now that the suitcases are unpacked and you have settled into the usual routine, those Maine vacation memories linger, making you long for those scenic days and placid nights. Just because you left Maine, however, doesn’t mean you can’t have a piece of it at home with you.

Let Mother Nature Be Your Designer

Incorporating natural materials and textures, such as a natural fiber rug or a piece of driftwood furniture, is one way to make your home a bit like the ones in Maine, explained Tracy A. Davis, founder and principal designer of Urban Dwellings, an interior design firm based in Portland, Maine, and New York City. She recommends taking advantage of windows that offer great views by using soft materials to frame the view.

“Everybody talks about texture and how to bring the environment inside using the water, the ocean and wood,” Davis explains. “Take a beautiful, sheer material that will take the edge off the glare of the sun in the afternoon and keep the house cool, but continue to offer a view.”

Taking cues from the shoreline can also provide inspiration. For example, incorporate into your design the subtle greens and pearl essences found naturally in sand or seashells, Davis recommends.

Basically, the goal is to follow nature's lead. “There’s so much you can glean from what’s organic and around you and pull that into the interior and bring in the integrity of the environment," said Davis. "When people come to Maine to visit, they come to eat lobster and they want to see that Atlantic coastline. We use these to trigger that memory of the crisp, clear blue water."

Getting Started: Easy Design Tips

Puzzled by how to create that feel of Maine at home? A shopping trip could yield some quick answers.

Lighting: Set the mood with energy-efficient lighting sources that flaunt a rustic flair, such as wide pillar candles or a hurricane lamp.

Ocean inspiration: Remind yourself of seaside living by mounting a vintage nautical map on the office wall, tossing a braided rug on the floor in the family room or placing a rustic piece of furniture that looks like it was picked up fresh off the dock and well-seasoned with salt air.

Going native: Pay homage to the artisan community by showcasing works from the state’s influential artists. A hand-woven wool rug by Angela Adams or a print of a painting by Will Barnett or Katherine Bradford will give any room that local vibe.

Light Remodeling

If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious and want to install more of Maine into your home, a trip to the lumberyard may be in order.

Seeing homes that feature wood in various applications reminds Phoenix business owner and Brunswick, Maine, native Lisa Pletts of her home state. “When I think of homes in Maine, there are a lot of wood accents. A lot of pine, and you might see oak,” Pletts said. “In their camps, or summer cottages, they may have wood paneling on those homes.” And giving the walls a coat or two of paint in cool ocean tones can also “remind you of being at the beach without going over the top,” she said.

Weekend warriors may wish to add wainscoting in their bathrooms or even a touch of elegance with some marble accents. “There is a lot of marble in kitchens and bathrooms," said Pletts. "Even the baseboards might be marble."

Make Tranquility the Goal

No matter how you choose to give your home a Maine makeover, the key is to create a sense of coziness and tranquility, which are the characteristics that those who hail from and live in the New England state love about it.

“You won’t see a lot of stuffy designs in Maine houses," Pletts said. "It’s very livable. When you think of cozy, you think of Maine. The outdoors is your playground and when you come home, you really appreciate the home you come to.”

While this can be accomplished through comforting shades on the walls, sumptuous upholstery or rich textiles, the ultimate decision-maker is whatever your mind and body prefer. There are no steadfast rules when it comes to creating your perfect haven.

“It’s personal preference," said Davis. "For example, lighter shades of color bring light into a space that’s surrounded by wood, which might be too dark. But some people like to be surrounded by the dark comfort of wood tones. It’s really up to you."