My goodness, it sure is frigid!! I hate to start a post by complaining about the weather, but when is this deep freeze going to end? Let’s all pray for an early spring. Instead of a home in Maine, perhaps Tom and I should have gotten a beach condo in sunny Florida?

Speaking of Maine, I promised to show the inside of our home in Castine. So, please, won’t you come in? (If you missed my post on Castine and our new home there, please visit here.)

When Tom and I initially toured our circa 1804 home, we felt a sense of familiarity. Maybe it’s because of the house’s character or history, but we immediately felt a connection. Even with its formalities, the rooms feel bright and airy, the atmosphere warm and humble, and the layout suitable for everyday life. Welcome!The French doors in the front date from the Victorian Era when the house was extensively renovated. Also Victorian are the staircase newel posts, railings, and bobbin spindles.

Upon entry, the dining room is immediately to the left; the foyer with staircase and long hall ahead; and the living room (below) is on the right.
The living room is graced with bay windows, painted floorboards, built-ins, and the original mantel scraped to its early painted surface. Arches on the fireplace wall were uncovered during a renovation, which led the previous owners to have these built-ins constructed. I think the ensemble looks overly embellished, so the middle display niche is coming out.
All the doors are appointed with either black or white porcelain door knobs and fanciful plates.
Behind the living room is a more casual gathering area. This will be our family room for reading books, playing games, watching television, etc. The very wide pine floorboards are not original.
The kitchen, installed 10 years ago, is located in the addition. The beadboard cabinets will be repainted – they need it! From these photos everything looks deceptively clean, but trust me, not so in person.
Since our dishwasher is broken, I look forward to hand washing dishes in this beautiful soapstone sink!
Here is a view to the original kitchen room with its brick cooking fireplace, back staircase concealed inside the closet, and family room at the end.
What’s this? Where’s the staircase closet? Since the staircase had been abandoned / covered over on the second floor, we decided to have it removed. This is our only renovation project, and we love it already. The view is now unobstructed – so open and airy!

Let’s go upstairs! More bobbin spindles – many more!! The lovely walls in this bedroom were hand painted in a Chinoiserie style by the previous owner’s mother, who is an accomplished artist. Due to damages and a multitude of issues, the walls have to be repainted, sadly. The good news is that the fireplace is functional – yay!

A bathroom with period brass fixtures and antique marble top.

See what I mean about needing a paint job? This dormer window (below) is located in a bedroom on the third floor. Look at the water stains 🙁

From this floor during the winter time, one can enjoy very, very distant water views. It’s the “blink-and-you-will-miss-it” kinda view 🙂

More photos, progress, paint colors plus rug selections to come.

Now a bit of inspiration as well as objects I’ve been gathering. My goal is to create comfortable interiors in this historic coastal home – play down the formalities and keep it casual, but staying away from beachy. I want to pay tribute to Maine’s rich maritime history, while not creating a theme park. And, I’m on the strictest budget!

With their folksy charm, dioramas have always fascinated me. This glass-enclosed ship diorama was a steal for $175. (They usually start at $700-$1,000.) The paint is a bit flaky, which is perfect because I’m going for an old Maine look anyhow 🙂 The whitewashed wicker chair was on sale at Arhaus. I like the updated proportions. One day I’ll splurge: change the stiff foam cushion to all down, and cover it in ticking.

Starting a collection of vintage Maine maps for a gallery wall. If you have a source, please share!

And some vintage local harbor paintings found in Southern Maine. I adore their grittiness and naivety.

Stay warm, my friends!
Loi