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.)
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
Dear Loi, I can see why you and Tom fell for the house; it is fabulous. I love the layout and the scale of the rooms – and the details of that staircase, gorgeous! I am looking forward to seeing the progress of your work. Have fun!! xoxo, P
What a wonderful project, full of possibilities. I remember when I lived in Boston ('95-'97) and I would make the drive up to Maine (Kennebunkport was a favorite weekend destination) – I used to love seeing the sign at the state line 'Maine: the way life should be'. I suspect you would agree with this!
Holly
Yes – totally! We love the sign just after the bridge from New Hampshire!! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing! I'm looking forward to following along as you renovate this beautiful, old home.
My pleasure, Kathy. Welcome and please do come back 🙂
maine, HEAVEN ON EARTH. May your new home and lives in beautiful Castine be blessed with the beauty and wonder that this area offers. Having summered for years in this wonderful state, I must admit that I am envious but happy for you!
Thank you for the peak into your new-to-you second home. I can envision it after your artistry has spun its web. Taking out the staircase was brilliant. I will be anxious to see your progress.
Oh Loi, I can't wait to see what you and Tom do to this gorgeous home! It truly is lovely and with fresh eyes and a fresh coat of paint it will be everything you've both dreamed of. Can you save a bit of the handpainted wall board and have it framed?
xo Kat
Unfortunately not, Kat 🙁 The plaster walls have too many cracks and holes….even water damages.
Loi your new home is wonderful, I love the wide plank pine floors!
The harbor paintings, maps and diorama are very special!
xoxo
Karena
2014 Artists Series
There are some amazing details in that house. And while I know you have only just begun putting your touch on it, it already seems so fitting for you. And I love your vision for the space the items you've already collected. I can't wait to see what you do with this wonderful space.
Dear Loi
Your new home is beautiful and what fun you will have as you transpose it to your liking.
In many ways it would have been marvelous had you chosen to purchase in Florida and the west coast, then we could visit.
Looking forward to seeing your ideas unfold.
Helen xx
I think your new Maine house is so very charming and lovely. I'm going to LOVE watching the progress. It's going to be incredible.
So right about removing that middle arch recessed embellishment above the chimneypiece. But what a lovely house. It's a pity you can't keep the wallpaper in the bedroom…perhaps one wall, or a panel?!
…sorry, not wallpaper, I mean painted wall.
Unfortunately, there is water damage throughout. Also, cracks from settling and various old picture holes.
Okay, I know I shouldn't be envious but gosh I love your home and already I'm imaging how I would decorate it. Although I know you're design is going to be awesome! Can't wait to see more photos!
Loi,
It looks so amazing! I am so excited to see what you will do! I am sure once it warms up you will love it even more..
Best,
Christina
Hello Loi, You are already making great progression the house. I love all the built-ins and architectural features. Normally, I wouldn't want to get rid of a back stairs, but this one was rather obtrusive and the open space you created is much better. We can see the nucleus of your decorating scheme forming. Renovating an old house for a long time was a dream of mine, but I think I was more looking forward to the restoration itself, than to the decoration, which is not my forte.
–Jim
Thanks, Jim. We just came back from a visit, and do not miss the old staircase at all.
Beautiful home Loi and I like all your ideas. This will be so much fun to work on and I can't wait to see you work your magic;) The bedroom with the fireplace, the gorgeous wide plank hard woods, the stairs, door knobs.. beautiful!
Sorry to hear the cold temps are hanging on. At this point I'd probably be getting a little sassy .. or at least have a case of cabin fever. Stay warm and bring flowers in!! Flowers always save me on the MANY dark, grey days we have here in Seattle. xxL
A very charming home! So looking forward to seeing what you do.
What a sweet house, I love all the original detailing and after putting your stamp on it, I know that it will be just perfect.
Loi, this charming house will be perfect with your decoration style ! You and Tom made the good choice. I look forward to seeing the continuation…
Have a nice day,
Céline.
Merci beaucoup Celine!! 🙂
Dear Loi – the house is going to be wonderful, it has so much character in it already, and with your touches will be perfect.
Love the diorama – Have you thought of looking on eBay for vintage maps?
It is a pity that you cannot retain any of the Chinoiserie painting in the bedroom.
Thanks, Rosemary! I will check eBay. It's been a long time since I've visited eBay….hope my account is still active.
Dear Loi,
Right from the beginning, in the beautiful foyer, it was evident that your new home had character! Then, touring the house, its many period features confirmed that it is indeed a gem that simply needs a little polishing and resizing to fit perfectly with its new owners! The architectural bones, the wide plank wooden floors, the original fireplaces and Victorian details of the staircase, are all charming elements that would have sold even the pickiest of buyers! I know that you and Tom will enhance this wonderful space with your own signature style and I can't wait to see all the stages as they take place. Thanks for showing us around your masterpiece-in-the-making!
xo
Poppy
I am so sorry to hear that you fell. Are you okay?
My husband and I looked at a house in Belfast, Maine. It was beautiful beyond words, like yours is! It had murals in the ballroom. I still dream about that house and wonder if anyone bought it. LOL! I'm sure they did, it's been five years! 🙂 I still have photos somewhere.
I cannot wait to see what you do with this beautiful home. I KNOW it is going to be a masterpiece!
xo
Andie
Yes, thanks so much, Andie! Just a minor fall, thank goodness!!
You home is so charming! Beautiful hardware and floors and light. Love the maritime direction that you are thinking.
Loi, how gorgeous and charming. LOVE the old world detailing and its so filled with personality and authenticity. How fun it will be watching it come to life!! You are blessed with a beautiful palette…its going to be stunning! Maine is simply amazing. Enjoy the journey…..
LOVE.
Loi and Tom, you are making this historical house into a warm and inviting home of wonder. From the beautiful and natural light floating into your rooms, to the bare and GOOD bones of this house, you are going to have a blast renovating it to your specifications. I am so happy for you both and those brick fireplaces……SWOON!
The maritime theme you have started is perfect. Understated, and indeed, far from "beachcomber" is that! The richness of your Tone on Tone is coming through. Thank you for this kind invitation!
Well my friend Loi, yesterday marked my fifth day off from school due to the dangerous cold. -40 were our lows and today we are reaching 20 above, so back to class for all of us! But I spent some wonderful days in my sweet cottage, reading, dreaming of grays and blues and Tone on Tone.
LOVE! Anita
Looks like I will need to visit ;). This home is perfect for the both of you. I am excited that you will be bringing us along with the updates. Your neighbors are so lucky you moved in.
Porcelain knobs, soapstone sinks and brass hardware, oh my! It is immediately clear why you and Tom purchased this beauty. It is a shame that the handpainted chinoiserie mural is too damaged to keep, but I am sure that your home will reemerge a beautiful butterfly when renovations are complete.
I love the pieces you've chosen already, especially the paintings and maps, and can't wait to see more updates!
What a beauty, Loi! I'm looking forward to seeing you work you magic on this stately home. It's going to be beautiful. I'm especially curious about your thoughts on the pine floors. I have the same type of pine throughout the second floor of my home. Some people love the pine floors ("pumpkin" pine, as they're referred to here), but the orange color is too much for me. Yours look to be very nice and in good shape though.
-Deborah
While I love pine floors and furniture, some can turn very orange. Therefore, I'll be covering some of the floors with generous area rugs – very simple ones. Thanks, Deborah!
i think i am hyperventilating…. it is a dream come true, loi! so so happy for you! WOW! we should try to meet up for lunch one day by you when you have free time! i told nancy from powell brower that i lived somewhat close to you- maybe she can come, too. i think she is in VA?
That would be SOOOOO fun, Cassie!!! Maybe in the spring when we all thaw out 🙂 I'll check with Nancy.
The house is beautiful and none of us can wait to see how you make it special. There is so much charm!
What a sweet house dear Loi! Can`t wait to see it finished and furnished in your style.
Hugs,
Vesna
I love it!
It is so you!!!!
Very exciting!!!
it's cooooooollllllllld up in here, and you just warmed things up, loi. thanks for that. what a treasure, this home which will be nurtured by you and Tom. i can see why you fell for it and its potential. what a transformation ditching that unused staircase! so much airier. thrilled for you guys to have this project to keep the creative momentum going. i know i am feeling the itch and am thinking a lowly condo here that needs love and then a lowly condo in the keys that can just stay lowly but have a clean bed…the most gorgeous light is flooding my room right now. i wish i could make it stay.
smiles.
michele
Oh Loi, your house is too beautiful for words. May you have many, many happy times there! Best of luck with the updates.
L.
Hi Loi- Oh my, this home is full of charm and I can see why you both love it. That kitchen fireplace and soapstone sink are amazing! Love it! Look forward to watching your progress. Stay warm-XO
Sarah
I will be watching the transformation from the WEST COAST with temps in the 70's!SORRY!WE need rain desperately…….we are now in DROUGHT MODE!The bones of the house are GRAND…….I'm certain you will have fun with this project and spend many happy days there!Thanks for letting us peek into your world!
Beautiful beautiful! You had me from the start with those gorgeous wood floors!! And then real, old fashioned radiators… We had them up north and I miss them terribly. Forced hot air just does not do it!!
This will be such a treat for all of us to watch in the coming months. Are you there now? Yes, must be very very cold. Stay warm and can't wait for more…
This home is going to be stunning, Loi! Can't wait to see more.
Just beautiful, the light is amazing and the house has such character. The fireplace alone makes it all worth it!
from LA where it is in the 70's + love LA(for weather + many other things) Can't wait to see what else you do to the Home + it has ya'lls touch already + good luck. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Can't wait to see where you'al "go with this!!" Great bones!! franki
Loi,
For her age, she looks fabulous. I know you will work your magic as time and funds permit. I especially love the brass sink and hardware and all of those fireplaces. I can envision curling up in that wicker chair with one of those vintage books in hand and reading by the warmth of the fire.
Karen
Ah! Loi, your place is amazing. Even before your renovations are complete, I can sense how very relaxing it is.
The spindle staircase is so perfect, & I like the layout of the rooms. I've not subscribed to the theory that every room has to be open to the next to enjoy casual living, so your entryway with its understated formality is a dream of mine.
I also love seeing what you're choosing on a budget. I have said before that I hate having a budget, but ::sigh:: I'm not a Rockefeller, & they're a fact of my life. 😉 But really, getting lovely things on a budget has become a challenge I've embraced, & I look forward to learning from you on this project.
Lastly, there's a blogger who lives in Portland, Maine who is redoing her own newly acquired Maine cottage. She calls herself a "magpie" & occasionally talks about her Maine travels & finds. I know Portland is down the coast a ways from you, but perhaps she would give you some sources. themagpiesfancy.blogspot.com
Best of luck!
Keri
Loi,
You and Tom will enjoy magical moments and time spent in Castine Maine. Love your start of Maritime design. Light comes in crisp and pure to open up your house to be airy. Perfection along Kennebec River. Looking forward to you sharing your photos as your house slowly evolves with your graceful design. So loving your soapstone sink.
Vera
Love all the details, Loi and I know it will look superb with your great taste.
Oh the home is charming, lovely and you and Tom will add all the LOVE! It's going to be such a wonderful place to spend time at.
Congratulations on such a wonderful opportunity to live your dream.
xo
Patty
Love it all, Loi! Can't wait to see more.
xx
Beth
P.S. And the Arhaus chair will be perfect with a new cushion!
Oh my god I'm nearly speechless. A rare phenomenon. So spectacular.
1. Totally agree on the niche. It's sort of the proverbial gilding of the lily
2. Your sink is a masterpiece.
3. I am so sad that blue and white wall has to go. It's not something I would ever do or have done or even think I would like but I love it.
4. Wow
5. I love how big the windows in the dormers are.
6. I have a pair of brass British navy lanterns that I bought forever ago and have never used. I'm going to email you a photo of them. I'm pretty sure they are knockoffs of whatever real British naval lanterns are, but they would look great in your house and they fit your budget, as I'd be happy to give them to you.
Thank you, Stephen, for your kind words and generosity!!! xoxo
Such a great canvas for you, Loi! Agreed on getting rid of the center arch over the fireplace -love the flanking arched built-ins though. Just a lovely house and can't wait to see what you do with it!
Simply beautiful! This is the perfect house for you and you are the perfect person to make it beautiful. I look forward to the progression and hope you share it all!
Hi Loi, I love The Maine House. The fireplaces! the light……. I will keep my eyes open for antique Maine Maps here in California. You just never know what will turn up. Congratulations on the gorgeous adventure. xoxo
Mary
Your new home in Maine is stunning…I can't wait to see the finished product!
I can only imagine the beauty that will be created here, from already beautiful bones, Loi….cannot wait….I already love the vision! We are absolutely freezing here as well, in SOUTHERN Ontario!! Bundle up and keep warm, N.xo
I love it already, that wicker chair with the diorama is perfection. I can't wait to see the rest.
Loi,
This is wonderful! It doesn't need much more than a paint job. The Palladian door at the end of the front hall seems a little unusual for an 1840 house although it seems to perfectly repeat the niches in the living so that's interesting…an old house mystery. It appears as if the ceilings are really high which is also wonderful for house of that period. This is going to be a wonderful retreat for you and Tom. Do you take the dogs? Also wonder if you asked Art Smith about Maine maps. He had a beautiful set of the entire coast of Maine that were all framed for a show house.
Thanks, Steve! I'll check with Art. Good suggestion. We try to bring the dogs as often as we can. The arched transom was added about 10 years ago.
a fascinating journey i am thrilled to be sharing vicariously!
strong bones, solid details. particularly favor all the fireplaces and the kitchen sink, upstairs bath sink and fixtures are additionally lovely.
cannot wait for more!
debra
Oh, Loi! It is even more beautiful than I had imagined. Though you do have some work to do, it's already beautiful. LOVE the windows over the kitchen sink, the door knobs and plates, the woodwork…so many lovely things! I look forward to updates.
-Revi
AMAZING!
What a gorgeous home, Loi. I love all the details, the built-ins in the living room, the fireplaces, the floors, the doorknobs. I can't wait to see it with new paint and furnishings! Thank you for sharing your photos with us.
Claudia
Simply gorgeous!!! Brillant idea to remove the unused back staircase closet — now a wonderful open room! You must write a book detailing all of the changes … can't wait to hear and see each and every one! The house and garden is so lucky to have found you!
For maps — check out Etsy sellers — many do have antique maps!
Cheers! Jan at Rosemary Cottage
Dear Loi,
It's going to be fun to see your renovation unfold, and it looks as though you have a good start. I think it's great that you're going to have a Maine theme for decoration — that should be a lot of fun. I agree with Jan that your project could make a wonderful book.
OH what beautiful bones!!! You will work you magic and this will be a show house in no time flat! Cant wait to see it in House Beautiful because I know it will be published!!!XO Karolyn
Oh my Loi, what a wonderful house! So much potential and so much detail to work with. Those bobbin finials are so fabulous. Love the floors too. The kitchen with a new coat of paint will be perfect! Have fun and congratulations! ~Delores
Love! I really love the removal of the staircase – that was fabulous. Can't wait to see the decor unfold!!! What an adventure.
Oh my gosh I cannot WAIT to see what you will do with this gorgeous home. What bones it has!! I fell in love with the first image of the stairs and by the end I want to buy it from you!! A truly beautiful home. Oh the pillows and fabrics I can see there, lol! 😉
Loi, the new house looks fabulous! I love the renovation, it is amazing how much more open the room looks. Oddly enough when I saw the first photo I was wondering what one could do there.
I cannot wait to see what is next! I second and third all of the suggestions for a book, this would be a wonderful project because you do not have enough on your plate as is is….I am joking of course, not about the book about your workload.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful new home!
Stay warm and safe.
Elizabeth
Oh my Loi, what a wonderful house! So much potential and so much detail to work with. Those bobbin finials are so fabulous. Love the floors too. The kitchen with a new coat of paint will be perfect! Have fun and congratulations! Looks fabolous!,,
The details on that staircase are stunning Loi! I adore this house and I see why you both fell in love! It's aura is captivating. Great call on losing the middle piece over the fireplace. I am really excited to see how you transform it. I know it's going to be magical! Congrats again! x
I can absolutely see why you fell in love with your house. The newel post and spindles, the gorgeous soapstone sink, the fireplaces – it's all so stunning! Can't wait to see everything you do to make it "yours"!
So exciting! The harbor paintings are wonderful..thanks for the look around. Congratulations on your new home!
Hi Loi ~ thanks for sharing your Maine home. I absolutely love the front doors, the staircase and newel post are lovely. So good that you were able to remove the back staircase. I am envious ofthe big Victorian windows and all the light they let in! The 200 year old cape we will be renovating does not, of course, have those features. Do you have any recommendations on how to find good craftsmen/tradesmen when buying/moving to a new town? We will be starting our search soon. Best wishes, Patty.
Thanks, Patty! It is important for us to use local contractors and craftsmen. We asked our realtor and the local merchants / shop keepers for referrals. Good luck to you all!
Wow! What a great find Loi! Charm City!!! I agree wholeheartedly with all of your decisions. Love the furnishings and the pairing of the whitewashed wicker with the Swedish pieces and all of the artwork with the lovely muted colors. Can't wait to follow along as you decorate it with your exquisite taste and furnishings! xo, Laurel
It's so nice of you Loi to share your new house with us. It has a beautiful structure and bones. You bought well. Can't wait to see when you have finished your renovations and decorated it. But of course that will take time.
Hi Loi,
So exciting to see the interiors! The house has wonderful bones and I can see why you fell in love with the house. I cant wait to see your progress photos. I love the art that you have found too. Any good antique shops that you wouldnt mind sharing?
Stay warm!
Michael
Michael – We love antiquing in Southern Maine. Check out this map of the shops on route 1:
http://www.antiquesmap.com/
I've had luck at Withington & Co, MacDougall-Gionet and Smith Zukas.
So easy to see what made you snag this beauty!
I can see why you and Tom fell in love with this house Loi…..what beautiful proportions and original details. I know you will work your magic on it over time! Enjoy the rest of your week.
Sophia x
OMG!
I'm jealous!
I can't wait to see your magic touch.
I had to laugh over thr middle arch in the living room
How exciting. A blank canvas for you to work your magic. And how lucky for all of us who will be allowed to come along on the journey. The house has so many lovely little touches already. I loved the door knobs!! I'm crazy that way. 🙂
Congrats to you and Tom….have fun
Loi, Your new home is perfection! What a beautiful diamond! I love your vision of "old Maine" and can only imagine how incredibly lovely it will be when you put your special touch on the interiors. Stay warm! XO Allison
Adore all of the charming period details. I think your lovely historic home has found its perfect owners. I'm so thrilled you're sharing it with all of us. (As for the vintage maps of Maine, you may want to check Martha Stewart's site for sources. She features an extensive collection of vintage Maine maps, in her Bar Harbor home, which have been featured quite often.)
Loi,
I love having a tour of your Maine home! Love those front door with light streaming through. Those wide pine floors! The period faucets and marble in the bathroom! What is most delightful is how lucky this house is to have such knowledgable and appreciative ow
ers who will love it into a showplace! On a similar note, I toured a friend's recently renovated home…circa 1924. Seeing how they had left what was beautiful about the architecture yet updated it for 2014 was such fun. As was seeing a framed article in House Beautiful, where the house appeared 90 years ago!
Here's to warmer weather and really great paint jobs!
xoxo Elizabeth
Sorry about the big gap in my earlier response. My son was doing his homework on my desk and my mouse got a little shuffled. 🙂 xx e
Anybody else would probably over renovate this beautiful house but I have great faith in you Loi! Being on a tight budget will probably help you on that score. The soapstone sink is fabulous. I think this house has been waiting for you for a long time 🙂
Thank you, Caspar! I've been waiting for it for a long time, too 🙂
How lovely. Removing the staircase was brilliant. I know you will have a wonderful time making this home your own.
You have such a beautiful home!!
I like this house! I am looking forward to seeing what you do.
Margaret
http://www.decordesireforbeauty.com/bloginspiration.html
Loi, such a beautiful home. I love the removed staircase for the impeded view. Your fireplaces are wonderful and all the character in the house is so very charming. I know you both will make it even more amazing, but what great bones. I see why you fell in love. It will be a fun project and soo rewarding. Stay warm and have a great weekend. xoxo Nancy
What a charming house it is, I can visualize how warm and cozy it will look after your magic touch. Good luck with the renovations.
Have a nice weekend.
Happy New Year, dearest Loi! I hope you are warm, cozy, and filling up on your favorite delicacies with family… 🙂
May the year bring joyful adventures, continued success, and many special moments.
I thank you so much for coming by, and your kind words regarding the painting…wish I could say art is what keeps me from blogging, but it's actually internet issues, and a bit of family issues as well…miss my dear blog friends… 🙂
Now on your exciting project of decorating and renovating this GORGEOUS home!
It speaks to me too! ;))
I am loving that you are taking us along on this journey….thank you!
So many breathtaking details here…the old fireplaces, that window upstairs, the French doors….oh, what a splendid home….and how happy "she" will be to receive that glorious Tone on Tone touch!
Stay warm, dear friend, and have a fabulous weekend….
xoxo,
– Irina
Going to be so beautiful, Loi. Well, actually so much of it is beautiful right now – fireplaces, soapstone sink, front double doors, kitchen windows. I love it all and am so glad you are not going for a beachy look. I know it will all be lovely – never trite. Keep us posted on your progress.
b
This house seriously has your name written all over it! It is so close to perfect already that with your small changes and some paint it is going to be perfect. You've already nailed the decor too. I can't wait to watch this all unfold! Congrats!
Thanks for the tour Loi. Oh those gorgeous spindles, doorknobs and architectural details. I like the simple change of removing the staircase seeing as it had been covered on the 2nd floor. I'ma also enjoying your inspiration and the idea of simplicity. I agree…no need for be achy theme park…love the idea of vintage local art, maps, etc…
Loi, Can't wait to see the fab things you will do and the beauty & warmth you will create in your cool new home! Lucky home! Congratulations!
One day I hope to visit your shop! Monica
I can't tell you how excited I am for you!! It's going to be magical… I love the charm it has already! Thank you for sharing Loi!
Best wishes!
Desiree
Beautiful! What a treasure. Enough changes/repairs so that you can really make it yours, but not so many as to wear you out and delay really enjoying it. (And this winter, Maine is probably no colder than D.C.) Take care!
How absolutely sublime Loi!
It's no wonder you fell for her charms. I am envious but feel blessed to share your experience in this way. Can't wait to see the next installment!
Happy renovations!
Di
xoxoxo
Well Loi,
The house is fabulous. I love the built in bookcases in the living room and I would be distraught to have to paint over the wonderful chinoiserie walls. I guess there is no way at all that even a part of it can be saved?
The interior of this house has given us a lot of ideas for the future.
Bye for now and stay warm,
Kirk
I missed this post. Well you have inspired me to respond on many levels..but will keep it tight. Definately not beachy. Historic. Clean folk art perhaps a thought. Loved the taking away of the stairs..open..so open.
Are they Rumford fireplaces? If so..you have a treasure.
Soapstone sink! OMGoodness
Love dioramas. Have one made of ceramic hand made in the eighties…copy of an old one made in Nova Scotia. Love it. Black extruded frame..ceramic. Story there.
Loi your home is wonderful. I am particularly drooling over those beautiful wide plank floors. Totally agree about the "third" arch! I can't wait to see more!!
I can visualize every room of this home with your magical touch. Such gorgeous bones and an amazing staircase. So excited to follow on this journey with you two…it's fabulous and so THRILLED for you!!
Loi–I truly can't wait to see this home take shape under your light-rendering touch. I know it will be a home filled with timeless beauty–one where you and Tom and your sweet dogs will have rest and relaxation! Breath held . . . Waiting for more! XOXO–Amanda
It's perfect and fabulous Loi! Can not wait to see it with your artful eye upon its interior. We also took out a staircase to open up the kitchen- that was a wonderful move on your part, love how large and bright your space is now. I'll keep an eye out for Maine maps and art for you. xxoj.
I truly believe this house was meant to be yours. It is just perfect and I cannot wait to see the overall historic maritime feel your planning for your new abode! I love all the historic details of your home and I know it will be kept and preserved by you and enhanced even more! Love the brass fixture and that sink? Wow, both the soapstone and gold one is just marvelous! I'm giddy with excitement for you and Tom dear, will fervently await each and every little progress and detail of this new journey of yours!
Thank you so much too for all your kind words Loi, it means a lot to me and my friend!
Loi, I can see why you fell in love with this home! All the little details are so charming – those doorknobs make me swoon. I can't wait to see how you bring it to life – I'm sure it will be extraordinary. Love all the inspiration so far. Here's to many happy years in a beautiful house!
Hello,
amei a casa de vocês. Que linda essa lareira de ladrilhos. Um sonho de casa.
Aqui, estamos derretendo, eu não aguento esse calor. Tem dias que temos uma temperatura de 50 graus. Isso que moramos no sul do Brasil, é raro termos esse calor. O planeta está confuso. No próximo verão vamos trocar de casa? Não gosto de calor.
Bjos e tenha uma ótima semana.
Hi Loi and Tom! I am DYING!! What fun to get your hands on this! Ok- I am going to Maine this summer and I may just have to "drop in" and say hi. I really can't believe I haven't met you since I think of us as friends:-). Xoxo and Happy Chinese New Year!! Kiss
PS. I will wear pink studded work boots and a hard hat if you want;-)
Beautiful and so "you"!
Berta
Those paintings are delightful!
oh my Loi..your home is already and going to be incredible…I wait with anticipation for you and Tom to bring it to life!!!
I am so in love with your house! It is exactly the style of home I would love to live in. I love that you've already built a fire in the fireplace. So much coziness. I love it so much!
Hello Loi,
I do hope you and Tom are managing to stay warm. It has been a snowy and cold winter here in Michigan. I am starting to grow worried about my boxwood at this stage of the game. Luckily, we have had snow day after snow day to insulate them.
Your new home is so beautiful. I love that pinewood floor and all the architectural details. The home has such personality already. I do love that you removed the closet. It looks so open. It is stunning. Thanks for sharing.
Susan
xxoo
LOI!
My dear friend whom I adore….thank you for stopping by! Talk about crazy busy…I KNOW! Between driving 2 hours to and from work and also driving my husband to work, teaching and trying to be a "poet" (hahahhah), it is wild. But I don't let that get in the way of my CRAZY take on life! I wish you and Tom a fantastic month of love and beauty, and nesting! This home of yours, my goodness…dreamsicle, creamsicle! The soft greys here are conducive to winter or summer, and you are going to have one gorgeous place to enjoy your summers.
Thanks for popping by my friend! Anita
Loi, what a dreamy home to call home. I can see already the changes you and Tom will be creating to it with all your glory and vision.
It has plenty of room to house all your treasured antiques and the beauty of them will surround you in the best of home designs.
You my dear are a force to reckon with and what a force you are. I agree with you on ridding that center niche over the firewall it's way to busy taking away from the simple aged beauty of the mantel and surround.
Enjoy your new journey,
Stay warm and cozy.
Lots of design love.
Xx
Doré
PS. I almost forgot to mention you have one of my favorite sinks, soapstone, I would find things to wash in that sink.
Happier wash days.
Xoxo
Doré
Just beautiful Loi, I can't wait to see it furnished and love the pictures you are collecting.
LOI! What a beauty!!! You are going to have a ball decorating it!!! Maine!- my favorite place to visit!!!! This couldn't happen to nicer guys! Kepp us posted on your work!! hugs!
Oh my goodness, this home is AMAZING!!! All of the old details are just incredible…. Such charm and character, they don't make 'em like they used to!! I cannot wait to follow along as you restore this masterpiece!
XOXO,
The Glam Pad
You have a lovely home! You have managed to renovate your property and keep the antique details that make it unique.
I just found your blog. What a beautiful home with such depth of history. Enjoy decorating. My Sea Cottage is small but I have decorated it in what I call a nordic coastal style…not beachy. I prefer alot of white with driftwood greys and even though I am an artist I am quite minimalist.
Nice stuff dear. Thanks for sharing it rubber wheels & heavy duty locking casters