In the world of interior design, the coastal charm of Maine has long been a source of inspiration, with its quaint cottages and timeless aesthetic. But what happens when a designer, like Matthew Carter, is tasked with breathing new life into a quintessential Maine summer house? The result is a stunning blend of tradition and contemporary flair, where Yankee ingenuity meets the vestiges of Puritanism, and where the accepted shabbiness of coastal living is given a modern twist. This is a story of how Carter, with his keen eye for detail and deep respect for the region's history, transformed a classic summer house into a vibrant and contemporary haven, while staying true to his clients' desires for a fresh and sophisticated space.
One of the key elements of this transformation is the use of bold patterns and colors. Carter's choice of a dark brown and ivory wallpaper in the entry hall is a subtle nod to the region's decorating history, paying homage to Sister Parish, a renowned decorator who was a summer resident of Dark Harbor. This wallpaper, with its graphic patterns, sets the tone for the rest of the house, where traditional elements are given a modern twist. The use of vibrant colors, such as emerald green and deep brown, adds depth and dimension to the spaces, allowing the furniture and art to stand out and create a sense of contrast.
In the study, for example, the emerald-lacquered paneling and bookcases, combined with custom deep-green-on-ivory wallpaper, create a striking visual impact. This is not just a stunt, but a deliberate move to add contrast and definition to the space, allowing the furniture and art to find dimension beyond being simply a backdrop of comfort. The use of bold patterns and colors in the living room, such as the jubilant star-patterned walls and striped stair runner, further enhances the sense of vibrancy and energy in the space.
However, Carter's design philosophy is not just about bold patterns and colors. It's also about creating a sense of ease and comfort, where the rooms hang together on a feeling, not a prescribed order. This is evident in the way he arranged lamps and hung art, creating a studied looseness that allows for flexibility and change. The use of vintage and custom seating, art-filled walls, and a mélange of fabrics and textures in the living room, for example, creates a sense of warmth and hospitality, where guests can relax and enjoy the space.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Carter's design is his ability to blend traditional elements with contemporary flair. In the guest bedroom, for example, he grounds horse country finesse in coastal summer house style with an antique pencil-post double bed dressed in an airy ivory linen canopy. This is a perfect example of how Carter is able to create a sense of continuity and history, while still incorporating modern elements and a fresh perspective. The use of rosy florals and ruby botanicals in the guest bedroom, for example, adds a touch of whimsy and playfulness to the space, while the red accents, such as the cherry lampshades and sculptural antique coffee table, enliven the space and create a sense of energy.
In the bathroom and powder room, Carter's design philosophy is evident in the use of unexpected color and texture. The light olive wall shade and leafy ceiling mobile, for example, awaken an existing blue claw-foot tub with a sense of surprise and delight. The use of woven cabinets and Albert Hadley's Beaton Rose wallpaper in the powder room adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, while the sconces create a sense of drama and intrigue.
Overall, Carter's design for this Maine summer house is a testament to his ability to blend tradition and contemporary flair, creating a space that is both timeless and fresh, both elegant and inviting. It's a space that nods to the region's history, while still incorporating modern elements and a fresh perspective. It's a space that is both a celebration of the past and a look towards the future, where the accepted shabbiness of coastal living is given a modern twist, and where the use of bold patterns and colors creates a sense of vibrancy and energy that is both captivating and inspiring.
