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With our coastal locale and deep history, there’s a richness to classic Maine home decor. It’s what comes to mind when you hear “Maine camp.” It’s layered, storied, and frequently imperfect.
The Chippier the Better
Those imperfections give it life. Chippy, old furniture and worn textiles are treasures here. Their patina tells a story that makes interiors interesting and unique without trying to hard.
Inspiration comes, not surprisingly, from the sea. But it also comes from the lifestyle: unadorned, practical, and hardworking. We like things that stand the test of time.
Admittedly, in a state known for tourism, it’s easy to find plenty of kitschy decor: lobster-themed everything, lighthouse figurines, and the like. But look closer and you’ll discover a more authentic vibe in homes that exude something truly Maine.
Repurposed Maritime Fixtures
That something special comes from repurposed and vintage items inherent to the area. Think used signal flags, nautical rope, maritime light fixtures, and sea glass. Time worn pieces with history create depth to interiors.
Lots of Local Art
An artists’ haven, Maine is also brimming with beautiful paintings, sculpture, and handmade crafts. Seascapes in oils, watercolors, and acrylics adorn many a home and offer a gentle reminder of where you are (even if it’s not right on the water).
Look to Nature
Classic Maine decor also draws on natural, found elements. Driftwood, shed antlers, shells, and the aforementioned sea glass add an organic touch to tabletops, hutches, shelves, and mantles.
They also make wonderful crafting materials. Driftwood Christmas trees top my list of favorites, along with antlers fashioned into candle holders and light fixtures.
Some of our favorite decorating accents are things we’ve found, like a piece of granite in just the right shape for a keystone in our fireplace surround. Or downed birch limbs and twigs displayed in an old sap bucket.
This kind of decor connects interiors and exteriors in a subtle, but powerful way. It also proves that things don’t need to be fancy and expensive to be beautiful.
Vintage Lobstering Objects
Other quintessentially-Maine objects include lobster buoys, vintage lobster traps, maps, and glass floats. Even better, they’re all readily available. (Check out eBay and Etsy if you’re not in Maine.)
Coastal Color Palettes
In addition to wonderful found and vintage objects, color palettes in shades of white, blue, and gray can have a big impact, merging inside with the outdoors. Likewise, carefully chosen accents, especially in small spaces, can make a bold statement.
This bathroom features a number of classic elements: the wallpaper, rope framed mirror, nautical lights, that wonderful vintage-y sink, and beadboard. And the carved fish foot stools offer a little humor without being too kitschy.
Exposed Building Features
Exposed floor joists, shiplap instead of drywall, and wide plank wood floors make for popular choices in traditional Maine homes.
Natural Fibers
Natural fibers like jute, seagrass, wicker, rattan, and wood are also hallmarks of Maine interiors. (If you can score a basket by a Wabanaki weaver, good for you. They’re like works of art.)
Refined Living
There are more refined examples of authentic Maine decor, as well, like this Italianate stunner.
Built by Joseph Titcomb, a prominent shipbuilder and businessman, this Kennebunkport mansion retains its original details while making a bold design statement.
While fewer of these more formal Maine designs exist, they offer a glimpse into a more polished aesthetic (but that’s for a future post!).
Recap
To recap, traditional Maine interiors feature natural materials, like granite, soapstone, and pine flooring, along with pinecones, shells, and sea glass. Structural elements like beams and floor joists are often exposed, adding visual interest and texture to inside spaces. Maritime objects, like dock cleats, lanterns, and buoys take on new life as functional elements and beautiful decoration. And local art and hand-crafted objects become family treasures, passed down from generation to generation.
It’s a wonderful approach to home decor that anyone can achieve.
For more Maine home design, check out our Maine coastal cottage series.