Ship to Shore (Southport, Maine)

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

              Maine has a storied history of shipbuilding so weaving such elements into the decor of this unique guest house was a nice acknowledgment of the state’s history. A model yacht graces the beadboard walls of the enclosed porch which are reminiscent of a ship’s cabin, while the cool blues, grays and tans echo the colors of the sea and shore. Lamps made of seeded glass bring hurricane lanterns to mind and the wrought iron chandelier with its ropes and sconces could easily swing from the ceiling of a captain’s cabin. In the entryway, mirrored candle sconces are reminiscent of port holes and the gleaming floorboards evoke a ship’s deck.

 
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          The kitchen is as compactly outfitted as a ship’s galley with appliances and storage neatly tucked into every available space. This was key as the one sloping wall, combined with the walls of windows, limited buildable space yet provided breathtaking views. The mix of pale blues, sea greens, white and polished wood floors are the perfect partner to the sea just beyond.      

          The great room is all about bringing the outdoors in, with three of four walls made of glass and windows that stretch into the ceiling. Soft grays, clean whites and natural woods let the views speak for themselves, while a few accents hark back to the nearby ocean. Nautical pillows, a coffee table reminiscent of a sea chest, and a lamp whose base is made of shells are subtle reminders. The metal light fixture, with its interesting shapes, uses reflective ceiling glass to play off the rooms unusual angles and white walls creating interesting patterns.  The master bedroom echoes the nautical look of the adjacent porch with pale yellow beadboard walls, a vintage-look white spread and wool carpet similar to the classic rag rugs found in many old-time Maine cottages.