A Weekend in Maine

I just returned from the most incredible long weekend in Maine. I ate lobster, explored downtown Portland, and even squeezed in a few hours at the beach. It was a fun working vacation. Yes, there was lots of work to be had. For the past two years I have been working with my aunt to help design her dream home. I started the project while I was still in school and although they have lived in the home for a few months we're just starting the fun part - decorating! This was my first time seeing the house and it was nothing short of amazing. Although I did not have complete control over the project many of my designs, ideas, and elevations were used and it was great to see them come to life. I would say that my aunt and I are on different ends of the style spectrum but with time we have found a way to meet in the middle. Of course there are things that I would have done different but it's not my house and I certainly didn't pay for it! So, two years, thousands of emails and hundreds of phone calls later we have developed a common vision for the interior of the home and it starts with this painting. Breathtaking, right?  

This painting holds a special place in my heart because my aunt and uncle purchased it while I was visiting them in Amsterdam. I know everytime they look at it they will think of their time spent living in the Netherlands. And since I think every design should start with something meaningful this gorgeous painting will be hung front and center over the built-ins I designed in the living room.

I'm going to use the colors from the painting to create soothing, coastal palette of cool blues, diftwood grays, greens and pops of orange and yellow. When I close my eyes I can picture the entire house furnished...