The Year in Design - Decor Maine
We were so pleased to be featured in Decor Maine’s "Year in Design” issue.
THE YEAR IN DESIGN: BID ADIEU TO 2022 WITH 17 OF THE YEAR’S MOST STYLISH, SERENE, AND SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS
B Y A N N A M A N G UM
HURLBUTT DESIGNS
SPEC-TACULAR RENO
interior designer: Hurlbutt Designs
builder: Hall Development & Design
art: Maine Art Gallery
photos: François GagnéThis house has an origin story as a spec house renovated by Jon Hall of Hall Development & Design. The new homeowner brought on Louise Hurlbutt of Hurlbutt Designs knowing that her style complemented the builder’s design. To accomplish a subdued nautical look, Louise pulled colors from the surrounding area to the indoors. In the entry hall, a blue rug and sideboard pair with a painting by Craig Mooney that passes as an extension from the views beyond the entry window. A look into this first room sets the theme for the rest of the home: ocean blues paired with natural textures. Craig’s piece, along with many of the other artworks throughout the house, depicts a coastal scene and was sourced from Maine Art Gallery. The house feels situated in its oceanside setting without feeling kitschy thanks to the natural fibers and a balance of color.
The design of the home is roomy and mindful of guests, and all the rooms have detailed and thoughtful touches. In the kitchen, dual islands can easily fit six people, whether relaxing with a charcuterie board or prepping ingredients. Behind the islands, a stained wooden hood surprised Louise. “I would’ve done a white hood, or copper or brass,” she says. “But when I saw it, I absolutely loved his choice. All his work is custom, and it’s a wonderful space.” In the powder room, Jon installed custom mortised woodboards with trim profiles to create beautiful perimeter accent walls. Louise didn’t want to change a thing.“This is true craft,” Louise adds. “Jon and his team chose just the right shade of blue that fits in with the rest of the house. We decided not to put any art in the bathroom because the panels were such a work of art themselves!”
The bedroom opens onto sweeping coastal views. One can only imagine the pinks and oranges of the sun - set over the ocean, watching the evening transition to the night. Yet—what to do with that evening glass of wine or book? The location of the bed made it tricky to have bedside tables, but Palecek seagrass hand-braided woven chairs in front of the bed paired with the elusive tables is a beautiful solution. Everything about this home works so that the owners can enjoy the breathtaking coastal views without forfeiting on equally beautiful interior design.