DECOR MAINE | ISSUE NO. 6, 2025

HURLBUTT DESIGNS

Out of Africa and Into Maine

Hurlbutt Designs created a fusion of design for an international couple settling in Maine.

Photography by Heidi Kirn
Architecture: Randall Architectural Design
Construction: Perry Building and Restoration

A couple with a flair for the eclectic teamed up with interior designer Louise Hurlbutt of Hurlbutt Designs to transform their 1800s Victorian farmhouse. Their story is as eclectic as their design tastes: they met on safari in Africa where the husband worked as an elephant trainer, while the wife was running a Michelin-starred restaurant on Harbor Island in the Bahamas. When they eventually settled in New England, Louise helped the couple preserve their story by incorporating their African and Bahamian influences into a historic New England home.

As a designer, Louise is no stranger to melding bold patterns with Maine’s storied interiors. She’s a longtime collaborator with design forward real estate developer Tim Harrington, and her resume includes an Argentinian-inspired, woodsy retreat in Sunday River, and the chic renovation of the Lincoln Mill into a glamorous hotel in Biddeford. And the list goes on.

This particular homeowner came to Maine with a collection of ideas, antiques, and wallpaper. A happy accident, the wallpaper the client had discovered was inspired by Rufus Porter, a renowned Maine muralist. Rufus’ panoramic wall scenes, featuring trees, ships, and classic New England brick buildings, are beloved by design enthusiasts. “I knew the client understood design when she picked that wallpaper,” says Louise. Today, it graces the front hall, paired with a sweeping staircase that leads to the second floor.

As you move deeper into the house, the kitchen and dining area open into a warm, inviting space that is ideal for gathering, storytelling, and shared meals. The kitchen island doubles as a dining table, flanked by eight counter stools that invite large groups to linger. Just beyond, a drop-leaf table marks the transition into the living room. In a nod to the client’s roots, a collection of green pottery inherited from her grandmother adds a pop of color and complements the African artwork above the fireplace.

Louise’s deep knowledge of luxury materials, furniture, and upholstery allows her to curate high-quality, unique pieces that stand the test of time. For the living room, she chose a George Smith sofa, crafted in England and known for its impeccable construction. “I wanted to have it custom upholstered in a Thibaut fabric,” says Louise. “Two furniture companies turned down the project, but I finally found someone to do it!” The sofa now sits alongside two African-inspired chairs from Palecek. From this room, French doors lead out to a beautiful back deck.

Louise delighted in working with clients who had such a taste for design. “We were able to expose the client to so many fabrics,” she says. “Because she truly values quality, she welcomed all our recommendations, which made the project a pleasure. She brought us her lifestyle and her collections. We built the design around those things—and as a result, her story really shines through.”

A serendipitous discovery of Rufus Porter-inspired wallpaper set the tone. The rest—African-influenced art, natural textures, and luxe materials like granite—followed, coming together to create a home that is one-of-one.