2021
Maine Homes
Design Awards
- Judged Winners -
The Judges
Susan and Eliza Crater
President and creative director, Sister Parish
Sian Richards
Architectural photographer
Aaron Moser
Chairman of the board, Thos. Moser
Annabelle Selldorf, FAIA
Founder and principal, Selldorf Architects
Loi Thai
Interior and garden designer, Tone on Tone
The COVID-fueled urban exodus that has driven home buying and building through the proverbial roof, combined with months to focus on #pandemicprojects, made this a banner year for our fourth annual Maine Homes Design Awards contest. We know we gush about the beautiful submissions every year, but in 2021, they truly were unsurpassed.
Once again, we tapped a cast of accomplished judges with strong connections to the state: Susan and Eliza Crater, of iconic fabric and wallcovering company Sister Parish, renowned architect Annabelle Selldorf, and interior/garden designer extraordinaire Loi Thai all have homes here; architectural photographer Sian Richards is a Maine Homes contributor; and Aaron Moser’s family’s Auburn-based furniture brand, is, to many, a household name.
Dozens of talented folks submitted nearly 100 entries across five professional and five reader categories: curb appeal, living and/or dining room, kitchen, bath, and landscaping. Thousands of visitors also viewed our online gallery, casting votes to pick a Readers’ Choice winner in each category — check those out online here. And it was all for a good cause: All submission fees from this year’s contest will be donated to the Maine chapters of Habitat for Humanity, whose work building energy-efficient, affordable housing addresses an especially critical need right now.
Thanks to everyone who submitted and congratulations to the winners — including triple and double winners! — who entered these 10 stellar projects, blindly chosen by our judges. Special thanks to Knickerbocker Group and RE/MAX by the Bay for sponsoring this year’s competition. And if you didn’t get a chance to enter, there’s always next year!
2021
Maine Homes Design Awards
- Judged Winners -
The COVID-fueled urban exodus that has driven home buying and building through the proverbial roof, combined with months to focus on #pandemicprojects, made this a banner year for our fourth annual Maine Homes Design Awards contest. We know we gush about the beautiful submissions every year, but in 2021, they truly were unsurpassed.
Once again, we tapped a cast of accomplished judges with strong connections to the state: Susan and Eliza Crater, of iconic fabric and wallcovering company Sister Parish, renowned architect Annabelle Selldorf, and interior/garden designer extraordinaire Loi Thai all have homes here; architectural photographer Sian Richards is a Maine Homes contributor; and Aaron Moser’s family’s Auburn-based furniture brand, is, to many, a household name.
Dozens of talented folks submitted nearly 100 entries across five professional and five reader categories: curb appeal, living and/or dining room, kitchen, bath, and landscaping. Thousands of visitors also viewed our online gallery, casting votes to pick a Readers’ Choice winner in each category — check those out online here. And it was all for a good cause: All submission fees from this year’s contest will be donated to the Maine chapters of Habitat for Humanity, whose work building energy-efficient, affordable housing addresses an especially critical need right now.
Thanks to everyone who submitted and congratulations to the winners — including triple and double winners! — who entered these 10 stellar projects, blindly chosen by our judges. Special thanks to Knickerbocker Group and RE/MAX by the Bay for sponsoring this year’s competition. And if you didn’t get a chance to enter, there’s always next year!
The Judges
Susan and Eliza Crater
President and creative director, Sister Parish
Sian Richards
Architectural photographer
Aaron Moser
Chairman of the board, Thos. Moser
Annabelle Selldorf, FAIA
Founder and principal, Selldorf Architects
Loi Thai
Interior and garden designer, Tone on Tone
The Sponsors
The Beneficiary
UP NEXT: PROFESSIONAL CURB APPEAL

Photograph by JEFF ROBERTS
PROFESSIONAL CURB APPEAL
Camp in the Trees Arrival, Bridgton
Joanna Shaw says: This design is inspired by openness and connectivity, with the arrival into the home inviting people into the most transparent moment. The covered walkway, with views of Long Lake, tethers the kitchen, living room, dining room, and bedroom. Shedding walls and touching lightly on the site hold true to the design’s emphasis on function and simplicity. Torrefied-wood decking flows effortlessly between the trees and screen doors, leading to each element of the house.
Aaron Moser says: This camp demonstrates how good design is informed by nature. The home’s clean lines and thoughtful use of raw materials complement the rugged scenery, and the open walkway creates an unobtrusively functional structure that frames views of the lake, allowing the landscape to enhance the design.
Architects:
Joanna Shaw, Eric Sokol
General Contractor:
Symonds Builders
Landscape Architect:
Richardson & Associates
Landscaping Contractor:
Salmon Falls Nursery & Landscaping
Masonry Contractor:
G.M. Libby & Sons
Roofing Contractor:
Guy Kittel Construction
Structural Engineer:
Albert Putnam Associates
UP NEXT: PROFESSIONAL LIVING AND/OR DINING ROOM

Photograph by ERIN LITTLE
PROFESSIONAL LIVING
AND/OR DINING ROOM
West End, Portland
Ariana Fischer says: This room in a traditional house was dark red with white trim. Luckily, the owner was open to adding some contemporary touches, which made it chic, cozy, and imminently comfortable. We added wall paneling to lend a stately feel and built-in shelves with a modern layout. Rich, glossy Argon by Fine Paints of Europe on the woodwork contrasts with the brown tones on the “coffered” ceiling, created with wallpaper. An antique Heriz rug grounds a pair of bergère chairs we topped with red velvet cushions. Their warmth is in direct contrast with the cool blue, striking a perfect balance between opposites.
Susan and Eliza Crater say: We were immediately drawn to this room, as it reminds us of our own home in Maine and spending many cool nights by the fire. We love how the designer has chosen to paint everything, including the fireplace, a rich blue — a bold, but beautiful, choice. And finding out that the coffered ceiling is wallpaper blew our minds!
Interior Designer:
Ariana Fischer
General Contractor:
M.R. Brewer
Painting Contractor:
Stephen Schools & Company
Wallpaper:
Andrew Martin
UP NEXT: PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN

Photograph by JEFF ROBERTS
PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN
Camp in the Trees Kitchen, Bridgton
Joanna Shaw says: This kitchen was designed to feel like a furnished space that invites you to prepare a meal. Priority was given to the connection between the kitchen and the adjacent screened porch — refreshments and dishes can be passed through the oversize double-hung windows. The materials palette of the fixtures, millwork, ceiling, and windows marries the sentiment of a traditional Maine camp with an elegant, yet functional, modern touch.
Sian Richards says: I love the juxtaposition of the modern architecture and casual camp style with the more dressed-up, formal look of the black cabinetry and appliances and brass accents. The result is sharp and contemporary, but also classic and timeless. The use of black adds a little drama but, in combination with all the wood, it also creates a grounded, earthy feel that is perfect for this environment. The diagonal floors also add something special, as they are a little unexpected. The layout is super-functional — and those pass-through windows to the porch are brilliant and fun. On the whole, I would say that all the elements in this space are beautifully tied together with an elegant, pared-back palette that will stand the test of time. This, of course, is a sign of great style!
Architects:
Joanna Shaw, Eric Sokol
General Contractor:
Symonds Builders
Structural Engineer:
Albert Putnam Associates
Cabinetry:
Warren Construction Group
Countertops:
Stone Surface
UP NEXT: PROFESSIONAL BATH

Photograph by JEFF ROBERTS
PROFESSIONAL
BATH
Bark Shingle Outside Bath, Rome
Joanna Shaw says: A shower tucked beneath the tree canopy suits this home on Great Pond, where activities and the design center on the outdoors. Hemlock walls provide selective views into the trees, balancing privacy and immersion in nature. Graciously thick poplar-bark shingles complete the rustic, yet graceful, space.
Loi Thai says: To live in Maine is to love the unspoiled landscape. What better way to take in nature than in an outdoor shower under the canopy of trees? This one is seamless with the surrounding forest — even the rustic shingles lining the stall blend right in. This is form and function at its best.
Architect:
Joanna Shaw
General Contractor:
Warren Construction Group
UP NEXT: PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING

Photograph by TRENT BELL
PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING
Coast House, Kennebunkport
Marcus Gleysteen says: Coast House bisects its site, with a salt marsh at the entrance on the landward side and a tumbling bedrock beach behind. In addition to fully integrating the interior of the house with the powerful waterfront views, a key goal of the home’s orientation was to take advantage of as much of the front yard as possible. This area is protected from ocean winds and collects afternoon sun, creating a sheltered garden environment in contrast to the rawness of the wilder surrounding coast.
Annabelle Selldorf says: I am impressed with the careful consideration of scale in the landscaping of Coast House. The sheltered garden is a bit of a courtyard space with its own character. The plantings are low and not overly precise or tailored, and work well with the pavers and crushed-stone base introduced at the building’s edge.
Principal Architect:
Marcus Gleysteen
Landscape Architect:
Emma Kelly
Project Manager:
Maggie Baratz
General Contractor:
Bowley Builders
Landscaping Contractor:
Maine Stone & Landscape
Structural Engineer:
Roome & Guarracino
UP NEXT: READER CURB APPEAL

Photograph by BETH MILLAR
READER CURB APPEAL
MCM Kezar Lake House
BETH MILLAR
Beth Millar says: Our mid-century-modern lake house is nestled among the pines and wraps itself around the shore of Kezar Lake. Most houses here blend into their surroundings. I chose Behr’s Shadow Mountain for the cladding and Gilded Glamour, also by Behr, for some of the trim to do exactly that. The painters were skeptical at first, as a lot of houses in the area have a rustic brown-and-green vibe. I wanted a natural, but new, look. The exterior blends with the bark and the trim picks up the pine needles scattered about. Together, they reflect the peace and solitude we feel here.
Sian Richards says: I love houses that blend organically with, and almost disappear into, their natural surroundings — this house is one of them. The choice of the dark exterior was perfect in this instance because it enhances the interest of the rooflines and makes the surrounding greenery stand out. The walkway leading to the house creates an inviting welcome and adds to the overall warmth and earthiness that this home exudes.
Painting Contractor:
Picture Perfect Painting
UP NEXT: READER LIVING/DINING ROOM

Photograph by CHRIS ANDERSON
READER LIVING/DINING ROOM
Bath Maine-Modern Renovation
CHRIS ANDERSON
Chris Anderson says: This living room is located in the ell between the main house and barn in a circa 1750 Cape. The space had been renovated by a prior owner in the 1990s, and was being used as an informal dining area off the kitchen. I decided that it would be more useful (and fun) as a loungey living room that showcased my growing art collection. I replaced the existing faux-wood floor with slate-like porcelain tiles, and simplified the color palette by painting the walls, ceiling, and trim in White Dove by Benjamin Moore and the doors in Railings by Farrow and Ball. The low-slung sectional left plenty of room for a gallery wall showing off works collected in my travels. The gallery wall makes the seven- and-a-half-foot-tall ceilings seem higher (and required lots of measuring, nails, and patching to get just right!). The hand-woven cotton rug, concrete tables, wood-and-leather chair, steel media console, and sculptural floor lamp make the space feel natural and airy, while keeping the focus on the art.
Annabelle Selldorf says: I like this living room because, although it’s not large, it shows how with just a few carefully selected pieces one can really create a sense of place. It looks simple, but clearly all of the furniture was thoughtfully chosen and the arrangement of the art on the wall demonstrates that someone gave this a lot of consideration — and it paid off.
General Contractor:
A.M. Friend Construction
Accent Table:
Overstock
Art:
J. Eddie Kirtley; sTo Len;
Sean Noonan; Sola Olulode;
Stephen Walling
Chair:
Homethreads
Coffee Table:
West Elm
Lamp:
Rejuvenation
Media Console:
Room & Board
Rug:
Rugs USA
Sectional:
Joss & Main
Throw:
Clove & Creek
Tile:
TileBar
Pillows:
Target
UP NEXT: READER KITCHEN

Photograph by LAURA SCHULER HAGEDORN
READER KITCHEN
Yarmouth Village Kitchen Renovation
LAURA SCHULER HAGEDORN AND BILL HAGEDORN
Bill Hagedorn says: We did a complete renovation of this once dark and dated 1980s kitchen in the heart of Yarmouth village. We opened up walls to provide more space and allow for a larger island. We also installed new, larger windows to bring in natural light and installed locally made custom cabinetry, painted in Benjamin Moore Narragansett Green, a color that is both bold and neutral and can read blue, green, gray, or charcoal in different lights. To add warmth and texture, we incorporated multiple finishes, including brass and stainless steel, honed Carrara-marble countertops, rustic ceramic- tile walls, and a painted nickel-gap ceiling.
Aaron Moser says: The clean, contemporary colors in this renovated kitchen keep the basic principle of minimalist design in mind while embracing components of a modern home. The culmination of color, space, and materials makes this room a thoughtful design statement.
General Contractor:
Adam Daly & Son Builders
Tile Contractor:
RF Tile
Floor Refinishing:
Casco Bay Hardwood Flooring
Cabinetry:
Udomsay Woodworkers
UP NEXT: READER BATH

Photograph by LAURA SCHULER HAGEDORN
READER BATH
Yarmouth Village Bath Renovation
LAURA SCHULER HAGEDORN AND BILL HAGEDORN
Bill Hagedorn says: We transformed a windowless first-floor powder/laundry room into a cheerful mudroom and powder room. For the latter, we chose bold, contrasting patterns with similar color palettes, in the form of wallpaper reminiscent of a Dahlov Ipcar painting and handmade cement floor tile. The patterns make the small room seem larger and add drama. The gold-leaf mirror and brass faucet reflect light and add warmth.
Susan and Eliza Crater say: Coming from a textile background, we love a good print-on-print moment. The reader has successfully paired the wallpaper and tile, creating a fun powder room for all to enjoy. The light fixture and mirror add special touches of warmth to the room, and we always love a pedestal sink!
General Contractor:
Adam Daly & Son Builders
Tile Contractor:
RF Tile
Faucet:
Brizo
Lighting:
Hinkley
Mirror:
Anthropologie
Tile:
Clé
Wallpaper:
Hygge & West
UP NEXT: READER LANDSCAPING

Photograph by AVERY PIERCE
READER LANDSCAPING
Buxton Bunting Hill Backyard
AVERY PIERCE AND TOM LANUCHA
Avery Pierce says: A photo in Fine Gardening magazine inspired the natural pool on our property. Because we set the pool into a steep slope, a retaining wall and foundational trees and shrubs — in this case junipers, forsythias, arborvitaes, Fraser firs, and cherry trees — were chosen to hold the embankment in place. With the bones established, I selected perennials with form, texture, bloom time, and color in mind, creating four-season interest. Some of my favorites include azaleas, weigelas, irises, peonies, roses, daisies, hydrangeas, and ornamental grasses.
Loi Thai says: The focal point of this garden is the pool, but it doesn’t scream “swimming pool” and that’s refreshing! Nestled among native trees, plants, and rocks, it looks like a Zen pond. The silvery-gray deck, which is so inviting, adds to the natural vibe. It is a thoughtfully layered garden that whispers serenity.
Pool & Masonry Contractor:
Robin’s Nest
Plants:
O’Donal’s Nursery