A Sea Captain's Home Revamped for Today

When the owners of this Maine home purchased it, the house was in a state of disrepair. But they knew the house, built in by sea captain Ambrose Childe between 1855 and 1862, would be the perfect summer retreat for their bustling family.

They hired one of my favorite architects/designers, Linda Banks, to renovate and restore the home they called "Big Pink". Linda drew inspiration from the homes seafaring past. To honor the history of the house and its location, she chose an earthy palette of blues, greens and taupes and accessorized with Audubon prints and nautical items.

The salon above was filled with historic details like the intricately carved frieze over the door, gothic door panel and original mercury glass door knobs. These details were painstakingly preserved. Notice how much texture the jute rug brings into the room.

Through the salon you can see the dining room above. Linda keeps the old home looking fresh with a mix of armillary style chandelier and heirloom antiques like the lovely chest. The palette is neutral with soft wall color and jute rug. The scientific charts on the wall add to the nautical, sea captain feel.

Period features figure prominently in every room, like the original fireplace. It's presence is enhanced by the beautiful antique mirror hanging above.

The home is filled with nautical reminders of the sea captain who lived here before the family. Notice the ship model, water charts and Audubon print above. Again a neutral palette and jute rugs allow the many small rooms to blend together seamlessly.

The library is a soft pink. Chairs are upholstered in a fabric with a coral motif and sea inspired rug create a pretty oasis for reading and relaxing.

The completely renovated kitchen is wonderful mix of white cabinetry and soft blue/green island. The counters are honed absolute black granite. Large windows over the sink and a glass door from the foyer flood the space with light.

One of the smaller bedrooms is done in a soothing blue and white palette. Notice the wonderful moulding around the floor to ceiling window which Linda does not hide, but highlights with soft sheer curtains.

Two new bathrooms were created from one of the bedrooms. White beadboard wainscotting and Clarence House wallpaper in La Mere Beige add to the playfulness of this sea captain's home.

A small bathroom was moved to make room for a landing library with views of the ocean. Notice the book shelves built above the windows to increase storage space.

Special thanks to Linda Banks for a peek into another gorgeous ocean home which captures both the history of it's past with the updated features needed for a family of today.

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To read more about this home in Maine Home and Digest click here. To see more of Linda Banks' exceptional work read previous posts here and to tour her personal home click here and here. To visit Linda Banks' website click here and finally to visit Linda Banks' store Simply Home click here.

(all photos property of Linda Banks and not to be copied with out permission)

America's Mart - Part II Napa Home & Garden

One of the highlights of my trip to Atlanta was visiting the showroom of one of my favorite companies, Napa Home & Garden.

Napa Home & Garden is owned by Jerry and KC Cunningham. Over the past 10 years they have grown their company exponentially, and in these trying times that is saying a lot!! How did they do it? Well, after meeting KC Cunningham and having the great privilege of spending some time chatting with her, the reasons for their success are crystal clear!

First let me say that I have never met a more gracious and stylish woman. Not only is she chic but KC is also an astute business woman. Her incredible eye and design sense are evident at every turn. Their product line provides high quality solutions for many client's design needs. I have been a fan of Napa Home & Garden for several years, but to say I was even more impressed after I met KC was an understatement. Let me show you why I hold this company is such high regard.

KC mentioned her number one selling items are her Firelites line. What is so wonderful about Firelites are that they use an eco friendly gel fuel made with recycled post-consumer waste from materials that would otherwise end up in our landfills. KC explained to us that it means with almost no fumes they can be used both outside and inside!! Of course you need to follow some basic rules, but used appropriately, they really can add so much to your outdoor and indoor decor. Above are the Vintage Pots line - look at the amazing crackle glaze and the colors.

They add an instant ambiance to any space.

Just like a candle, but when not in use they become a wonderful design accessory. I love this style called the Lion Tower - It comes in four finishes - I adore the Matte Black.

But I am equally enamored with the turquoise.

I also really love the shape and finish on the Party Time line. Firelites come in almost 50 styles and also come in larger sizes up to 45" tall, so the possibilities are endless.

I was also smitten with their FibreClay faux lead outdoor planters. The company brochure says "they only look heavy" and that is the truth!!

Both Di and I easily lifted them and marveled at the true life, aged lead finish! Gorgeous!

Of course they also have more traditional planters as well, including the famous Guy Wolff line. The displays at the Mart were just beautiful when all the different lines and statuary were shown collectively.

Isn't this display amazing?

Not just a company for outdoor decor, they also have a stunning preserved greens line. They use a unique, proprietary process so the greens look fresh indefinitely.

They come in many different containers, including these lovely distressed gray pots

And more formal mercury glass containers

The line is varied and includes wreaths as well.

But perhaps the most exciting products I saw were from artist John Lamos. He created the "John Lamos Studio Line" exclusively for Napa Home & Garden.

John's work has become synonymous with sustainablity. He creates his items with a "cementitious" material - cement mixed with two thirds recycled material that yeilds a product that is lighter and stronger than concrete and unlimited in its design appplications.

His current designs, exclusive to Napa Home & Garden, include unique planters, bowls, pedestals, firepots, pavers and chargers. The shapes and forms were all inspired by nature and are made in the USA by hand.

Here are the some photos of the pavers

A close up shows the incredible texture and color that mimics real wood

The color is intergral so even scratches don't show.

Although my flash over exposed this shot - the petal bowls were also lovely

The forms were just so elegant and beautiful

The collection also includes fire burning Torchieres, like the one above, and other items called "Wormwood" plates

It was such a treat to see all the exciting, new things from Napa Home & Garden

And a special thank you, from Di and I, to the wonderful KC Cunningham. We are so thrilled for your company's success and excited to see where you take us next!!

For more information on Napa Home & Garden click HERE. And stay tuned for America's Mart -Part III - Tara Shaw Maison.

(all photos property of Willow Decor and Napa Home & Gardren - not to be used with out permission)