New England Farmhouse Meets Portland Style In This Revamped Abode

Interior designer Lisa Staton thought her work was done in this Portland residence, but she was wrong. Six years ago, Staton worked alongside architect Melody Emerick of Emerick Architects and general contractor Narada Fairbank to transform what she describes as a “sweet old farmhouse” into a modern, Scandinavian-inspired family dwelling complete with white walls, light-toned woods, and clean-lined furniture and fixtures. When it was finished, the delighted homeowners deemed it a success, and she moved on.

But that was merely the first chapter. Several years later, the property passed into the hands of new owners, who reached out to Staton about tailoring the home to fit their family. Initially, the designer had reservations. “Redoing your own work can be tricky,” she notes. “When the new clients have a strong point of view, and they want to alter what you consider good work, it can be difficult to reimagine.” Regardless, she went into the initial meeting with an open mind and found herself developing an enthusiasm for recasting the dwelling. And, when Staton discovered that the new owner had saved images of her personal cabin in his inspiration file without realizing it was hers, it seemed like fate.

Also destiny-tinged was the family’s hope of having a New England-inspired dwelling. Though able to work in any design language, Staton, a native of Boston, has a fondness for old homes and antique furniture. This jived perfectly with her clients’ desire for a layered, moody residence filled with books. To achieve this, Staton shifted the palette. “Think less white and more café au lait,” she says. Those creamy coffee-with-milk-colored walls are the base for smoky plums, greens, grays and blues—hues fitting for textiles and rugs inspired by tailored men’s suiting. But don’t take the word “suit” to mean “formal.” As the designer says, “This house has a fusion that makes it comfortable. There’s fancy and informal, old and new—all crafted with rich, luxurious materials such as wool and leather. It’s a blend of elements that creates an approachable home.”

The open-plan kitchen, sitting room and dining room reflect the new attitude. In the kitchen, honed marble joins a dark green zellige tile, shelves display art and earthenware pottery, and oversize statement globe pendants hang above an island where low-backed stools invite gathering. The rustic table and antique console in the dining room suggest a New England farmhouse, albeit with a sputnik light fixture striking a contemporary note. Another familial port of call is the snug library at the top of the stairs. Originally created for the previous family, this space was attractive to the current book-loving residents, and Staton updated it with more seating and an antique rug.

A great home has as many places for retreat as for rallying, and the primary bedroom is a private, parental haven. With soft, inviting-to-the-touch fabrics on the bed, window seat and armchairs around the fireplace, Staton created what she says feels like a “cashmere cocoon.” She notes: “This is where you turn on the fire, put down your phone and pick up the book you are dying to finish.”

The dual nature of the dwelling is one of the main points. “It’s the story of the house—there are spaces designed for escape and focus, and then everyone can return to the public areas to be together,” Staton says. “But no matter what space you are occupying, you will find energy and warmth.”