Mary Douglas Drysdale, whom I met at the MoKi media launch last month (see my post about it here), recently told me about a delightful second home she designed in Maine for DC-area clients. And as I watch yet another snowstorm come down outside my window, I sure could use some of these views:
Drysdale not only designed the interiors of the home, she also worked with the architect on the house plans. All photography by Peter Vitale
Drysdale says these are her dream clients — and she should know, since she’s done no fewer than five projects with them. “They’re just wonderful,” she says. “We’ve kind of grown up together.” So she was thrilled, of course when she got the call to help her clients design a new vacation home in Prout’s Neck, Maine.
(I just happened to have a biography of the great American painter Winslow Homer, who created his seminal work when he lived in tiny Prout’s Neck from 1883 until his death in 1910. The book describes its “violently crashing seas and rugged Maine coastline. Prout’s Neck was a painter’s paradise, which might well have attracted a colony of artists had not the Homer family, after buying up almost the whole Neck in 1883, controlled the sale of the land.”)
So now you have an idea of the setting, let’s step inside the house.
The chairs were locally sourced and painted yellow. Drysdale designed the table, which also serves as a study table, so it includes small drawers.
An island with open shelves has "an inviting quality," Drysdale says. She also designed the adorable hanging pot holders from the same material as the window treatments.
Drysdale was encouraged to create a "relaxed and fun feeling" throughout the house. Hence, the lively colors and patterns in the family room, where the family's three children spend most of their time. Most upholstered pieces in the house are from Lee Industries.
The furniture in the entry hall was found at local antique shops and given a boost with bright, contemporary fabric. The art by DC artist Steven Cushner adds to the playful and inviting mood.
Also in the foyer is a painted antique table that extends to seat 21 diners. The slipcovered chairs are from Crate & Barrel.
A view to the entry-hall table and hearth from the living room.
The house is defined by strong colors, but the husband and wife wanted at least one retreat to a space with neutrals. Drysdale answered with this living room. She designed the huge cocktail table after butler's tables. She infused the spirit of Maine through the room with several locally bought baskets and accessories.
One of the family’s mandates was to have the house accommodate multitudes of guests — there are 18 bunk beds for the three children to have their friends there, too. So besides seating a lot of people for dinner, there had to be many bedrooms as well. The clients wanted guest to look forward to being there. Maybe they could sleep in the yellow room one time, or the green room the next. So Drysdale got to have fun with a lot of color.
The yellow room. The window "treatments" are actually made from painted wood.
The green room. Drysdale purchased several quilts to accent the rooms, such as the two you see in here. She is also expert at combining prints and checks, as you see in the pillows and bedspread.
Drysdale commissioned stenciled patterns in almost every room. "It speaks a casual and unpretentious message," she says. It also adds to the sense of pattern and movement that is already apparent through the quilts and upholstery.
The borders of both the rug and floor, along with the walls, were stenciled. And the window "treatments" were made from wood -- this time in a double layer. Drysdale designed the headboard, and there is another quilt again on the chair.
You can't get much more American folk than in the stunning master bedroom, where Drysdale gave her clients a colorful escape from their more "serious" residence here in DC. And when she couldn't find a navy-blue carpet, she got a plain sisal one, and used two gallons (that is not a typo!) of paint to get the color she wanted.
How fun to have these stencils around the master bedroom floor, which is also painted blue.
This master bath alone would be reason enough for me to get up in the morning.
Drysdale tells me that the speed limit throughout Prout’s Neck is 25 mph. “That is symbolic of what it’s like up there — it really is life in the slow lane,” she says. “It’s so radically different from the speed and the moods and concerns of Washington, DC.” I think we could all use a bit of that right about now!
Jennifer Sergent. Native Washingtonian. Former editor at Washington Spaces magazine and HGTV. Currently searching for – and writing about – DC’s design voices. Write to me @
What a wonderful tour. Each room was a feast for the eyes and had it’s own unique personality. I loved all the stenciling…who wouldn’t want to live in a house that has art on the floor!
I have long-admired Ms. Drysdale’s work. I recall my first glimpse of her home in Veranda or Traditional Home magazine in the 90s. It was magical. Ever since, I am always excited to see her work featured anywhere and everywhere.
Her style is what introduced me to neoclassicism. And it’s a design style I favor to this day.
This project in Maine is exquisite. Her attention to detail is astonishing. I’m inspired.
I loved seeing this house again – many of these pictures were in my ‘tearsheet collection’ when I used to rip pictures out of magazines to save inspirational images.
One thing I found to be interesting is that there is a table used for dining that is in the entry hall. I assume that they use the other dining table most of the time, and use the entry hall table for overflow when they entertain?
Thank you for this post! Mary Douglas Drysdale did not disappoint with this beautiful vacation home. Her rendition of neoclassicism always pleases the eye and her use of stenciling always inspires me to try. Please post MORE of hsr equisite work.
Mary is a genius with color. Her combinations are always unexpected and refreshing. Thanks to her gift, her clients have a truly beautiful retreat.
What an amazing dream project that must have been! So much detail in every room…
I have always loved this project – I am going to paint my floors! thanks MDD!
-a
Such a fresh and creative home. I agree that the stenciling on the floors is a fabulous and artful touch.
And talk about location — when do I move in?
mary is by far the most talented designer i have had the privilege of working with
Love these pic’s. Great design. Clean lines, cozy arrangements, colorful palette. Beautiful work!
Oh I like so much this kind of ineriors. I’m an Italian designer and architect and I appreciate so much this kind of works and american designers approach to interior design. I’m into Home Staging now, trying to let italians know how design can be useful to real estate market. I work in Home Staging design in Rome… I love Mary Douglas Drysdale’s style…!
I love the black and white bedroom. But all in all I love the whole house here. WHat a delight. Thank you for sharing.