Maine family’s heirloom-rich home redesign: a playful twist on 1850s charm

A young family’s painstakingly restored 1850s home in Portland, Maine, is a testament to the beauty of embracing imperfection and honoring the past. Insides Studio’s design wasn’t about erasing history, but weaving it into a vibrant, contemporary space—a process deeply rooted in the homeowners’ cherished collections.

Layered legacy: where heirlooms shape every detail

What began as a simple kitchen refresh quickly blossomed into a full-scale renovation, fueled by a treasure trove of furniture, textiles, and decorative objects passed down through generations. From a needlepoint rug tracing its journey across apartments to an antique cabinet once gracing a grandmother’s living room, each piece held a palpable story—a narrative that Insides Studio meticulously integrated into the design.

The team, led by Kacee Witherbee and Juliana Barton, didn’t view the house’s quirky asymmetries—the awkward doorways, the chimney dominating the kitchen, the lingering echoes of previous layouts—as obstacles. Instead, they treated them as unique opportunities, transforming a challenging ‘pass-through’ into a functional, living pantry and display area for the family’s prized dishware and cookbooks. “We were obsessed with it,” explained Witherbee, “a little moment that connects the kitchen to the back entry.”

The result is a home that feels remarkably personal, a layered tapestry of styles and eras. The designers skillfully juxtaposed a modernist sconce by Ron Rezek with antique dining chairs from M. Kardana, complemented by a striking tortoise glass trumpet vase. Every detail, from the hand-painted bookshelves by North Road Woodwork to the Charleston Duncan Grant fabric used for the pantry skirt, speaks to a deliberate, considered aesthetic.

“They were willing to embrace some of the playful quirks of the house,” Barton noted. This willingness to lean into the unexpected created a space that is both historically informed and undeniably contemporary. The project’s construction was expertly handled by Howe Construction, ensuring the home’s integrity was preserved while allowing for these transformative changes.

The entryway, left largely untouched with its original wallpaper and lighting, serves as a tranquil transition. A carved-wood bird mobile by Hans Hokanson adds a touch of whimsy, while a marble shelf, a simple “hack” for keys and mail, highlights the designers’ attention to practical details. The playroom, affectionately dubbed “cozy in chaos,” showcases a thoughtful blend of order and playful disarray—a testament to the family’s unique lifestyle.

Beyond the visible renovations, the homeowners’ own contributions – their meticulously curated collection of satirical engravings, the piano, the family’s cherished furniture – are integral to the home’s character. “These are all items with personal meaning collected by and passed down from our parents, grandparents, and other relatives,” the homeowner said. “[They’re] practical and poignant.” The final product is a home that isn’t just beautifully designed; it’s profoundly lived-in, a tangible expression of family history and enduring values.