Nest by Tamara: Design finds in the coastal town of Kennebunkport, Maine

Welcome to Nest by Tamara

I have been blogging since 2008. Nest by Tamara is a lifestyle blog inspired by my busy, full life as a NYC interior designer. I muse about interior design, antiques, architecture, gardening, cooking and entertaining – all that encompasses “nesting” to create a well-lived life and a stylish home. This is not a DIY blog nor a super snobby, stuffy view, but instead a philosophy of infusing a relaxed elegance into your home through investing in high quality products but mixed with budget pieces because we are always on the prowl for a bargain, and all the while keeping creativity as your secret weapon. My posts help you to continue to be the style seeker you are, juggling it all, and yet, you long for the most beautifully set table, albeit sometimes your pot is bubbling over just as the guests arrive. I show you how to utilize your time, keep quality in your back pocket, and smile while you enjoy the fabulous ride! Email me at TamaraStephenson1@gmail.com

Summer is my favorite season -- What's on the agenda here on Nest by Tamara

Lots of fun design musing over here on Nest. For starters, I'll be decorating a small project for a client's weekend get-away home, writing editorials for a few magazines including my East End Nest column for Dan's Papers magazine about the many design events around the Hamptons, heading to Memphis, TN in July with Brizo and the blogger 19 group, plan the decorations for my daughter's dorm room before she heads off for freshman year at Cornell University, painting my back porch, planting a flower and vegetable garden, throwing at least two summer soirees at the beach, primping for a photo shoot at my beach cottage, and lots more. And, of course, I'll be writing about all of it here on Nest -- so stay tuned!

Sunday, September 23

Design finds in the coastal town of Kennebunkport, Maine

Posted by tamara matthews-stephenson

nest by tamara, nesting, interior design, new york city, house and garden

Design inspiration

from the rocky coast

of Maine

Without sounding like I work for the tourism board of the state,

Maine is a quintessentially American place.

You eat delicious lobster rolls, troll the beach for shells,

take in beautiful unfiltered landscapes.

To me, Maine is like Vermont but with the ocean thrown
in for good measure.

there are rolling hills, set against blueberry patches.
There is always the chance one may spot a Moose -

this put my son over the moon.

Maine possibly has the coldest ocean water ever,
but it's all beautiful!

I had to check out the local architecture.

Just like our trip to Martha's Vineyard this summer,

the homes in Maine speak to my heart --

simple, classic with Federal roots.

I love how well edited the structures are,

pristine against a little patina (those aged pots are to die for)

just the right symmetry, and of course the pop of color, but not too much.

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My family has gotten used to me taking them on design jaunts while traveling,

and they obliged so we stopped into a few small shops

in Kennebunkport.

we found a hidden garden and popped

into a small curio shop snapping up a shot of antique bottles

We heard about a well known design center,

a mix of antiques and modern collections

with furniture and accessories,

fabric, rugs.

We ran over to

Antiques on Nine

in Kennebunkport

first we were lured by the lovely outdoor antique urns,

gargoyles and garden accoutrements outside the shop

nesting, nest by tamara, interior design, new york city, house and garden

the prices were quite reasonable as well

Antiques on nine

is an expansive 12,000 sq foot one stop design centre

offering much from outdoor garden gnomes

to custom furniture and rugs

The store is filled with English and French American

and unique lighting and accessories

on the coast of Maine.

Owner Beverly Bangs (hails from Atlanta, Georgia) brings her stylish eye to curate the shop well with a mixture of high-end European and American antiques to local Maine wares.