Surrounded by woods and filled with natural light, Conch House is a modern craftsman retreat rooted in natural materials, thoughtful details, and a strong sense of place.

Kitchen with wooden cabinets, a black coffee machine, a green succulent in a decorative pot, a small white bowl, a row of clear glasses, a white bowl with eggs, and a white bowl with a handle on a black countertop with a beige tiled wall in the background.
A woman with long blond hair wearing a black top and light blue jeans, reaching for dishes on a wooden shelf in a kitchen with wooden cabinets, a black countertop, and a rustic light fixture hanging from the ceiling.
Interior of a living room with a large flat-screen TV mounted on a white wall, wooden beams, a potted green plant on a tripod stand, a small wooden table with framed photos and decorative items, a light fixture on the wall, and seashell decorations on a lower shelf.
Kitchen with wooden cabinets, black countertop, white backsplash, and ceiling beams. Items include plates, vases, a coffee maker, and a basket of oranges.
A cozy living room featuring a flat-screen TV mounted on a white wall, a wooden console table with decorative seashells and books, brown leather and wooden armchairs, a glass coffee table, large front windows with green trees outside, and plant decorations including a hanging potted plant and a large leafy plant inside. The ceiling has exposed wooden beams.

Nestled among the pines of coastal Maine, Conch House is a thoughtfully renovated craftsman cottage that celebrates both the character of the original home and the unique story of its owners. Surrounded by woods and bathed in natural light, the home feels deeply connected to its landscape, offering a quiet retreat where nature and craftsmanship take center stage.

Our goal was to preserve the home's craftsman roots while introducing a fresh, timeless aesthetic that better suited modern living. Original architectural details, including exposed timber beams and generous windows overlooking the forest, informed every design decision. A palette of warm woods, natural stone, layered textures, and soft neutral tones creates a sense of ease and authenticity throughout the home.

At the heart of the renovation is the kitchen—a space designed to feel both functional and enduring. Solid wood semi-custom cabinetry in a modern shaker profile provides clean lines while remaining true to the home's character. Soapstone countertops bring depth and patina, paired with an unlacquered brass faucet that will age beautifully over time. Underfoot, a richly textured tile floor grounds the space, while handcrafted ceramic light fixtures add warmth and artisanal character.

The kitchen opens seamlessly into the living area, creating a natural gathering space for family and friends. Anchored by a wood-burning stove and framed by views of the surrounding woods, the space feels cozy in every season while remaining bright and airy thanks to an abundance of natural light.

One of the most meaningful design details draws inspiration from the homeowner's work in marine conservation, specifically helping to regenerate conch shell populations. As a subtle nod to her passion, we sourced fossilized coral sconces from Marovo Island, whose organic texture and warm glow bring a layer of storytelling to the home. These unique fixtures serve as a reminder of the connection between the natural world and the people who care for it.

The result is a home that feels collected rather than decorated—a modern craftsman retreat that honors its setting, celebrates its owners, and embraces the beauty of natural materials at every turn.

Sage Services: Interior Design, Cabinet Design, Lighting Selection, Flooring, Fixtures and Finishes

General Contracting: Cashman Development

Location: Kittery, Maine

Completed: 2026

Photography: Freebird Photography

A wall with a mounted light fixture, wooden beams, and green leafy plants in the foreground.
A woman with long blonde hair smiling and standing in a kitchen with wooden cabinets, a white sink, and a window. The kitchen has a rustic style with exposed wooden beams on the ceiling and pendant lights.
A metal chair with a colorful painted design, containing a stack of books and a coffee cup on top, with a tiled floor in the background.
A living room with a green sofa adorned with brown and pink pillows, a beige woven floor vase beside a wooden support beam, and light-colored walls with a large window allowing natural light in. There is a wall-mounted lamp and two decorative clocks on the wall.

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