Nestled on a tranquil island near Portland, Maine, the Waterfront Home is a year-round haven that perfectly encapsulates coastal living while offering an elegant retreat. Designed by the acclaimed New York-based studio GACHOT, this home boasts breathtaking views of the glimmering bay and lush surroundings. With a bold color palette and an impressive art collection, the space artfully combines vintage, custom, and contemporary furniture, providing a refined yet inviting atmosphere.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Waterfront, Portland, Maine
Architecture & Interior Design: GACHOT
Interior Styling: Not specified
Photography: Read McKendree
“Our goal was to create a sophisticated yet relaxed escape for our clients, integrating the stunning Maine landscape into their home,” shares Christine Gachot, co-founder of GACHOT. “They sought a welcoming environment, conducive to casual entertaining.” This vision led to a design that encourages flexible gatherings, making the home equally suited for hosting larger groups as it is for intimate family weekends.
The heart of this exquisite home is its kitchen, where vibrant Rosso Alicante marble graces the central island. Surrounding the island, distressed leather BDDW counter stools provide a stylish contrast. Secondary islands are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Picture Gallery Red, complementing a custom banquette adorned with upholstery in a warm red fabric. A striking bronze and onyx Spider Six Arm chandelier by Achille Salvagni illuminates the vaulted ceiling, while Janet Taylor Pickett’s artwork, “Remembering the Lightness of Her Being,” adds a thoughtful touch above the dining area.
The living spaces showcase a curated collection of furnishings that balance comfort with sophistication. A Future Perfect Angelo sofa system pairs seamlessly with a Jan Vlug coffee table and Ipanema lounge chairs. The Anello low table by Federico Peri and a limited edition side table by Matter Made bring modern elegance to the scene, complemented by a vintage Orbitale brass chandelier from Silvio Piattelli that adds a touch of glamour.
The cozy living room features a Grigio Marquina marble fireplace, opposite a built-in desk topped with the same luxurious stone. Elegant Gio Ponti lounge chairs and a salmon linen velvet sofa from RW Guild enhance the room’s comfort, while a striking glass and walnut coffee table from Louis Vuitton showcases accents of cowhide leather and brass. An exquisite hand-knotted silk rug from ALT for Living envelops the white oak floor, adding warmth and texture.
This collaborative journey began with a previous project with GACHOT, fostering a strong creative partnership that made the design process particularly enjoyable. “Having that foundation of trust allowed us to incorporate the clients’ art collection seamlessly,” Gachot explains.
The most frequently used entrance welcomes visitors with contrasting black and white elements—an inviting painted door, shiplap walls, and a flatweave rug. This entryway leads directly into the kitchen, the epicenter of the home, designed for social cooking and entertaining rather than formal dining.
Throughout the Waterfront Home, GACHOT’s expert use of color and natural light reflects their commitment to crafting spaces that resonate with their surroundings. “We’ve embraced vibrant hues throughout the home, from the warm rose tones in the kitchen and lower-level powder room to the deep greens in the lounge and first-floor powder room,” Gachot notes. “Each room flows naturally, filled with sunlight, while the study and media room feature rich oak millwork that adds warmth.”
Moving away from typical nautical themes was essential for the clients, who desired a design that mirrors their lifestyle. The layout encourages social interaction with a guest room for visitors, a serene study for solitude, and a game room featuring an Angelo Mangiarotti ebonized oak table. These elements harmoniously celebrate the spectacular waterfront views, seamlessly connecting the interior with the enchanting landscape beyond.
“The rift white oak paneling we selected adds a warm, natural essence that fits beautifully within the Maine context,” Gachot explains. “This oak delivers a clean, modern aesthetic while offering texture and depth. In the first-floor study, the wood elements—spanning the floors, walls, ceiling, and furniture—create a tranquil environment that invites the natural beauty outside in.”
The Waterfront Home is a testament to the beauty of intentional design, where every element reflects the owners’ identity while providing a serene sanctuary amidst Maine’s picturesque landscape.
