Forest Gem

A renovation with rustic woodland spirit

Set back along the shore of Sebago Lake, Forest Gem is a refined yet casual residence combining a rustic woodland spirit with the contemporary characteristics of a modern Maine home. When our clients first purchased the home, it was marked by a disjointed layout and failed to capitalize on its lakefront views. Utilizing the existing footprint, our clients desired an open living space for entertaining and maximizing views. Through careful and extensive studies, our team created a home that invites modern living with an exterior shell that is appealing from a woodland and lakeside approach. The home renovation was designed with efficiency and modern living at the forefront. Solar panels, a convenient car charging station, and a retrofit to accommodate living space on the lower level embrace a home that will stand the test of time.

Essentially, it was about the balance between a refined home that’s well detailed and a home that feels rustic.

– Design Team, Forest Gem

**CROSS POINT**ARCHITECT + BUILDER, Knickerbocker Group | PHOTOGRAPHER, Rachel Sieben

Graced with a touch of lodge aesthetic

The clients desired a space harmonious with both their individual design styles. Creating this balance was a welcomed challenge that resulted in a home reflective of their personalities and tastes. Our team thoughtfully balanced masculine dark tones and soft curves, traditional lodge-style with crisp contemporary furnishings, angled ceiling lines, and light colors, to result in a luxury refined rustic style. Rich leather furniture paired with elegant plaids and houndstooth fabrics harmoniously create a comfortable living space with design details that are classic to a Maine lodge environment.

Maine’s landscape takes center stage

Native materials are a thread throughout the space, such as the bark-covered tree posts at the kitchen island, the natural cleft fireplace stone from a Maine quarry, and the smooth rocks from a local river that serve as a base for a lamp. The color palette was sourced from the site; you can see the green of the pine needles throughout the home’s trim, the morning fog over the lake within the wall paint, and rich browns of the forest floor throughout.

A nostalgic camp bunk

In the lower level, bunk beds were designed to function as a sweet space for their two daughters with lights and cubbies for books. Soft curtains in a fern-inspired fabric gracefully drape each bunk and are paired with knotty boards and oval bulkhead lights. These combined elements create a polished camp-style oasis.