A Designer’s Guide to Portland Maine
Pictured: Scales Restaurant
“Maine is a beautiful place that I paradoxically want to hoard to myself and share with everyone I meet.” - John Hodgman
Known for its coastal landscape, fresh lobster, and lighthouses, the ‘Pine Tree State’ possesses a rugged and charming individualism that I adore. The quaint towns and beautiful ocean vistas encourage a slow, intentional lifestyle that I am happy to embrace whenever I escape the city life of Atlanta for a visit to the Maine Cottage. It’s on an island in a very small town and the sound of crashing waves, seeing deer in the backyard, being with friends and family, and toiling in the garden offers an ease and a sense of calm you just can’t get in a city.
The city of Portland is small and charming and filled with creative people who take pride in their offerings— from restaurants, to coffee shops, to clothing boutiques, this small city offers so much. Here are just a few of my favorite spots in and around Portland, Maine:
Home Decor
Home Remedies
Home Remedies is a large furniture store with a lot of beautiful and unique accessories. With a curated mix of vintage finds and more modern pieces, I always find something unusual here that I haven’t seen before. They also have a killer bedding section if you are into really soft organic linens. And who isn’t?
Blanche + Mimi
Blanche + Mimi is soooo inspiring. It’s named after the store owner’s grandparents who inspired them. They just moved to a larger location on Commercial Street and the store is jam packed with gorgeous table linens, stunning serving pieces, lots of French cutlery, beautiful glassware and so much more. They have a darling baby section too which is my go-to spot for any of my tiny friends.
Women’s Fashion
Bliss Boutique
Who doesn’t love a boutique that has a great jean bar? Not only that, I love their shoe selection and they sell a collection of gorgeous woven handbags - the perfect coastal attire.
Judith
Judith is a very fashion-forward, contemporary women’s clothing store. It’s a little on the pricey side, but you’ll walk out with something completely unique.
Zane
Zane has a gorgeously curated selection of women’s clothing. They are known for carrying pieces with interesting lines and cuts. And their accessories are great too.
Portland Dry Goods
Portland Dry Goods is a great spot for quality men’s clothing and basics. They have women’s clothes too, but I typically find myself visiting the store for their men’s options. They also sell Le Labo products so that’s fun.
Food & Restaurants
The Holy Donut
Please eat all the chocolate sea salt donuts so I don’t have to! The Holy Donut serves potato donuts that will blow your mind. I bought every flavor for my 40th birthday celebration and there were no unhappy guests. They have gluten free options and for the more adventurous, try the bacon donut. It’s an unexpected salty sweet treat.
Scales Restaurant
Scales is a newer restaurant on the food scene in Portland. I love sitting at the bar overlooking the port and watching the staff shuck oysters at an incredibly fast (i.e. super dangerous) pace. My go-to is a dirty vodka martini paired with any of their seafood items– haddock, scallops, and or chowder. It’s all delicious. There’s lots of energy in this space making it great for people watching.
LB Kitchen
If I could eat at LB kitchen every single day, I would be very happy. This place has the most delicious healthy food. Think lemon water, salads with amazing seeds, gorgeous smoothies and just about everything I want to eat that also makes me feel really good. It’s a good place to go for a cleanse after you’ve eaten too many donuts from The Holy Donut.
Eventide Oyster Co.
Everyone knows this place but I have to mention it again because it’s so darn delicious. I like to sit at the bar and try all of the local oysters. They are known for their brown butter lobster roll that is served in an Asian bun. It’s completely unique and completely crave-able.
Fore Street
Fore Street is the godfather of Portland restaurants and they are known for cooking in their wood fired oven. Their kitchen is out in the open and it’s like going to the theater watching the cast of characters prep and carefully cook each dish. You can even see all of the fruits and vegetables they have sourced in their glass walk in. I like pretty so that works really well for me.
Flatbread Company
If you’re looking for incredible salads and pizzas, Flatbread is the place. Pair the pizza with an Allagash White on draft with a lemon. It’s also right on the water and it’s fun to watch the boats as you’re eating. The outside deck is dog friendly - major plus!
Lifestyle & Self Care
Beauty Mark Co.
Beauty Mark Co. is my favorite facial aesthetics studio anywhere. I try to go a few times a year when I’m in Maine. They are very science based and use the very best products with the latest machines and technology. The space is bright and clean and it’s a lovely self care experience.
Portland Museum of Art
If you’re into art and design, the Portland Museum of Art is worth a visit. It’s small, but mighty!
The Press Hotel
The Press Hotel has only been around for a handful of years. If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s well designed, moody, and has a yummy restaurant, this is your spot! It’s within walking distance to lots of great stuff.
Although I live in Atlanta most of the year, I feel very lucky to have a connection to Maine. Maine is a unique state in all the best ways - like a breathe of fresh air - and I’m happy to share it with you.
Interested in working together on your interior design project? Violet Marsh Interiors specializes in modern, warm interior design in Maine, Atlanta, and beyond. Book a consultation call to see if we are a good fit!
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