I am thrilled to announce the opening of my new retail boutique and design studio at 215 Commercial Street in Portland, Maine's historic Old Port District.
Because of the upcoming launch of my brand-new online store, I’ve been neglecting my blog a bit. But not to worry – the shop is almost here, and I’ll be back with so much to share. But I had to pop in to thank Erin of House of Turquoise for her featuring one of my custom homes in my signature neighborhood, Maeve’s Way.
Thank you, Erin, and all your wonderful community for your sweet words. To read the entire post, and to spend some time browsing Erin’s other finds on House of Turquoise, click here!
This weekend Nicola’s Homes will be moving out of 36 Maeve’s Way and a brand-new family will be moving in. This is only the second home I’ve designed and built but never lived in—and yet saying goodbye to this house has made me as sentimental and reflective as any other I’ve ever done.
36 Maeve’s Way is only the second home in my custom neighborhood in Cumberland Foreside, Maine, and the first to be entirely new construction—yet it has all the lived-in, antique warmth of any established Foreside estate. It was a leap of faith in so many ways—facing a faltering real estate market, building in a shoreside community I’ve loved since I was child, testing my team and challenging my own abilities. Although it took longer to sell than we had hoped, this project was worth all we put into it. While Maeve and I never called it home, it’s filled with wonderful memories for me.
An inspired blend of the classic New England Cape and the quintessential English cottage, 36 Maeve’s Way looks cozy from any angle but contains 4500sf of every comfort and luxury a family could want. I imagined this home from the very beginning as a gathering place for family and friends. One of my very favorite details is the peekaboo windows in the second floor bedroom overlooking the exposed beams and stone fireplace of the great room. I can just see little faces up past their bedtimes, peering down at the grown-up party below.
I showed 36 Maeve’s Way fully furnished from the start. My good friend Elizabeth Moss let me select my favorite artworks from her gallery to hang throughout the house, interspersed with photographs of my own family. It became a showcase for my style, and a remote office like none other. We christened the home with a summer’s evening champagne party, a wonderful mix of local neighbors and my dearest friends and family. In fact it was in this gourmet, family style kitchen that I first began talking to Garnet Hill about my textiles line over my mother’s lobster rolls.
This home was featured in Maine Home and Design decked in Christmas finery, a chance to show off its rich textures and warm ambience. As we pack up the furnishings, take down the art and walk through one last time, I am so thrilled for the family about to start their lives here. Remembering how it looked sparkling with fairy lights, wrapped in velvet ribbons, raffia and evergreens, I hope they have as much fun with their holiday celebrations as I did. I hope they know how much care, love and artisanal craft went into each and every detail of this house. I hope from the very beginning, it feels like home.
Juxtaposing old and new pieces in original and compelling new ways, interior and home designer Nicola Manganello creates extraordinary living spaces for clients with distinctive taste.
Because of the upcoming launch of my brand-new online store, I’ve been neglecting my blog a bit. But not to worry – the shop is almost here, and I’ll be back with so much to share. But I had to pop in to thank Erin of House of Turquoise for her featuring one of my custom homes in my signature neighborhood, Maeve’s Way.
An inspired blend of the classic New England Cape and the quintessential English cottage, 36 Maeve’s Way looks cozy from any angle but contains 4500sf of every comfort and luxury a family could want. I imagined this home from the very beginning as a gathering place for family and friends. One of my very favorite details is the peekaboo windows in the second floor bedroom overlooking the exposed beams and stone fireplace of the great room. I can just see little faces up past their bedtimes, peering down at the grown-up party below.
I showed 36 Maeve’s Way fully furnished from the start. My good friend 
