Nestled in Seal Harbor, Maine, Martha Stewart’s Duncan-Candler-designed Skylands estate pantry perfectly blends practicality and charm, embodying the spirit of New England home style with its inviting glass-fronted cabinets and timeless woodwork.
- Glass cabinets highlight charmingly imperfect New England style.
- Wood grain continuity connects kitchen to Maine’s natural landscape.
- Combination of open display and closed storage balances beauty and practicality.
What happened
Martha Stewart’s pantry in her Skylands estate in Seal Harbor, Maine, offers a stunning example of regional design that honors both tradition and function. The pantry features glass cabinets combined with wooden ones, allowing carefully curated dishware to be showcased alongside more hidden storage. This mix reflects the classic New England approach to kitchens — where beauty and practicality coexist seamlessly.
Designed with subtle nods to the natural environment, including rich wood grains flowing from cabinets to ceiling, the pantry connects the indoors to the surrounding Maine wilderness. It captures a lived-in style, with mismatched but cherished pieces displayed in a way that feels warm and approachable rather than overly staged.
Why it feels good
This pantry stands out because it embraces imperfection as part of its charm, with china arranged in a relaxed manner rather than aiming for pristine perfection. That sense of lived-in warmth is a hallmark of New England homes, where spaces are meant to be enjoyed, not just admired.
Additionally, the mixture of glass and solid doors combines visual interest with purposeful storage. It invites a feeling of hospitality—ready to wheel out elegant pieces for hosting yet perfectly suited to everyday life in Maine. The design feels authentic and welcoming, reflecting the unique character that makes New England style so timeless.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those inspired by Martha Stewart’s approach, consider how you might display your own cherished dishware with a similar balance of openness and concealment. Freestanding cabinets that mix glass and wood can bring this style into homes without built-in pantries, offering both practicality and aesthetic appeal.
Keep an eye on trends making a comeback in interior design like continuous wood grain finishes and classic silver accents. These elements bring a heritage feel to spaces, echoing traditional New England elegance while fitting modern lifestyles. Watching restoration and celebrity home tours can provide further ideas for creating spaces that feel both curated and comfortably lived in.