DAY TRIP: COLLECTING IN MAINE
by David Ekizian - Designer, Color Consultant and Ownder @Design Edit
There is life beyond the Fore River bridge, and when I need to be inspired for my life as a graphic designer and interiors consultant, I get in the car and go up to Maine to my favorite antique shops and stores to seek out collectibles, or just to see what is new. For starters- I get off at the York exit 7 off Route 95, and make a quick pit stop at the Stonewall Kitchen mother ship. If it is between April and October, I will go to Barnacle Billy’s in Ogunquit for a lobster roll {bring a bank check, their lobster doesn’t crack and shell itself} it’s more about the scenery than the lobster roll anyway. I digress. My collections and interests consist of anything that has great design- through shape, color, typography. I look for old packaging and signage, or objects and odd paintings that just feel right. Over the years I have refined my list of shops to those that mirror my aesthetic, which I hit on my way up to Portland {listed below in order of approach}.
York Antiques Gallery
Route 1, York ME
They know what they have, and it is priced accordingly- but really worth the look. Three levels of beautiful rustic/Americana furnishings and collectibles.
Tangibles
1 Steam Mill Rd Cape Neddick, ME
A mix of classic and mid-century furnishings and collectibles.
Harbor Candy Shop
Route 1, Ogunquit ME
Okay- no antiques here- just excellent selection of candy to keep you going.
Carboni - Wells Union Antiques
Route 1, Wells ME
A great group of shops which range from classic European to rustic Americana to eclectic. The Smith Zukas shop is my favorite.
Cory Daniels Gallery
2208 Post Road [Route 1], Wells ME
An antiques shop turned gallery. Corey has an amazing eye and aesthetic. Worth a stop.
Antiques on Nine
81 Western Ave [Route 9] Kennebunk
This is a bit off the route to Portland, and I haven’t been in years- but have it on great authority that they are again a great resource.
Antiques USA
1669 Portland Road [Route 1] Arundel/Kennebunk
Despite the cheesy name- a HUGE place with a mixture of just about everything. Lots of gems in the back to be found if you are up for the hunt.
At this point, I jump on to Route 95 and head up to the Portland waterfront to a few of my favorite shops-
