Angela Adams has been designing and making handcrafted textiles and modern home furnishings that reflect the natural beauty of Maine since 1998. Her designs are immediately recognizable, and acclaimed for their ability to evoke a coastal feeling.
Her collection, and that of her husband, furniture designer Sherwood Hamill, can be found at their new location at 131 Middle St. in the Old Port in Portland, and at angelaadams.com.
This spring, she introduced her latest offerings – colorful down-filled linen pillows, a rug design inspired by a Portland windsurfer, and a new coffee table designed by Hamill and made by a furniture craftsman in their shop.
“We have more new introductions this year than we have had in many years,” Adams said. “We have introduced a large assortment of linen pillows in gorgeous blues, greens and sunshiny yellows. They are fun to mix and match and add pops of color to any room that needs it.
“Also, we have just introduced the Marsden Blue rug, a modern spin on a big ocean wave. And it’s named after one of Portland’s very passionate wave riders, David Marsden.
“My favorite new piece of furniture is the Swell table, which like the Marsden rug, has an oceanic influence. It’s a beautifully pure design, made with solid domestic hardwood,” she said.
Marsden, friends of the couple for 20-25 years, said it’s true that he’s been known to be obsessed with windsurfing and carving waves. He, too, has a keen appreciation for the natural world.
“I’m passionate about being in the outdoors, whether it’s the mountains or the ocean. We’ve had some adventures, and that’s what it’s all about,” he said.
Adams embraces all things coastal and weaves her impressions into a tapestry of textiles for the home or even a weekend trip to the beach:
• Luxuriously textured area rugs offered in tufted and woven construction and intended for everyday living. What she describes as “a modern aesthetic on the traditional medium.”
• Bold and textured pillows and lambs wool knit throws
• Fine bedding
• Bags and totes
• Modern dining and entertainment items
Nature is Adams’ greatest inspiration for home furnishings. “I translate these inspirations in my sketchbook. Simple pen and paper, the old-fashioned way. I note colors I see and sometimes match paint chips or wool poms to the colors of leaves, or stones, or seaweed, etc. It’s a dream job to get to actually make a living doing that. (If only I did that every day of the week),” she said.
Adams grew up on the coast of Maine and lives in Portland, with its views of the ocean that she said are never the same twice.
“One recent morning it was gray and cold, and the sea smoke was so magical looking, it looked like a scene from an old movie. Two days later, it was a bluebird morning, and the cardinals were celebrating the warmth while Portland Harbor twinkled in the morning light.
“We are so lucky every day to have those views here as part of our daily lives. That’s what makes Portland (special) and why so many people travel here on vacation.”
Adams offered a few tips for redecorating and refreshing your home. Among them:
“Make your home comfortable and relaxing. Use colors that make YOU feel good – don’t rely on trends. I like neutral walls and furniture, and then you can do anything you want with rugs and accessories.
“When the room is grounded with neutral colors, you have the option to move rugs from room to room, play with art and accessories and not have to do a lot of work to make a change. Have fun with it!”
If you’re planning to redecorate and want to take on one room for the most impact, Adams suggests the dining/living room. “I’m a fan of the combination dining/living room. I love to cook and also like to be able to see the fireplace with our cats lounging in front of it. It’s also nice to lounge and smell what’s cooking in the kitchen.
“To me, that’s home, and that would be the room I would focus on. The place where you live.”
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