Surrounded by forested preserves and tree-lined streets, this 1929 Cape Cod in Dunthorpe — just south of Portland — has entered a new chapter. What was once an architectural gem defined by symmetry and traditional detailing has been thoughtfully reimagined as a home for gathering, connection and expressive contemporary living.
The project, led by Grayhaus under founder and principal designer Sara Gray, honours the house’s craftsmanship while infusing it with warmth and personality. For its owners — a couple who recently relocated from Chicago with their children grown — the move signalled more than a change of address. It represented a desire to root deeply in a new city and create a place where friends could gather and conversations could linger long into the evening.
Located in Dunthorpe, an established neighbourhood known for its historic homes and proximity to lush nature reserves, the property balances a country-estate atmosphere with easy access to the city. “The house’s architecture reflects an era of craftsmanship and symmetry, with classic proportions, molding and architectural charm that we intentionally preserved and honored throughout the design,” Sara Gray notes.
While the home functions as a full-time residence, its 5,500-square-foot (approximately 511m²) layout across two levels — comprising four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and generous communal spaces — was optimised with hosting in mind. From the outset, Gray envisioned the home through the lens of European salon culture. “I could see the future story of the home the moment I stepped inside,” she recalls. “From the beginning, I could picture their home as a place where friends gather, conversations linger, and evenings stretch late so the idea of salons and hospitality culture felt like a natural direction.”
That vision crystallised in a previously undefined space adjacent to the kitchen. “Without hesitation, I said, ‘This wants to be a salon,’” the designer says. “Today, it’s the pièce de résistance of the home, where guests linger, conversations stretch late into the evening, and the homeowners’ love of hosting comes to life.”
Intimacy was key. “We knew it needed to feel intimate and a little bit moody, a space that encourages people to sit close, talk, laugh, and stay awhile,” she continues. “The deep burgundy walls immediately set the tone, and the Calacatta Viola marble became the showstopper: bold, sculptural, and quietly glamorous. We paired that with rich millwork in a traditional profile, unlacquered brass that will beautifully patina, and lighting intentionally kept low and warm to create that inviting, after-dark glow.”
The design process was deeply personal, shaped in part by the wife’s wardrobe — full of bold colour and subtle sparkle. “She has this fun, glamorous, sparkly personality,” Gray says. “She’s originally from Georgia (in the Southeast of the US), so there’s also a deep thread of Southern hospitality woven into the way they welcome people into their lives. We were especially inspired by the ritual of hosting: enjoying a cocktail before dinner, gathering around a beautifully set table, and then transitioning into another space for a nightcap.” This sense of ritual informed the home’s flow. “Instead of designing each room in isolation, we thought about flow, energy, and how it would all feel when lived in,” she adds.
A palette of muted jewel tones underpins the interiors, creating depth without overwhelming the historic framework. Shades of deep wine, dusty blue and warm mocha ripple through the rooms, offering richness while maintaining restraint. “Rich, textural hues reflect the homeowners’ lively warmth while still honoring the home’s historic framework,” Sara Gray says.
Natural materials ground the scheme. Wood, stone and unlacquered brass are layered with tactile textiles — mohair, velvet and linen — to introduce softness and ageability. The intention was always longevity. As the brass develops patina and surfaces evolve with daily use, the house will continue to gather character alongside its owners.
The 18-month renovation was not without its challenges. As with many nearly century-old homes, unexpected structural conditions emerged, from unusual joist directions to spatial constraints. “Rather than viewing these as obstacles, we embraced them as part of the home’s history,” Sara Gray explains. Creative problem-solving allowed the design to respect the original bones while quietly upgrading the house for contemporary living.
The result is a residence that feels both grounded and expressive — one that captures the quiet dignity of its architecture and the vibrant energy of its inhabitants. “The intention was to create a home that feels alive, communal, and quietly impactful,” Sara Gray describes. “A place made for gathering, celebrating, and feeling deeply at ease.”
In marrying heritage with hospitality, this Portland home stands as a modern interpretation of the salon: a soulful reinvention where tradition and personality coexist, and where every room invites you to stay just a little longer.
Credit
Interior design: Grayhaus, Instagram: @grayhausinteriors
Photos: Pablo Enriquez, Instagram: @pablo.enriquez
Styling: Kira Corbin, Instagram: @kiracorbin
Builder: Taylorsmith Sustainable Construction, Instagram: @taylorsmithsc
Production: Karine Monié, Instagram: @karinemonie
