Do you feel like your home in Portland, Maine, could use a fresh new look? You’re not alone. Whether you're working with a charming historic property or a modern coastal retreat, updating your furniture and decor can make a notable difference in how your space feels.
From smart furniture swaps to styling tricks inspired by Maine’s natural landscapes, there are plenty of great ways to refresh your home without a complete renovation. This guide will walk you through a handful of practical ideas to help you curate a space that feels more current, comfortable, and uniquely yours.
Start With Purposeful Furniture
If you're feeling like your home in Portland needs a level-up, the easiest place to begin is with the furniture. Swapping out a few key pieces can completely shift the energy of a room. Start with your most-used spaces.
In the living room, consider updating your sofa to a more modern silhouette — think clean lines, deep seats, and neutral fabrics. If your current sofa is still in great shape but feels outdated, try reupholstering it or adding structured slipcovers in coastal tones like slate blue or soft sand.
For the bedroom, trade bulky dressers for sleek, minimalist pieces that feel more open. Light woods like ash or birch can instantly brighten up the space and complement Portland’s New England charm. Floating nightstands are another easy way to modernize without cluttering up floor space.
In the living room, consider updating your sofa to a more modern silhouette — think clean lines, deep seats, and neutral fabrics. If your current sofa is still in great shape but feels outdated, try reupholstering it or adding structured slipcovers in coastal tones like slate blue or soft sand.
For the bedroom, trade bulky dressers for sleek, minimalist pieces that feel more open. Light woods like ash or birch can instantly brighten up the space and complement Portland’s New England charm. Floating nightstands are another easy way to modernize without cluttering up floor space.
Incorporate Natural Textures and Materials
One of the best ways to stay true to the aesthetics of Portland is to bring in elements that reflect Maine’s natural wonders. Materials like wood, stone, rattan, jute, and linen offer a laid-back, coastal feel that aligns perfectly with the local vibe.
Add a reclaimed wood coffee table or dining table for warmth and character. Go for wool or jute rugs to ground your furniture while keeping the look casual. You can even upgrade your window treatments to linen drapes, which let in more natural light and add texture at the same time.
In a city known for its rocky coastline and forests, leaning into natural materials helps your home feel more connected to its environment. These details may be subtle, but they make a big difference in the overall feel of your space.
Add a reclaimed wood coffee table or dining table for warmth and character. Go for wool or jute rugs to ground your furniture while keeping the look casual. You can even upgrade your window treatments to linen drapes, which let in more natural light and add texture at the same time.
In a city known for its rocky coastline and forests, leaning into natural materials helps your home feel more connected to its environment. These details may be subtle, but they make a big difference in the overall feel of your space.
Update the Lighting for a Brighter Look
Lighting often gets overlooked, but it plays a significant role in how your home feels. If your goal is to update your space, rethink your light fixtures.
Swap outdated pendants or chandeliers for more modern shapes — black metal, brushed brass, or even matte ceramic finishes work beautifully in Portland homes. Layer your lighting with a mix of overhead, task, and accent lights. Try a bold floor lamp next to your reading chair or wall sconces flanking your bed.
You can also get creative with how you use light. For example, add under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen or battery-powered picture lights above art. These small additions help define your home’s mood and style.
Swap outdated pendants or chandeliers for more modern shapes — black metal, brushed brass, or even matte ceramic finishes work beautifully in Portland homes. Layer your lighting with a mix of overhead, task, and accent lights. Try a bold floor lamp next to your reading chair or wall sconces flanking your bed.
You can also get creative with how you use light. For example, add under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen or battery-powered picture lights above art. These small additions help define your home’s mood and style.
Refresh the Walls With Local-Inspired Colors
If your walls haven’t seen a new coat of paint in a while, updating your color palette is a smart move. Portland’s natural surroundings provide plenty of inspiration — think foggy grays, ocean blues, crisp whites, and forest greens.
You don’t have to repaint your entire house. Sometimes, just tackling a single accent wall or a couple of key rooms can be enough to refresh the space entirely. Look for shades that complement your furniture and feel calming, especially in bedrooms or dens.
Painting built-ins or cabinetry in an updated color is another trick. A deep navy on your lower kitchen cabinets or a mossy green on a bookshelf can turn a generic feature into a standout.
You don’t have to repaint your entire house. Sometimes, just tackling a single accent wall or a couple of key rooms can be enough to refresh the space entirely. Look for shades that complement your furniture and feel calming, especially in bedrooms or dens.
Painting built-ins or cabinetry in an updated color is another trick. A deep navy on your lower kitchen cabinets or a mossy green on a bookshelf can turn a generic feature into a standout.
Add Visual Interest With Local Art
One of the best ways to personalize your home is by supporting local artists. Portland has a thriving creative scene, so take advantage of it. Look for paintings, prints, ceramics, and textiles that showcase Maine’s landscapes or abstract work that fits your style.
Art doesn’t have to be large or expensive to make an impact. A gallery wall of small, framed prints from Portland’s First Friday Art Walk can transform a hallway. Even just switching out old art for pieces that reflect your current taste gives your home a fresh voice.
If you want something unique, consider commissioning a local artist for a custom piece. You’ll get something meaningful, and you’ll be supporting your community at the same time.
Art doesn’t have to be large or expensive to make an impact. A gallery wall of small, framed prints from Portland’s First Friday Art Walk can transform a hallway. Even just switching out old art for pieces that reflect your current taste gives your home a fresh voice.
If you want something unique, consider commissioning a local artist for a custom piece. You’ll get something meaningful, and you’ll be supporting your community at the same time.
Lean Into Functional Decor
If you're going to bring in new items, why not make them both stylish and practical? Functional decor is all about choosing pieces that serve a purpose and look fantastic. For instance, a beautiful ladder shelf can hold books and plants without taking up too much space. A decorative bench near your entryway adds a spot to sit while putting on your shoes — and it doubles as extra storage. Even items like coat hooks, woven baskets, and mirrors can elevate a room when you select them with intention.
If your living room feels too cluttered, swap a small coffee table for one with hidden storage. If your kitchen counters are messy, add a few mounted shelves or ceramic containers to organize things more attractively.
In the end, updating your home doesn’t mean starting over. With the right furniture swaps, thoughtful decor, and a few updates, you can transform your space into something that feels brand new. Your home in Portland, Maine, should grow with you, and updating it can be as simple or as transformative as you want it to be.
Get started in Portland, Maine, real estate with Ana T.L. Dierkhising by your side.
If your living room feels too cluttered, swap a small coffee table for one with hidden storage. If your kitchen counters are messy, add a few mounted shelves or ceramic containers to organize things more attractively.
In the end, updating your home doesn’t mean starting over. With the right furniture swaps, thoughtful decor, and a few updates, you can transform your space into something that feels brand new. Your home in Portland, Maine, should grow with you, and updating it can be as simple or as transformative as you want it to be.
Get started in Portland, Maine, real estate with Ana T.L. Dierkhising by your side.
