Two firefly lamps glow around the living area of this cozy cottage, supplying a soothing aura centered around the fireplace. Firefly Cottage designed by Brett A. Johnson
Designer's Notebook
Hidden Treasures
Discover creative interiors at a Kennebunkport designer showcase

Each room decorated ever so comfortably, provides the perfect environment for families. Firefly Cottage designed by Brett A. Johnson
Smokey the bear educates the walls of this picturesque cottage. Firefly Cottage designed by Brett A. Johnson
Screened porches are an essential attribute for dusk dining in the summer season. Firefly Cottage designed by Brett A. Johnson

Imagine a group of cozy cottages tucked away in picturesque Maine with sea breezes carrying the scent of wildflowers and the sounds of birdsong in the air. On June 28, you are invited to experience this splendor of summer at the Cottages at Hidden Pond.

The Summer Dream Event at Hidden Pond is a decorator showcase with a special twist. The 14 cottages that make up the spectacular setting will each have a unique design courtesy of the area’s top decorators. Once the weeklong event has ended, the cottages will be available for reservations. According to event staffer Lucy Levenson, the cottages are “a wonderful inspiration – or shall we say ‘dream’ – of what the perfect Maine cottage should look like from the 14 different expert designers whose ideas and execution make this event possible.”

Situated on 60 secluded acres of Kennebunkport woodland, Hidden Pond has the atmosphere of a traditional New England village, updated with modern flair. Tim Harrington of Atlantic Holdings developed Hidden Pond “with careful consideration to its natural beauty,” says Joan Dawson, Chair of the event. “When visitors come to the Decorator Showcase, they can expect the unexpected. Each of the 14 designers has taken a similar space and transformed it into a unique masterpiece of comfort, charm, and beauty.”

Louise Hurlbutt, of Hurlbutt Designs in Kennebunkport, decorated the cottages Silent Pine and Andrea’s Gate, which is dedicated to the memory of Andrea Irvine, who spearheaded the Cottages at Cabot Cove showhouse in 2006 along with Harrington. Hurlbutt explains that she designed Andrea’s Gate with elements that represent Andrea and her design sensibilities, citing the use of calming colors (blue, white, and a bit of green), a relaxing atmosphere, and the combination of modern and traditional styles. Hurlbutt enthuses, “This cottage is classic and bright with a sense of style!”

While Andrea’s Gate is light and airy, “Silent Pine on the other hand is definitely a Maine cottage,” says Hurlbutt. The palette is a rustic, woodsy mix of green, brown, and rust red, accented with a pinecone motif. Hurlbutt says Silent Pine is “Truly a place to relax and read a book by the fire with your feet up!”

In addition to the main attraction, visitors will be able to enjoy several special events during the ten-day showcase. The Preview Gala on June 27 gives visitors an opportunity to be among the first to see the Decorator Showcase, as well as mingle with the designers and developers. The Luncheon Lecture: Design is in the Details, will be held on July 1 and feature ACCENT’s own Kathy Poggi leading a panel discussion with four participating designers.

The event also supports three local non-profit organizations: The Child Abuse Prevention Council, The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, and River Tree Center for the Arts. “Being part of this event is exciting in every respect,” says Dawson, also the President of The Child Abuse Prevention Council. “The missions of each of the three non-profits will find great success because of Tim’s generosity.” She notes the importance of collaboration and cooperation, highlighting the good works of all three organizations and the hundreds of volunteers who came together to make the event a success. “We are all proud to be working side by side in our summer dream,” Dawson says.