Reclaim your space and transform your garage into a place that works for your life.
The modern garage is more than storage. With custom cabinets, smart storage, and seamless flooring, PremierGarage transforms garages into organized, functional extensions of the home—designed for everyday living.
Discover what your garage can become.
I've had the pleasure of getting to know Nate Nelson, owner of Back Bay Builders in Portland, and he is everything you'd expect of a true Maine craftsman. Spending time with Nate makes you realize just how good we have it here, where authenticity and integrity have to be earned rather than bought.
Authenticity—you can't fake it.
Nate and his crew are the real deal, and their track record proves it: 20 plus years of success and happy customers right here in Maine.
We've also been getting to know Thos. Moser, another born-and-bred Maine company. Our editor recently spoke with their team to learn how using North American hardwood in their designs has contributed to a timeless aesthetic. Their furniture makers have also stood the test of time. Few businesses can say they have roughly 50 makers who've been crafting furniture by hand at the same company—and even in the same location—for an average of 15 years, but Thos. Moser is one of them.
When I think of home, I think of these types of businesses: ones that are proud to represent the values of Maine people who go the extra mile to do business with companies doing it right.
We hope that wherever this issue finds you, you feel that sense of pride and carry it with you wherever you call home.
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Emily Harradon | emily.harradon@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Rebecca Abramson
rebecca.abramson@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Maritza Feliciano | maritza.feliciano@citylifestyle.com
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Back Bay Builders balances Maine weather,
Kristie Green of Horizon Homes explains how a whole-home approach to energy efficiency helps Mainers lower bills and boost comfort
Thos. Moser’s
At Thos. Moser, craftsmanship, longevity, and Maine’s deep relationship with the forest shape furniture designed to endure for generations
Thos. Moser
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Saco, ME
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Over 10,000 Maine students kick off the WinterKids Winter Games at Hall-Dale Elementary School. 2: Locals enjoying party anthems and retro vibes at Frozen Funk in Deering Oaks Park. 3: Alina Lindemann Spear, Mary Allen Lindemann, and Kathleen Pierce pose with Coffee By Design’s new packaging. 4: Don Campbell and Jonathan Edwards on stage at the Wharf Recovery Concert at Aura. 5: Jesse Thomson performs at The Hill Arts Winter Cabaret by Slemons Productions. 6: Greener Postures’ Gretchen Campos leads a mindful movement session at the Portland Museum of Art. 7: Maui the dog celebrates the grand opening of Woof. Play. Eat.
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
MUSCLE RECOVERY STRESS REDUCTION
WEIGHT LOSS CELLULITE REDUCTION
INCREASED CALORIE BURN DETOXIFICATION
Nonglack Thanephonesy, owner of Dok Mali on India Street, is expanding her footprint with a new concept, LOMI Cafe, slated to open at 491 Payne Road in Scarborough. Taking over the former Fresco Del Forno space, the cafe is targeting a summer 2026 opening and will feature a menu blending Asian flavors with Western comfort food, alongside specialty coffee drinks.
Photography by Lauren Lear
"Performers on the Rise" is a showcase series co-hosted by singer-songwriter Don Campbell and vocalist and bandleader Andi Fawcett and presented by Shipyard Radio 207. Held in The Barrel Room at Shipyard Brewing Company’s tasting room on Hancock Street, the series pairs rising performers with established musicians in an intimate setting designed to foster mentorship and audience connection. Shows are scheduled every other Wednesday through March 25 with additional dates planned as the series expands.
Maine’s hospitality industry is receiving a seasonal boost with the launch of Winter Weekdays, a statewide marketing campaign aimed at driving business during the slower winter months. Running through April 30, the initiative encourages restaurants, hotels, cafes, bars, and breweries to offer weekday promotions to attract customers during traditionally quiet periods. Visit the Winter Weekdays website for more information on deals. winterweekdays.com
United Airlines plans to expand service from the Portland International Jetport with two new seasonal nonstop flights to the West Coast beginning June 27, 2026. The Chicagobased carrier will operate weekly Saturday service to Los Angeles and San Francisco, marking the first time the airport has offered direct flights to California.
Our Experienced Medical Professionals offer advanced skincare and wellness services including PDO Threads, Botox, Daxxify, HA Dermal Fillers, Laser treatments, Facials, Chemical peels, DiamondGlow, Wellness Programs like GLP-1 & Hormone replacement therapy , Memberships, ZO Skinhealth, Valmont Swiss Cellular Skincare, Flamingo Estate Home Goods, and More!
The 10th annual New England Craft Brew Summit is set for Friday, March 6 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay. Presented by Allen Insurance & Financial, the fullday event brings together brewers, suppliers, and industry leaders from across New England for educational workshops, networking, and collaboration. This year’s keynote speaker is Natalie Cilurzo, co-owner and president of Russian River Brewing Company, known for acclaimed beers like Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger
After four years apart, Portland’s beloved folk band The Ghost of Paul Revere will reunite for the Ghostland ‘26 music festival at Thompson’s Point. The band, which disbanded in 2022 after more than a decade together, announced it will headline the festival on September 6, 2026, bringing its upbeat roots and folk-inspired sound back to its home stage.
Salud Portland is your sanctuary for wellness and strength!
Our beautiful new space features a fully equipped gym, four spacious group classrooms, an infrared sauna, and a calming spa space — everything you need to move, recover, and thrive. We’re also proud to now offer a full-service smoothie bar. At Salud Portland, we’re here to support your wellness journey in a space designed for balance, community, and growth.
Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a
you’re
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an intro.
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
O'Brien Wood & Iron LLC www.obrienwoodandiron.com | 207.332.8498
Back Bay Builders www.backbaybuilders.com | 207.232.1247
O'Shea Builders www.buildwithoshea.com | 207.838.1370
Hay Runner www.hayrunner.com | 207.605.2055
Portland Renovations www.portlandrenovations.com | 207.775.2267
Garden Guys Landscaping gardenguyslandscaping.com | 207.809.9110
Little Lion Landscape Design www.littlelionmaine.com
Gnome Landscapes www.gnomelandscapes.com | 207.781.2955
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Willie C & Sons Landscaping williecandsonslandscaping.com | 207.319.2038
Tammaro Landscaping www.tammarolandscaping.com | 207.831.8535
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BACK BAY BUILDERS
On a rare sunny winter day in Portland, Nate Nelson’s crew is in good spirits. “Man, did we need this,” he says with a laugh. After weeks of ice storms and gray skies, the mood shift is immediate. “My guys are super happy. Sun and everyone’s singing.” That awareness of weather, mood, environment feels fitting for someone who has built a career working closely with Maine homes and the people who live in them.
Nelson is the founder and owner of Back Bay Builders, a Portland-based residential remodeling company now in its 21st year. Over two decades, he’s built a reputation not just for quality craftsmanship, but for honesty, communication, and an instinctive understanding of how homes in coastal New England should look, feel, and function.
Long before he picked up a hammer professionally, Nelson knew exactly what he wanted to do. “Since junior high, I have loved the show This Old House,” he says. “I watched it religiously every Saturday.” The path wasn’t entirely linear. Like many of his generation, Nelson was encouraged to pursue college first. “My dad said, ‘You’re going to college, you’re getting your four-year degree. You can do the trades afterwards.’”
So he did. Nelson earned a forestry degree from the University of Maine, a choice that reflects his lifelong love of the outdoors. That degree took him west, where he worked as a seasonal forest ranger in Wyoming and later spent winters building houses in Colorado. After several years, he returned east and committed fully to the trades, working as a carpenter for high-end home builders before eventually striking out on his own.
“I always had the ambition of going out on my own,” he says. “I started slow and didn’t try to bite off more than I could handle.” That measured approach has served him well. What began as a small operation doing a little bit of everything has evolved into a focused residential remodeling business specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and whole-house renovations. “I live here in Portland, but I was born and raised in Topsham,” Nelson says. “I’ve always loved the New England vibe: the architecture, the texture, the Capes, the Colonials, the rock walls, the patios, the cedar shake siding. I’ve always been a Mainer at heart.”
Remodeling homes in coastal Maine comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to exteriors. “The outsides are definitely the most problematic,” Nelson explains. “If you’re building within a mile or two of the coast, you’ve got to think differently about fasteners, metals, and corrosion from the salt air.” Energy efficiency is another growing consideration. New energy codes in Portland require homes to be tighter, warmer, and more water-resistant than ever before. “You’re always thinking about how to make the house weather-tight,” he says, which is a priority that many homeowners now share, especially after recent winters and rising energy costs.
While Back Bay Builders does take on some historic work, Nelson is quick to clarify that it’s not the company’s primary focus. “We’ve done projects on the West End that are historic, and it can be challenging with permitting, design hoops, parking, and dumpsters. It’s crazy,” he laughs. Still, he’s careful to ensure that any renovation feels appropriate to its surroundings. “You don’t want to make the house stick out like a sore thumb. We’re always trying to keep things timeless.”
Ask Nelson what kind of work he enjoys most, and the answer isn’t about a specific room—it’s about transformation. “We’re doing a project right now on Fry Street,” he says, describing a classic Maine Cape where the team removed the entire second story and rebuilt it with full dormers, new siding, and a farmer’s porch. “It’s nice to see the whole house transform.”
Those larger-scale projects are the most satisfying, especially when clients come in with a clear vision and a collaborative mindset. “When you’ve got good designs and good customers, it’s really satisfying to take a whole house and revamp it in a way that still blends with the neighborhood.” Still, Nelson is equally enthusiastic about small changes that make a big impact, especially in Portland’s tighter neighborhoods. “A lot of people can’t build out,” he explains, “so we’re opening up kitchen walls into dining rooms, or adding a small addition that changes how the whole house feels.” He recalls a recent 16-by-16 addition with cathedral ceilings and exposed beams. “It was such a small space, but they were ecstatic,” he says. “I just got a text the other day: ‘It’s been a year. We love our space.’ That’s the stuff that feels really good.”
When budgets are limited, as they often are, Nelson encourages homeowners to focus on the rooms that do the most work. “Bathrooms and kitchens,” he says without hesitation. “They’re the most utilized spaces. They’re there to work.” Many of the bathrooms he renovates are simply outdated, and relatively simple changes can dramatically improve daily life. “New tile, a new shower, getting rid of a tub,” he says. “Empty nesters will sometimes take space from a bedroom and make the bathroom bigger. It makes a huge difference.”
That same practical mindset carries into how Nelson approaches budgeting with clients. “I listen first,” he says. “I hear their vision, then I give them an initial budget—not line by line,
but a realistic ballpark.” From there, priorities get refined. “Some people have a very firm budget,” he says. “Others find a little wiggle room once they get going.” He’s seen both ends of the spectrum, from cautious Cousins Island homeowners who prefer to spread projects out over time to clients with bigger budgets and ambitious plans. Regardless of the situation, Nelson’s goal is the same: transparency. “There are a lot of good middle-of-the-road products that are quality and fairly priced,” he says. “We’re not trying to oversell.”
If there’s one part of remodeling Nelson admits is the hardest, it’s timelines. “It’s one of the toughest parts of my job,” he says plainly. With trades stretched thin across Greater Portland, scheduling has become a delicate balancing act. “All our trade partners are so busy, and they don’t have enough help.” When clients hear overly optimistic promises elsewhere, Nelson is direct. “Someone told a customer they could get it done in two months,” he says. “I was like, absolutely not.” Delays, he explains, are simply part of remodeling. “Once one thing gets delayed, it all snowballs. It’s the nature of the beast.” What matters is communication. “I’m always upfront. I keep people updated. They just want to know what’s going on.” That honesty has earned him long-term trust, something he believes is more important than any price point. “People really need to do their research on who they’re hiring,” he says. “You might think you’re getting a lower price, but then the job goes backwards.”
“When you’ve got good designs and good customers, it’s really satisfying to take a whole house and revamp it in a way that still blends with the neighborhood.”
After 20 years in business, Nelson is passionate about encouraging the next generation to consider careers in the trades. “Every day is different,” he says. “It’s not monotonous. There are always new challenges, new sites, new environments.” He points out a shift that’s now being felt across the industry. “When I was in high school, everyone said, ‘Go to college.’ And now we’re hurting because fewer people went into the trades.” The upside? “You can make a really good living,” he says, “and you leave trade school with less debt and start making money right away.”
At home, Nelson’s renovation list is patiently waiting. He lives in a classic Portland Cape and plans to add onto the back once his kids are grown. For now, his focus remains on helping others shape homes that respect their neighborhoods, withstand Maine’s climate, and support the way people actually live.
Nate Nelson is the founder and owner of Back Bay Builders, a Portland-based residential remodeling company serving Greater Portland and coastal Maine. With more than 20 years of experience, Back Bay Builders specializes in kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and whole-house renovations. Known for honest communication and thoughtful craftsmanship, Nelson and his team focus on creating homes that respect Maine’s architecture, climate, and the way people truly live.
A GUIDE TO PEACEFUL AND INTENTIONAL SPRING CLEANING
ARTICLE BY HEATHER SPINKS
• Open windows for fresh air and let the natural light in.
• Declutter surfaces—countertops, coffee tables and shelves—removing anything unnecessary.
• Go through kitchen cabinets and toss expired pantry items and mismatched containers.
• Sort through closets, donating or repurposing clothes you haven’t worn in the past year.
• Wipe down baseboards and dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents.
Week
• Sweep porches, patios and outdoor furniture, preparing for warm-weather gatherings.
• Check gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
• Tidy up gardens and potted plants, removing dead leaves and refreshing the soil.
• Store winter coats and boots, making space for lighter spring essentials.
• Replace seasonal decor—bring in fresh flowers, soft pastels and airy textures.
• Wash windows and mirrors to welcome in the sunlight.
• Deep clean the fridge and pantry, wiping down shelves and organizing items
• Launder curtains, cushion covers and throw blankets.
• Vacuum and shampoo rugs and carpets for a fresh start.
• Rotate and flip mattresses; wash all bedding, including pillows.
• Touch-up scuff marks on walls and doors.
• Stock up on cleaning supplies to maintain a fresh environment.
• Set a simple weekly cleaning routine to keep your home feeling refreshed.
• Light a scented candle or diffuse essential oils to celebrate your clean, peaceful space.
Portland Trust Company is a Maine non-depository trust company focused exclusively on wealth management and fiduciary services. We work with individuals and families, nonprofits, and local governments. We do everything the giant financial services organizations do while providing local and accessible attention to your specific needs.
It’s more than just a name. Portland Trust Company is the only financial institution in the state with “Portland” as its namesake. We love our hometown as much as you do! This is more than a place of business for us; this is our home and our way of life. It’s our promise to treat you as more than a client, but as a friend and neighbor.
Our customer experience is “real,” like walking next door to borrow some sugar or eggs. We’ve created a home for our clients and their assets—managing their money, their lives, and their futures—with peace of mind knowing that we are a fully regulated financial institution. Together, we embrace our Maine way of life.
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON
Framing is often thought of as the final step after art is selected, but it’s just as important as the artwork itself. At its best, framing is both a craft and a design element, something that protects a piece while also shaping how it lives in a home. Professional framers know to consider materials, proportions, and construction techniques that ensure longevity, while also thinking about how a finished piece will interact with its surroundings. The result is functional, durable, and visually intentional.
Successful frames support both the artwork and the architecture of a home. A frame should never overpower the piece it holds; rather, it should quietly enhance it. Delicate works often benefit from slim frames and generous matting, while bold or graphic art can handle thicker profiles or darker finishes. Frames can also reflect elements already present in a space by matching wood tones, echoing metal finishes, or reinforcing a home’s overall style.
Today’s framing trends lean toward simplicity, natural materials, and thoughtful presentation. Solid wood frames in oak, maple, and walnut are especially popular for their warmth and timeless appeal. Neutral colors like soft whites, natural finishes, and matte blacks are classic, offering flexibility across a range of interiors. Floating frames and oversized mats are popular for contemporary art and photography, as they create visual breathing room and a more gallery-like feel.
Framing has the power to completely change how art is experienced and how a room feels. The same artwork can appear more formal, more casual, or more dramatic depending on the frame and mat choices. A wide mat can elevate a simple print, while a deeper frame can add presence and depth to a piece. Framing also helps anchor art within a room, creating focal points and adding visual structure to walls that might otherwise feel unfinished.
When selecting art and framing, start with pieces you genuinely love and build from there. Consider scale carefully: larger walls can support bolder framing choices or grouped works, while smaller spaces benefit from lighter profiles. Aim for cohesion rather than uniformity, but know that mixing frame styles works beautifully when there’s a consistent color palette or theme. Keep in mind that working with a professional framer can be invaluable, especially for custom pieces or meaningful artwork.
Support local craftsmanship by working with these area framers who understand how to bridge art and interior design:
Kristie Green of Horizon Homes explains how a whole-home approach to energy efficiency helps Mainers lower bills and boost comfort
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HORIZON HOMES
WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT HORIZON HOMES’ WHOLE-HOME APPROACH TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY?
When we go into someone’s home, we always start with a free energy assessment—similar to a building inspection, but from an efficiency standpoint—that takes everything into consideration: insulation, air sealing, weatherization, moisture issues. Our goal is to give homeowners a roadmap to how they can have the most energy efficient, affordable, comfortable home with the lowest carbon footprint possible. For some people, getting off of fossil fuels is a big concern, but in general, everyone wants lower energy bills and higher comfort levels. We’re providing solutions for how to make a home use as little energy as possible for heating and cooling while suggesting systems to put in place that best serve a family’s needs.
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WHEN IT COMES TO PROJECTS LIKE THESE, UPFRONT COST IS OFTEN A BARRIER. WHAT KIND OF FINANCING AND REBATES ARE AVAILABLE?
Efficiency Maine offers rebates that apply to all Maine homeowners on both the weatherization side and the heating and cooling side in percentages of job totals of up to $10,000, which means homeowners are getting $4,000 to $8,000 back if they’re doing a whole-home job. There are also low-interest financing options, and one even has a 0% interest rate. Certainly, these improvements have cost, but very often we can make it a net positive where you’re paying X dollars a year for heating and cooling but your payment is less than the heating and cooling difference. At the end of the day, making these improvements can also increase the value of your home.
WHEN YOU'RE LOOKING AT OLDER HOMES IN MAINE, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE UPGRADES THAT YOU RECOMMEND FIRST?
I live in a 1795 farmhouse, which is as bad as it gets, right? In homes like mine, it’s always insulation and air sealing. Sometimes we have to frame out new things, sometimes there are issues in the attic we have to address, but even these old homes can be made much more energy efficient and comfortable with re-air sealing and insulating to great standards.
WHAT ARE SOME MISCONCEPTIONS
YOU FIND HOMEOWNERS HAVE ABOUT ENERGY EFFICIENCY?
The big one is needing new windows. In reality, windows are pretty low on the efficiency ladder, which is good because they’re super expensive and there aren’t any rebates for them. When people think their windows are drafty, what we tell them is that it’s likely because there isn’t enough insulation in the attic. It’s called the stack effect: when it’s cold outside, the heat rises up through the top of your house and out through the roof, where there often isn’t adequate insulation and air sealing. All the heat is getting pulled up through the roof, which creates a suction of cold air through the weakest points in the house down below—that’s usually around your windows, your front door, and cracks in the basement. The thermodynamics of how buildings work isn’t always intuitive, but it’s largely good news because it means homeowners can add insulation instead of replacing all their windows and doors.
“Our goal is to give homeowners a roadmap to how they can have the most energyefficient, affordable, comfortable home with the lowest carbon footprint possible.”
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN HOMEOWNER ATTITUDES TOWARDS ENERGY EFFICIENCY CHANGE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS?
More people are certainly starting to understand the value of it. Ten to twenty years ago, there was a very specific segment of the population that sought out and completed this kind of work on their homes. Efficiency Maine has done a good job of marketing their programs to everyone, so you know you’re going to get some money back and lower the amount you need to finance. The rebates really make it a win-win for people, so that suddenly a whole-home project doesn’t seem like that big of a deal.
WHAT DO YOU WANT MAINERS TO KNOW ABOUT THE LONG-TERM BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY?
I think just letting people know that it’s even an option to be comfortable in your house year-round is huge. When I was younger, we just put a sweater on when it was 60 degrees inside the house in the winter! Now, I know that it’s possible to have a home that’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter without costing a fortune. People are sweating to pay their utility bills when there are alternatives that can help them live better and reduce the carbon footprint of their homes. It’s feasible, it’s accessible, and it’s beneficial to living affordably and comfortably.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN JENKINS, AMANDA PROUDFIT
There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.
Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.
“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”
That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.
The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.
“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”
A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.
The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.
Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.
If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.
Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.
Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.
At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.
PROJECT CREDITS
Builder - Buildwell
Architect and Interior Architect - Flower Architecture
Designer - Kate Manz
At Thos. Moser, craftsmanship, longevity, and Maine’s deep relationship with the forest shape furniture designed to endure for generations
ARTICLE BY BECCA ABRAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THOS. MOSER
We live in a design world increasingly dominated by composites and fast-turn furnishings, which makes solid wood feel a little like the grown-up in the room. It doesn’t shout, chase trends, or ask to be noticed, but it always holds its ground. For decades, Thos. Moser has built its philosophy around this quiet confidence, believing that solid wood furniture isn’t just about how a piece looks, but about how it lives: its integrity, its
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longevity, and the role it plays in the emotional rhythm of a home. Unlike engineered alternatives, solid wood carries the unmistakable feeling of nature itself. Each board is shaped by time, weather, and growth patterns that can’t be replicated or programmed. “Solid wood offers authenticity and permanence that composites cannot,” CEO Philip Hussey explains. “Each board is uniquely shaped by nature, imbued with character, and enriched over time.” That individuality is what gives solid wood its staying power, even as design trends come and go.
In Maine, that mindset feels especially at home. Our state’s relationship with the forest runs deep, as does the tradition of making things meant to last. That heritage is woven into the soul of Thos. Moser, shaping not only what they make but how they approach design itself. Here, simplicity, restraint, and purpose take precedence over
ornament and novelty. Pieces are built with the same steady discipline that has guided generations of Maine craftspeople, favoring utility and longevity over fleeting style. This regional sensibility shows up in a defining standard the company holds itself to: furniture should last at least as long as it took the tree to grow. Often, that means 80 to 100 years or longer. This philosophy reframes sustainability not as a buzzword, but as stewardship. Designing something meant to outlive us, Hussey notes, is an act of respect for the material, the craft, and the people who will live with it.
Ask homeowners what they want most from their spaces, and “warmth” almost always tops the list. Solid wood delivers that quality instinctively. Its natural variation in grain, tone, and texture creates a richness that synthetic materials struggle to imitate. Wood invites touch; it softens light rather than bouncing it back; it grounds a room without taking it over. And that warmth isn’t just visual—it’s emotional, too. There’s comfort in living with a material that feels honest and familiar, one that changes slowly and visibly over time. Small marks and subtle wear don’t detract from solid wood. Rather, they add to it, giving a piece personality and a sense of lived-in ease.
At Thos. Moser, wood grain isn’t treated as a background detail: it’s part of the conversation. Pieces are often conceived with the grain guiding the form, allowing natural patterns to shape structure and silhouette. In some cases, grain becomes the star of the show. The furnituremaker’s Harpswell
“We expect our furniture to last at least as long as it took the tree to grow.
Designing for that kind of permanence is the truest form of sustainability.”
Chair, for example, is designed so that its back crest highlights the bullseye pattern of the wood grain, ensuring that no two chairs are ever exactly alike. Deciding when grain should lead and when form or joinery should take the reins is a careful, ongoing dialogue between material and maker that the Thos. Moser team has mastered over the years. For homeowners accustomed to wood-look finishes, the difference becomes clear once you know what to look for. Solid wood reveals subtle shifts in color and pattern that move naturally across a surface, while engineered materials tend to look flatter, more repetitive, and less alive.
Longevity has become a compelling counterpoint to the world of fast furniture and disposable goods. More homeowners and designers are looking for
pieces that outlast trends and even lifetimes. In that sense, solid wood furniture offers not just durability but meaning. Pieces age with grace, gather stories, and carry emotional weight beyond their function. However, designing for decades rather than design cycles requires discipline. Forms are pared back. Proportions are considered in relation to the human body, not the moment. Materials are chosen for their ability to endure and grow more beautiful over time, rather than for immediate impact or Instagram appeal.
This approach aligns neatly with growing interest in biophilic design, the idea that natural materials help foster calm, connection, and well-being at home. Thos. Moser hears this echoed again and again in customer
feedback. Many describe their pieces as comforting objects that invite touch, create calm, and help a space feel grounded. Solid wood, they say, brings nature indoors in a way that feels instinctive and deeply reassuring. Beyond aesthetics, these pieces offer continuity. A solid wood table quietly records daily life: meals shared, work completed, conversations lingered over. Over time, it becomes a witness to family rhythms and personal milestones. “If these tables could talk,” Hussey notes, “they’d tell the story of the people who gathered around them.”
Not every home needs an entire suite of solid wood furniture. For those just beginning, the Thos. Moser team recommends starting with a single, hardworking piece like a hall table that anchors an entryway, a bench that invites gathering, or a rocker that brings rhythm and rest to everyday rituals. These pieces will make an immediate impact, introducing warmth and integrity without overwhelming a space. The team’s advice for Maine homeowners and renters alike is refreshingly simple: invest thoughtfully. Choose fewer pieces that balance function and feeling, that can endure daily use while still bringing joy years down the line. Even one well-made solid wood piece can elevate a home, providing proof that good design doesn’t need to shout to be heard.
“A solid wood table quietly records daily life. It bears witness to meals, conversations, work, celebration, and wear—growing more meaningful with every passing year.”
MARCH 1ST-8TH
Portland Stage Studio Theater
Six friends head out of the city on their annual retreat for the weekend. With no social media, no cell phones, no internet allowed at all, this leaves them with one thing to do…look up from their screens and talk to each other. At The Table is a comedy that begs the question: Who is allowed at the discussion table? portlandstage.org/events
MARCH 7TH
Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce | 10:00 AM
Head to downtown Freeport for a delicious day of chocolate celebration! Your ticket badge grants access to handcrafted chocolate samples from local chocolatiers and a custom chocolate medallion at Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections. You’ll also enjoy exclusive discounts and offers at Freeport businesses, a festival card to collect stamps for prize entries, and plenty of sweet fun throughout town. freeportmainechamber.com
MARCH 13TH
Rock the Rink at the Maine Mariners
Cross Insurance Arena | 7:15 PM
Rock the Rink with the Maine Mariners at Cross Insurance Arena as they face off against the Norfolk Admirals. Doors open at 6:15 PM with puck drop at 7:15 PM, and the first 500 fans receive a free band T-shirt. Don’t miss the high-energy hockey and fun atmosphere! marinersofmaine.com/games/2026/03/13/rock-the-rink-pres-by-news-center-maine
MARCH 14TH AND 15TH
“Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” in Concert
Merrill Auditorium | 7:00 PM
Experience the critically acclaimed second installment of the original Star Wars trilogy, as The Empire Strikes Back is projected on the big screen at Merrill Auditorium, with John Williams’ iconic score performed live by your Portland Symphony Orchestra. portlandsymphony.org/event_series/the-empire-strikes-back
MARCH 15TH
Irish Road Rover 5K
Eastern Trail Path | 10:30 AM
Celebrate 30 years of running, community, and Irish spirit. Hosted by Rí Rá Irish Pub and benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland, the race begins on the Eastern Trail Path and features an out-and-back course with professional timing by Bay State Race Services for accurate results. After the race, stick around to watch the parade! runsignup.com/Race/ME/Portland/irishroadrover
MARCH 21ST-22ND
Maine Maple Sunday Weekend
All across Maine
The Maine Maple Producers Association welcomes you to join them as they celebrate the 43rd annual Maine Maple Sunday weekend. Most sugarhouses offer maple syrup samples and demonstrations of how pure Maine maple syrup is made. Many farms offer games, activities, treats, sugarbush tours, music, and more. mainemapleproducers.com/events/maine-maple-weekend/#!directory/map
Your go-to spot for the mouth-watering foods of Thailand’s bustling night markets.
Join us Monday through Friday for Happy Hour from 3:30pm to 5pm featuring a variety of Dollar Dumplings and
