The overarching goal for the New England property was clear yet demanding: execute a full-scale renovation that remained deeply sensitive to the structure's rich history. Phaedra envisioned a home that felt entirely rooted in its past, as though every design element had either survived the centuries or been thoughtfully collected over generations. To achieve this authentic, lived-in ambiance, every home detail required careful deliberation. This uncompromising eye for quality that led her to partner with Grandeur Hardware.

For a house with such a commanding presence, standard fixtures simply would not do. Phaedra selected the Fifth Avenue Collection in Lifetime Brass, a choice that immediately elevated the property's exterior doors. The classic brass hardware felt substantial and appropriate, offering a tactile weight and brilliance that perfectly complemented the traditional architecture.

"A doorknob adds so much detail," Phaedra notes, reflecting on the nuances of the selection process. "The shape, the metal, the type of backplate; it is something you must not choose lightly."

This meticulous attention to detail is particularly evident on the double doors of the estate’s barn. By selecting polished brass tall-plate-style door hardware for both the front and back entrances, Phaedra seamlessly balanced the visual weight of the doors, cleverly masking the asymmetry of a deadbolt on one side only. This core tenet of her personal style is a masterclass in blending functionality with high design.

Over the years, Phaedra’s aesthetic has evolved from classic to deeply traditional, marked by an embrace of vibrant colors, rich antiques, and spaces that feel beautifully collected rather than curated overnight. This evolution is on full display in her favorite corners of the Maine home. A current toss-up exists between the newly minted library, where she has already unpacked seventy boxes of books to create a cozy sanctuary, and the expansive living room. The latter was achieved by removing a non-original staircase and enclosing a porch, creating a grand space designed for lingering, complete with multiple seating areas and a dedicated game table.

The heart of the House & Garden Dog ethos is this balance of lifestyle and beauty. Ever since Wellie captured hearts in the pages of Southern Living magazine, Phaedra has championed a philosophy of dog-friendly luxury. She firmly believes in enjoying the beautiful things in life, refusing to fret over pristine fabrics and instead focusing on the little moments that inevitably become the big ones.

For those embarking on their own design journeys, Phaedra offers wisdom gained from years of experience, eschewing fleeting trends in favor of timeless intuition. She advises homeowners to live in a space before changing it, allowing the best ideas to develop naturally over time rather than rushing to finish. Every room, she believes, should establish a clear narrative in which each subsequent choice serves as a new chapter.

With the gleam of Grandeur Hardware on the doors and Wellie trotting by her side, Phaedra has written a magnificent new chapter for her 1875 home. Every entry and exit is a tactile reminder of a vision beautifully realized, a place where functionality meets flawless traditional style.