By Leslie Linsley

Author of “Nantucket Island Living” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang)

May 2024

Whether your house is new or historic, your front door can benefit from a refresh with one of the exterior paint colors that reflect the surroundings of the island.  The “Historic Nantucket Collection,” approved by the Historic District Commission, features 12 paint colors especially for island homes.  It was time to change the "Folger Red" color of my front door. I considered "Cobblestone" or "Gardner Green", but "Quaker Gray" won out and it’s perfect with my weathered shingles and gray/green trim. To see all the available colors, pick up the brochure at the paint counter where the paint experts can advise you if you’re unsure. They’ve had a ton of experience mixing the exact color you want and knowing what colors work with different house styles. 

Once painted, the door knocker is a detail that matters. It announces your style to all passersby. Check out the display of island themed brass door knockers in the Hardware Department. I love the Nantucket Lightship half basket because you can arrange flowers in the open top and change the bouquet with the seasons. The scallop shell, anchor, or fish tail are classic if you’re looking to make a less feminine statement. 

When it comes to details that add character, bathroom faucets and fixtures offer a perfect, uncomplicated decision to make for a room that matters. Last year, I replaced an old shower head with a jazzy rain shower head. It was so easy and made such a difference in looks and showering experience. 

Ease Into Summer     

With the summer season approaching, Marine wants to make your life easier. Services you may not know about include:

1. Free grill assembly and delivery (Garden Center)
2. Custom roller shade cutting (Housewares)
3. If you bought a grill at Marine and it has a problem, MHC offers warranty and non-warranty grill repair at your home
4. Got a problem but don’t know what you need to solve it? MHC will do everything possible to get it for you. Simply ask.
5. Marine may no longer sell appliances, but they repair and service all appliances bought at Marine.  
6. Custom cutting of glass, mirrors, and plexiglass.
7. You want to match a paint color with a color in your fabric? Marine's Paint Dept. staff are totally on it. Bring them a blue Robin’s egg, a vase, a flower, a photo of a painting in the room. Paint expert, Barry says, “Nothing is impossible.”

A Calm Retreat

Groucho Marx once said, “Anything that can’t be done in bed isn’t worth doing.” I totally agree. When you need a break from the chaos of daily living, a perfectly calm bedroom will slow your pace to island time and remind you why you’re here. 

Showcased on the second floor of the furniture showroom, Mike Flanagan, Home Furnishings Manager, has made mattress browsing easy by narrowing the choices down to the best of the best! All you need to do is test them out.
While some rooms must dress for public appearances, your bedroom is a private oasis, providing a pause in your day or a welcome retreat at day’s end.  Like a good painting, the best bedding (my vote: Italian made Signoria Firenze) is a good investment for a relaxing, end-of the day feeling you get to enjoy every single day.

Tip: A spectacular Mother’s Day gift that says,” You are truly special!” Making a bed with this bedding is never a chore.

Lighting is super important. A pink bulb is “just right” soft where you don’t need a reading light.

Window treatments are as important for looks and light control. Let Dana, in Home Furnishings help you decide which of the many options provide the look and feel you want to achieve. 
Eliminate the guess work. While there are 157 Benjamin Moore shades of white paint, when I asked what’s the most popular, I received a resounding, “Chantilly Lace.” Another soft neutral that I like is Ballet White. Sweet Dreams and Happy Mother’s Day.