Tour Artist Sarah Madeira Day’s 19th Century Studio and Office

Wes and Sarah picked a custom charcoal shade for the exterior, and used barn doors for the garage as a nod to its past.

Artist Sarah Madeira Day lives with her husband Wes Day outside Portland, Maine in a neighborhood she describes as being “an eclectic blend of homes from the early 1700s to today.” That mix of old and new, modern and classic suits her design style — and particularly the hub where she cultivates her latest creations. 

“We had searched for a space to transition my business out of our house for years,” she says. “But the costs were high, parking was limited, and with one young daughter and another soon to come, the flexibility of working from home was a priority.”

Sarah and Wes chose “Devonshire Green” by Benjamin Moore for the cabinets.

It was then that she and Wes, a pharmacist by day and handy framer-meets-carpenter by night, looked at their property with fresh eyes. The existing barn and garage off their main house used to be the chauffeur’s quarters sometime in the 19th century, but had since gone into disarray. The exterior wood was shedding from the structure, windows had long gone without panes, and the interior walls were deeply stained with water damage. And yet, they could tell it could be something great. 

Wes’s dad Layton helped them build the center wood tables, which they paired with Ikea chairs. Muuto pendants hang overhead.

“We already knew it needed a renovation, and building upon our most valuable asset seemed like the smartest move to make,” she says.

Sarah can work on the main table or on this side counter.

She and Wes opted to construct an accessory dwelling unit that could be used as a current art studio and potential income property should they ever decide to move. As they cleaned out the place, she sourced pieces to be repurposed as the project progressed. They made a plan to have tables act as the centerpiece of the room, which would be lined with storage, a small kitchen, and a bathroom — there’s even a small living area off to the side for breaks and casual meetings. “I love antique, minimalist style,” she says. “We were working on a budget, so there’s a mix of affordable brands with select integration of treasured items.”

They also installed a full bathroom, which is behind the old front door from their main house, if ever this space becomes an ADU.

They used Ikea bases for sage green cabinets in the kitchen, and topped them with black Soapstone for a moody contrast to the white walls. A steel slider from Wayfair conceals a storage space of full-length cabinetry, and it foils a wood door on the other side of the studio that leads to a bathroom. “Wes’s dad made custom wooden tables from the original barn rafters, and we outfitted them with 10-year-old plastic Ikea chairs,” she says. “Overall, we stretched a buck with intentional splurges.”

A full wall of cabinetry stores all of Sarah’s supplies.

Considering that construction took place during the start of the pandemic and Sarah’s second pregnancy, the renovation understandably took a little longer to finish than expected. “Our timeline was six months and the project extended a year,” she says. “Wes and I generally divide and conquer, and my conquering ability was at about 10 percent. I learned to plan for the worst, hope for the best, and be prepared to pivot.”

There’s a small enclave above the stairs for a couch and coffee table, where Sarah and Carrie can have casual meetings.

Now, Sarah works with her studio manager Carrie in this bright studio, where she paints original pieces and reproduces prints. And as it turns out, the ol’ barn and garage became an ideal setting for Sarah to do what she loves. “I want to get art affordably into all homes and spaces,” she says. “Everyone needs a little art in their everyday life.”

Soapstone countertops match the cabinets along the side of the studio, and Sarah displays her art throughout, naturally.

Follow Sarah on Instagram, and tour more of her home. Thanks, Sarah! All photos are by Jenn Bravo.

Recreate the Look:

If you buy something using these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. It doesn’t cost you anything, and thank you for supporting my small business!

Want to submit your home for a possible tour? Please get in touch!