Interior Design: Why It’s So Difficult – and Why It Matters

By Theresa Bouchard

Interior design is often mistaken for the simple act of choosing a paint color or arranging furniture. In reality it is a sophisticated blend of creativity, spatial reasoning, psychology, and technical understanding. Many homeowners discover—usually once they begin a project – that designing a cohesive and functional space is much harder than it appears. So why is interior design so challenging, and why does it matter?

Theresa Bouchard

One of the biggest hurdles is the ability to visualize a finished space before any actual changes are made. Interior designers can mentally place furniture, judge proportions, anticipate how light will affect color, and imagine how textures and materials will interact. This type of three-dimensional thinking does not come naturally to everyone. Many people walk into an empty room and feel overwhelmed rather than inspired, unable to imagine how individual pieces will ultimately work together.

Interior design is also deeply tied to function. A beautiful room is not truly successful unless it supports daily life comfortably. Designers consider how people move through a space, where they store belongings, and how each piece of furniture will be used. They think about balance, flow, ergonomics, and scale – details that often go unnoticed until something feels “off.” Creating a room that is both visually pleasing and highly functional is a delicate balancing act.

Another significant challenge is decision fatigue. Today’s homeowners face a staggering number of choices: endless paint colors, flooring materials, fabric options, lighting styles, furniture shapes, and hardware finishes. Without a clear vision or plan, these decisions quickly become overwhelming. What begins as an exciting project can spiral into frustration and second-guessing.

Design mistakes also tend to be costly. A sofa ordered in the wrong size, a rug that throws off the scale of the room, or a paint color that looks completely different from the tiny swatch can lead to expensive setbacks. This fear of making a mistake often causes homeowners to delay decisions—or rush into choices that don’t serve the space.

Before choosing any furniture or paint, a few foundational decisions can bring clarity to the entire process.

Start by asking: How do I want this room to feel?

• Cozy: warm tones, layered textures, soft lighting
• Calming: neutral colors, natural materials, minimal clutter
• Classic: symmetry, refined details, timeless fabrics
• Open and Airy: light colors, minimal furnishings, abundant daylight

Your desired mood becomes the anchor for all design decisions that follow.

Color psychology also plays a powerful role.

• Blues and greens: calming and restorative
• Neutrals: flexible and timeless
• Warm tones: inviting and energizing
• Dark hues: dramatic and grounding

Choosing a color palette early keeps the space consistent and prevents mismatched tones.

Functionality should guide every choice. Consider who will use the room and how it will be used. A family room, home office, or reading nook each demands different materials, layouts, and levels of durability. A room that looks beautiful but doesn’t support lifestyle needs ultimately falls short.

One of the most common design errors is buying furniture in the wrong size. Oversized pieces overwhelm a room, while undersized pieces make the space feel sparse or unfinished. Understanding scale and proportion is essential for achieving visual harmony.

Your preferred design style also shapes your decisions.

Some popular styles include:
Minimalist: clean lines, simple forms, and neutral palettes
Transitional: a blend of traditional and contemporary elements
Modern: crisp lines, smooth surfaces, and functional furnishings
Contemporary: trend-driven with bold art and innovative finishes
Traditional: rich colors, symmetry, and timeless details
Farmhouse: warm textures, rustic accents, and relaxed comfort
Coastal: breezy colors, natural fibers, and light finishes
Bohemian: eclectic patterns, plants, and layered textures
Industrial: brick, metal, concrete, and urban character
Scandinavian: warm minimalism with natural light and soft textures

For many homeowners, weaving all these elements together is simply too much—and that’s where professionals make a difference.

Why Hiring an Interior Designer Can Be Essential

If visualizing your ideal home doesn’t come naturally, you’re far from alone. Designers exist to bridge that gap. They can see possibilities you may never consider and anticipate problems before they arise. Instead of facing thousands of options, you receive curated selections that fit your budget and style. Designers also prevent costly mistakes by ensuring measurements, proportions, and materials are correct the first time. Most importantly, they help clarify and articulate your vision – even if you aren’t sure what that vision is yet.

Interior design is both an art and a science. Not everyone has the skills or time to create a cohesive, functional, and beautiful home – and that’s perfectly okay. By identifying your desired mood, color palette, and lifestyle needs, you can start building a space that truly feels like you. But when the process becomes overwhelming, partnering with a designer ensures your home becomes intentional, harmonious, and uniquely yours.

If you’re preparing to sell your home or simply planning a refresh, TS Staging and Design is here to help. This year’s Eagle Choice Award winner for Interior Design/Home Staging, TS Staging and Design is located at 630 Roosevelt Trail, Unit 2, in Windham. Its local home staging and interior design team would be delighted to assist with any project that comes your way. We welcome the opportunity to bring out the best in your home and help you take the next step with confidence. Contact Theresa at 207-400-9393. <

The Rise of the “Dumb Home:” Why More Homeowners Are Turning Away From High-Tech Living

By Carrie Colby 

Earlier this year I wrote an article about “smart homes”.  The idea of a smart home has changed how we see our living spaces. It brings technology to make our lives easier. But, there’s a debate if it really makes our lives better or just makes things more complicated.

For more than a decade, tech companies and real estate marketers have championed the dream of the fully automated home—a modern haven where voice-activated lights, smart thermostats, cameras, and sensors work together to create seamless comfort. But in 2025, a surprising trend emerged: a growing share of homeowners are stepping back from the smart home revolution.

The same technologies once celebrated for offering convenience and control are now prompting a wave of reassessment. As everyday life becomes more digitally saturated, many Americans are reconsidering what kind of home environment actually feels restful, intuitive, and secure.

Despite their futuristic promise, modern smart devices can feel overwhelming. They often require apps, updates, subscription fees, and a stable internet connection—elements that can turn simple tasks into complicated routines.

By contrast, traditional non-connected devices offer a kind of reliability that’s increasingly appealing. They work during power or Wi-Fi outages, aren’t susceptible to hacking, and rarely become obsolete due to software changes. A basic thermostat, for example, continues functioning regardless of internet connectivity—something many homeowners now see as an advantage rather than a limitation.

This shift is partially driven by digital fatigue. After years of living with listening devices, motion sensors, and screens in nearly every room, many people are finding the constant low-level presence of technology more stressful than soothing. For them, simplifying the home has become essential to restoring a sense of calm.

The cost of smart home living is another catalyst behind the movement. While the devices themselves can be expensive, the long-term financial burden is often greater: frequent software updates, inconsistent compatibility between brands, and short upgrade cycles all contribute to ongoing maintenance costs.

Real estate agents report that some buyers now actively avoid houses filled with smart gadgets, viewing them not as selling points but as potential headaches. A system that requires regular troubleshooting or replacement is increasingly seen as a liability, not an asset.

This reassessment isn’t limited to gadgets—it’s influencing how homes are designed. According to Zillow’s 2026 Home Trends Report, mentions of “reading nooks” in home listings have surged 48 percent over the past year. Zillow interprets this rise as evidence of a growing desire for spaces dedicated to “unplugged relaxation,” where screens and automation take a back seat to quiet, analog comfort.

Meanwhile, landline phones—once considered relics of the past—are making a modest comeback, especially among parents looking to curb children’s screen time. While far from mainstream, their reappearance reflects a broader cultural questioning of constant connectivity.

The retreat from smart technology is not universal. In dense urban markets, buyers still expect integrated tech systems and often view them as adding significant value. Convenience features like smart security systems or app-controlled locks continue to appeal to city dwellers whose lifestyles revolve around efficiency.

But in second-home and leisure markets, the opposite is true. Buyers of vacation properties frequently seek refuge from the digital noise of everyday life, valuing simplicity and low maintenance over automation. In these spaces, a “dumb home” is often the real luxury.

Perhaps the clearest example of the shift is in the bedroom—traditionally a space for rest but increasingly cluttered with screens and devices. Today, more homeowners are carving out electronics-free sleeping environments, motivated by concerns about sleep quality and mental well-being. For many, the ideal bedroom now includes no TVs, no voice assistants, and not even a phone charger within arm’s reach.

The movement away from high-tech living isn’t a rejection of innovation—it’s a recalibration. As technology continues to weave itself into nearly every aspect of daily life, homeowners are becoming more selective about where, when, and how they invite it in.

For some, the ultimate smart home is no longer the one packed with devices, but the one that offers something increasingly rare: clarity, calm, and the freedom to unplug.

This article was brought to you by Carrie Colby, a Broker with Allied Real Estate, 909 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. She can be reached at 207-232-5497. <

Changing Weather Patterns and Their Impact on Homeowners Insurance in the Sebago Lakes Region

By Tricia Zwirner 

Over the past decade, residents of the Sebago Lakes region have witnessed noticeable shifts in local weather patterns. From increasingly intense storms and unpredictable precipitation to fluctuating temperatures and extended droughts, these changes are reshaping the way we live and protect our homes. For homeowners, understanding how changing weather patterns affect insurance coverage is more important than ever.

The New Normal

Maine’s climate has traditionally been characterized by cold winters, mild summers, and moderate rainfall. However, recent years have brought a series of weather extremes:

• Increased Rainfall and Flooding: Intense rainstorms have become more frequent, raising the risk of flooding even in areas not historically considered flood-prone.

• More Severe Winter Storms: Winters now often bring heavy snowfalls, ice storms, and rapid temperature swings that stress homes and infrastructure.

• Extended Dry Periods and Heat Waves: Summers have seen longer dry spells and occasional heat waves, increasing wildfire risks in forested areas.

• Unpredictable Seasonal Changes: The timing of seasonal weather events has shifted, complicating traditional home maintenance and preparedness routines.

The Rural Landscape and Volunteer Fire Departments

The Sebago Lakes region is known for its rural charm, with many homes situated on large wooded lots, lakefront properties, or in small, close-knit communities. While this setting offers peace and natural beauty, it also presents unique challenges. Many towns in the region rely on volunteer fire departments rather than full-time professional services. This can affect response times during emergencies such as fires or storm damage.

Because of these factors, it’s especially important for homeowners to take preventive measures and maintain adequate insurance coverage that accounts for the realities of living in a rural area. Limited access and longer emergency response times can lead to greater property damage, making comprehensive insurance protection vital.

How Weather Changes Affect Homeowners Insurance

Insurance policies are designed to protect homeowners against specific risks, but as those risks evolve, so must coverage.  Below are a few examples:

1. Rising Claims from Water Damage and Flooding

Water-related damage is among the most common and costly types of homeowner claims. With more frequent heavy rains, properties near lakes, rivers, and low-lying areas are increasingly vulnerable to flooding and stormwater runoff.

Standard homeowners insurance typically covers water damage from burst pipes or rain entering through a damaged roof but excludes flood damage caused by rising water from external sources like lakes or heavy storms. This means many homeowners may face unexpected out-of-pocket expenses after a flood unless they have separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers.

2. Increased Risk of Wind and Storm Damage

Stronger storms bring higher winds that can damage roofs, siding, windows, and trees on your property. Homeowners may see higher rates or stricter policy terms if their property is in an area prone to wind damage.

3. Winter Weather and Freeze-Related Claims

More variable winter conditions—such as rapid temperature fluctuations and heavier snow loads—contribute to an uptick in claims for frozen or burst pipes, ice dam damage, and roof collapses. Insurers may require homeowners to demonstrate proactive maintenance and winterization to qualify for full coverage.

4. Wildfire Exposure

While wildfires are less common in Maine than in western states, prolonged dry spells and heat waves have increased wildfire risk in forested areas surrounding Sebago Lakes. Some insurers are beginning to consider wildfire risk in their coverage decisions and premiums.

What Homeowners Can Do to Adapt

• Review and Update Your Insurance Policy: Ensure your dwelling and contents coverage reflect current replacement costs and include appropriate protections such as flood insurance or increased windstorm coverage.

• Invest in Home Resilience: Regularly maintain roofs, gutters, pipes, and heating systems. Consider storm shutters, sump pumps, or backup generators to reduce damage risk.

• Document and Prepare: Keep an up-to-date inventory of your belongings and important documents. Develop a family emergency plan for severe weather events.

• Understand Your Local Emergency Services: Know the capabilities and limitations of your local volunteer fire department and plan accordingly for emergencies.

• Consult a Local Insurance Agent: Work with an agent familiar with the Sebago Lakes region’s unique weather risks and rural characteristics to tailor coverage that fits your needs.

Changing weather patterns are a fact of life, especially here in Maine’s scenic and rural Sebago Lakes region. By understanding how weather impacts your homeowners insurance and taking steps to adapt, you can protect your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind for years to come.

This article was brought to you by Tricia Zwirner, a Windham State Farm agent celebrating her 22nd year. She and her team can be reach via phone and text at 207-892-2864 or via email at: tricia@triciazwirner.com <

Blue Collar Work with White Collar Pay

By Warren O’Shea

Many of you have noticed the increase in roadside homes for sale signs. Yes, the market is slowing down a bit but there are still between about 5,400 and 9,100 active Maine listings in late September/October 2025. New listings increased in late summer and early fall 2025, but the rate of new listings has been decreasing since the summer. While the statewide inventory has grown, the supply in southern and coastal Maine remains tight due to factors like job opportunities and desirability. Although specific data comparing old versus new homes is limited, you can be sure that there are more existing homes on the market than new ones. The demand for housing is high, and the skilled labor pool is low.

On June 19 of this year, WGME channel 13 aired a town hall broadcast called “Contractor Conflict.” (wgme.com/news/i-team/cbs-13-i-team-contractor-conflict-town-hall)

The story was about the contractor licensing bill (LD1226) but turned slightly to Maine’s labor shortage. As VP of the Home Builders and Remodels Association of Maine, I was one of three panel members. The other members were State Rep. Tiffany Roberts (D-South Berwick) and Jeff Harris, President of the Maine Association of REALTORS®. Mr. Harris said that the already tight housing market and the high cost for that housing would be adversely affected by the added cost of regulation. He mentioned that licensing would have a negative impact on the production of quality homes and the production of generational wealth.

Meh, maybe… but it wouldn’t be much. Lumber prices go up; lumber prices go down. Sometimes it hurts more than others, but in reality, none of it matters if the parking lot at the jobsite is empty. If you want more houses, if you want less expensive houses, we need more skilled labor and that starts with guidance counselors.

Jump in the way back machine to 1985. As a sophomore in high school, I wasn’t performing to expectations in a college placement curriculum. I excelled in shop and was mechanically inclined but that didn’t work so well with my school’s college placement record. We had a 90-plus college placement for students. Sounds great right? Sounds like a great school. Great schools entice people to move there. Taxes fund things. All is good.

Not so much. Neither the school nor the guidance counselors were helpful at looking at the students as individuals and identifying what was best for them. They wanted college placement regardless of whether it was to their benefit.

“The world needs ditch diggers, too.”

For the last five years I’ve been an advisory panel member of the Portland Arts and Tech High School and most recently the Lake Region High School and the Lewiston Regional Technical Center helping both to evaluate and augment their existing curriculum. This August, I was part of the curriculum steering committee for the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce which offers short-term training through Maine’s community colleges. Courses are offered free of charge thanks to grant funding through the Harold Alfond Center. They will be offered again in early 2026, as well as similar offerings at KVCC in the Fairfield region.

Until we erase the stigma of trade schools as dumping grounds for the bad actors and ne’er-do-wellers, we will be paying a premium for skilled services. When fewer skilled workers are available, builders must pay higher wages to attract and retain them, and projects take longer to complete, which adds to carrying costs and ultimately increases the final price for buyers. Some of the direct cost increases are higher wages, extended timelines and lost production.

Competition for limited skilled labor has driven up wages significantly, with some reports noting increases of 40 to 50 percent for small builders since the pandemic. Projects take longer to finish, adding to the builder's overhead and carrying costs for financing, property taxes, and insurance. A reduced capacity to build new homes due to labor shortages leads to lower housing inventory, which puts upward pressure on prices for existing and new homes. If you would like the idea of more affordable homes, better-built homes, not having to pay off student loans, job security and the ability to earn as much as some medical trades, talk to your guidance counselor.

Warren O'Shea is the owner of O’Shea Builders LLC, Maine’s most award-winning remodeling contractor. He has 35-plus years of residential remodeling experience. He is a certified home inspector and has been featured on HGTV, Food Network, and Maine Cabin Masters. He is a recipient of the Portland Police Department’s “Citizen Award,” and is a staunch consumer advocate. Warren has, and continues to, co-author articles for nationally distributed trade magazines. <