Martha Stewart is defending the recent update to her Maine vacation home’s living room after facing significant criticism from social media users.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, July 3, Stewart explained her reaction to the feedback she received.
“I rarely read all the comments that come in after I post, but because I was so pleased with the transformation of my Maine living room, I went through many of the comments and was taken aback by the harsh judgments expressed!!!” she wrote, accompanying a photo of the redesigned space.
Stewart clarified that the changes were completed with the help of her “Maine helpers” in just “three hours,” noting,
“We were pleased that the pieces actually fit the room and were proportionate to the large size of the space. [This] was not a ‘decorator’s’ professional installation. It was an attempt to change quickly and efficiently.”
Acknowledging that a complete room makeover would require more time, Stewart promised to add additional elements to the room.
“Making a house a home—or a room a beautiful livable space—takes a lot more than three hours,” she continued.
“Of course, there will be color, plants, mirrors, a new rug or two, and other art and objects. Stay tuned!!!! And by the way, the birds are chromo lithographs by Carroll Tyson known as the ‘6 Audubon of Maine’—so beautiful!”
The updated room features 11 large bird illustrations surrounding a brick fireplace, along with cream-colored chairs and couches with black detailing, arranged in several smaller seating areas.
Stewart acquired her vacation home, known as Skylands, in Seal Harbor, Maine, in 1997. Originally built in 1925 for auto executive Edsel Ford, the estate includes 12 bedrooms and a pink granite driveway, according to her website.
The author has preserved much of the home’s original charm, which may not be surprising given that the estate was sold with many original furnishings, including linens and the Fords’ silver and glassware.
“I didn’t have to buy a plate,” Martha told Architectural Digest in 2017 about buying Skylands. “Although I’ve certainly added my fair share.”
Despite the online criticism, Stewart is likely to maintain the classic character of Skylands, as she told AD, “I view myself as the caretaker of an American treasure.”
