Living With Art

Maine Home+Design, September 2023
Compiled by Susan Sherrill Axelrod, Photography: Peter G. Morneau

“Art as the Driver. We call it the ‘driver’—a textile pattern, a beloved rug, or a fantastic piece of art selected to be the ‘informant’ on every project—the piece that will drive the project’s color palette and the mood. We were faced with a large blank wall when we were asked to turn this waterfront living room into a ladies’ sitting room. We were so delighted when our client agreed to relocate the Alex Katz piece from her stair hall so it could be appreciated front and center in her updated sitting room. We love the abstract, seductive nature of this mysterious woman donning her sun bonnet.”

—Linda Banks, Banks Design Associates/Simply Home

Simply Home

Decor Maine, Issue No. 8
Designer: Banks Design Associates, Builders: Consigli Construction, Developer: Reger Dasco Properties, Architect of Record: Archetype Architects, Photography: François Gagné

The working waterfront in Portland is marked by vibrant colors, seafaring action, schooners, tourists, locals, and enticing smells from incredible restaurants. It appeals to all ages. So, when Linda Banks and Edith Smith were hired as the design consultants for the developer and new owners of a building on Portland’s iconic waterfront, she wanted to match the energy of the scenery and consider any age that might want to live there.

New House in the Round Meadow

Maine Home+Design, January/February 2023
2023 Interior Design Listing—Residential

The inspiration and mission for this new house was “unpretentious classical coastal” without being clichéd nautical. The ocean view inspired the layout to orient work areas toward the windows overlooking the five-acre round meadow on Casco Bay.

Taking Her Own Advice

Decor Maine, Issue No. 4
By Brian Shuff, Photography: François Gagné

Long admired for her work on New England’s coast, Linda Banks turns inward, designing for herself at this Falmouth escape,

NKBA 2021 Design Contest

Banks Design Associates awards:

Grand Prize: Overall Bathroom Category
1st Place: Large Bathroom Category
1st Place: “Before & After” Bath Category
3rd Place: Large Kitchen Category

Little House, Big Project

Maine Home+Design, May 2021
By Laura Fenton, Photography: François Gagné

The constraints of a tiny island location informed every choice in the 850-square-foot home.

The 9 Best Ceiling Paint Colors (Beyond White), According to Designers

Better Homes & Gardens, Life in Color, October 23, 2020
By Elizabeth Sweet

Interior designers turn to these tried-and-true shades of blue, green, and gray for cozy rooms.

This Maine designer’s client kept a picture of her work in his wallet for 10 years

Business of Home, 50 States Project, May 18, 2020
By Kaitlin Petersen

The 50 States Project is a yearlong series of candid conversations with interior designers we admire, state by state. Today, we’re chatting with Linda Banks, who moved her bustling Connecticut design business to Maine in 1998. In addition to sharing images of a recent project, she talks about why investing in her brick-and-mortar space helped her business survive economic downturns, how one magazine cover got her decades of projects, and why debt can be the kiss of death for design businesses.

ASID 2018 Design Challenge Competition Winner

Whole House

American Society of Interior Designers, New England Chapter
September 2018

Two Awards Won, One Runner Up

Maine Homes Design Awards - 2018 Readers Choice Winners

Banks Design Associates won two categories: Professional Curb Appeal for Peter’s Cove, Harpswell and Professional Living and/or Dining Room for Ship Channel, Cape Elizabeth. In addition, Banks Design Associates tied for runner up in the Professional Living/Dining category for Luxe Barn, Falmouth.

Stylish Stash

New England Home, Summer 2018

New England Home loves Simply Home's Denim blue baskets in blue white, for a stylish way to stash everything from toys to laundry.

Cheery & Colorful

Elle Decor Online, July/August 2018

Elle Decor features a colorful, Falmouth entry by Banks Design Associates in an online feature on "Ways to Take Your Foyer to the Next Level with Artwork."

Little House, Big Impact

Maine Home+Design, February 2018

This vacation getaway right around the corner from Falmouth Town Landing Market makes a statement. 

Design Wire

Maine Home+Design, February 2018

Linda Banks' signature Maine Fishing Map and exclusive collection of Maine and coastal themed art for Wendover Art Group is featured in this edition's Design Wire. 

Interior Motives

Maine Home+Design, February 2017

According to Linda Banks, the airy weekend house in Ships Channel “really is perched at the edge of the sea, as if you were on the bow of a ship.”

Treasure Island

New England Home, Summer 2017

A renovation reveals the gem hidden within a careworn shingled cottage on Chappaquiddick.

ASID Excellence in Design Awards:

Residential Designer Choice

Residential Public Space

American Society of Interior Designers, New England Chapter
November 2015

American Vernacular, American Contemporary

Maine Home+Design, July 2014

Maine cottages and traditional Capes inspire the design of a Harpswell home.

ASID Excellence in Design Awards:

First Place - Residential Multiple Space

First Place - Residential Public Space

First Place - Residential Kitchen

American Society of Interior Designers, New England Chapter
November 2013