The front porch addition, an attractive but simple landscaping layout and the home's rich dark-gray board-and-batten exterior helped transform this charming traditional home into a bold maritime retreat.

A curved walkway with simple paver system connects the home's asphalt driveway to the front porch. A side entry to the home off the driveway, part of a new addition, offers easy access to a mudroom, laundry room and powder room inside.

The side entry shows the impressive sneak peek that greets visitors to this laid-back and homey Portland, Maine property. "It's a showstopper from the street and from the driveway because you can't help but notice all the color inside," says designer Brian Patrick Flynn.

The front porch addition with standard pine framing includes Western Red Cedar posts. “Stainless steel cable rail was used for the railing infill to give the porch a clean, modern look,” says build manager Dylan Eastman.