--- title: "Penelope Daborn Ltd. — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/penelope-daborn-ltd-pfvwus-pf~1988210700 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1988210700.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Penelope Daborn Ltd." category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9033c0150f202592_3527-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "65 Falmouth Rd., Falmouth, Maine 04105, United States" latitude: 43.734 longitude: -70.2625 phone: "(207) 761-2711" website: http://www.penelopedaborn.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 16 best_of_houzz_awards: 14 followers: 100 last_updated: 2026-09-22 --- # Penelope Daborn Ltd. Original Houzz profile: [Penelope Daborn Ltd.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/penelope-daborn-ltd-pfvwus-pf~1988210700) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Falmouth, ME - **Serves:** Portland, South Portland, South Portland Gardens, Westbrook, Windham, Gorham, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Yarmouth, Freeport, North Windham, North Yarmouth, Falmouth Foreside, South Windham, Cousins Island, Berkshires MA, Cumberland Center, Cumberland Foreside, Peaks Island, South Freeport - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (16 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 14 awards (2015–2026), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Award winning - Published nationally As a full-service interior design and decoration firm, we work to help clients define and refine their own style, and to fulfill it with creativity, efficiency, serenity and humor. Penelope Daborn Ltd. takes a collaborative approach to clients and colleagues. We strive always to combine creativity and an empathetic design philosophy with extensive resources and friendly, efficient project management. We believe our clients deserve beautiful surroundings which, whether classic or contemporary, reflect who they are and how they live. Feel free to reach out to us, we would love to hear from you! ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Living Room Design - Bedroom Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Kids Bedroom Design - Dining Room Design - Custom Cabinets - Lighting Design - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Entry Design - Design Consultation - Custom Built-ins - Floor Plans - Playroom Design - Project Management - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Custom Furniture - Laundry Room Design - Mudroom Design - Nursery Design - Custom Blinds & Shades - House Plans - Art Selection - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Closet Design - Basement Design - Custom Bookcases - Custom Walk-in Closets - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Custom Rugs - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Home Theater Design - Sustainable Design - Custom Shelving - Custom Pantries - Downsizing - Drafting - Custom Table - Energy-Efficient Homes - Attic Conversion - Custom Beds - Custom Storage - Garage Design - Home Office Design ### Areas Served - Portland - South Portland - South Portland Gardens - Westbrook - Windham - Gorham - Falmouth - Cape Elizabeth - Yarmouth - Freeport - North Windham - North Yarmouth - Falmouth Foreside - South Windham - Cousins Island - Berkshires MA - Cumberland Center - Cumberland Foreside - Peaks Island - South Freeport ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Penelope Daborn Ltd. | | Address | 65 Falmouth Rd., Falmouth, Maine 04105, United States | | Phone | (207) 761-2711 | | Website | http://www.penelopedaborn.com | | Followers on Houzz | 100 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/penelope-daborn-ltd/110868525626299 - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=tab\_pro ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Penelope Daborn Ltd.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/penelope-daborn-ltd-pfvwus-pf~1988210700) - **Website:** http://www.penelopedaborn.com - **Phone:** (207) 761-2711 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz 2024 US - Portland Maine - Best of Houzz 2023 US - Portland Maine - Best of Houzz 2022 US - Portland Maine (Home office) - Best of Houzz 2022 US - Portland Maine (Sunroom) - Best of Houzz 2022 US - Portland Maine (Living room) - **Best of Houzz:** 14 awards (2015–2026), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 16 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 46.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Shelly Storbeck, Jan. 2026** > Penny was very critical to our condo renovation. She has great access to vendors that one might not know about otherwise. She is respectful of your taste but is helpful in bringing new ideas to the project. She is also easy going and a cheery presence. **Comment from Penelope Daborn Ltd.:** > Thank you for the very kind review, Shelly! It was a pleasure to work with you, and I'm so glad to have been able to introduce some of our great local craftspeople and vendors; I hope you enjoy the results of their expertise and all our joint labor (including yours!) for many years. **★★★★★ — Susan Smith, July 2025** > I’ve had an amazing experience working with my interior decorator. She has an incredible eye for color and a true talent for mixing materials and textures in a way that makes every space feel thoughtful and elevated. One of the things I appreciate most is how flexible and collaborative she is—she really lets me be involved in whatever way works best for me. The results have been beautiful, and the process has been easy and enjoyable. Highly recommend! **Comment from Penelope Daborn Ltd.:** > Thank you very much for your kind comments, Susan! It's been a pleasure to work with you, and I'm so happy that you're enjoying your renovated spaces. Having clients feel personal ownership of the results of their projects is one of my goals, so I'm especially glad to know that you have felt included and your opinion valued along the way! **★★★★★ — HU-74763062, March 2023** > Penelope Daborn is a highly professional, creative and very gracious interior designer. > Penny has an extraordinary talent to envision what could be in a person’s space . > She sees beyond the present situation and dazzles with her ultimate results. > In a low-key way ,Penny advises you as to what could be. > > Listening carefully,Penny assessed our needs and our requests and with thoughtfulness and creativity made our home lighter, brighter and refreshed. > Penny worked methodically and deliberately to improve our surroundings.We could not be more pleased. > > Connie & Joe Brennan > Munjoy Hill , Portland, Maine **Comment from Penelope Daborn Ltd.:** > We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such gracious, kind and appreciative clients - THANK YOU! **★★★★★ — pipes252, Dec. 2022** > Penny Daborn is fantastic: she has impeccable taste, a wide range of contacts, and could not be easier or more enjoyable to work with. My husband and I recently built a new oceanfront home, and we relied on Penny literally every step of the way. She helped us pick out all of our furniture, floor coverings, window treatments, molding, lighting, paint colors, bathroom tiles, etc. etc. Throughout the project, she was readily available, fully engaged and flexible! Whenever a last minute decision was required, Penny would make time. Even our builder commented more than once on how easy it was to work with Penny. > I cannot recommend her highly enough! **Comment from Penelope Daborn Ltd.:** > THANK YOU so much for your kind words - and for being such responsive, thoughtful and organized clients, fun and very rewarding to work with. All of us at PDL wish you and yours many, many happy years in your lovely haven on our beautiful coast! **★★★★★ — shubharaju, Dec. 2020** > We had initially planned on using Penny to just help with the interiors of the home we had just purchased. We however were also doing extensive renovation of the house at that time. We were extremely fortunate to have had Penny by our side as she ended up helping with ALL the structural and design aspects of house and collaborated with our contractor to ensure we had our dream house. We lived two hours away from her but distance was never an issue. She was always able to identify local vendors to assist with anything that we needed. The end result was that we enjoyed every moment of living in the house till we had to move, When the house went on the market recently we had a buyer requesting that we sell the house as is with all the furniture as they loved it just as much. I cannot speak highly enough of her commitment to your project or the skill and expertise with which she will see it to completion. **Comment from Penelope Daborn Ltd.:** > Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review, Shubha and Raju! It was a great pleasure to work with you. I wish you hadn't had to leave the lovely home you created, but am very glad to know you were so happy with the fruits of our joint labors, and delighted to hear that your successors are enjoying them too! **★★★★★ — ltdugas, Oct. 2020** > We are absolutely delighted with the interior decor of our newly renovated home, thanks to Penny's great eye for color, years of experience, and expertise. Listening closely, she and Liz captured the very essence of how we wanted our home to feel. > > From furniture layouts and light fixtures to area rugs, sofas, and chairs, Penny was instrumental in helping us create warm, serene, calm environments in some spaces and more vibrant surroundings in others. > > We had never worked with an interior designer before and are very glad we did. We believe Penny's services were well worth the investment, as she most certainly saved us a great deal of time, as well as the angst, indecisiveness, and costly mistakes that no doubt would've come with us trying to do the project on our own. > > Penny and her team gracefully helped us produce the outcome we had in mind - a lovely house to call home. **Comment from Penelope Daborn Ltd.:** > Thank you so much, not only for a gratifying review, but especially for being such engaged, receptive and thoroughly enjoyable clients! We loved working with you: you were clear in articulating your hopes and needs, open to new ideas, thoughtful in your responses to them, and graceful and patient under the seemingly-inevitable stresses of home renovation. We're happy with the final result too, and wish you many, many years of happy, comfortable and contented living in your beautiful home! **★★★★★ — Ashley Cunningham, Oct. 2019** > I have worked with Penny Daborn for over 10 years creating beautiful and functional upholstered furniture. She is great to work with and has very good design ideas. **★★★★ — Anne Jackson, Nov. 2016** > It's important to have good chemistry with your interior design person and Penny was perfect for us in that respect. She listened, observed our surroundings and did an excellent job of finding fabrics that were perfect for us. And we enjoyed working with her. We had also worked with her in previous years and knew we would be satisfied working with her again. **Comment from Penelope Daborn Ltd.:** > Thank you so much, Anne! It was a pleasure to work with you again, and I hope to do so again in the future. **★★★★★ — ajacobs9, April 2016** > We had a chance to meet with Penelope and she was great. She comes across as very easy to work with and confident in her skills. She was very open to our ideas as well as making some great suggestions on how to improve on our ideas. **★★★★★ — pipes252, Feb. 2016** > Penelope Daborn and her staff have earned my highest recommendation. I first used Penny approximately 10 years ago, when I repainted and reupholstered almost the entire 1st floor of my house. Recently, I contacted her again to update some other furnishings. One of Penny's most important qualities is that her suggestions "stand the test of time." The colors and fabrics she suggested 10 years ago remain as lovely as ever. Also, I appreciate that she never pressures me to make a change we're not ready to make, and she makes me feel comfortable with whatever we decide. In addition, her recommendations span a wide price range, allowing a client to easily stay within budget. Finally, Penny, her assistant, and every installer I have met, all exhibit the highest level of professionalism, timeliness, and reliability. **Comment from Penelope Daborn Ltd.:** > We are always so happy to hear from favorite clients with whom we have worked previously! It's also gratifying to hear compliments on the whole team, who are all invaluable in making our projects "fall into place" - thank you! **★★★★★ — Tim Hill Fine Design & Fine Woodworking, Feb. 2016** > A terrific designer! > We have had the good fortune to work with Penelope Daborn on many very interesting projects. > Some smaller in scale and several very large and complicated. She has a natural knack for advancing beautiful aesthetic design while juggling the multitude of contractors required to complete the work. If you’ve spent any time in the business of renovation you know how critical this pairing is. > If you are considering redoing a simple sitting room or are trying to tie together a larger theme in your home or even cooperate office space I would highly recommend Ms Daborn’s design and project management services. She’s great! > I have also seen her recent interior design work on a classic motor yacht visiting Maine from the southern seas which we were also involved and the result was just terrific. > Yes consider Penelope Daborn! > And…Good luck on your project! > > Tim Hill > President > Tim Hill Fine Woodworking > Gorham, Maine > 04038 **Comment from Penelope Daborn Ltd.:** > We're honored to be recommended by one of the finest woodworkers in Maine. Tim Hill's work is showcased in many of our photographs on Houzz, and the clients for whom we specify his pieces, whether fine furniture or cabinetry, are unfailingly delighted. **★★★★ — cathysg73, Oct. 2015** > Helped on interior design and decor of a newly built house. Included layouts and selection of furniture, fabrics, paint color and window coverings. Was great to work with. Penny was very flexible and accommodating. She always listened to what I liked, but was able to direct me (in a nice way) to considering something I had not thought about. She also provided lots of creative ideas and choices. ## Selected projects - [New Beachfront Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-beachfront-home-pj-vj~7381174) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Elegant lakeside living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elegant-lakeside-living-pj-vj~6409977) - Location: Scarborough, ME - Photos: 19 - Description: A complete renovation of a family home overlooking a lake, including structural additions and changes, lighting, interior finishes, lighting and furnishings. Our clients wanted to modernize without changing the essential character of the house, which they had occupied for several years. Our goal was to create light, airy, informally elegant spaces, while keeping them functional, comfortable.and welcoming. - [Lakehouse Guest Cottages of the Berkshires](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakehouse-guest-cottages-of-the-berkshires-pj-vj~2889807) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 61 - Description: Situated on the pristine waters of Pontoosuc Lake at the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, the boutique-style cottage resort offers a tranquil escape with a touch of luxury. PDL provided interior design and decorating services for all seven of the luxury cottages. Each cottage is unique and we designed and furnished the spaces with comfortable areas for gathering and also private retreat quarters. The cottages are a mix of rustic architecture and modern finishes offering a relaxing and comfo… - [South Freeport Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-freeport-farmhouse-pj-vj~2035994) - Location: Freeport, ME - Photos: 14 - Description: An update and freshening for a beautiful late 18th Century farmhouse. - [Prout's Neck Classic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prout-s-neck-classic-pj-vj~2035678) - Location: Scarborough, ME - Photos: 22 - Description: A loving restoration and renovation of a classic John Calvin Stevens shingle-style home, with the addition of a new master bedroom suite in the former attic. We kept and restored some traditional furniture that had been in the house for many years, supplementing it with more modern, comfortable pieces and introducing a more contemporary color palette. - [Maine Coast Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maine-coast-home-pj-vj~1486662) - Location: Scarborough, ME - Photos: 28 - Description: The interior details are simple, elegant, and are understated to display fine craftsmanship throughout. The design and finishes are not pretentious - but exactly what you would expect to find in an accomplished Maine artist’s home. Each piece of artwork carefully informed the selections that would highlight the art and contribute to the personality of each space. - [Artist Residence and Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/artist-residence-and-studio-pj-vj~1322954) - Location: Scarborough, ME - Photos: 27 - [Cape Neddick Oceanfront Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-neddick-oceanfront-home-pj-vj~2035961) - Location: York, ME - Photos: 20 - Description: An oceanfront porch for all seasons. - [M.Y. Centinela IV](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/m-y-centinela-iv-pj-vj~1488335) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 17 - Description: We are celebrating the updated interiors of a classic mega-yacht! Our first renovated yacht project was an extremely successful transformation. We procured custom furniture, coordinated fabric selection, window treatments, bed linens and upholstery for all interior public spaces, including the grand salon, formal dining room, master stateroom and office, and several guest staterooms, and all exterior deck seating and dining areas. - [Airy Family Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/airy-family-home-pj-vj~2092569) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Cape Neddick Guest Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-neddick-guest-cottage-pj-vj~2207570) - Location: York, ME - Photos: 5 - [South Portland Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-portland-home-pj-vj~125857) - Location: South Portland, ME - Photos: 21 - Description: Our clients conceived of their new home not only for themselves but for their aging parents as well, and as a venue for entertaining large gatherings, whether by the pool or fireside. The communal areas are therefore spacious and open to each other, directly accessible from the outdoors, while private spaces are tucked away in the outer reaches of the big house, smaller in scale and more intimate in nature. Our goal in the central core was to allow the magnificent windows and subtle architectura… - [Western Prom Townhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/western-prom-townhouse-pj-vj~130802) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 15 - Description: A townhouse in the west end of the city. We wanted to retain the character and detail of the old building, while giving it an updated palette and furnishings for a family with teenage children and a lot of entertaining. - [Cape Elizabeth Getaway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-elizabeth-getaway-pj-vj~144315) - Location: Cape Elizabeth, ME - Photos: 13 - [PSO 2007](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pso-2007-pj-vj~1486658) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 2 - Description: The dining room of a Designers' Show House to benefit the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Furniture courtesy of Thos. Moser. - [OYHS 2006](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oyhs-2006-pj-vj~1486677) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [City Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/city-living-pj-vj~7777188) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 9 - [Clifftop Ocean Views](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clifftop-ocean-views-pj-vj~7597402) - Location: Westport Island, ME - Photos: 9 [See all 18 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/penelope-daborn-ltd-pfvwus-pf~1988210700) ## Ideabooks - [2022](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164801393/list/2022) — 2 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85305902/list/wish-list) — 3 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/penelopedaborn) ## Community Q&A **Q: Island countertop?** *(in Photo Questions)* What material is the island countertop made of? A: Hi there - the countertop is soapstone, one of our favorites! **Q: Where can you purchase the painting?** *(in Photo Questions)* The painting with the lady swimming in the water. Thank you. A: Hi, Marilyn - The painting is an original, painted by a local artist and sold through a local gallery, so I'm afraid is the only one out there. Glad you like it! **Q: What color are the cabinets? They are beautiful!** *(in Photo Questions)* Thank you. A: Hi Noreen - the color of the cabinets is Sherwin Williams Gossamer Veil - so glad you like it! **Q: Credenza paint color** *(in Photo Questions)* Love how the credenza fits right in with it's dark crisp deep blue. What color and company is the paint from? A: Thank you, we're glad you like this! The paint is Benjamin Moore OC-30 Gray Mist - it feels serene, doesn't it?! **Q: I love this cozy, yet light feel of this home.** *(in Photo Questions)* What wall colors did you use in the entryway and on the front door? A: Thanks so much - glad you like it! **Q: I would like to know where to purchase the rug?** *(in Photo Questions)* Please send me rug manufacture and name of the rug. Thanks! A: Glad you like it - thanks! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-22.*