Sister Parish was the grande dame of American twentieth-century decorators, and it is delightful to see her family lovingly continue her legacy. While best known for decorating the White House for Jackie Kennedy, Sister originated the American Country look… and this look is alive and well in Sister’s former summer home in Maine, now owned by her daughter, Apple Bartlett. The home is located on the tiny and remote island of Islesboro, accessible only by a combination of plane, train, automobile, and boat! Sister summered on Isleboro her entire life, and now Apple calls the private compound overlooking Penobscot Bay home most of the year. “It’s an atmosphere you don’t find any other place,” Apple told New England Home. “Everything is untouched. It’s just alive.”
Sister’s style still abounds with painted furniture, high-gloss floors, wicker, quilts, spongeware, rag rugs, needlepoint pillows, and porcelain collections. Yet it continues to evolve from one generation to the next. Apple’s daughter and granddaughter, Susan Crater and Eliza Crater respectively, produce the ever-popular Sister Parish collection of fabrics and wallpapers, and new patterns have been incorporated in thoughtful ways that Sister would certainly approve.
During the summer months, Apple runs a charming, eponymous home decor shop filled with handmade and hand-selected treasures. A talented artist, some of the same whimsical touches in Apple’s art is found in her mother’s decorating. “That’s what Mummy was great at,” says Bartlett. “The great mix of whimsy with the good stuff.” The Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!
Apple Bartlett at her Maine home overlooking Penobscot Bay. Her parents, Henry Parish II and Dorothy May “Sister” Parish, bought the property in the 1940s, although her family retreated to Islesboro for generations beforehand.
The living room is a favorite gathering spot.
Bright colors and needlepoint rugs grace the hallway.
Painted furniture and patina in the front parlor.
On the porch is a dollhouse surrounded by Staffordshire figurines.
Treasures from Apple’s shop
Apple Bartlett with Clinton Smith and her Cairn terrier, Brio.
The Sister Parish room at the shop features bags, totes, and pillows crafted from the firm’s iconic fabric patterns, as well as pieces from the spongeware tabletop collection.
Apple’s store features decorative accessories and art, including some of Bartlett’s own designs.
Apple and her china and glassware collection.
The front parlor was recently updated, but it still reflects Sister Parish’s spirit.
The tablecloth is Petite Fleur from the Sister Parish collection, and it is the perfect backdrop for porcelain vegetables and treasures.
The beautiful Dodie Thayer tureen makes a wonderful centerpiece!
A charming book nook in the front parlor!
The bedrooms feature beautiful color, pattern, and texture.
Chintz and Chou Chou, the perfect combination!
Apple and Brio in her bedroom
Family memories rest upon Sister Parish’s Palms fabric.
A sketch by Albert Hadley, Sister’s business partner of Parish-Hadley.
The exterior of Apple’s antiques store
A sign from Sister Parish’s decorating practice.
Penobscot Bay
I am such a huge of Sister Parish, and I absolutely love all of the iconic prints. In fact, I have big plans for Dolly my very favorite print…. more on that to come. 😉 You will also love the new Sister Parish X LAKE pajama collection… I think half of Instagram wore the Serendipity pajamas on Christmas! And you can learn more about Sister Parish Home Goods Collection here and tour Susan Crater’s home here.
This tour originally ran in the November/December 2019 issue of New England Home.
Eliza Crater Harris – The First Grandmillennial
Hello Dolly! A Timeless Classic by Sister Parish
Style Profile: Eliza Crater Harris of Sister Parish
Tom Scheerer Designs an Old-Fashioned Maine Home
Absolutely beautiful!
It’n not hard to get to Islesboro. You just take the ferry from Lincolnville Beach – after eating at the Lobster Pound.
Went to the shop many times in Isleboro. Met Apple and bought several of Susan’s pieces . Her decopouge is so whimsical. Sister Parrish was my all time favorite decorator. I was lucky enough to tour her home and Apples one summer. And have happy memories of meeting Apple.