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Serena Dugan, cofounder of Serena & Lily, has completed the renovation of her Adirondack-style cottage on Shelter Island, New York. The project focused on preserving the home’s original character while enhancing its functionality, with particular attention to the front porch and fireplace. Dugan describes the process as a balance of high-end investment and cost-saving measures to maintain the property’s sense of calm.
Serena Dugan, the California-based textile designer and cofounder of Serena & Lily, has completed a major renovation of her Adirondack-style cottage on Shelter Island, New York. The project, which transformed a neglected property into a functional vacation home, centers on the preservation of the structure’s original character while introducing modern comforts. Dugan’s design approach prioritized durability and emotional resonance, resulting in a residence that balances high-end finishes with practical, cost-effective solutions.
Dugan first discovered the property through an online listing, describing it as a “little red dot on a Zillow map.” After a local friend inspected the site and urged her to visit immediately, Dugan traveled to Coecles Harbor to see the home in person. She was immediately drawn to the massive stone fireplace, the sprawling front porch, and the view of the water. However, the initial inspection revealed significant structural issues. The house required major foundation repair and a complete reconstruction of the fireplace that had initially captivated her.
The renovation process involved a careful strategy of selective investment. Dugan noted that her “earliest decisions were some of my most expensive ones,” but she subsequently adjusted her budget to preserve funds for other areas. She opted for high-quality materials in key locations, such as a Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble slab in the kitchen and custom lighting fixtures. Conversely, she implemented cost-saving measures elsewhere, such as purchasing matchstick blinds online for approximately $29 per window and enhancing them with affordable brass cleats.
The design integrates Dugan’s professional work with vintage finds and personal collections. Fabrics and wallcoverings from her Serena Dugan Studio line are featured throughout the home, mingling with antique furniture and art. The layout was modified to improve flow, including opening the family room to the kitchen to create a larger gathering space. Dugan stated that she viewed the project as an “investment back into me,” a place to present her design point of view and house her collected items.
Balancing Preservation with Modern Living
The renovation highlights a growing trend in residential design that prioritizes adaptive reuse and the preservation of architectural character over complete demolition and reconstruction. By choosing to repair rather than replace the original stone fireplace, Dugan maintained the home’s historical integrity while ensuring structural safety. This approach appeals to homeowners seeking to retain the “indescribable sense of calm” and unique atmosphere of older properties.
Furthermore, the project demonstrates a pragmatic approach to luxury design. By mixing high-end custom pieces with accessible online purchases, Dugan illustrates how strategic budget allocation can achieve a high-design result without excessive expenditure. The use of performance fabrics and materials that develop a patina over time, such as the marble, underscores a shift toward homes that are designed for active use and resilience rather than pristine, static display.
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From Zillow Listing to Coastal Retreat
Shelter Island, located between Long Island’s North and South Forks, is a coveted destination for East Coast vacationers. Dugan’s acquisition of the property began when she was contemplating an East Coast vacation home. The initial discovery was digital, but the decision to purchase was driven by an in-person visit at dusk, which Dugan described as feeling “like magic.”
The home’s Adirondack style is characterized by its rustic materials and integration with the natural landscape. The renovation required navigating the challenges of an older structure, including foundation issues and a dilapidated fireplace. Dugan’s background in textile design influenced the interior choices, with custom fabrics and wallcoverings playing a central role in defining the spaces. The project reflects the broader market for secondary residences in coastal areas, where buyers often seek properties that offer both historical charm and modern livability.
Specific Renovation Costs and Timeline
While Dugan provides specific examples of material costs, such as the $29 matchstick blinds, the total budget for the renovation remains undisclosed. The exact timeline of the project, from purchase to completion, is also not detailed in the available reports. Additionally, the specific structural engineering solutions used to address the foundation issues are not described, leaving the technical scope of the construction work unclear to the public.
Future Use and Design Integration
Dugan intends to use the home as a personal retreat and a showcase for her design work. The integration of Serena Dugan Studio products throughout the house suggests that the property will serve as a living portfolio for her brand. Future developments may include further updates to the landscaping or additional interior refinements as the home continues to settle and evolve with use. Dugan has indicated that the house is meant to be “lived in,” implying ongoing maintenance and adaptation to the needs of its occupants.
Key Questions
What style is the Shelter Island home?
The home is an Adirondack-style cottage, characterized by rustic materials and a design that blends with the natural environment.
Who is Serena Dugan?
Serena Dugan is a textile designer and artist based in California. She is the cofounder of the home goods brand Serena & Lily and has her own design studio, Serena Dugan Studio.
What major repairs were required?
The house required major foundation repair and a complete reconstruction of the original stone fireplace.
Did Dugan use expensive materials throughout?
No. While she invested in high-end items like custom lighting and marble, she also used cost-effective solutions such as online-purchased blinds and vintage finds to balance the budget.
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