“Commission or revenue may be earned by Hearst Magazines and Yahoo via links in this article.” The Adirondack-style cottage first caught Serena Dugan’s eye as a small red dot on a Zillow map. Nestled in the tranquil corner of Coecles Harbor on Shelter Island, it was the perfect location for the California-based textile designer and artist, also known as the co-founder of Serena & Lily, to consider as a vacation home on the East Coast. After a local friend recommended checking it out, she was immediately captivated and decided to visit. “I wanted to create a space where lasting memories could be made for all guests,” Dugan expressed.
Driving up to the cottage at dusk, she was enchanted by the stone fireplace, sprawling front porch, and the calming reflection of the water. The house exuded a magical atmosphere that resonated with her. Despite needing significant structural repairs and fireplace reconstruction, she felt compelled to preserve its unique charm. The renovation successfully blended preservation with modern enhancements, showcasing Dugan’s impeccable taste in finishes, fixtures, and furniture.
Balancing high-end investments with cost-effective choices, Dugan curated a mix of her own fabric and wallcovering designs alongside vintage pieces. The house became a canvas for her creativity, a reflection of her personal style and collections. Customized lighting, matchstick blinds, and savvy finds like a brass cleat added character and charm to the interiors.
From the grand front porch adorned with hanging beds to the cozy family room connected to the kitchen, each space was carefully designed to be both inviting and functional. Performance fabrics were chosen for the sofas, emphasizing the house’s livable nature. Dugan’s vision of creating a home that embodies comfort, style, and elegance shines through every corner of this Adirondack-style sanctuary.
A house that reflects “a little wear and tear” was carefully chosen by the homeowner, who opted for Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble despite its susceptibility to staining. “I have no fear of a patina,” she explains. The tiles are from Clé, while the sconces are vintage pieces from Chairish. Pendant lights by The Urban Electric Co., stools from Crate & Barrel, sink fixtures by Waterworks, and art by Heather Chontos complete the space.
The pantry, adjacent to the kitchen, is designed to complement the overall aesthetic of the house. “I love a color palette to tease the palette beyond it, so there’s a harmony and lyricism to the house,” says the homeowner. The paint color used is Raindance from Benjamin Moore.
In the dining room, the fireplace was reconstructed to match the original design using local stone. Vintage dining table and chairs, a pendant light from The Urban Electric Co. with custom shades, and art by Serena Dugan Studio and Lucas Lai adorn the space.
For the bar area, the homeowner considered using an antiqued mirror before opting to DIY the glass with a painting technique called verre églomisé. The light fixture is from The Urban Electric Co., and the cabinetry hardware is from Modern Matter.
In the powder room, the sink, made from a stone called amazonite, stands out as a custom piece. The room is designed to be transportive, with a custom sink, a mirror from Arteriors, sconces from The Urban Electric Co., and wallcovering by Serena Dugan Studio.
The primary bedroom features an extra-tall canopy bed from Hollywood at Home and a large paper shade to fill the expansive space. Custom bedding and draperies in Serena Dugan Studio fabrics, vintage chairs, and a rug from Erik Lindström x Serena Dugan complete the room.
The bunk room utilizes stacked bunks to maximize space and take advantage of the window view.
In one guest bedroom, the earthy grasscloth wallcovering balances the rich red and blue hues on the headboard and duvet, all in Serena Dugan Studio fabrics. Sconces from Colonia, a bed from Wesley Hall, and a vintage table adorn the space.
Another guest bedroom features built-in storage drawers that double as a cozy reading nook, complete with a rug from Etsy, a sconce from Visual Comfort & Co., and bedding and pillows from Serena Dugan Studio.
The bathroom boasts a soaking tub that aligns with the homeowner’s vision of the home as a peaceful refuge on a “sweet little island.”
In the backyard, a circular porch is set up to capture peace with rocking chairs and porch beds from Hollywood at Home and Red Egg, respectively.
The patio takes full advantage of the home’s idyllic locale to capitalize on the view.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok for more inspiration.
Please correct spelling errors.
