Serena Dugan, a painter, textile designer, and entrepreneur, sought a retreat from her bustling professional life in California on Shelter Island. After years of renting for the summer, 2021 marked a turning point as she shifted from looking for temporary stays to seeking a permanent creative sanctuary. Dugan purchased a historic shingle cottage, transforming it according to her vision. But, desiring more, she embarked on building a brand-new barn studio that evolved beyond mere workspace into a venue for inspiration and hosting.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Serena Dugan
Location: Shelter Island, New York
Project type: Creative Studio and Gathering Space
Year Completed: 2021
The barn, completed recently, began as a studio but expanded into a gallery and hosting space. Dugan decided to make the most of the foundational efforts by constructing a two-story structure instead of a single-level one. This strategic choice allowed the space to fulfill multiple functions seamlessly. The barn is equipped with a thoughtful design tailored to Dugan’s creative process, including flexible tables and a state-of-the-art sound system, providing the perfect backdrop for her creative endeavors.
Dugan’s attention to detail extends to the barn’s interior, meticulously curated to foster creativity. The studio’s walls are painted a crisp white to ensure clarity of vision when assessing her painting colors, removing distractions and channeling inspiration. The organization reflects her need for order, with custom shelving housing her paint collection. Yet, Dugan maintains an adaptable environment, with surfaces designed to be easily repainted to suit varying moods and artistic whims.
Natural light floods the barn from three directions, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, overhead lighting, and a skylight. While Dugan isn’t overly particular about the lighting for painting, she prefers viewing her work in various settings to ensure it resonates as intended in different environments. She often evaluates whether colors maintain their vibrancy under artificial light and daylight, aligning her creative vision with how it might be experienced in diverse home settings.
The barn’s upper level houses Dugan’s office, which doubles as a guest room. This space is lined with design books, textile swatches, and sources of inspiration, though Dugan admits she hasn’t utilized it as much yet. Her aspiration is to have this room serve as the planning area before embarking on her artistic journeys. It is in this clutter-free room that she hopes to gather inspiration, setting the stage for her subsequent creations.
Uniquely multifunctional, the barn also serves as an ideal venue for gatherings. Dugan has already celebrated her birthday here, transforming the kitchenette into a bar and the spacious open area into a lively dance floor. The design’s versatility allows the barn to adapt from a creative workspace to a vibrant social hub with ease. As Dugan continues to settle into the new environment, she finds herself more inspired than ever, dedicated not necessarily to selling her art but to exploring and unearthing new expressions. She is excited about what she might discover next as her journey continues on Shelter Island, a place where family, friends, and creativity converge harmoniously.
