Growing up each summer on Nantucket, Dana was inspired by the island’s natural beauty, coastal color palette and historic architecture. The charm inside each of these ocean swept homes layered with natural elements, nautical artifacts and white painted floors created a spark within her. No two homes were the same and any opportunity to sneak a peak inside a friend or neighbor’s home was always welcomed.
ABOUT
Dana’s design sense has always been influenced by her mom’s classic, sophisticated style and she loves to throw in a fun pattern or texture too. Understanding the reality of mom life is also a key piece, wanting things to look beautiful but not easily destroyed.
Dana’s design journey started in fashion while working at Eye of the Needle on Nantucket and later interning at Tocca then Bloomingdale’s. During her college years, she had the opportunity to live abroad studying fashion in Paris through Syracuse University. After graduating and earning a degree in English and Business at Lehigh University, she continued on to get her Master’s Degree in Education at Bank Street College. She spent several years working in both Manhattan and San Francisco and eventually moved back to Darien with her husband, where she grew up. As she began decorating her own home, she realized design was her true calling. In 2017, she began working as an interior designer at Kelly Interiors and in 2021, she went on to open her firm, Blue Shutter Design Studio.