Serena Dugan Lookbook

As the creative force behind the powerhouse home furnishings brand Serena & Lily, Serena Dugan wanted to present something new in design when she launched the company in 2004 with Lily Kanter, chief executive officer. “There’s a cheerful quality to our colors and prints that resonates with people,” says Dugan. “It’s good spice in an environment.”

If you entertain with Serena & Lily’s new tabletop collection, the conversation is bound to turn toward your chic dinnerware. “I designed it so you can have fun mixing and matching your summer table,” says Dugan. “The Maritime Napkins provide a graphic punch while the woven placemats help ground the overall look.” White plates with a hint of bright color, like the Milano Collection in turquoise, pictured, can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.

A reinterpretation of a classic 1930s European bistro chair, Serena & Lily's sustainable, woven Riviera Arm Chair is made using the time-honored technique of bending and stretching rattan into shape by hand. “It’s bright and happy and works great in a kitchen or outdoors,” says Dugan. A weave of blue and white plastic on the back and seat makes it a perfect addition to a nautical-inspired beachfront patio.

Dugan’s background as a fine artist has informed many of the patterns in her collection, including the delicate fronds on her blue-green, tropical-inspired Captiva Duvet, which were taken directly from one of her watercolor paintings. Slight variations in the size and shape of each frond, along with the diagonal direction of the print, suggest the slight movement of a palm tree in a sea breeze.

“Changing out throw pillows every season and mixing patterns and punchy colors is a great way to breathe fresh life into your beach house,” says Dugan. Largely inspired by textiles found on scouting trips around the world, Serena & Lily’s selection of throw pillows features options with intricate patterns and bold color combos, as well as simpler, subdued options for pairing.

As if you needed a reason to add another beach chair to your collection, these playful updates on the classic sling chair are made with all-weather fabric and durable teak that naturally patinas with time. Available in fun prints and classic solids, the Captiva Sling Chair can be easy poolside decor all summer long, and are lightweight enough to tote down to the shore when the tide calls.

Next Lookbook: Amanda Nisbet