Make yours a house for all seasons

Forget the restrictive notion of seasonal esthetics

Serena Dugan, an artist and designer and the co-founder and chief creative officer of Serena & Lily, a direct-to-consumer lifestyle company with a California esthetic, shares some valuable pointers on how to use colour and pattern to refresh a space:

Patterned furniture

Print is never a bad idea! However, it is worth considering the investment. You may love a print today and be tired of it tomorrow. For this reason, I generally recommend smaller accent pieces as your fashion statement. You can easily trade them out or reupholster. But I really love the go-for-it feeling that a large piece of patterned upholstery offers.

Mixing patterns

I love pattern on pattern, particularly plaids or stripes with other prints. The key to success is whether or not the other print is complementary to the plaid. This determination is entirely subjective. If you feel the two patterns are harmonious to your eye, that’s all that matters.

Decorating for the seasons

I’m a big believer in layering. A layered approach helps you build warmth and take it away as needed. When I was growing up, four seasons meant four looks in the house. Today, I think fewer rules apply whether you’re West or East Coast. Fall does not necessarily mean burgundy. It can mean grass green, regardless of weather temperatures. I recommend you cast off the notion of seasonal esthetics — try living as though there are no seasons.

Painting wood stairs

Painting over wood in a stairwell is a very inexpensive way to create big impact. I’m a big fan of contrast on stairs. I love black treads with contrast on the riser, which could be white or could be a colour, or several different colours, for that matter.

Accent options

There are so many great contrasts to neutrals that allow you to create just about any effect. The effect you want to create is personal, but some of my favourites are greige with brownish pinks, which is calm and feminine. I love camels mixed with hot coral for something more lively. I also think greys and taupes pair beautifully with pale aqua.

JOHN SCIULLI/GETTY IMAGES Serena Dugan, right, seen with her fellow Serena & Lily co-founder Lily Kanter, recommends smaller accent pieces when trying to add a touch of bold print to a room.

WEST ELM Artist and designer Serena Dugan suggests using bright colours as a lively contrast to neutral tones, and mixing patterns — so long as the prints are complementary.

DIANE VON FURSTENBURG