Serena & Lily designer always on hunt for piece that inspires reaction

Kirsty Williams is senior vice president of design of California-based Serena & Lily, which recently opened its sixth design shop in Atlanta’s Westside Provisions District. Contributed by SerenaandLily.com

Kirsty Williams is senior vice president of design of California-based Serena & Lily, which recently opened its sixth design shop in Atlanta’s Westside Provisions District. Contributed by SerenaandLily.com

California-based Serena & Lily has brought its sophisticated and comfy coastal style to Atlanta.

The store: Serena & Lily was founded in 2003 in Sausalito, Calif. Last November, the home and lifestyle company opened its sixth design shop in Atlanta's Westside Provisions District.

The goods: The 2,700-square-foot design shop feature samples of every style from Serena & Lily's signature bedding, original textiles, wallpaper, rug collections and a curated assortment of furniture, lighting, outdoor furniture, upholstery and décor, including a rotating gallery of original art.

The services: Design advisors collaborate on any project, big or small. And offers in-home consultations and take-home swatches.

Owners & lead designer: Serena Dugan and Lily Kanter established the company. Kirsty Williams, who joined Serena & Lily in 2012, is senior vice president of design. Williams, who oversees the vision of the brand, grew up in Scotland and moved to London for art school. Shortly after graduating, Williams moved to New York where she spent 18 years with Ralph Lauren before moving to San Francisco to help launch William Sonoma Home.

What makes the store different: Spaces are created to feel like a home where customers can meander from one room to another and discover their favorite pieces to mix, match and layer.

Popular gifts: Embroidered letter pillow ($98); Avery throws ($398); Alpine flannel sheet set ($188 to $218) and the Fisher dog bed ($398 to $498).

Always on the hunt for: Something that inspires a reaction.

Favorites

Blogs/websites: Remodelsita; World of Interiors; Elle Décor; EyeSwoon; 101 Cookbooks; Old Brand New; and Vogue.

Instagram: @richard_haines; @nickeykehoe; @daylesfordfarm; @amandacbrooks; @robertleleux; @mydomaine; and @verandamag.

Atlanta area home/design stores: Dixon Rye; Inner Pieces; Kemp Hickey; and Sid & Ann Mashburn.

Places for unexpected finds: Villeneuve-les-avignon in the south of France is a treasure trove of amazing antiques and unusual finds. Also the Paris flea market. When shopping in her own backyard, Summer House in Mill Valley (Calif) is a go-to destination.

Movie/TV interiors: Something's Gotta Give; The Holiday; The Talented Mr. Ripley; Atonement; and Eat, Pray, Love

Design pet peeve: Designing a room without editing as you go.

Current design obsession(s): Whitewashed wood floors without rugs and slip covers on upholstered pieces.

New (or re-emerging) designs/colors I like: Sky Blue, a new colorway in our spring collection. It's a great neutral that layers beautifully with a variety of colors. It also feels fresh and breezy.

… and looks I am glad to see go: Entire rooms of mid-century furniture. A little goes a long way.

Biggest design mistake I have made: Once painted an entire room red thinking that it was going to be warm and cozy. Instead, it was too overpowering. I ended up painting over the wall with a black and white mural, attempting to be cool.

… and mistake homeowners make: Not surrounding themselves with individual pieces — from a sofa to pillows and sheets – they use and love. If you love the pieces, they will mix together beautifully. If not, your space will feel flat.

Up next: New textiles and furniture pieces that are equally happy indoors or out.

Where to find Serena & Lily:

- Website: SerenaandLily.com

- Instagram: @serenaandlily

- Facebook: Serena & Lily