Before and After

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This is the home of a client who lives in San Juan Capistrano, California. She discovered our shot while staying at her second home in the River Bottoms of Provo. We worked with her on a bathroom remodel and some furnishings for her home here before having us fly out to work on her California home. At first glance you may not think the Before and After shots are very striking - But look closely and you will see that the lines are all cleaned up and there are a few eye-catching contrasts thrown into the mix to give the room a shift from traditional to transitional.

The shell of the room did not change. The rug remained and the drapes were newly hung when we got there. The tufted sofa and mirrored chaise is done in a crisp Belgium linen. Behind the sofa we replaced the traditional console with a beautiful chalky gray blue carved console table with a hand-pieced limestone top. Hugging the coffee table is a walnut butler's table that can also be rotated to hug the chaise from either front or back in the open area. It makes for a great place to set a book or a drink.

The Sophie Armchair by Oly Studio juxtapose the fireplace covered in an unexpected zebra stenciled hair on hide and two gold Arteriors floor lamps flank the fireplace on either side.

Our client recently acquired the new painting of the ocean over the fireplace and just stopped by the store last weekend for a few finishing touches for the mantle. The room is almost complete, but we couldn't wait until it was done to share! It looks great!

Giveaway - CLOSED

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New pillows are in for spring and one lucky winner will be able to choose one of the three lovely pillows pictured below.

Enter to win by following these rules:

  • - Follow this blog and leave us a comment.
  • - For an extra entry, post this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Just copy the link into your comment on this post so that we can see it and your name will be entered twice.

The giveaway closes Sunday, May 30th and the winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday, May 31st. Please leave your email address so that we can contact you! Good luck!

Before & After: Private Residence

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This week we wanted to share some of the current projects we are working on. Everybody loves before and afters! This is a home that we are working on in Highland, Utah for a single woman. We tried to give reference to her Asian culture in a few different ways. The 2-door Asian chest centers the room and provides a great base to hang her Grandfather's calligraphy practice sheets over top. We drew color inspiration from the branches and leaves in the trees as a jumping off point and anchored the room with a Thomas O'Brien's Corsaro Rug in Ocean Blue.

The linen sofa has a subtle gray striping and is loaded with velvet, leather and silk pillows by Oly Studio. The coffee table and O'Hara stick-and-ball chair are both from Annie Selke's collection through Vanguard. More calligraphy practice sheets finish off the room with custom draperies that have a net like graphic woven into the body of the fabric. The Tobias chair by Oly fills the corner with an unexpected white frame and tobacco leather. You may have noticed the dog pillow and dog sculpture on the floor near the chest. Our client is a dog lover and rescued two dogs of her own from a local shelter.

This room, though small is loaded with luxuries and levels interest! It is personal, sophisticated, and gives a nod to the past. All the frames are lined with history whether it be old photographs of her parents and grandparents or her grandfathers work with a brush and inks.

She loves her new living room and we do too! We are looking forward to finishing up the other rooms in the house and sharing those too!

Collections

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[photo from Country Living]

I couldn't agree with Mariette Himes Gomez more when she said, "Collecting is an impulse deeply embedded in the human psyche, and the secret of making your treasures look interesting is all in the art of display." Collections can really define you and give your home a strong sense of character. It's the ability of turning ordinary objects into a gallery of your travels and a glimpse into what inspires you!

[photo from Country Living]

[photos from travels to Market]

[photos from The Quilted Giraffe]

I once had a client who collected pewter and had it scattered all about her house. Although charming as individual items, when grouped together it told a fantastic story as the teapots, saucers, spoons, and chargers gathered atop a sideboard in her dining room and became a collection!

[photos from travels to Market]

If you collect plates, display them vertically on a wall or flanking a mirror. If you collect maps and globes arrange them in a way that you can compare different territories and how they have evolved over time. Quantity is an amazing tool when decorating your home. The eye loves repetition and this is when common objects can truly become artful medleys!

[photo from Southern Accents]

[photo from Apartment Therapy]

Keep in mind the most interesting collections usually happen gradually, so there is no need to go out and get it all at once. When you are traveling or even shopping with your favorite people, pick up something to remember the outing by. I love looking around my house and seeing pieces that evoke and memory and your guests will appreciate the interesting voyage your home becomes as they admire your collections!

[photo from Country Living]

[photo from Hall Ready]

Rare Finds and One-of-a-Kinds

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We like to pride ourselves on searching far and wide for the most interesting finds to make for an inspired home. One of our tricks is having Kandi James scout for antiques all summer long while she is staying at her summer home away from home and beyond...

Here are a few of her rare finds that are available now at Alice Lane. And once they're gone... they're gone. You can't duplicate an antique or the amount of patina it's accrued over the years and years of use and age. They just don't make 'em like they used to. Charming!

We have suitcases, reel-to-reel projectors, cameras, an old typewriter, binoculars, books, shoe forms, silver tea pots and pitchers, old school bells, and architectural elements like corbels, columns, gables, we even had an old mantle!

[photos by Ashlee Raubach]

It's the vintage character paired with new updated styles that make great spaces impossible to duplicate and can give your home style and substance!

Collections

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What gives a room heart and soul? The collections of people who live there. That's what makes a room interesting.

We as designers can give a home it's backbone - well-designed rooms with perfectly proportioned furniture, a nice flow in the traffic pattern, the right lighting, wall colors, finishes, etc. But it's the collections of the people that live there that really make a house come to life. It's fun to stare at the books in one's personal library or the art on their walls, the photography in the picture frames. I study the interesting objects on the tables... It's all part of their story.

We have been working to get a photographer out to shoot the fabulous Kandi James' home. She is a collector with a trained eye for spotting the good stuff at antique sales.

We are privileged to offer a few of her goods for sale at Alice Lane. They add such wit and history to our store, and I love what it can do for a room!

Here is a little teaser. We will have the rest of her photos on our Portfolio page soon!

[photos by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

Mother's Day

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Mother's Day is one of those special holidays that oddly enough, a lot of women hate. I don't get that. I love it. Not because I want to be adored and worshipped by my husband and two girls and skip out on doing the dishes on Sunday... but because I think of my mother who is like Mother Teresa and the greatest example of motherhood. The warmest feelings well up inside of me when I hear the word "Mother", and the image of my mom in my mind is the most comfortable place I can go to in my head. She is sunshine. So what do you give the woman who gave you life? I've been asked that a couple of times already this week. Here are a few ideas for those of you still searching for the perfect gift.

Give her a memory - Buy a lovely picture frame to frame a simple candid photo, a time in your lives that will make her laugh out loud or quietly take in a moment. I also love a good quote in a frame. You could even quote Mom! Or something that you know would be meaningful. You could put it in the window where she does the dishes with a set of new hand towels.

New sheets! I'm surprised at how many people don't own a pair of real luxury sheets. My favorite thing in my bedroom are by far my linen sheets! You sleep better. And who couldn't use a really good night's sleep (night after night)?

[photo by Ashlee Raubach]

A new rug in front of her kitchen sink. That would brighten up her space! Or in the laundry room? It will make her everyday tasks seem a bit brighter, happier and softer under foot.

[photo by Ashlee Raubach]

A lovely gift would be to organize any closet, pantry, or drawer of hers in the house and notice if there is something that you could buy her to make the process of whatever you're improving better. New hangers, organizers, bins, baskets, whatever!

[photo from Lonny Magazine]

[photo from Real Simple]

Flowers. We have some lovely estate planters at the store that would flank a doorway in a real traditional classical way. Plant flowers or box woods in them and brighten up her entryway or back porch.

Grab a lovely vase and then run to the grocery store or Costco for some off-the-shelf flowers and she'll know it's from somewhere special because it's not contained in a standard way. Don't forget the love not. That's the best part!!!

[photo by Ashlee Raubach]

Mom's are simple. They already love us - so naturally they'll love any way you want to love them back!

We'd love to hear some of your Mother's Day gift ideas. Do share...

Meeting Annie Selke

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I had the opportunity to meet Annie at the High Point Market last week. Many of you are familiar with her work, even if you don't know her name.

Annie is the visionary behind widely acclaimed home textile companies, Pine Cone Hill and Dash & Albert Rug Company, and licensed collection Annie Selke Home. her kaleidoscopic design aesthetic has yielded thousands of creations, from vibrant bedding and whimsical rugs to innovative furniture and upholstery.

We are proud to carry her lines of furniture and bedding at Alice Lane!

You've seen her work everywhere... across the pages of your favorite decor magazines. (Over 300 pages in the past year alone. That's an impressive press archive!)

Dash & Albert Rugs

Pine Cone Hill Bedding

You can imagine my surprise upon entering the section of Annie's furniture gallery within the Vanguard showroom. When I spotted the designing goddess sitting in bed, under the covers, fully clothed... and on the phone! How perfectly quirky! I knew I liked her already.

After getting off the phone, we spoke for awhile about the line and how much we enjoy designing with it. Then it was picture time... She scooted over in bed and I hopped up with her.

In the latest issue of House Beautiful, Annie is quoted saying: "For me, comfort is the greatest luxury." I couldn't agree more. If you're going to go to the effort to decorate or redecorate your home, always insist on the most comfortable seating and liveable fabrics!

Below is a gallery of Annie's work. Many of these photos are taken in her own home.

Town Settee, O'Hara Stick & Ball Chair, Atlas Cocktail Table

O'Hara Stick & Ball Chair

Hayworth Chair

Victorian Platform Bed

Annie's Home

Market's Top 10

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1. LEATHER SLIP-COVERED DINING CHAIRSThese relaxed leather slip-covered dining chairs have an elegance to them that is easily matched in practicality. They have casters, and a breakaway cushion under your legs, so there is not a hard block under the back of your knee. A dream to sit in and look at! Love the look! I've got 6 coming in an off-white leather.

2. COFFEE TABLE FROM BLISS STUDIO This table gets extra credit points by adding the interesting circular detailed pattern in the cutwork on top of the table and continuing it in the base. It's anything but basic!

3. SOMERSET BAY I love this little console from Somerset Bay. It will tuck in about everywhere, in just about any home. It is great in an entry, a hallway, a vestibule, or under artwork in a living room. It's uses are endless and this classic style could work in any home!

4. THE POUF OTTOMAN FROM CISCO BROTHERS - POUF 43 IN ROUND OTTOMAN The Pouf is genius! I am so happy to enlist this new design trick to our repertoire. It's genius. All those seams and pulled tufting on a radial dome! That's a whole lot of figuring. It's useful and fun to look at!

5. VAGABOND TARP PILLOWS Truck tarps cut to look like European Country flags in neutrals. Raw edges, versatile styling and hardwearing. I'll take oodles of 'em!

6. THE LUCCIA SOFA FROM CISCO BROTHERS High end casual - that's the look + the quality and all the design points! I couldn't resist it and you all are going to love it too! She should be here in about six weeks!

7. ANKASA BEDDING We couldn't resist this fashion forward line of amazing, luxe pillows and bedding. Textures, and intricate details I've never seen! All of these impossible details have been incorporated into gowns for academy awards - and they have put their skill to use in this beautiful line for the home.

8. LOUNGE CHAIRS We bought a pair of these chairs. It was an emotional decision! I LOVE everything about these. There's a grace about them. Their creamy tone makes them a bit softer and they could be paired with linen for a causal sophisticated space.

9. OLY STUDIO'S NEW PHILIP DINING TABLE Love at first sight! Absolute design perfection! I can't wait to use this in a project! I already have the client...

10. LOUNGE CHAIRS FROM CISCO BROTHERS I loved looking at them. I loved sitting in them. These chairs are sooo special! I didn't do them in the cotton velvet shown but a crisp linen blend perfect for the warmer weather!

Market Wrap Up

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Hey y'all! Greetings from the South! Adam and I are in North Carolina this week shopping the High Point Market. We wanted to share a few photos (we are taking with our iPhones) of what we are seeing and buying. We are seeing a lot of relaxed looks. Even the high end is more buttoned down and casual. And let me say, what a great way to live. Comfortable. The wood finishes are reclaimed, bleached, carused, pickled, white-washed, and grayed out. The fabrics are soft, natural textures. Linens, wovens, velvets, leathers - attention is still in the details - but overall the affect is relaxed.

We are meeting a lot of the tastemakers down here:

Thomas O-Brien - the man who made Vintage Modern so very popular. He has a line of rugs through Safavieh as well as a new book out called "American Modern". (He signed his book for me and I got a little shy - Here's the photo!)

Thom Filicia (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy) - Just introduced a bold new eclectic vintage-inspired line through Vanguard. You've NEVER seen furniture like this before! I'm stoked to bring it to you. (We talked design with Thom for a good while, I even got a kiss on the cheek when we said goodbye. I dig that guy!)

Laura Kirar introduced a new nature inspired line of accessories and lamps through Arteriors. SO inspiring!

I can hardly wait till it all shows up at Alice Lane so I can share it with all of you! You're gonna love it too!

Maps as Artwork

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What could be smarter than using a map as artwork?

[photos by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

The older the better! Use it as a great conversation piece. Use it to tell your story, where you've been, where your people are from, where you've traveled. It will make your room look smart, give it some history, and a sense of your well-traveled past and hopes for the future.

[photo from Elle Decor]

The other nice thing about maps are, they are usually big, which stretches your eye in a space and makes it feel even bigger.

[photos by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

We've hung this old map of Paris behind one of the beds at the store and it is a room changer! It brought that bed into another hemisphere. It has never looked more gorgeous!!! Try this trick at home in your own space.

[photo from Elle Decor]

Great in a home office, kids bedroom, family room... I have a set of 8 framed sections of one big map in my master bedroom. It's dreamy! I can't think of a room that a map wouldn't add interest and a level of thoughtfulness to.

Giveaway!!!

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It’s that time again but this time we are doing something a little bit different... We are loving all of the great pillows that we have right now and one lucky winner will be able to indulge in this lovely pillow! The coloring and style are so versatile, it will look great in any space!

Enter to win by following these rules:

  • - Follow this blog and leave us a comment.
  • - For an extra entry, post this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Just copy the link into your comment on this post so that we can see it and your name will be entered twice.

The giveaway ends Friday, April 16th, the winner will be chosen at random and announced on Saturday, April 17th. Please leave your email address so that we can contact you! Good luck!

Throw Pillows

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[photos by Ashlee Raubach]

The right throw pillows have solved a lot of design dilemmas for us. They can relate the sofa to the rug and/or other elements in the design scheme. Pillows connect the dots, so to speak. Pillows can animate a boring sofa and bring to life. They can update a room and introduce a new trend. They visually soften a space. Pillows add personality. Pillows can transform with the seasons. Add warmth and texture, or cool it down and add shimmer. They are the jewelry in the room. That finishing touch. That great pair of earrings and big bangle bracelet you always get complimented on - that is what the right pillows can do for your space.

Here are a few very important things when buying pillows: Use down inserts. If your pillow didn't come with a down insert, replace it with a down insert. Otherwise your pillows are being used as a decoration, instead of adding comfort to your seat. And what's the point of that?

[photos by Ashlee Raubach]

Almost always buy big pillows! 22" to 24" are my favorite for 98% of all sofas. People often use too many small pillows, and it adds visual clutter. If you'll start with 2 large 24" pillows in each corner and step down from there, you'll find you may only need one or two more. Its not important to be symmetrical in laying out your pillows. You want it to look interesting and collected. Buying the right quality pillows, with genuine textures; hair on hide, woven leathers, furs, shell details, wovens, velvets, will give your decor a feeling of luxury and authenticity. It's one area you don't want to skimp. It's the finishing layer - make it shine.

[photos by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

[photos by Ashlee Raubach]

Accessorizing a Shelf or Side Table

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It's like the great Charlotte Moss once said, "Decorating is like math, a game of adding and subtracting."

[photos from Lonny Magazine]

In putting together the right accessories for a side table, one thing you must always consider is, is it useful for its place in the  home? End tables can contain a lamp, a set of coasters to use when you sit down with a drink, a beautiful or interesting bowl or tray to put remotes on, a small vase for fresh flowers on the occasion you need to quickly fill it with water and drop a few stems in for entertaining, a lovely jar filled with candy, a candle, or a picture frame filled with a lasting memory...

[photo from Lonny Magazine]

Shelf decorating should also have a degree of usefulness, but can carry more precious things for admiration. William Morris said it best when he said, "Have nothing in your homes that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful."

[photos from Domino Magazine]

Shelving works best when you use books and objects together. The books show your smarts and personality. They are a little glimpse into who lives here and what they believe. They give a home conviction. We have been to plenty of houses where the shelving only contains accessories. it feels like a retail store instead of a home. Stack books by size, biggest to smallest, or if you are stacking them horizontally, the largest book is on the bottom.

Make triangles with the heights of the objects... high, low, medium. The same heights of objects aren't going to be interesting unless you are contemporary and using the same object repeatedly, like three vases in a row. You'll want to use odd numbers when decorating.

Study some of the photos below of interesting objects and arrangements in display.

[photo by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

Alice Lane in store display: Antique reading books, jeweled fish is hinged to open up - perfect for putting your wedding ring in at night, picture frames and sculptural pottery/vases.

[photo by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

Alice Lane in store display: Crystal lamp, water carafe, set of bamboo trays and a collection of gold candlesticks.

[photo by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

Alice Lane in store display: End table is a small surface and only contains a collection of antique novels and books with one dimensional picture frame.

[photo by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

Alice Lane in store display: We used a collection of three interesting frames, a collection of candlesticks at various heights and different sizes of candles, and a sculptural lightbulb lamp.

[photo from Lonny Magazine]

Candle in a hurricane, collection of nice pens, beautiful try for coins, etc. and a lovely candle.

[photo by Josh Caldwell]

Alice Lane 2009 Parade Home - Stone Gate, Provo, Utah Home Office - Journals and a pen, brass candlestick lamp, obelisk marble statue, bust of a man

[photo by Josh Caldwell]

Alice Lane 2009 Parade Home - Stone Gate, Provo, Utah Living Room End Table - Books on travel, magnifier on wheels, sculpture, favorite quote in a frame, grandchild's photo in frame, interesting lamp and candlestick