Just Shorn & Alt Summit

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We are so grateful to Just Shorn for sponsoring our ticket to this year's Alt Summit. We learned so much and met so many talented and wonderful people there.

We had the opportunity to spend a day with the Just Shorn bunch, many who had flown over from New Zealand, and learn about their line of wool rugs and carpets. We were so impressed by the quality of their products. We also had the pleasure of meeting one of the sheep farmers, Howie. He was such a delight to talk with them and we learned so much from him!

Just Shorn Fun Facts - Wool can stretch 30% to 40% without breaking. - Wool has a natural crimp with millions of coiled molecules. This allows wool carpet and rugs to retain their shape; even under heavy foot traffic. - Wool has a natural waxy outer membrane that repels most soils and liquids but can still absorb up to on-third its weight in moisture reducing static and making it flame resistant. - Wool has good insulation qualities for superior warmth and softness under foot. - Wool is derived from a 100% renewable resource and is completely biodegradable at the end of it's useful life.

[photos from Just Shorn]

American Express Photo Shoot

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When Adam and I were in the beginning stages of pursuing our dream to open a furniture/design shop, I saw a commercial for the American Express Plum Card (for small businesses). I said, "I want one!" It was one of those 'believe in the dream' moments when you realize you can cross over from the little idea in your head to the real deal. So... Adam applied for the card, and surprised me with it when it came! We've been using our card for almost 3 years now, and were delighted to get a phone call from the people at American Express to see if they could interview us for a possible campaign they are doing for the Amex Plum Card! Of course we said yes!

We went through rounds of phone interviews with their ad agency, only to find out about 2 months ago that we were chosen!

So yesterday, they came to do the shoot! They brought their crew of 10+ people. A most interesting experience... one that I will never forget.

Our photographer was Christopher Sturman. He had a great sense of humor and a "soothing voice" as Christy would say. He is a very talented photographer and showed us a few of his other projects that he had done. Here's a sample of what he's done:

Aren't these amazing? And we were able to have him photograph us!!!

Laurie Trott is a stylist from New York. She made sure that we had just the right clothing on and that it sat just right in every shot.

Laurie Vukich was our make-up and hair for the day. She did a fabulous job making sure that our hair was perfect and our make-up was touched up.

On the right is Diane Keh. She was the project manager for this shoot and was really great to work with.

Thanks to everyone for being so much fun and so easy to work with!

We can't wait to see what the outcome will be in the moths to come... We'll keep you posted! Hope you've enjoyed these few shots of all of the action. We sure had fun with the wardrobe and setting changes. What are your favorite settings or outfits from the day?

- Jessica

What's in Store - Subway Sign

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Subway, bus, and train signs are a charming option for artwork. They are a great way to include typography into your space and to make your art more meaningful and personal. We are loving this artwork that is representational of old subway signs but include significant landmarks and hot stops in a particular city. This one happens to be landmarks in France. We also have another sign in the store for the west coasters with famous landmarks from San Francisco.

Living etc. magazine featured this sign in one of their interiors on a landing. They are versatile enough that they could be used in any style of home. These subway signs would be perfect in an office or an entry. Pick something that's meaningful to you. Whether it's the city that you met your significant other, your favorite place to travel, your hometown, or just a place you dream of going one day.

Stop in and see them in person!

Paris & San Francisco Subway Signs $325

Speaking of hot stops, American Express has selected us to be their next small business for a print ad! We are so excited to work with them tomorrow and Wednesday and look forward to sharing with you!

Inspiration in Unusual Places: Pink... We Love It!!

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After our pink post last week, we couldn't get pink out of our minds! Pantone has named it color of the year and we just keep seeing it in great places. Fashion's spring collections are slowly making their way to the surface and we are seeing some great pinks... Everything from blush to coral. Mixing shades of light pinks and purples can make any outfit or room prettier. Add some sparkle or florals to give it even more of a feminine touch. Coral as a neutral? It goes with all of these bold colors! We love how it spices up these spaces.

Using a salmon pink on the walls is a bold move... Not quite ready to take that step? Add that touch of pink as an accent with an ottoman or throw pillows.

Loving the mixture of a bright pink with a darker bubble gum pink. Why not add a touch of pink with artwork or in wallpaper?

This mixture of salmon, blush and tangerine is to die for!

[photos from J. Crew, Madewell, Lonny Magazine, Domino Magazine, Johnny Miller]

Freshening up for Spring

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With all of the holiday decorations boxed up and the beginning of a new year, our homes may feel a little bit empty without holiday greens. It's easy to get that feeling of warmth back by adding a some plants and flowers to freshen up your space. Although winter is still upon us, spring is shortly around the corner and we are all in need of a bit of freshening at this point in the winter. The Brady's home that we recently featured was freshened up with this fiddle leaf fig plant. Can you believe that this is a fake plant? It's always hard to find a really great and realistic looking fake greenery but we absolutely loved this one so we had to order more and we just got in our shipment!

Add any of these to a coffee table, dining table or side table to brighten up your space. Prices range from $36 - $458.

What's in Store - Thom Filicia's Copake Eagle Console

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Beautiful, majestic and sophisticated... This resin cast Copake Eagle console table would be the perfect piece for an entry or a place that calls for a very unique piece. It is sure to be a conversation piece. It's such a fantastic piece that Thom Filicia used it in his own Manhattan apartment!

We also used it in the Brady's home on their landing. See the rest of their home here.

Come see this unique piece at the store! It's even better in person! 54"W x 17.5"D x 33"H $2,499

[photos from Elle Decor & Nicole Hill Gerualt]

My Colors are Blush and Bashful

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I don't think any woman can hear the word "pink" and not think of this famous quote from Steel Magnolias! Blush and Bashful are written in our vocabulary from an early age and we are grateful! Whether on walls, in a pillow or lining a lamp shade, shades of pink make everyone and everything around them look their absolute best. We have Pantone in agreeance, as they have named Honeysuckle, a dynamic reddish pink hue, as 2011's color of the year. As lovely and charming as these flattering shades may be, it's not always the easiest color to pitch for a client's space if you're not talking about a little girl's room! "Is it too feminine?" Will it indeed feel like it's been hosed down in Pepto Bismol?" I declare, NO! It's all in the shade of pink you choose my friends! And we are so obliged to have such a lovely and trusting client to allow us to  show you why blush on your walls is brilliant!

Meet Catherine Wong, a young executive who is surrounded by engineers all day long. When she first came to Alice Lane, she wanted to transform her home into a retreat; somewhere she could be where exactness wasn't essential! You can only imagine how excited we were to get started on this haven! As her rooms came together, the walls started to talk and her living room wanted to be pink! (Squeals!) Here are just a few shots of how this space is coming together and some of the supporting players. You will be seeing a lot more of this gorgeous girl in the next few weeks to come - Enjoy!

Imagine, if you will, this furniture grouping with the muted blush backdrop pictured above adjacent to this beautiful metallic gold wallpaper.

Here are a few other photos of spaces to inspire that have embraced pink hues.

[photos from Lonny Magazine, Domino Magazine & House Beautiful]

Mottega Lamps

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We are so excited to introduce Mottega. This is a gorgeous new lamp line that was started by Mark Moussa, the founder of Arteriors Home. The bold colors and crisp fabric shades are a beautiful addition to Alice Lane and we are lucky to be the exclusive retailer in Utah!

Mottega is such an interesting and innovative line because the customer gets to customize their own lamp by choosing the lamp shape, color, base, finial and shade. Check out their website to see all of the options! You can order them through Alice Lane or take one home from our showroom today.

The news about Mottega is spreading fast! They are featured in February's House Beautiful.

We just received our shipment of custom lamps! The prices range from $440 - $616. Stop by and see just how great they are in person or order your custom lamp today!

What's in Store - Mountain Top Table

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How great is this table! Use it as a small breakfast table, an entry table or as a large end table. This Mountain Top table is made from railroad ties and has a beautiful stone top. At first glance, this table may seem very rustic but it could be used in a more eclectic space as well. We love how this table has been used in Rue Magazine. It's surrounded with so many patterns and colors! Placed in between two more traditional shaped chairs, this table is beginning to look much more refined!

Come see it for yourself at the store! $1,052

Brady Residence

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Remember our lovely client, Laura? Her home is located in Las Vegas and is just a dream! We had posted a few photos this summer because we were just so excited with how everything was turning out and couldn't wait to share it with you. Now her home is complete with window treatments and all of the other finishing touches that give that charm. This beautiful leather Oly settee along with these magnificent metallic draperies greet you as you enter this sophisticated Las Vegas home.

Picture perfect. This fabulous traditional Chesterfield sofa is done in a contemporary ivory leather and is accented with the great chairs from Palecek that are just gorgeous from the back. All of this is anchored with a hand-knotted wool and silk Faux Bois rug by Martha Stewart. That elegant gold floor lamp from Shine brings in a bit of youthfulness with that playful pleated green shade!

Isn't this Dining Room to die for? These two Elisabeth cabinets by Oly add a bit of sparkle to the room. This custom walnut table is adorned with off-white leather sloping side chairs and bronze shagreen leather wingback chairs for the host and hostess. The beautiful hand-knotted rug is Thomas O'Brien's Caruso Rug and brings the room together perfectly.

Simple white cabinets and gorgeous calcutta marble backsplash and countertops, a beautiful place to cook and gather with family and friends. These glass front cabinets allow Mrs. Brady to show off her collection of dishes. We have wallpapered the backs of the cabinets to bring a punch of color and pattern into the room.

This room is definitely a place for the luxaholic. With all of the sophisticated finishes the room feels timeless. From the tufted headboard to the lovely bed linens to the metallic croc leather x-based ottomans at the foot of the bed, all of the great textures give the room movement and bring it to life.

Opposite the bed, a pair of "Just Right Chairs" and a sleek modern fireplace. All sit upon a hand-knotted wool and silk Julie Cohen rug.

Attention to detail...a Shine pillow covered with Swarovski crystals, antique columns, a cozy throw and a great faux zebra pillow from Oly. What a perfect place to begin and end your day!

We shared this Master Bath with you in our previous post but its now complete with a graphic, bold and metallic roman shade.

The library - a place to read and study but style is still a necessity. The Duncan chair by Oly custom upholstered in a smokey lilac graphic pattern adds that touch of style with the great crane lamp by Shine for a little piece of jewelry for the room.

Still in that library space, we have added a desk to make it a bit more useful for studying. This is a desk with some pizazz. The Sophia by Oly is topped with a pieced limestone top in a herringbone pattern. We couldn't resist this chair because of it's interesting back. Since the chair will be tucked under the desk we had to make a statement with the back of the chair upholstered in a dark slubby silk to related to the desk's dark finish.

Isn't this the bedroom of every 13-year old girl's dreams? Complete with an upholstered headboard in pink mohair. gold lamps and organic shaped nightstands by Shine and lovely patterned Roman shades.

Add the Oly Sophie lounge chair upholstered in a faux zebra hair-on-hide, the Essex floor lamp also by Shine and beautiful patterned draperies and the room is complete!

Visit our Portfolio to see more photos of the Brady's gorgeous home.

[photos by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

Freshen Up for the New Year...

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With the beginning of a new year, we all want a new beginning and fresh start on something in our lives. Why not start by freshening up a space in your home? The question is - where to begin? Here are 5 easy steps that will help you on your way - Start collecting photos from magazines, books and blogs of spaces that you love. This doesn't have to be limited to interiors. Take into consideration fashion, art, movies, places you love to travel, anything that inspires you or makes you happy and captures who you are. Keep these photos in a file on your computer, in a binder or pinned on an inspiration board.

After you've collected all of your photos, take note of the things that are similar about them and start narrowing down your style. Take a look at our What's Your Style? section to give you some ideas.

Practical needs for the room should guide your design. Ask yourself questions about how the room will be used. How many people do you want to seat? Do you have children or pets? What activities will happen in here? What is the main purpose of this room? Will it be used for family or entertaining? What should be the focal point of the room? A fireplace? Television? All of these questions are important when designing the space.

Take note of the items that you have, what you want to keep, reupholster or refinish, and what you want to replace. This will help when you are setting your budget to know what to plan for. As you set your budget, take into consideration if you would want a designer to help you with your space or if you want to do everything yourself. Also think about, if you can do everything at once or if you need to spread this process out over time.

Whether you are going to hire a designer or do it yourself, now you have a direction and style! If you do hire a designer, start by setting up an appointment to meet with them and go over the things that you want accomplished, your style and budget. If you are doing everything yourself, make a list of the things that you need to shop for so that you don't get distracted while you are out.

Freshening up your room could be as simple as a few new throw pillows to a new coat of paint to redesigning your entire room. Regardless of how simple or complicated, these steps will help organize thoughts and send you in the right direction to creating a space that you will love.

[images from Nicole Hill, House & Home, Lonny, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Mi Casa & Design Sponge]