For our birthday month, we've decided to do a few little posts by the designers here at Alice Lane - What inspires them and design advice.
When working on spaces with our clients, we try to find a color palette to match the client's personality. Using neutrals as the main pieces in the room makes a great canvas for adding color to your space through pillows, ottomans, art, and accessories. The impact is incredible.
- Natalie
[photo from Elle Decor]
Oh where do I start? Everyday at Alice Lane is a fun day! Those of you that have worked closely with us know that we are a good time and when I was asked to write this post the floodgates opened and so many memories came to mind! The American Express shoot wardrobe malfunction! Late night installations! Tired girls on late night flights! All of these moments are typically marinated in Diet coke and laughter and added to our regimen of Alice Lane funnies.
Please enjoy these obnoxious pictures as they speak way, WAY louder than words ever could!
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- 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 Thursday, September 29th and the winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, September 30th, the last day of our Birthday Celebration and sale. Please leave your email address so that we can contact you! Good luck!
I always get a little sentimental in September...It is our birth month here at Alice lane. We opened our doors just 3 years ago! September 2008! What a milestone.
If I only knew what I do now - Everything I ever anticipated about the business is almost entirely different than I would have thought. IT IS BETTER! It is a dream come true each day to come into work and be able to rub shoulders with such talented people that bring their A game and give it all they've got. I work with the brightest creative minds in the business.
We EAT, SLEEP, DREAM design - and come to work with an even better idea than the day before. We love design so much we are oozing with excitement. We don't try to play it down. We are design geeks!
Stop by this month and talk to any of my geeky staff! Ask them questions - get their opinions on anything design related. You'll see what I mean by oozing!
We are having a couple of BIG things to celebrate in honor of our birthday!
Open to the public! We will have way too many delicious things to eat and drink and the design staff will be on-hand to work with anyone in-store. Not only will we have an in-store giveaway but our blog giveaway will start tomorrow! So make sure to check back and enter!
I have also reached out to my biggest vendors to offer you 20% off custom upholstery throughout the entire month. So NOW is a good time to start that project and have it all in to entertain by the holidays! We'll look forward to seeing you soon.
Many thanks for your patronage and support over the last 3 years!
- Jessica
[photo on left by Nicole Hill Gerulat]
I thought of Albert Hadley, one of the iconic designers of our time, and how his classic design elements carry a punch of unexpected surprise. We recently met with a client who owned a charming historic home. Between the historic references to the home's time period and the modern updates they had made, we knew this was going to be an amazing space.
Our client loves color, and is not afraid to use it. We met her with paint chip in hand of an amazing deep black for the walls. We used this as a springboard and pulled some inspiration from several amazing dark rooms. As we talked about the space she wanted to make sure that when people walked into her space, they would say "Oh my gosh, I can't believe you did that; but I love it!" After giving the walls this dramatic palette we knew the furniture would become the star of the room ; so we in turn selected pieces with great shapes and forms, but something to make the space comfortable and inviting.
We grounded the room with a dark rug, not quite as black as the walls, but something so the furniture didn't feel like it was floating away. We wanted to highlight the fireplace that was flanked by beautiful, historic stained glass windows, so we put the television on a secondary wall. We put some unexpected flair on the central ottoman, silver leaf finish on the legs and upholstering it in a great linen zebra print. It becomes the piece that everyone can kick their feet up no and read a book or watch TV. We added a splash of color to a fun pull-up chair, and mimicked those organic shapes throughout the room.
In the end, this room found itself full of quirky design surprises, with just the right amount of unexpected to become the perfect space for this family.
- Natalie
There are certain pieces in every space that dictate the spirit of a room. Whether it be a bold rug or a bazaar sculpture, interesting rooms are opinionated, sometimes irreverent and always unexpected! While in the first stages of our kitchen remodel, Tom and I took a field trip to Euro Treasures in downtown Salt Lake to see if we could find something unique and found! As we walked deeper into the old, spacious (and semi decrepit) building, we stumbled upon such a piece. She was a stunner! Beautifully carved and fairly substantial - but what was she? Where had she been and what on earth was she used for? All I knew is she was placed in my path and I had to take her home with me! She would be my island! This 300 year old something from India would be my kitchen oasis!
When we had everything planned out in the space, we took her to the salon and our amazing cabinet maker, Scott Brown, got her all dolled up with three drawers on one side and a door on the other. I can't show you complete after shots yet but let me tell you, this girl is smokin'! Without her in the space, it would feel ordinary, flat and less than special but I do declare, she is breathing a whole new life!
I don't know what she was before being reincarnated but I'm happy to call her my own found curiosity!
- Suzanne
Collections - We've all got them and sometimes feel as though we should be on an episode of "Hoarders". Fear not my dear, there so many ways to put these collections to use. We always say that you're decor should speak to you, it should be a reflection of who you are. These little collections are how we will tell the story.
RULE #1: Group like objects together. Repetition is important. Collections should be kept together, on a shelf, on a wall, on a coffee table.
RULE #2: There should be some sort of balance within each collection. In the first photo with the antler plaques, they are balanced out by the lamp, creating a very asymmetrical and interesting design. But in the above photo the antlers are very organized and carefully placed.
I love fashion and interior design magazines. Domino was one of my favorites and I have a whole archive of them... but for awhile they sat on a closet shelf. They are so colorful and interesting that stacks and stacks of them make a great coffee table display.
Souvenirs from vacations should be displayed. These items make the home feel well-traveled and intelligent. A collection of masks can be hung on an office wall. Or little sculptures and treasures can be displayed on shelves, mixed in with artwork.
This collection is definitely one of the favorites that I've seen. Kate Spade has these little gold boxes displayed on her coffee table.
What kind of collections do you have? And how do you display them?
Strong, confident, interesting and unique. The root table is a cocktail table to be desired. With it's organic shape, it brings the feeling of life to a room. Each root is unique and all of the shapes, sizes and colorings vary. Add it to any room for a strong and masculine feel.
$1,550
See it done two ways -
Used in a more contemporary setting in Metropolitan Home, it provides elegance and doesn't seem rustic at all.
If drama is what you are looking for, this root has been lacquered black, making this room more contemporary and dramatic.
Stop by and see the root in person!
I just bought this new book, Colin Cowie, Chic, from legendary lifestyle expert, Colin Cowie. It's a handbook for living well in the twenty first century. I love the sentiments Cowie shares throughout the pages of his book. I have to share! It's made me think differently about how I live!
He writes, "My home is my refuge, my playground, my base of operations, my pride and joy. I use my living room sofa, my dining room table, my very best china, my crystal stemware, and every single one of my favorite things as often as possible - And I do so with pleasure and gratitude that they are mine. The people who created the beautiful objects we have in our homes did so in order for us to enjoy them. (Just think of the stories vintage silver would tell if it could!)"
I can't count the number of residences I've walked into that have no essence of real life or welcoming energy, no feeling of who lives there, no sense of joy or communion. Very often flat lifeless, picture-perfect shells to be admired rather than lived in and savored. For me, that's completely missing the point. We all deserve to live well and live our very best life possible.
We recently went to check in on a client of ours. Her home is nearing the end of completion. It was so rewarding to see her really living in her spaces. To see her newfound lifestyle paying off. Her home was inspiring to us - and we did the design! It fits her like a glove. She uses her spaces! And they look even better now that they've been broken in. You could flop on any of her upholstered pieces and just be.
She offered us a bottle of sparkling water. I could smell her luxe Voluspa candles burning. I enjoyed so much seeing proof of her in the details - Her beautiful shoes near her dressing mirror, her photos in the frames, fresh fruit stacked high on a pedestal plate near the kitchen window.
We met about the last layers of her home - draperies and art. We can hardly wait to share the photos of her home with you all once it's complete... Here is a sneak peek!
In Colin's closing statements of his book, he writes, "Life is not, and should never be, about doing things "perfectly". Your best is more than good enough, so as long as you do it with uber-amounts of generosity, humility, grace, passion, style, glamour, fabulousness... and of course fun!"
- Jessica
"A house is an idea, a house is a thing, a house is you, a tangible embodiment of your dreams and desires and interests. Your house has its own personality and continuity and unity. Its parts come together as your home."
- Mariette Himes Gomez
I love this quote and concur with Ms. Gomez as I truly believe a house isn't a home until it starts speaking to you! It's in the walls, the books, the images, even the fragrance! It's in the emotional response that one gets when walking into a space that says, "This is so you!"
As my husband and I embarked on a small remodel of our attic apartment, I had to really sit down and ask myself what dreams, desires and interests I wanted to reflect in my own space! We do this all day everyday and I was temporarily stumped until I started looking through photos I've taken over the summer. It was then that I stumbled across the below image I took at Cascade Springs... This was it! The colors, the textures, subject matter and all - This was me and Tom!!! We are total nature nerds and are constantly inspired by its raw visual symphonies! Before I show you all the before, during and after photos, here are a few teasers!
- Suzanne
Open shelving in a kitchen can be oh-so-glamorous or a complete mess! Last week we featured the spectacular Nemrow kitchen and the shelves were perfection! So what is the trick to the well-stocked but minimal and clean shelves?
[photo by Meikel Reece]
FUNCTION - Always display things that are functional. Plates, bowls, glasses, cake plates, serving dishes... Whatever you use and is pretty, display it! Forget about the knick knacks and put to use the things that can be of use!
[photo by Ashlee Raubach]
GROUPINGS - Group like things together. Create pattern and repetition. If you have all white dishes, then it's simple! If you have some colored or patterned dishes, mix them in accordingly. Try to keep things in categories, you want your everyday dishes to be the easiest to reach and keep the pretty cake plates and serving dishes up top.
[Lonny]
Don't be afraid to use what's on your shelves. It's no different than having closed shelving except for the fact that the dishes stay more organized and you get to enjoy their sparkle all day instead of just at dinner time.
Have you seen actress Keri Russell's home that was featured in Elle Decor? It is absolutely beautiful! And this living room... So stunning with the intricate molding, fireplace and shimmering chandelier paired with more comfortable and relaxed furnishings. These chairs are the Marlena Chairs from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Aren't they perfect?
And we have them in our store now in a lovely gray linen, and they sit oh-so comfortably. A perfect pair for any sitting area!
Marlena Chairs
$1,655 each
Just when I think I've nailed down my style, a client comes along that inspires a new branch to my design tree.
The Nemrow's are a young family with three sugar-coated lil' girls living in a contemporary home in Pleasant Grove, and they sprouted this new style seed. In an attempt to make this home their own, they have remodeled and added areas but were stumped when they got to the unfunctional galley of a kitchen. They have a very edited yet animated aesthetic but translating that to hard surfaces in a kitchen can be trickier than to a living room or bedroom. when the Nemrow's gave us free reign to shimmy walls and eject windows, Jess and I were elated when we began to think of the possibilities! By rotating the kitchen and allowing the eye to rest on one great focal wall, the universe was good again and a functional kitchen was born!
There is something so liberating about open shelving! it allows you to display the things you use and love everyday and forces you to edit! (I'm doing this in my own kitchen and am beyond excited to live a little more like Anjerie!)
That tile! Oh that tile!! What can I say but that tile is EVERYTHING! By taking it all the way to the ceiling, we pronounce that we just can't get enough that tile!
This fish from Natural Curiosities is a good time! not only is the scale insane in the membrane, but he's got a full set of teeth and we adore him!
- Suzanne
[photos by Meikel Reece]
It's that time again... Back to school. Fall clothes are where it's at! Patterned tights, warm woolen sweaters, crisp clean button ups... Let yourself be inspired with youthful colors and textures when back-to-school shopping!
Shades of pinks and purples. What better way to bring in color than with a beautiful accent chaise or some colorful Warhol prints!
Navy and white stripes mixed with moss green! Perfect for the first day of school or for a funky dining area!
Cerulean Blue was always my favorite crayon color! It adds pizazz to classic khakis and tee. Use it to paint a room for a dramatic effect or just a splash with a piece of art.
Salmon makes a bold statement. Mixed with dark colors makes it stand out even more!
Why not throw in a bit of blush pink to the mix of neutrals? Add a bit of sparkle to really make the room shine!
Mmm... what a unique shade of green. This subtly says "style maker".
This royal blue is a must to every wardrobe. Pairs perfectly with black and white. the artwork and rug give this room character.
The traditional navy, white and khaki. Classic and beautiful.
What is your back-to-school inspiration?
[photos from Elle Decor, Lonny, Rue, and Domino]
Chesterfield's are a always a classic. Tufted and beautiful. They will make any space more sophisticated. Take the traditional style and upholster it in something unexpected or keep it clean with a straighter arm.
Introducing, the Napa. Isn't she a beauty. A more transitional take on the Chesterfield with cleaner lines, upholstered in a lovely gray linen!
$3,888
A closer look - beautiful nailhead and tufting details!
If you're looking for something a bit more traditional, we have another Chesterfield in the store upholstered in a lovely gray velvet-like fabric. It works well in both a traditional setting or a more modern setting paired with the right chairs.
And guess what! We have two of these right now!
$2,833
Stop by and check these out!
[photos from Elle Decor, Lonny & Rue]
We began with a rug, the Congo rug to be exact. A luxurious touch you can't wait but sink your feet into every morning. From there we placed a sunburst mirror above the bed - a true marvel of elegance! We decided to use a desk as a bedside table instead of the traditional nightstand. Not only does this look smart but it functions for our client as he works all hours of the night. We nestled a charming side chair with his desk and wrapped it in a traditional, cozy print - making working late nights a little more enjoyable. Above his desk we placed four breathtaking crystals. Can you believe these are purely created by Mother Nature herself?! When the bedside lamps shine on this work of art, they just sing! Gorgeous!
At the foot of the bed, the homeowners requested a cabinet for a pop-up television. Great for viewing your favorite shows late at night - not the greatest piece to walk into every morning. To disguise this necessary element of the room, we placed a luxurious, comfortable, and uber-inviting sofa at the foot of this cabinet. What pop-up television? Opposite this sofa, we placed two of the most comfortable chairs you have ever lounged in! Just to be a little more ridiculous, we covered these chairs in rich mohair-like fabric. Yum! Between the chairs, we placed an ottoman which not only acts as a coffee table but a peaceful spot to read a book, kick-up your feet and unwind for the night. This Master Bedroom retreat creates a place for daydreams, night dreams, and all dreams between! Sweet dreams Mr. and Mrs. Clarke.
We love sharing as new furniture pieces come into the store but sometimes we forget the little things... From here on out we promise to share all of the new accessories, dishes, pillows and all of the detail pieces that help tell the story of the room!
Aren't these adorable? Ceramic fruit baskets! What a perfect and stylish way to display fruit, whether to keep the refrigerator organized or keep the counters tidy.
$15-$30
Mercury glass cake plates are an elegant way to serve a delicious dessert. Take a look at those lovely details on top!
$25-$63
Aqua glass dishes will be perfect for the last of summer's dinner parties!
$5-$10
This little nugget would be perfect in a nursery or kid's room!
$113
These cherry lacquer frames come in three sizes. Perfect in a little cluster or mixed and matched... Pair it with any of our chevron frames!
$14-$24
Isn't Rover sweet? Made from recycled papers, he would be perfect for any kids room. See his cousin here in Jack Harlie's nursery.
$163
These lovely glass drink dispensers are perfect for the next summer get together. Imagine, a strawberry lemonade or a cucumber mint water! Mmmm... So refreshing on a hot summer's day!
$188/$238
Finally!!! New door mats! A few of our old favorites are back but we've added several other lovelies into the mix!
$44
Stop by and check it out!
We were asked by a lovely couple that we had recently finished an office space for, to transform their covered front porch of their home. This was a meeting space not only for their own family but for their neighbors as well - so it needed to be functional, kid-friendly, and a great space for entertaining.
With the beautiful Craftsman style architecture of the home, we wanted the space to be eclectic, refined and to have that well-traveled feeling. A great indoor/outdoor rug and some fun, punchy fabrics for the pillows set the tone for the porch. We loved this foxy faux bois bench - constructed of steel and concrete which was a PLUS for the outdoors and the climate here in Utah! To make this space even more functional, we chose to use trunks as the cocktail table, to double as storage for quilts and blankets for those chilly evenings. A little display shelf was tucked into the porch corner for pillows, plants and other entertaining necessities. With all of the main players in place, we added the patterned pillows and a colorful garden stool for the finishing touch!
