Inspiration in...
/With today's rain and dreariness here in Utah, we have been dreaming about spring and sunshine. We couldn't help be inspired by J.Crew's spring collection.
Navy for spring. Navy all year long! We'll take it. Use navy as a neutral. Use a piece of navy furniture on a light wall for a pop or for something more subtle, try a monochromatic look of blues like this outfit.
Can we talk about this large floral print? We are dying! Use a large scale wallpaper in a small powder room to make a statement.
Light and airy... this is our ideal look for spring. Everything feels so crisp and clean. Don't forget the occasional animal print to add some surprise!
STYLIST TIPS AND TRICKS
/Spring is just around the corner, and I could not be more excited – I know I’m certainly not the only one out there catching spring fever with these beautiful days we’ve been having lately. In the meantime, one of my favorite ways to beat the winter doldrums in anticipation of spring is to bring the outdoors in.
Adding a little green is a quick and inexpensive way to instantly brighten and change the mood in any space in your home.
We’ve got some beautiful planters in store for you to add your favorite plants to, and a few that are already planted and ready to go. Add some green to your space, and be amazed at the transformation it can bring to your life and home.
Make It Count
/A good friend of mine introduced me to this lovely thought – and I couldn’t agree more! You know when that dreaded moving day comes along and you find yourself packing that old vase your mother-in-law friend’s cousin (once removed) gave you? And as you are carefully packing this ugly, never once used vase – you think – I’ve always hated this vase, why do I still have it?! Well, I officially give you permission to charitably donate this vase! (Insert sigh of relief here.) As William Morris said, “Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” This is especially true when living in or designing a small space.
My first tip for living/ designing a small space – Live with what you love! Free yourself of items that are not functional for you and your family. These un-loved items are just taking up space – precious space that could be used for something personal and beautiful to gaze at. This newly acquired spot could also just be used for a little extra breathing room. “White” space in a room is just as important as filling it with a beautiful object.
My second tip for living/ designing a small space – Mirrors can be your best friend! Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? (No, not exactly that kind of mirror!) Any time you add a mirror to your space, whether it’s on the wall in your Entry or just simply the top of your side table, it creates the illusion of more square footage. Mirror reflects light throughout the room and gives the illusion of an additional window. Antiqued mirror is one of my favorite design tricks. It adds a smoky, organic layer to an otherwise clear mirror and gives the room a little edginess, a little sexiness. And let’s be honest – who doesn’t want a little of that in their life?!
My third tip for living/ designing a small space – Go big or go home! Often times we have the tendency to select small items for a small room. Makes sense – right? Wrong! Do exactly the opposite. By playing with scale, the eye will think the room is bigger than it actually is. Do something over-scale and daring. Add a larger than life piece of art over your sofa. Trust me, you and your room will thank me!
And lastly, always remember (no matter how big or small the project is) whatever you put in your home - make it count.
Organizing a Small Kitchen
/Space is always an issue in small homes and especially in small kitchens. Every inch of cabinet and counter space is precious in a small kitchen and can't afford to be wasted! As with any small space, it is important to make the very best use of the space you have.
Have an empty wall with no cabinets? Add some open shelving to store and display your prettiest dishes. Why hide them away in a cabinet anyway? Open shelving works best with repetition and groupings of dishes, glasses, pitchers, cake plates, serving platters, cutting boards, etc.
If there is space above your stove, display your pretty copper pots on a pot rack.
If all of your shelving is open or you do have a pantry, store food and baking supplies in glass containers. This makes them look pretty and uniform. It also makes things less messy than different box and bag sizes lining your shelves.
If you're not too short on wall space, another good way to add storage is using a tall shelf or cart to store dishes and glassware. Again, make sure these are your prettiest dishes and keep them displayed in groupings to create a styled look.
Stylist Tips and Picks
/The biggest problems with small spaces always seem to be the need for more – more seating, more storage, more space…and the list goes on and on. Since more space isn’t always an option, a great solution is to focus on multi-use items that will help solve some of the small space problems.
Ottoman | 27.5"W x 18.5"D x 20"H | $1,042.50
One example I love right now is the use of a fabulous little ottoman. Snuggle up to your main squeeze and throw your feet up for a relaxing movie night. After you’re done, move it to the side of your sofa, put a tray on top, and use it as a side table or slide it beneath a console table to add interest and layers. When company comes pull them out for extra seating. Your ottoman always has a purpose and never takes up too much of the little space you had to begin with.
Round ottoman | 18.5" Dia. x 19.1"H | $322.50
Love the space you’re in and the things that fill it up. When you love it, you’ll love coming home, no matter the size.
Living Big When Living Small
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Hi. My name is Suzanne Hall. I am an interior designer for Alice Lane and for the last 13 years I have lived in apartments, condos, unfinished basements and an attic, none of which were more than 1000 sq ft. Through my real life experiences I am here to tell you that there is an art to living big when living small.
You may think that small space living means giving up everything you have and/or never buying anything ever again…au contraire! Living small only means that the few things/surfaces you do surround yourself with get to be reeeaaally good! If your aesthetic is simple, you have found the perfect home to live simply in, and if you are a collector of sorts, you will learn to live in layers. Fascinating layers that allow you and yours to discover corners and stories each time they visit. I am the latter if you can imagine thatJ. Vincente Wolf said it best when he said…..
There are a series of tricks and tips for living in small spaces that we will be teaching you but if you take anything from this series, know that there is no better feeling than loving every single piece around you. And frankly we don’t have room for wasteful, unemotional objects!
When living small ask yourself, "Does it have a purpose, a memory or give you butterflies when you see it? If you answered yes to any of these questions, these items have a home." If you were reluctant at all, maybe it’s time you thank the object for its service and go your separate ways. Our real estate is precious and we have to love and use everything inch we get!
And if you love it I’m convinced you will find a home for it, even if your home is really, really, small.
[photo 1; photos 2 - 3, 6 - 8 by Meikel Reece; photos 4 - 5, 9 - 12 by Eliesa Findeis]
What's in Store
/The showroom is looking fresh and beautiful with new arrivals!
We can't get enough of this tufted sofa in all of it's velvet luxuriousness! It's 84"long, but also can be ordered as a 71" long sofa - perfect for a smaller space!
$3,207.50
This screen is one of our favorite new pieces. It's the perfect divider for a very large room or would even be a luxe piece to add to a small studio to create rooms.
$1,875
Happy Valentine's Day
/Whether you need a last minute gift for a girlfriend or you are just treating yourself to a lovely kind of day, we're your one stop shop today! We have floral arrangements by Bloom Floral Studio, V Chocolates, jewelry, cards, and gifts.
Stop by and celebrate this day of love with 10% off, a gift with purchase, and treats!
Black Makes a Room Young and Modern
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When starting a design project, we are most intrigued with a space that is new and unexpected. When we first met the Peterson’s that was exactly their request, and we were thrilled with the challenge. It’s not often that we get asked if it’s okay to envelope a room with lovely deep hues, but that was their request, and it was aboslutely brilliant in this space.
The Peterson’s live in a historic area of Salt Lake City, Utah and have a charming home, complete with original doors, casings, and stained glass windows. They are a family full of personality so we wanted to keep the bones of this historic home while giving the space a younger more modern spin. Their small family room is just off the kitchen, and the place where everyone gathers for games, movies, and to be together. Why bring black into such a small space? It makes the walls seem to dissolve, accentuating everything else.
We painted out all the trim and fireplace in a beautiful black paint, added a shimmering black tile mosaic to the fireplace and papered the walls in a grasscloth with strands of blue, black, and brown. This created our base pallet, and as we layered in the furniture we chose lighter tones to bring balance and interest.
We filled the room with items that had been cherished and collected. Sophia the squid lady was acquired on a trip to Spain, and this painting took center stage on the mantel. Original art, books, and pieces acquired on travels mixed in throughout the room complete the last layer.
I’m so happy to have gotten to know the Peterson’s and their lovely home!
[photos by Eliesa Findeis]
Dark Colors and Pattern in Small Spaces
/We've been thinking a lot about small spaces lately and how some of the most beautiful spaces with lots of impact aren't always towering, grandiose rooms. Often the spaces that make you feel the most comfortable and that make a statement aren't that big at all. The "rules" say to use light colors, keep patterns to a minimum, and use mirrors in small spaces to make the room feel larger. This isn't always the case. In fact, in most cases, we recommend doing the opposite of this "rule."
Use dark colors in small spaces. Paint your walls dark for a dramatic and bold effect.
Just because you have a small space, doesn't mean you have to use small scale furniture. Choose pieces that are still comfortable and feel right in your space. A large piece of furniture can actually make the room feel larger as long as it is well thought out. Just make each piece count!
Dramatic pattern in a small space is another bold effect. Because these spaces are so small, this is a great place to really splurge on that coveted wallpaper that you've been dying for. A small space means less yardage!
[photo 1, 2, 3, 4 by Weston Colton for Alice Lane Home Collection, 5]
Pantone's Color of the Year
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Let’s talk about Radiant Orchid for a minute shall we? Even if you’ve been living under a rock I’m positive you’ve still caught a glimpse of this lovely color. It’s saturated. It’s feminine. It’s the type to walk up to you, give you kisses all over your face, and leave you with a smile and a head full of thoughts about how you ever lived without it.
Even for this non-purple fan, I can tell you I’m fully on board with this year’s Pantone color choice. It might have taken me a minute, let’s be honest, I’m not going to pretend it wasn’t a surprise. Purple?! But a happy surprise at that! I don’t plan on going nuts with this color. Rather, I plan to be selective and introduce it in ways that will create the most impact. A few well placed accessories or a piece of art might be smart ways to introduce this color into your space. Playing around with the color that is widely accepted as the ‘it’ color is a surefire way to keep your home as fresh and fun as you are.
After all, I think that’s why those smartie pants Pantone people picked this color for us. They don’t just pick these things at random. A lot of research, thought, science, and other bits of genius go into decisions like this. We need something bold and feminine and all things pretty right about now if you ask me.
Not sure if Radiant Orchid is you? Don’t get caught up in the exactness of the color Play around with it a little and find the right hue or shade that makes your heart happy. You can create a plethora of emotion with this color. Sophisticated, fun, restful, insert your choice of descriptive adjective here because you can create any mood your heart desires with the right blend of color.
Still haven’t made any of those pesty new year’s resolutions yet? Dare yourself to get your hue on and add a little Radiant Orchid to your life.
Cheers!
/If you know anything about me, you know I love a fabulous party, a great pair of heels, Tupperware (yes, Tupperware), and a classy bar cart! Actually, I think it would be safe to say I am a little OBSESSED with bar carts! (Like, I could probably go to an AA group for extreme bar cart lovers.) Some may ask, “What would I do with a bar cart?” Well, let me share with you the loveliness of a fabulous bar cart and how it will change your life for the better (yes, it is this good!).
First, bar carts can serve several functions. They don’t have to be used to just serve alcohol. If you are having family and friends over for dinner, load your bar cart with appetizers, stacks of beautiful small plates, fancy napkins and fun toothpicks. You can also pull this same party trick and use your bar cart as a rolling dessert buffet. As you roll your way into the party with a delicious array of delicacies, your guests will surely be impressed!
We have even placed a beautiful bar cart in a Master Bath filled with plush towels, pretty soaps, bath salts and a yummy candle. Nothing says luxury like a bar cart in a Master Bath! Go ahead and give yourself permission – live life luxuriously – you deserve it dah-ling!
If you decide to use your bar cart for a drink buffet - indulge and display your prettiest bottles and containers for beverages, lemons, limes and fancy garnishes. Don’t forget to supply your guests with a decorative straw for classy sipping. However, most importantly, include a beautiful flower arrangement on your bar cart. Fresh flowers make everything better. So, go ahead, find any excuse you can to celebrate! A great bar cart can make a party happen in any room. Cheers!
What's in Store
/We've got some new arrivals in the store - pretty pieces of furniture, gorgeous floral arrangements, and those perfect accessories to complete your space.
Link Console
$3,247.50
Amaryllis Rose Arrangement - $717.50
Python Tray - $50
Queen Anne Lace - $172.50
Stop by the store to see what else is new!
Campbell Residence
/Photo shoots have to be one of the most gratifying parts of my job as a designer. By the time you get to this point it means that everything is in its place, the window treatments are up, and the art and personal layers are finally in (and these are my very favorite layers!)
You’ve met the Campbell’s from their home in Entrada, and today I present to you their home in the heart of Provo!
The Campbell’s have traveled the globe and know how to collect the most divine tchotchkes. Before the shoot I walked into the office and found these amazing horn daggers just lying on the desk as if they had just returned from a safari adventure. Then I meandered to the living room where they had a silver boar and a hand carved elephant adorning their center table! I immediately was transported to somewhere exotic where palm leaves swayed overhead and merchants called out selling their works of art. It was magical, and I never wanted to leave.
There were several pieces of furniture our client had purchased that just needed to be reinvented, and the dining table and chairs were just a couple of those pieces. The original upholstery on the side chairs was dark and heavy; so we swapped it out with an icy faux bois fabric. After pondering whether or not to replace the 72” table, we decided to skirt it and add boning to the edge to help it curl!
The only piece that didn’t change in this room was the beautiful table scarf Peggy had found on a trip to Turkey. Just another reminder of the beautiful places they have been.
My thought on table skirts: I adore table skirts! It adds a playful formality that says, “Sit down, dinner is almost ready!” And of course, Peggy always has her pewter-ware easily available to set the table. In my head of fanciness, the french doors are open onto the deck where I see a quartet playing and the scent of Peggy’s fresh flowers enter when the wind blows……breathtaking right?!?
The kitchen, family room, and dining nook are all open to one another and therefore have to carry a light hearted conversation. The rug we used is one of my all-time favorites by designer Tracy Porter. It is all shades of coral and has a heartbeat that carries the space! We used casual stripes and comfy textures in the family room and complimented it all with a whimsical “birds in flight” print slipcovering the dining chairs! The lighting in this space invites you to stay for hours and just be.
The rug in the master bedroom was based off the tree of life and has the most exquisite details and vibrant colors. It feels as if it has existed forever! From this piece we designed a stained glass window in the adjacent master bath and pulled colors for the bedding and small sitting area.
Although small, the powder room is a place where you can add a lot of gusto! A wallpaper felt right in the space and what better color to surround yourself by than blush! I love the elongated mirror and the gold candlestick sconces.
I could write all day about this amazing family (and totally would if you promised to read) but in short, think of the kindest people you have ever met that are completely in love with each other and take care of all who surround them. That my friends, is the Campbell’s….And this is the magical place they get to call home!
Visit our portfolio to see more images of this home.
[photos by Weston Colton]
Alice Lane in Utah Style
/In case you missed it, one of our favorite homes was featured in Utah Style this month!
This home has been one of our most favorite projects, and we have been dying to share it with you. The details and finishes in this home are unreal and so unique. It's been so hard to keep this one a secret! Take a little peek and head over to our Portfolio to see the rest!
[photos by Nicole Hill Gerulat]
Sprucing up after the holidays
/It’s that time of year when all of the beautiful Christmas décor gets taken down, put back into the boxes, and sent up to the attic for another year. Often times when all the glitter and garland come down, everything feels bare. Not to fret! This makes the perfect opportunity to get a fresh start to the New Year and freshen up your space. While everything is off the walls, why not paint? Pull that new color you’ve been thinking about, and get your room ready for spring. Some of Alice Lane’s favorite wall colors:
If a particular table or console feels empty, add a few accessories. Group a few things on a tray - a great framed picture or a your favorite candle.
Bring back some greenery! Now that the tree and garland are down, bring the life back into your space with a floral arrangement or potted bulbs. Whether fresh or faux, flowers and greenery can liven up a space and make it feel more welcoming.
Add a splash of purple! The Pantone Color of the Year is Radiant Orchid. When they picked the color this year it was inspired by blooming flowers, travels abroad, and strong, confident women. Use this color to refresh and revive a tired space.
Let the beginning of the new year inspire you and your space!