The Bedding Sale Starts Today!
/
Griffin's Picks
/There is nothing I love more in a space than a seamless flow between the interior and exterior of a home. Something about the feeling of being outside while still in the comfort of your own home is livening. Now, we don't want to turn your living room into a jungle, but we do believe that a little greenery here and there makes a happy and beautiful home!
Bring the outdoors inside this summer with our Wise Egg planters! These planters are cast from a biodegradable, eco-friendly stone composite with a removable fiberglass liner that keeps the container water tight. The egg rests on a gold-finished iron stand that adds a touch of elegance and contrast to the piece. Available in three stand heights, they are great for displaying in small groups, but also strong enough to stand on their own. Come into our Trolley Square location today to see how we can help you incorporate them into your own home, and create that seamless flow from the outside in that we love so much!
Summer Entertaining
/Summer is almost here and we all want to be outside with friends and family. Deep down inside we all have an itch to throw a fun outdoor party, but we hesitate because we think we do not know how to make it great. Here are three easy tips – eat, drink, and be merry!
EAT! Good food is always a must. Instead of resorting to hot dogs and hamburgers, try a night of salads with a little umph like this or this! They are lite, but will still satisfy the hunger.
DRINK! It’s hot and we all need a little something to cool off. Don’t resort to a folding table full of two liters! Load a fun bar cart full of a variety of bottled drinks, garnishes, fun straws, and a pitcher of your favorite mixed drink. You can please even the pickiest of taste buds!
BE MERRY! In order for your guests to be merry the environment needs to be fun and comfortable. Get comfortable seating with side tables abound to place drinks and food plates. Have extra light throws on hand as the sun goes down and light up the candles! Let’s face it – everyone looks better in a flood of candlelight!
So throw together some food, grab some cool drinks, and light those candles! You will have an outdoor party that is sure to be a good time. Oh, and don’t forget to send me an invite too!
[photos from Southern Living, Coastal Living, The Effortless Chic, Mr. Kate]
Inspiration in Unexpected Places
/Keep things light and breezy this summer!
A summer classic! Navy and white are a crisp and clean duo that are a perfect palette for that weekend brunch outfit or the breezy summer living room.
White is always a must for summer! Keep it looking effortless with white linen bedding and a loosely woven throw placed at the foot of your bed.
Stripes! Linear or loose, thick or thin - we love them all!
[photos from Anthropologie, Jordi Canosa,
Stephanie's Picks
/Nothing says summer like long sun swept days filled with time at the beach listening to the crash of the waves and the warm summer breeze. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been itching to take a mini vacation to soak in some beach days myself. In the meantime, we have a great piece of sunshine to fill the “beach void” in your life.
The vintage swimsuit collection is sure to bring back the summer memories you are missing. The soft color palettes are a beautiful addition to existing artwork or featured on their own. We’re not only crazy about the colors, but these classy girls have some serious style.
Come check them out at our Salt Lake location today!
The Recipe for a Perfect Patio
/Whether you have a small porch or a grand veranda, the recipe for a great outdoor space is the same. Here are our 4 steps for a perfect patio.
START WITH STYLISH SEATING - Look for chairs and sofas with attractive lines, something with personality that speaks to your exterior.
LAYER IN THE TEXTILES - Gone are the days of scratchy outdoor fabrics. There are so many soft, chic outdoor fabrics perfect for your cushions and pillows. Just make sure to use a mold-resistant fill.
ADD SURFACES FOR FOOD OR DRINKS - Think coffee tables, garden stools, and side tables. Every seat should have a close spot to set down a plate or glass.
PEPPER IN FLOWERS AND PLANTS - A plant is the final ingredient for creating a charming outdoor grouping. A plant's organic lines keep the space feeling fresh and lively. Look for a kicky planter to keep things interesting.
[photos from Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Flickr, and cococozy]
Cool Down
/There's nothing more refreshing than a popsicle on those hot summer days! We love the idea of homemade popsicles - the flavor combinations are endless and they make the perfect brightly colored photo op. We've gathered our favorite tried and true recipes and a few that are on our to-make list this summer!
Minty Watermelon Lime Popsicles
Strawberry Orange Popsicles and Orange Ginger Popsicles
Josh's Picks
/You guys, it’s happening!! Old man Winter is gone and has been replaced by the beauty of blue skies, sunshine, sprinklers and popsicles. Nothing feels better than walking through your grass with bare feet after a long, cold winter cooped up in your house. And as soon as the sun is in the sky and the temperature is about 65 degrees, it’s my mission in life to cook and eat as many meals outside as possible.
Usually summer dining means burgers, chips and bacon-wrapped grilled asparagus (I’ll give you my recipe.) But sometimes you want a classier evening for a graduation party, engagement celebration or that book club that deserves the very best.
Newly arrived in both our Orem and Salt Lake locations we have just the thing for you. Luxurious linen table runners and tea-towels. They are the perfect thing to give your summer table a little less of the “red-checkered table cloth and paper plates” vibe and a little more “sipping cold beverages and eating fine cheeses on the Amalfi coast” vibe. The runner is perfect down the center of the table with a few bundles of summer blossoms in glass jars and elegant white candle sticks. And the tea towels make beautiful oversized napkins folded at each place setting. Linen is easy to care for and gets softer and more absorbent with use. And while it is true that linen wrinkles easily, you can either quickly press it with a warm iron if you want things a little crisper, or leave it slightly wrinkled so your summer gathering doesn’t feel too stuffy.
Here at Alice Lane, we are not hoity-toity, but we do like to wear fancy pants. And our linen table runners and tea towels are just that. Elegant, upscale and classy but still comfortable, easy and simple. Come visit us in the store and let us help you make a summer table that really shows your friends and loved ones how much you enjoy watching the sunset with them.
table runners - $69.50 | tea towels - $26.50
Show n' Tell - Elkridge Model Home
/It’s time to show off another one of our favorite model home projects! Tucked in the charming mountain community of Elk Ridge, UT, lies a new development called the Traditions. We were so excited to work with the builder, GCD Inc., for the first time. We had so much fun designing this home and the dreamy sunsets were definitely an added bonus during the installation! Take a look at some of our favorite moments from this home.
[photos by Eliesa Findeis]
Bring Life Into the Kitchen
/Bring some life into your kitchen with fresh flowers and potted herbs!
Who doesn't like fresh flowers? It doesn't have to be anything fancy. Just pick up a bouquet at your local grocer and put them in your favorite vase!
Potted herbs are a functional and pretty way to add greenery and life. Pick some pretty pots that fit nicely in your kitchen window above your sink so that they are easily accessible.
For the gourmet chef at home, install some shelves in front of your windows to provide more space for a variety of herbs!
[photos from Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Better Homes and Gardens, and Decor de Provence]
Show n' Tell - England Residence
/
For me, the England Residence started with a perfectly clean slate. All the “dirty work” had been done – new floors, paint, and paneling. You know the term, carte blanche. The homeowners had put a lot of effort into updating their space and all I had to do was put the cherry on top. We were trying to achieve a very soft, clean and fresh feel in the room. Think lakeside without the rope and rowboats. From the ground up I selected furniture and finishes that kept the rooms airy but functional.
In the living room I set the palette with a beige and light aqua borderless rug. Borderless rugs help visually enlarge a space by allowing your eye to travel right off the edge and onto something else without stopping. I layered a petite curved back sofa with two of the most comfortable chairs we sell (the Marlena.) The room needed a coffee table but couldn’t quite fit one so I opted for a “pull up” table at the sofa instead and threw in an ottoman that could be used by anyone in the space.
The dining room is my favorite of the two rooms. There, I started with a natural sisal rug; a natural washed-out wood table to seat their four young sons and crowned it with two beautiful beaded chandeliers. The special touch in this room is the watery grasscloth wallcovering that covers the walls above the paneling. A little splurge like this set the room apart and added depth and a custom feel. My favorite moment (beside the chandeliers and wallcovering) is the art and sconces on the west wall! The combo of the large scale art and gold candleholder sconces makes this dining room feel just a little bigger not to mention they’re just really pretty.
[photos by Eliesa Findeis]
If You Were a Kitchen
/
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an interior designer is helping people along a journey of self-discovery. Whether building a dream home, undergoing a “make it work” renovation, or just some light décor shushing, your home makes a statement about who you are, what you value, and the way you choose to live your life.
This is extremely evident in modern kitchens. A place that was once cramped, hidden, often relegated into the basement, and basically a mundane work space has blossomed into the stylish, welcoming, heart of most homes. And after all the big money decisions are made (cabinets, countertops, backsplash and plumbing), the next step is to look at how a kitchen is styled as a further expression of self.
Below are some designer tips to enhance the chosen look of your kitchen through styling those pretty shelves we just talked about:
FOR THE FUNCTIONAL MINIMALIST Regardless of your overall taste leans modern, boho, or traditional, the first styling option is that of functional minimalism – this styling accent is dictated by simplicity, and highlights useful kitchen items. Whether you display gleaming white servingware, or showcase a mix of dinnerware, stemware and cooking dishes, to achieve this look you must be a ruthless editor, and embrace the moto “less is more”. Look for balance with stacked heights and accents colors (or, for extra style points, go monochromatic!), to appeal to your own need for organization.
FOR THE COLLECTOR If you are constantly rearranging you entry table to showcase your growing collection of vintage trays, or find yourself carrying that pretty dish into your bathroom to hold your jewelry, this look is for you. Don’t be afraid to utilize unexpected surfaces (hello, window sills!) to create vignettes. Layer in non-kitchen items, such as plants or framed art to achieve a well curated aesthetic.
FOR THE PRETTY AND PRAGMATIC This styling technique is all about embracing the beauty in everyday items, and we love it for its honesty! From mis-matched bowls, to collected cooking sets, to coordinating wood and ceramic dishes - use what you love and love what you use! Start fresh with your dinnerware set, remember why you first fell in love with it. Highlight the wonderful textures of your favorite grains and other ingredients. Rejoice in the styling and restyling that comes naturally through the use of your items.
No matter what your chosen aesthetic may be, take advantage of the opportunity to enhance your look through kitchen styling! And if we follow the advice of William Morris, your homes, and your kitchens, will be both useful, and beautiful.
[photos from Elle Decor, V Interiors, Remodelista, Country Living, Architectural Digest, and Southern Living]
The Well-Dressed Bathroom, Part II
/
RUGS So I’m a big rug fan and I adore when people use a fine little rug in a bathroom. You can do anything from a washable rug to a hand-knotted rug and there is something about feeling the softness and attention underfoot that will anchor your space and make it feel complete.
BARCARTS, STOOLS, AND PRETTY LIL' SURFACES Fewer things make me happier than a beautiful piece of furniture in a bathroom so of course I must address the cart, table or stool that sits in the center of the room, beside the tub or nesting beneath the vanity. This is as much a tribute to function as it is beauty! A place for your lotions and potions or a spot to stack your hand towels. The best bathrooms are ones that are fully stocked and this number will help you and your guests feel right at home. Plus now your significant other has a surface to place the flowers that were plucked from your fabulous garden!
THE VANITY TRAY Everyone and I mean everyone has a lot of things in their bathroom and I’m here to advise that what cannot fit in your cupboards belongs on a tray. Think of it like a rug! Its job is to anchor and corral the troops. This is a place to put perfumes and lotions and a small place for jewelry to go before you hop in the shower. Occasionally an ugly bottle of contact solution will show its functional face and it’s our job to try and make even that look pretty. A tray can help you do that.
Friends and family of Alice Lane - Please don’t forget the bathroom! We can help you make this often forgotten room, your favorite place on earth.
With love and potty talk encouragement, your adoring designer,
[photos from House & Home, Flickr, Rutland Designer, Architectural Digest]
The Well-Dressed Bathroom, part 1
/
Whenever I’m in a home, a hotel, or a nice restaurant, I often excuse myself to use the loo only to see how it’s been treated. I still remember all of my favorites with wishful thinking that I might return to see them again! They were that good.
I once meandered by a powder room with a cityscape wallpaper treatment and a collection of original oil portraits of kings. It was absolutely brilliant! I promised myself that day that I would never hold back precious pieces from a bathroom. What better place to capture someone’s attention and nod to the fact that even the BATHROOM is well-dressed!
So here I am today. Preaching of the importance of beautifying your bathrooms and the simple things that make this ordinary room somewhere where your guests will literally want to sit and stay awhile.
WALLPAPER I’m convinced everyone’s soul is lined in a wallpaper that describes them. Lucky for you, we have a myriad of options and it doesn’t take a lot to paste the place in a soul paper! Wallpaper is one of the best ways to add gumption to these little rooms and will become the jewel boxes of your home. Below are some of my favorites!
ART Like I mentioned before, art is a great way to add importance to a space. It’s unexpected and allows the walls to talk! Whether they are fine paintings, photographs, or simple quotes that allow one to ponder, art will allow every space in your home deem special. Especially the often forgotten bathroom.
Don't forget the bathroom! Check back for part 2 of The Well-Dressed Bathroom!
[photos from eBay, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Fashion Squad]
Styling a Bathroom Vanity
/Let’s face it, if we don’t take the time to purposefully design and organize a space it can quickly become an unsightly landing zone for chaos. One of the most commonly neglected areas in the home is the bathroom vanity. With all of our potions and products and it’s easy to let our counters become covered in a sea of clutter. With proper styling, though, your vanity can go from looking disorderly to looking designed. Here are a few suggestions to add function and beauty to your bathroom vanity:
DISPLAY YOUR EVERYDAY ITEMS Many of our everyday items are inherently beautiful, so don’t hesitate to store them on your counters. Your favorite perfumes and soaps, a stash of cotton balls, your collection of makeup brushes, and a stack of white towels all look pretty when they are gathered while still being easily accessible for your daily use. Make sure to contain your items so they look orderly- you can use traditional items like glass apothecary jars, or grab something unexpected like your favorite mug or vase.
USE TRAYS Another tried-and-true accessory you can use to style and contain items is the tray. We love trays because they are multi-functional and can instantly make an area cluttered with tiny objects feel organized and grounded.
ADD LAMPS Who says you can’t use lamps in a bathroom? We can never have enough lighting when we are applying our makeup—adding a lamp is a way to bring in more light and give the space a sense of chicness.
LAYER LARGE ACCESSORIES If you have an open vanity, fill that negative space with large items that fit your lifestyle. Whether it’s a stool to sit on and do your makeup or for the kids to stand on to brush their teeth, or large baskets and jars to store your products, make your vanity function for you.
Don’t forget to add fresh flowers and that stack of white towels for that extra freshness and fluff!
[photos from New England Home Magazine, Elle Decor, Nina Holst, House Beautiful, Andreas Trauttmansdorff]
Jenna's picks
/
If there is one thing I’d make sure every kitchen had it would be shelf space. Somewhere to put all the lovelies. While I’m a minimalist when it comes to what I want out on my counters, I like to have a few things at my fingertips. Some of my recipe books, an edited collection of plates and dishes, and a few of my favorite things that are too pretty to hide in a cupboard.
I love the look of our Braxton Bookcase with details resembling a library from the 1940s and with the handles and built in step stool it is as convenient as it is good looking.
The Braxton is $1775.
[photos from Flickr, Pinterest, and Stilinspiration]