Cottonwood Craftsman
/We've been teasing you all with this project for a few months now, and we're excited to finally reveal the home! We collaborated with Upland Development on this head-to-toe home renovation. You won't believe the difference!
Pink Peonies on Alice Lane: The Design
/I admire people that passionately do what they love and make a career out of it - and Rachel Parcell takes fashion seriously! When the opportunity came to design a closet for the famed Pink Peonies blogger, I enlisted Christy Cook, Senior Designer, to dream and scheme with me. We imagined the perfect place to put together an outfit, a space where Rachel could showcase her beautiful shopping finds, comfortably work at her desk, and talk about what she loves while being surrounded by it. An office, inside a dream closet! That’s what we’ll do!
The space could be anything we wanted it to be! Rachel and Drew had just sold their home and they were starting to build again. We had the square footage to make Rachel's dreams come true so we borrowed a little space to create a shoe room. A shoe room!! I can hear music playing…and see twirling dresses!!
Lucky for us at the first presentation Rachel was all yeses! We pitched custom millwork painted white with mirrors lining them. Adding sparkle to every wall in the closet would reflect light and all of the beautiful treasures layered in front of them. We drafted built-ins for hanging clothes and boxes above them for for purses, special shoe boxes, and beautiful shopping bags.
We left space in front of the picture window for a free-standing desk where Rachel could sit and write her blog. Flanking the windows with built-in shelving gave us more space to display fashion books, purses, and rows and rows of sunglasses. We envisioned tailored roman shades lined with pink silk layered with a sheer organza fabric with embroidered polka-dots. All would be set atop a leopard print wall to wall broadloom carpet. For the space in-between we drew up a free-standing island filled with pink velvet lined drawers where Rachel could house all of her statement necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and watches. We had the craftsman make the surface of the island with an inset glass top so all of her jewelry could be seen from above. And the cherry on top!? A glass chandelier made up of 3 rows of layered glass rods that looks like pink fringe hovering over the island. I don’t know who was more excited - us or Rachel!
Stay tuned to see the final reveal!
[photos from presentation by Heather Telford]
The Office Walls
/As wallcoverings have made their triumphant return some may still struggle to find the right place for the patterns we love. A few perfect places that could be covered with a bold floral print or sophisticated grass cloth – the powder bath, the master water closet, the living room, and the office.
The office is a room that can whistle a different tune than the rest of the home. So whistle it loud and proud! Here are a few things to consider when choosing that perfect paper.
HIS OR HERS Where else can you let your hair down if you really want a feminine floral, a masculine tailored stripe, or metallic-leafed wall? Think about the person who uses the office and gear the design toward his/her tastes.
UNDERSTATED OR SHOUT-IT-FROM-THE-ROOFTOP The office is often closed off from the rest of the home and can handle something that may zig when the rest of the home zags.
"Ahem…. HELLO! Look at me!" This paneled mural wallpaper will knock your socks off.
Or choose a classic, timeless grasscloth that will be there for the grandkids.
[photos from Elle Decor, Elitis, and Alice Lane Home Collection]
Jen's Picks
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Task lamps make a smart difference in any office space—like serious work is actually happening. They help your office look the part and can actually help you act the part! With adjustable arms and the ability to focus the light on the job at hand, you can sink deep into your task. Task lamps come in a wide range of shapes and sizes so they easily fit into any space. Come visit one of our stores to experience some of our favorites.
[photos from La Dolce Vita, Poppytalk, and Pinterest]
Freshen up Your Living Room with Greenery
/Are you looking around your living room and thinking, “what can I do to help this room have a little more life?” Well, look no further than out the window. Bring a little of the outside in!
A decorative tree or green plant will instantly breathe a fresh new life to your living room.
Don’t have time to run to the floral shop before your guests arrive? Cut some simple stems of leaves from the tree in the backyard and place them in an existing vase or container. It can be done in seconds!
Do you have beautiful flowers in your yard? Cut a few stems and enjoy them inside. The loose look of “I-just-cut-these-and-threw-them-in-a-vase” type arrangement will totally work well. Don’t be afraid!
So, grab a tree, some branches, or some flowers to help your living room ‘live’ a little more!
[photos from House Beautiful and Elle Decor]
Michelle's Picks
/When you visit either of the Alice Lane showrooms, you will likely hear a designer or stylist use the phrase “it’s all in the details.” It’s a motto we live by.
Often, the details of our designs are best showcased when we surprise clients and visitors with unexpected placement of larger furniture pieces. BookCASE in point—this brushed nickel beauty (Julia Chichester Bookshelf | $3762.50) guarding a timeless gray mohair chesterfield (Parker Sofa | Wesley Hall| $3338.50).
The unexpected placement of the bookshelf behind the sofa draws the eye to accessories and details featured in the room grouping. In this case, the BIG BOYS allows the details to shine. (OPTIONAL final line: It’s all of the details at their finest).
Take a Seat
/Feeling bored with your living room? Here are 3 tips to freshen things up.
MIX UP THE SEATING Imagine the guests you entertain in your living room - whether it's grandma who needs a firm chair or the kids who love an ottoman just their size. Wouldn't it be great if everyone had a seat that was just right? Mix up the seating silhouettes and everyone will have a place they can feel at home.
PULL FURNITURE AWAY FROM THE WALLS Your living room doesn't have to feel like a junior high dance with the chairs hanging out on one side and the sofa across the room on the other. Let everything mingle in the middle under the disco ball, er chandelier.
COZY UP THE CORNERS Don't neglect the corners of your room. They need a little love too. Show off a pretty buffet or a spicy chair to liven up the room's pulse.
[photos from Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, and Lonny]
Layering Rugs
/Like a good outfit, a room with layers is always better. Today we’ll be talking briefly about how to layer your rugs and the different reasons why this is the best idea next to the iPhone! You’re welcome.
SIZE Bigger rugs are ALWAYS better but sometimes the rug you love doesn’t come in a 9’ x 12’ or a 10’ x 14’. This especially is where layering is heaven sent! You can have a piece of wool carpet or a jute/sisal carpet cut and bound as a base layer to go underneath your smaller, favorite love rug. BOOM! Your room looks bigger and better AND you look really cool for pulling off such a fashionable trick. (slow clap)
TEXTURE I remember the first time I walked from a hard surface onto a wool hand-knotted rug and finally onto a long haired white cowhide. My little toes didn’t know what to do with themselves so naturally they just curled into the cowhide and stayed for a while. Texture is a huge part of design and I love when we can literally feel that from the ground up. Layer your textures!
COLLECTION I’ve always wanted to say “I just have so much art, looks like I’m going to have to layer it!” Same goes for layering your rugs. When you layer, it helps your home feel like it’s been curated over time. It adds depth and like I always say, it illustrates YOUR story. Where you’ve been and what you love. Collect rugs.
Let the layering begin!
[photos from SF Girl by Bay, Pinterest, Traditional Home, House Beautiful, World of Interiors]
Show n' Tell - Pierce Master Bedroom
/This master bedroom was a joy to design and the Pierce’s were equally as lovely. Our goal for the space was to keep it fresh and pretty as well as provide soft seating for the whole family. I began with these sketches so they could envision the picture I had in mind for their space.
And here is the after:
One of the most striking features of this room is the vaulted ceiling. It was the perfect opportunity to use one of my favorite design tricks: layering tall art behind the headboard just barely dipping below the top of bed. This pretty Paule Marrot art draws the eye upward and connects the space between the bed and ceiling. I paired these tall and slender alabaster lamps to balance the scale of the art. Instead of two nightstands, I opted for a desk and graceful chair on one side. It’s a place to sit and type out a quick email or write a list and plan the day ahead.
Another favorite moment is the footboard settee at the end of the bed. It has a subtle pinstripe and visually graduates the rug to the bed. It serves as a comfy perch for slipping on a pair of shoes or a sleeping spot for young children. On the other side of the room I layered in extra seating beside and underneath the console to provide a spot for every member of the family. It’s somewhere they can comfortably gather together and hang out.
Lighting in a Living Room
/True to its name, a good living room should be our favorite space to LIVE in – a place of gathering, a place to fill with laughter, and with heart. Such a special place surely deserves some well thought illumination! And because this room tends to be multi-functional, its lighting plan should be equally multi-leveled. Below are some expert insights on thinking through your living room lighting:
LIKE BEY SAID - YOU PUT MY LOVE ON TOP In an ideal situation, we like to see a living room ceiling with both recessed cans as well as a statement making fixture (and given the choice, we’d take that gorgeous chandelier!) But, sometimes you gotta Tim Gunn-it and “make it work!" No matter your current situation, an easy update is to change your regular old switch to a dimmer. This will give you the ability to flood the room with light (perfect for those midnight cleaning sessions!) or to take it down a notch for an evening of entertaining.
IF YOU BUILT IT THEN YOU SHOULD A PUT A SCONCE ON IT At Alice Lane Home Collection, we never pass by a built-in bookcase or cabinet without looking for a way to light it up. Our preferred method is to place sconces on the header or side rails for a super stylish, but also functional feature.
WHO RUN THE WORLD? LAMPS The final frontier of our lighting universe are lamps. Providing not only soft, ambient lighting, lamps should be considered also for their visual impact in a space. A sculptural floor lamp with a large drum shade compliments an accent chair and side table. A pair of colorful table lamps bring balance and interest to a sofa grouping.
[photos from Elle Decor, Domino, Pinterest, One Kings Lane, and Alice Lane Home Collection]
Lorri's Picks
/Miles Redd said, “Life in the 21st century means taking the best of history and making it work for you today.” Our answer (or at least one of our answers) to his statement is the London Sofa by Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams.
The London is a classic piece with English arms and turned legs. She has a nice deep seat and as you select your favorite fabric she transforms into a piece perfect for you. Plush and comfy in velvet, contemporary and fresh in neutrals, or masculine and regal in leather, the London Sofa has a way of being both timeless and “now.”
With her tight-back and rolled arms this lady is a beauty from any angle and, even better, for the month of July our floor models are up to 35% off! Come on in and have a seat or better yet take one home for yourself!
Floor models start at $2,042.
Show n' Tell - Ensignal Headquarters
/When you walk into a circa 1900 building in downtown Springville you’re not expecting to see a contemporary space with an English red phonebooth floating in the stairwell. Well, when Ensignal got their hands on one of the oldest buildings in the city it wasn’t exactly what you see today. It was old, run down and was being used as a ballet studio. There were no interior walls but the bones were incredible and the original windows were key in creating a space for this growing phone distributor. I introduce to you the “new” old building and home of Ensignal!
[photos by Eliesa Findeis]
Debi's Picks
/William Morris said, "Do not have anything in your home that you do not find to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." In answer to that, I say, meet the new Hallings secretary. She scores a perfect 10 in both form and function! Her classic lines and combination finish of antique white and walnut are to die for, but her true beauty shines when you actually pull up a chair.
With plenty of drawers, and a drop down desk, you can check your emails and surf the web, if you must. Better yet, pull out some beautiful stationery and write a note. It will make both you and the recipient happy. Who knows, you may even find paying bills more enjoyable! A girl can dream, right?
Holiday Inspiration
/Happy Independence Day! Here's a little red, white, and blue living room inspiration for your holiday weekend!
[photos from Lonny, Meredith Heron, and Miles Redd]
Picking the Perfect Sofa
/Whether you are looking for a place to sit and chat or a cozy spot to plop down and read a book, sofas are a staple in any lounge area. But with endless options at our fingertips, finding the perfect sofa can be overwhelming to say the least. Consider the following main points before choosing a sofa and your shopping experience will go from intimidating to exciting.
SIZE Consider how large your room is, the height of the ceiling, and which other furnishings you want to incorporate in the room. Make sure the sofa’s length, depth, and height are in proportion to your room.
TYPE The size and function of your room will dictate the type of sofa that best fits your space. Is this a small, formal area for conversation? Opt for a loveseat, settee, or sofa with more petite dimensions. Is this a large room where you gather to relax or watch a movie? Choose a deep sofa or sectional where you can tuck up your feet and snuggle in for the night.
UPHOLSTERY Select a fabric that is in-line with the function of the space. Determine if it is a high-use area and define the purpose for the space. In a formal living room or master bedroom you can get away with a light cotton or linen upholstery, but in a great room or kids’ area stick to a textile with a high man-made content, like polyester, or choose a leather.
[photos from Architectural Digest and Elle Decor]
Alex's Picks
/A new season is here and in full swing! Usually when this happens, I want a complete overhaul of my entire life. New wardrobe, new house, (new diet), new life! But rather than getting totally crazy and spending ALL our money in one season, maybe we should get incorporate summer touches into our home! Let’s follow the three P's
PILLLOWS What an easy way to brighten up your living or bedroom!
PLANTS We are so lucky to have our very own florist at Alice Lane who plants these amazing plants in our pots and vases—you can purchase them right off the floor for a quick “spruce up” to your space!
PICTURES New art is a fun way to add some summer color and flavor to your home! I love these bright prints and dynamic shapes - a quick and easy pop of summer!
Lastly, this peace sign. It’s a need, not a want.
Last Chance!
/Today is the last day of our bedding sale! 