Top 5 Design Trends of Spring 2015

We recently returned from an amazing week in High Point, North Carolina attending the infamous High Point Market. For those unfamiliar with market, it's essentially Fashion Week for the interior design world. Everybody who is anybody in this industry is there, either showcasing their latest collection or shopping current styles and trends. Every year, we're inspired by the beautiful creations we see at market and then bring those ideas and products home with us to share with you! Here are the top 5 trends we noticed from this year's market:

1. Blush Pink - Shelby from Steel Magnolias would be so proud to see her signature color making our top 5 trend list of 2015. This delicate shade of pink is feminine, elegant, and incredibly eye-catching. Yes...you're seeing it all over the runways right now in too. Turns out that dusty pink shawl you bought will double as the perfect throw for your couch!

[Tobi Fairly collection for CR Laine]

[Tobi Fairly collection for CR Laine]

2. Jewel Tones - You don't have to be a billionaire to deck your halls in sapphire, emerald, pink, ruby, or canary. These rich and bold colors are being applied in upholstery, drapery, on the walls...you name it. The trick here is to pick one color vein and use it at different strengths throughout your room. Too many colors and it starts to feel really dated.

[Lillian August collection for Hickory White]

[Tobi Fairly collection for CR Laine]

3. Modern Art – If your home is full of traditional pieces, adding some modern art is an easy way to stay on trend. Take down your landscapes and oil paintings in favor of abstract or minimalist pieces to give your home an updated and clean look.

[Modern Baroque collection by Bernhardt Furniture]

4. Sculptural Furniture - Let your furniture be a piece of art! When your chair can double as both a place to park your tushy and be the topic of conversation with your guests, you know you're on trend.

[Thomas O'Brian collection for Century Furniture]

5. Vintage Modern – You know what they say, if you wait long enough it’s bound to come back in style! Trends are pulling inspiration from vintage design for a stylish mix of old and new. We've see this a lot already with mid-century inspired pieces, but it’s expounding into more decades and eras of design than ever before.

[Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams]

[Kelly Wearstler Collection]

The Very Best Sale - EXTENDED!

Good news folks! We're extending The Very Best Sale through May 16th! Thanks to our amazing merchandisers and dedicated staff, our fabulous customers (that's you!) will continue to receive 20% off all upholstery and casegood purchases. It's like finding that secret stash of chocolate you forgot all about! Or waking up early and realizing you still get two more hours of shut-eye! Only you don't want to sleep through this - you would not be a happy camper. And we want you to be happy! So stop by Alice Lane today, or tomorrow, or anytime before May 16th and all these savings are yours for the taking!

Cambri's Pick - The Franco Chair

Pipe-ing dreams really do come true with this stunning Franco chair by Thom Filicia for Vanguard. I can't decide what my favorite feature is - the beautiful piping, the distinctive low arms, the sophisticated fabric, or how downright comfortable it is!

The pattern is a distant relative to the check/plaid family. It's unique, yet slightly familiar at the same time. The great part is, this piece can be an accent in any room without taking too much attention. I dream about snuggling up in this spot with a good book on a daily basis (and I would if I wasn't so busy working). Come test it out for yourself. I promise I won't judge you when you fall asleep in it right here on the showroom floor!

Today's the very last day of The Very Best Sale!!! So come in and I'll show you all of my favorites, like my dear friend Franco here. It's not everyday you can save 20% on all of our upholstery and casegoods, you don't want to miss this.

French Moderne Manor - Marble

If you ever go to France and take a stroll down the Champs Elysees visiting the little shops, patisseries, and cafes, you'll notice one common thread between them all...marble! While France doesn't always get the credit for harvesting marble, the French sure know how to use it. Whether it's applied on the floors, on the walls, or even used as counter tops, marble is a staple in French design. So, it should come as no surprise to see that our French Moderne Manor parade home is full of it! For starters, we're using marble in the fire surrounds for several of the fireplaces in the home. While this is a very traditional use of marble, the crisp straight lines give it a fresh and modern look that is also timeless. That second surround (hard to see here) has the most dramatic black veins running through it. Gorgeous!

This shower wall has to be one of the most amazing applications of marble I've ever seen. Look at how those veins match up...the sheer symmetry of it all! One of the reasons marble is so great is that it really serves a double purpose: as function and as art. When you find a piece of stone as incredible and unique as this one it deserves to be the center of attention.

Here we are using a light cloudy marble as counter tops. I get asked all the time if marble is a good choice for a counter top and the answer is "Yes!" There's a common misconception that marble is too "fancy" or "formal." Yes, it's beautiful, but it's definitely no pretentious. And remember how the French have been using it for thousands of years? Trust me...it's an excellent choice (as seen here).

Of course, you can't forget this amazing floor tile where we used a variety of marble to create a modern twist on a traditional French check floor. Stay tuned for more updates of our parade home and behind the scenes looks. Things are progressing nicely!

Cara Loren on Alice Lane: The Design

Designing a closet for Cara Loren is like getting to design a magic lasso for Wonder Woman! “Of course!” was our answer when we got the call. It’s not just a closet…it will also serve as her office and set design for her tutorials and fashionable selfies. If you follow her fashion blog, you know the drill.  I immediately began researching her look so we could create the perfect environment to suit her vibe. Together with Alice Lane designer, Stacie Graves, we worked on every last detail for both form and function. Getting Cara’s input was the best part. She had ideas that we incorporated to make this super closet function for her. Cara is as lovely to work with as she is to look at.  It’s been a great collaboration. We can hardly wait till it’s all installed and she can fill it with all of her beautiful clothes, shoes, coats, hats, sunglasses, jewelry, fashion books, and objects of inspiration!

Lucky for us, we had a blank slate to work with. An adjacent room to her bedroom was reconfigured as a huge walk-in closet that could be accessed from inside her room. That's right...a whole room! Let's just all take a second and sigh - sigh. With all this space we were able to design a large modern island that will be centered in the room. Floor to ceiling built-ins will line the walls and house all of her clothes, shoes, and accessories in a beautiful display.

We pictured a desk sitting in front of her large windows, with fashionable roman shades and a large pendant mirror mounted between them. I imagine Cara sitting her in the morning putting on her makeup or writing on her blog, don't you?

Just as we'd hoped for, Cara loved the design! During the presentation she was able to select and approve all finishes and even see some of the accessories that we'll be using to style her closet. Needless to say, we're all a little excited around here!

Cara's closet recently received a fresh coat of paint and the carpet has been installed. Stay tuned for more updates and progress of the closet. You can also visit Cara's blog (caraloren.com) to see her take on the design process. We can't wait to show you how this super closet turns out!

Olivia's Pick - Kazan Chair

There’s just something about acrylic pieces that feel so fancy and elegant. The beautiful Kazan chair does an incredible job of combining both traditional and contemporary design aesthetics. Insert a pair of the Kazan chairs into any room for an easy way to spice things up and add a bit of interest.

I love the way the lustrous velvet compliments the sleek side panels of the chair. Not only is she pretty, but also extremely comfortable - thanks to the soft padded armrests and plush seat & back cushions. The jewelry-like metal caps, shown in brushed brass, are the perfect finishing touch to this eye-catching piece. And the best part? She’s 20% off until April 27th as part of our ‘Very Best Sale’! You know you want come sink down in this chair, so stop by today!

Join The Team

We're hiring for several positions at both our Orem and Salt Lake locations! Check out our CAREERS AT ALICE LANE page for more details.

Currently hiring for the following positions: Interior Designers, Project Coordinators, Accounting Assistant, Purchasing Associate, and Stylists.

Coffee Table Considerations

A wise design professor once told me, “Every sofa longs for a coffee table!” So, when deliberating over this important piece, here are a few things to consider to make sure your table works for you. What is your room missing?

A coffee table can be an excellent piece to help fill any voids in your room. Not just with space, but with style as well. If you have sensible sofas and chairs, try bringing in a little glam through your coffee table! Check out this star: The Melrose Table! The combination of acrylic, stainless steel, and glass is edgy, lovely, and trans-formative. They work together to give the space a heartbeat!

How much space do you have?

Aim for about 20” between the edge of your sofa and the table. A very large room might even benefit from two (yes, two!) coffee tables in one area. Also consider the flow of your room so your coffee table doesn't interfere with any of the main passageways.

How is the room used?

Consider how the coffee table will be treated. Will it serve as extra storage? As an ottoman? Do you have kids that will easily bump into the edges? Or will it be used in a more formal setting? Stepping away from the traditional glass or fine-finished wood coffee tables is an excellent way to add functionality. This Gent, for example, is handsome to look at and also practical, should you need a place for your toes to perch.

How will I dress my coffee table?

Knowing what you plan to put on your coffee table makes all the difference for selecting the right one. I love to keep a tray on the table where any useful items or décor can live. Remotes can be tucked away in a glamorous box. Keep a few interesting books for your guests to flip through. Work in something organic! (A floral, greenery, etc.).

Most of all, your coffee table should provide functionality and suit your own personal style and aesthetic. If you're unsure what that is, come stop by Alice Lane for some inspiration. Right now during our Very Best Sale you can get 20% off all coffee tables.

3 Tips For Buying Quality Upholstery

Buying new furniture is an exciting thing for a lot of us! However, there are so many beautiful options out there that along with all the excitement it can become overwhelming. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start shopping so that you can filter through your options more quickly and shop with confidence.

Construction:   Most likely you won't have the luxury of seeing the raw frame of the sofa or chair you're interested in, so ask about it's construction. Upholstered furniture that is built with kiln dried hardwood, doweled, screwed and glued frames will increase the longevity of the piece, keeping it from getting creaky over time and reduce any potential failure. Quality construction will ensure your piece will last for years to come.

Comfort: Many people don't realize that a lot of manufactures offer different cushion options (down, poly, or a blend fill). When choosing a cushion think about what makes you most comfortable while using the sofa or chair. For example: Is the sofa going to be used for lounging while watching a movie? If so, consider choosing a down fill. Remember that different cushions require different maintenance too. A down fill, for example, will need to be fluffed each time you’re done using it. I prefer a blend seat myself, but choose what makes you most comfortable.

Fabric: Here’s where it can get really complicated! Every manufacturer has dozens of fabric options and it can get crazy. My advice is to go into the store with a design plan in mind. Know what you want and don’t let the prolific options distract you: keep your eye on the prize! It really comes down to color, content, and texture. Once you know your color scheme, find a fabric that is made of the right materials for your needs. Fabrics with a high content of synthetic fibers will be inherently more stain resistant and durable. If you have little kids this trait won't go unappreciated...trust me. Lastly, look for a fabric with some texture to it. It really doesn't have anything to do with quality per se, but textured fabric helps to hid wrinkles and makes the everyday wear less visible.

My last tip...don't compromise! You don't have to sacrifice comfort for style, or visa versa. With these 3 tips in hand, you have everything you need to find the perfect upholstered piece for your home. And of course, there's no better time to shop than right now when you can get 20% off all upholstery during our Very Best Sale. Happy furniture hunting!

Josh's Pick - The Civil Chair

I love furniture pieces that are unique and interesting, but that feel grounded in classic design. A piece that looks like it’s been around for a while and still manages to be fresh and new.

The Civil chair, designed by Peter Jacob for Wesley Hall, does just that. It is a classic club chair silhouette, but instead of the traditional button tufting, this guy’s got channels stitched into the leather. The channels somehow feel more modern while at the same time giving the chair a bit of a throwback vibe. And check out the woodwork detail on the leg – perfection.

The Civil chair would be great in a library, a study or even the reading nook in your master bedroom. Bonus...during our Very Best Sale, you can get 20% off this and all of our upholstery and casegoods.

Civil Chair - $4659.25

French Moderne Manor - Finish Work

The finish work is almost complete at the parade home and all I can say is...WOW! It's incredibly exhilarating to see our sketches and design plans start to take shape. Bravo to our finish workers who are making it a reality! French architecture is most recognized for it's elaborate and ornate moldings in the finish work, so of course this house is full of it...but with a modern twist of course. It is, how you say, 'je ne sais quoi.' Here's a look at the built-ins from the office that were just installed. See that glass in the middle...that's a fish tank! It's definitely going to be the coolest fish tank I've ever seen. And to say that tiled floor is a show stopper is an understatement!

The newel posts for the railings are incredible - and massive! Once installed, they'll be finished off with a black lacquer coat. You'll also notice a repeating theme throughout the finish work...can you spot it? The circles on the balustrade can be seen again in the large columns in the living area. It's all in the details. We're getting a little anxious for this project to finish up. We can't wait to get in there and get it ready for the Utah Valley Parade of Home this summer. Stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks on our French Moderne Manor.

Thom Filicia at Alice Lane

Thom Filicia is the whole package when it comes to being an interior designer. Those familiar with him from Queer Eye For the Straight Guy or who met him at our event 2 weeks ago know that he has one of the most contagious personalities - he instantly makes those he meets feel like the most important person in the room. We saw firsthand at our event just how easygoing and forthright he is, which is the same vibe we got when reading his latest book, American Beauty. We should also mention that we're BIG FANS of his work. In fact, our showroom always includes pieces from the Thom Filicia Home Collection. During his recent visit we styled a complete Thom Filicia vignette in his honor; the sofa, art, chairs, rug and table were personally curated by Thom. No wonder we love it! Stop by the store at Trolley Square to see it all.

Thom is known for having an effortless cool and cozy look. It's masculine, yet refined and delicate all at the same time. We used his book for inspiration and incorporated some of Thom's staple design tricks into our own styling of his vignette. Here are just a few of the beautiful designs by Thom Filicia that you'll find in his book.

His looks are stunning and his countless accolades in the world of design are well deserved. Thom continues to create spectacular design that, of course, you can always find at Alice Lane. And don't forget, now through April 27th all upholstery and casegoods (including those from the Thom Filicia collection) are 20% off. So stop by today!

Three Tips For A Welcoming Front Door

A home's front door is your first impression. Think of the last time you went to someone’s house for the first time. How did their entrance make you feel? Did you feel welcomed or was it a little uninviting? Especially when coming out of a cold harsh winter, your front entrance might be in need of a little pick-me-up for spring. Here are some simple ways to make your entrance a memorable one. #1 – START WITH THE NUMBERS Every house has numbers, so why not find a cool way to show them? The font, style, size, finish, and layout of house numbers can speak volumes about who lives inside. Are your numbers big and bold or small and subdued? Find numbers that fit your personality and that work well with the integrity of your home. Plus, your guests will be grateful that your home can be easily spotted by it's number.

#2 – SOFTEN THE HARD STUFF The exterior of your home is obviously made up of hard finishes and mostly straight lines – even inside. Add some interest by softening the lines and finishes by bringing in some potted plants or flowers. This simple addition will also bring different textures and colors to your entrance. There's no better time to do this than in the spring. It adds automatic curb appeal to any home.

#3 – ADD SOME JEWELRY Most women will say that an outfit is not complete without jewelry. It’s a way to express yourself and add different layers. The same goes for your front door, too. Give it an over scaled door knocker or a beautiful kick plate (which will also protect your door). Just make sure your door handle is pretty awesome. After all, the hardware is what you're actually going to be using the most, so it's worth your while to invest in something you love.

I love some of these amazing door handle options from Rocky Mountain Hardware. They definitely make you want to grab on and walk through that front door.

If you're still trying to figure out what you need to do to your homes entrance, look at the homes around you for inspiration. Check out the neighborhood and ask yourself, "Does that house look inviting?" If it does, figure out why. My guess is that it has one or two of the items I have listed. So, assess your entry and implement some of these easy options!

The Very Best Sale

It's here! The Very Best Sale at Alice Lane begins today and runs through the month of April. Why is this is our very best sale? Well, it's the one time of year that all of our upholstery and casegoods are 20% off! We also have the very best team of Stylists that can help you customize your upholstery pieces and find the perfect chests, dressers, bookshelves, and cabinets for you. Stop by one of our stores today!

Changing Art With The Seasons

Over the past few years or so you've probably managed to acquire quite the collection of home decor specific to every season and holiday. Spring to winter, Easter to Christmas...you've got your bases covered. Let's be honest though, sometimes you just don't want to drag out the bins of decorations from storage, unpack everything, and rearrange your whole home just to do it all over again in a month or so. What a pain! Instead, start by simply changing up the art in your home to pieces that highlight each season. And no...we don't mean hanging pictures of bunnies and Easter eggs on your walls (although that might just be your thing). Instead, find subtle pieces that you can leave up all season long. Sticking with the color scheme of each season is a great place to start.

Pieces that incorporate elements of nature are a great way to bring the feeling of the seasons into your home. Try it for yourself this spring, you might just end up leaving your bunny decorations in storage for good!

Art-ful Selections

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that is especially true when it comes to art.  A piece of art needs to speak to you in some way for you to want to hang it on your wall and look at it every day.  That can be intimidating.  Because it is very personal, “rules” for selecting art can be tricky. However, there are some helpful guidelines that can take the anxiety out of the process and turn your space from drab to fab!

A safe rule of thumb is to choose art that is approximately two-thirds to three-fourths the size of the wall space you have, going slightly larger in more contemporary homes and slightly smaller for a more traditional feel. Also consider the shape of the wall space you have- is it a tall and narrow wall perfect for two narrow pieces of art on top of each other, or a wide wall that is screaming for a landscape?  Use the wall shape as your guide and then let your eyes and heart lead the way,

Be Daring!  A common faux pas is selecting art that is it too small, this often gets lost and/or shrinks the space.  Oversized art makes a space feel bold and is a wonderful jumping off point, becoming the inspiration that helps pull the rest of the room together.  Larger art in a smaller area can give the space a sense of grandeur and help your space feel larger than it actually is. When it comes to art, often bigger really is better!

An ideal solution for a large area is to create a gallery wall where you mix and match art sizes and mediums. This is a fun way to display smaller pieces of art, or art you have collected over time from travels and explorations that have sentimental value.  This will give your home a more layered feel and create a space that feels unique to you.

Now for my favorite tip - all art at Alice Lane is 20% off through the end of the month!  So come on down and have one of our amazing stylists help you find the perfect piece of art to complete your space! Happy hunting!

Thom Filicia Book Signing and Giveaway

It's time! He's here! Don't forget that Thom Filicia will be at Alice Lane Home Collection for a book signing event tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. We want to show Thom just how awesome the design community here in Utah is. We think he'll be blown away. And just in case meeting Thom isn't reason enough (which it totally is!), you'll get 20% off your entire purchase of full price in-store and special order items. Not to mention, you could be the lucky winner of one of the following giveaways:

• A signed copy of Thom Filicia's book
• A piece of art curated and signed by Thom Filicia
• One year subscription to Utah Style & Design

We hope to see you all there tonight. We know you're going to love Thom as much as we do.

Susan's Pick - Ginger Jars

Are you looking for a new way to bring spring into your home? Ginger jars are a perfect way to add new dimension to your surroundings. Plus they can be styled in a variety of ways, making them the perfect accessory to easily change up with the seasons. Take the lid off and your jar becomes a stunning vase that you can use to display cherry blossoms or other blooms.

Leave the lid on and group a collection of jars on a shelf or table for a classic and beautiful centerpiece. This is a look that never goes out of style.

And who says ginger jars are for interiors only? Most can be used on an outdoor table to add interest to your covered patio or deck.

Try several different sizes and shapes to get the look you’re after! Whether your jars are blue and white or solids of any other color, ginger jars are elegant, whimsical, and timeless. Give them a try in your own home and see how these versatile pieces can help make your home your favorite place on earth!

French Moderne Manor - Modern Bath Design

As the Parade of Homes draws closer, we are busily working on getting our French Modern Parade Home designs finished up. The project is still in construction mode, but we're finally starting to seeing some of our design elements take shape and form. One room in particular, the master bathroom, has us eagerly awaiting. We think you’re going to fall head-over-heels in love with this master bathroom. It’s so good you’ll never want to leave. I pinky swear. We’ve combined all our favorite bath fittings in one space with a perfect blend of technology and beauty – a sculptural soaking tub with a perfect pendant suspended above it, a steam shower with a book-matched marble wall, custom brass mirrors, a sparkling champagne ceiling and a Calcutta marble floor crisscrossing the whole space. Dreamy, no?

Here’s a glimpse at the initial design to spark your curiosity…

There's only a few short months to go until this amazing home makes it's debut! Don’t forget to block out your calendars for the Utah Valley Parade of Homes June 4 - 20, 2015. We’re excited to see you there!

Holly's Pick - Cake Stands

You know that bridal shower you’re hosting in a few weeks? Remember how you promised your BFF you’d do it, but you haven’t given it 2 seconds of thought?  Don’t stress.  On your to-do list simply write “Go to Alice Lane”. We have the most unique and beautiful serving pieces for hosting a memorable soiree.

Most importantly you need some cake stands. We just so happen to have some of the most unique and beautiful cake stands and platters. They’re new for spring, so you’ll want to get in on this. They are just so good. And did you know you can use cake stands for more than just cakes. Don't let the name fool you, cake stands are perfect for serving cupcakes, muffins, or any bite size food.

Try using a cake stand for something other than food, too. Stacking cake stands and arranging lit candles, or some fresh flowers, would make for a beautiful centerpiece. Even the platter itself can be the showstopper of your party with these beauties!