Susan's Pick - Cutting Boards

There's nothing more stylish and versatile in your kitchen than a great wooden cutting board. At our new store, Wonderland by Alice Lane, cutting boards come in many shapes, sizes, colors and with a price point between $15 to $86 they fit into any budget.

Use it for cutting and chopping to your hearts content or to serve up your favorite cheeses and accouterments. Sound fancy? It can be, but it's also hardworking, beautiful and down to earth. Just like you.

Did I mention they also make the perfect house-warming or hostess gift? It just so happens I have a dozen other perfect gifts in mind that you'll find at Wonderland. Curious what they are? Come check out our new store and I'll show you!

Lamp Sale - 20% Off In-Store Lamps

Need something to light up your Monday? Lucky you, our Lamp Sale is starting today! Get 20% off in-store table lamps and floor lamps now through July 4th. Sounds like a "bright" idea to me! Come see us and shop our large selection of lamps today.

Rugs 101: Types of Rugs

I love rugs! The right rug can really change the feel of a space, ground a furniture arrangement, create intimate settings out of one large space, and when selected properly - they just look goooood! However, understanding the world of rugs is really like learning a whole new language. Rug terminology can be tricky. Tufted, flat weave, hand-knotted, machine made...what does it all mean?! To help, keep these brief descriptions in mind the next time you go rug shopping: Flat Weave:  No pile, usually reversible, made of natural (cotton jute, wool) or synthetic fibers, comes in almost any color and pattern, are reasonably priced, and easy to clean. These rugs are excellent to use in your dining room or outdoor living spaces.

Hand-Knotted: Low to medium pile, extremely durable, generally made of wool, cotton (as a base only) and silk and no glues are used. This is the highest quality of rug you can buy and if made well they are great for high traffic areas.

Tufted: Low to medium pile. These have glue on the back to hold things in place and often times when you look at the back you can see the grid that the rug was tufted to. They are good for medium traffic areas. 

Power Loomed:  Machine made, have a latex/synthetic backing with glue sprayed on it, can be any length of pile, any color or pattern, and are generally the most reasonably priced.

When selecting a rug, make sure to consider the space it will be in.  Does it need to clear a door way? Use a no/low pile rug that has durability. Is it the first thing your feet touch when you get out of bed in the morning? Try using a high pile rug made with silk/viscose for extra softness. Do you need it to outlast your rambunctious kids while still making a statement?  Go for a durable hand-knotted beauty.  Let the construction and materials be your guide.  Also don’t forget the rug pad! This will reduce slippage and hold the rug in place, as well as add years to the life of your rug. And of course, if you have questions, our store stylists are always available to help guide you through the process.

Lauren's Pick - Park Avenue Bed @ Wonderland

We're excited to showcase some of our favorite items from our new store, Wonderland by Alice Lane. With so many beautiful new things to pick from, it's hard to pick a favorite! So let’s start by talking beds. The classic and elegant Park Avenue Bed recently made an appearance in our French Moderne Manor parade home, and we have been drooling over it!

The classic tufting, sophisticated lines and attention grabbing scale make it an irresistible focal point in any bedroom.

The best thing about the Park Avenue is its style versatility. Dress it up, or dress it down for a sophisticated yet comfortable look. Make sure to stop into Wonderland to see this superstar currently selling for $1,167.50. And stay tuned over the next few weeks as we showcase some more of our favorite finds from Wonderland!

Closet Styling Tips & Tricks

In our recent reveal of Cara Loren's fashion-forward closet (check it out here if you missed it!) I shared some tips on how we made her closet work perfectly for her. While you may not have the same luxury of converting an entire 11' x 11' room into your own personal closet, there are a few styling tricks you can do to help make your closet look just as fabulous! First things first...organize! A closet can look pretty blasé when it's crammed full of nothing but clothes, shoes, and accessories. I know, I know...where else are you supposed to put it all!? Start by sorting through your pieces and putting like things together. Whether you sort by colors or styles, grouping like things together gives your closet a more cohesive look! If you're really shy on space, a great trick is to switch out your clothes seasonally and put those bulky winter items away in storage for a few months.

Okay...now that you're organized, the real fun can begin! Even if you have the most beautiful clothes in the world, it's the accessorizing that makes or breaks a closet. My first tip -- use coffee table fashion books! They're perfect to lay flat and stack shoes on top of, lean them against a shelf wall, or push them to the back so everything in front can support that look. A beautiful book cover with interesting photography can make any of your shoes or purses seem like runway fashion!

Next, pull in sculptural objects to give your eye somewhere to rest in between all the purses and shoes. Objects don't take up a lot of space, but they complete the look. You can even make them useful by draping necklaces or hats on them.

Trays are by far the most beautiful and functional way to group small collections of lipsticks, jewelry, or clutches together. Everything looks less random when it's housed in a beautiful way.

A favorite trick of mine when styling any type of shelving is to push a piece of art or photography against the back wall (or cubby in the case of your closet). It gives your eye something to read and makes everything up front look dressed up.

If you have windows in your closet...don't forget window treatments! Window treatments can help stabilize your space. Go all out with a bold and fashionable print like we did for Cara. Whatever you do, make it you!

Now you know all the tips and tricks! Have fun styling your closet like you would any of your daily outfits! Who knows, maybe afterward you'll even feel inspired to start your own fashion blog!

 Photo Credit: Nicole Gerulat

Cara Loren on Alice Lane: The Reveal

The art of closet design is like a strategic puzzle -- in order for it to work and be beautiful, everything must fit! When it comes to Cara Loren's closet...there are a lot of shoes to fill! Both literally and figuratively. It’s not just a place for Cara to hang her clothes at the end of the day. You see, Cara’s clothes are her job! Her closet serves as both an office, set design for tutorials, and houses the volumes of clothes, clutches, coats, and jewelry that she pulls from to create her looks. Now if you ask me, that’s a big job for an 11' x 11' room.

With the right design though, the last puzzle piece fits and the final result is picturesque! We hope you’ll enjoy some of the highlights below and reading our thoughts on what made her closet both successful and beautiful!

Island: Her closet island is the perfect height (36”) to stand and fold clothes on, prep outfits, and even pack for trips. Plus it’s loaded with drawers! Twenty-two drawers to be exact. Each are filled with its own specific item: socks, slips, bras, tights, pants, or jewelry. You name it, its got a drawer. The island top has 4 beveled glass panels that allow you to view the jewelry in the top drawers, like a jewelry case. Oh! And we made all of the interiors of the drawers pink! Ever noticed how everyone and everything looks good in pink!?

Built-Ins: Grouping like colors and styles together help tell a story. Each little scene has a cohesive look; whether it be party brights, neutrals and metallic, black and white, etc. The upper cubbies are a good place for this type of styling. It’s not everyday useful stuff, but the eye loves all of these beautiful moments. We kept all of the items Cara uses and needs most within reach and at eye level or lower to the ground.

Finishes: While it’s a large closet, we had no trouble filling up the shelves! So knowing where to pull a punch or where to keep things visually quiet was key to not overwhelming the eye. We did this by keeping contrast at a minimum, using dark tones instead of the traditional white closet interiors. The closet has 3 large windows that filter in a lot of natural sunlight, so we felt good about using our smokey tones, black carpet, and cerused black island. We mirrored the backs of all the open shelving to give some sparkle, reflect light, and add depth. Mirrors are a great space-expanding trick! The upper cubbies, however, we painted the same color as the ceiling to give it that "hat box" effect. I love how the upper vignettes look styled inside those dark shells! It’s so sophisticated, and makes it look like everything is on stage!

Function: Heel toe, Heel toe… light to dark, short to long. After arranging hundreds of clothes and shoes it became quite the song and dance! We grouped like items together which resulted in a more cohesive finished look (and less like a garage sale), and also makes things easier to find. One type of hanger was used throughout. Cara opted for the thinner space-saving black velour hangers. They play the perfect supporting role! Everything in the closet serves a purpose, even that lamp does it’s job to not just give off light but to also hold necklaces!

Cara’s fashion sense always seems to put a twist on a trend. She’s constantly surprising, inspiring, and challenging us to think outside the fashion box. Her ability to combine things in unusual ways to get a “look” that isn’t ordinary is what I love about her style! Working with Cara on her closet was a joy.

She’s every girl…easy, approachable, kind, and real. But she just happens to be extraordinarily beautiful and great at what she does, too!

Designers: Stacie Graves & Jessica Bennett Photo Credit: Nicole Gerulat

Parade of Homes - French Moderne Manor

The Utah Valley Parade of Homes has begun and we're honored to be a part of it this year! The parade is known for showcasing some of the most beautifully designed homes in the valley. Our project, of course, is of no exception! In collaboration with McEwan Custom Homes, we designed and furnished the most beautiful modern French-style home in the hills of Highland, UT. Appropriately named the French Moderne Manor.

If you plan on attending the 2015 Utah Valley Parde of Homes, you definitely need to add this home to your "must see" list (home #25). The parade runs through June 20 and you can tour the home Tuesday - Saturday from noon to 5:00 p.m. You can buy tickets online at uvparade.com.

For those of you unable to attend, don't worry...we'll be giving you a virtual tour of the home on the blog over the next several weeks, so stay tuned! In the meantime, here are a few sneak peeks to get your heart racing...

Wonderland - Stylish & Afforable

Hopefully by now you've heard our exciting news - We've rebranded our Orem store to Wonderland by Alice Lane! It's an entirely new concept store by Alice Lane Home with all new product lines and vendors. It offers stylish and affordable home furnishings, accessories, and gifts and has something for everyone to love! Thanks to our amazing customers, both loyal and new, Wonderland is off to exciting start!

So why the rebrand, you ask? The answer - you asked for it! We have so many admirers of our store and this was an opportunity for us to be more inclusive and make that Alice Lane look accessible to everyone. What seemed impossible at first has quickly become our reality! After months of searching and planning, our talented team hand picked these stylish and affordable pieces for our Wonderland collection, just for you.

Offering more than just home furnishings and accessories, our Orem store is full of the best gifts too! There's everything from aromatic candles to gold dipped jewelry and even hand made clutches and purses.

 

Be sure to follow @wonderlandbyalicelane on instagram for new product finds and store happenings. Wonderland is located in our original Orem location at 1350 S. State State, so come stop by and get lost in Wonderland! And for those who want to continue to shop our original Alice Lane Home Collection, you will still find us at Trolley Square in Salt Lake City.

Debi's Pick - Large Art

I like big art and I cannot lie! OK...enough of the Sir Mix A Lot parodies, but really...there's nothing that transforms a room more than an over sized piece of art.

The size makes every subject more graphic, and it both elevates and grounds the room at the same time.

Whether colorful or neutral, photographic or just graphic, hung or propped, a large piece of art makes a statement that is both confident and fresh! So, when you're looking for that special something to take your room to the next level...Go big! We always have a variety of large art pieces throughout the store, so come stop by and get some inspiration or find that perfect piece that will give your room some back!

Kiana's Pick - Temple Jars

Temple Jars are a staple accessory at Alice Lane! We love using them in so many different settings. I especially love them for the spring and summer months to display live blooms or branches.

Use multiple sizes and styles to make it even more interesting. They look great in a grouping as a centerpiece on your dining table. Or, style a collection of a few jars together on a mantle, console table, or dresser.

A single large jar with full branches looks great on an entry table. You can’t go wrong with these bad boys! It's not wonder they're a favorite!

We just got a large shipment of temple jars in, so come stop by and pick out your very own temple jar to style in your home.

Side Table Stardom

And the Best Supporting Side Table Goes To….! When we begin designing a room, we typically start by casting major pieces first, or what we like to call the star of the space. In a living room, this is likely to be an amazing rug, the main statement-making sofa, a super stylish cocktail table, or a unique chair. Then we fill in the space with supporting actors, like side tables, lamps, decorative pillows and accents. Just as in the big blockbuster movies we love to rush out and see opening weekend, the best spaces employ a mix of shining stars and strong supporting pieces.

When selecting your Best Supporting Side Table – here are some directors’ cues:

1. Make sure the scale of the table is appropriate to the room and to the adjoining upholstery pieces. Larger spaces can handle tables that are both wide and deep, but a smaller room might need something that feels more open – try a leggy table with a low shelf or a Lucite side table to take up minimal visual weight.

2. Try using side tables that will provide juxtaposition to your cocktail table – for example, if your cocktail table is leggy and glass, use a wood side table with some closed storage. If your space is small and you want both pieces to feel light, try mixing up the shape with a round side table or one with angular legs.

3. A pair of side tables flanking a sofa creates a great formal look, but if your space calls for a second style of table, make sure your choices complement one another without matching exactly. A mix of styles creates depth and will elevate your design performance to Oscar worthy, while a matching set tends to look like student work.

So when you’re looking for your Mammy to go with your Scarlett O’Hara (link: Movies Where Both Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress Won Oscars) don’t just throw any old side table into the mix. Make sure you get that Best Supporting Side Table trophy! Plus it's always nice when you can achieve stardom at a discount. Through the rest this week get 20% off any side table during The Very Best Sale. All upholstery and casegoods included. Now go break a leg!

(images via Elle Décor, Veranda)

Our Secret Revealed...Wonderland by Alice Lane!

 

Andrea's Pick - Jet Set Curio

From the first time I laid eyes on the Jet Set Curio, I knew I’d never be the same. This piece strikes the perfect balance of modern and glamour. I can definitely see myself in it...literally!

Between the clean lines of the silhouette and paneled doors, combined with the mirrors and hammered gold hardware, I say this cabinet can do no wrong. The Jet Set Curio Cabinet is sophisticated, yet versatile enough to work in many spaces.

Whether you find it a home in your dining room or bedroom, it will make a striking statement! She's 20% off right now during The Very Best Sale, which has been extended through May 16. Come in today and see for yourself just how good you'll look in it!

Book Shelf Styling

Styling a bookcase can be a tricky thing if you don’t have enough books to fill all of the spaces on the shelf. They can easily become very busy and cluttered if they’re not well planned out. I’d love to share a few of my favorite tips and tricks to help you find success when styling your shelves.

I love neutrals, so naturally my heart loves a white clean book shelf to start with. Using multiple pieces and books that are white, gray, or black are a sure fire way to keep your shelves looking clean, and not overly cluttered (even if you do have a lot on them). I always like to layer in some warmer pieces as well with either wood sculptures, woven baskets, or greenery to make sure it doesn't pull on the side of too cold or stark. Using lighter looking pieces like glass bottles on the top shelves helps you steer clear from making the shelf appear top heavy.

Layering art inside your book shelf is an excellent trick that I feel is sometimes over looked. It’s an opportunity to be reminded of some of your favorite memories with family or friends and can serve as conversation starters when entertaining. Art gives your shelving a custom look that is specific to only you. So even if your neighbor has the same bookcase, layering in your own art can make it look like a completely different piece.

Art is not only good on the inside of your shelving, but if you have built-ins, take the opportunity to layer art over your shelf too. It will make the space feel more collected and also cover up some space that you may have trouble filling otherwise. My biggest tip that I feel is most important when styling your shelves (especially if they’re large) is to use the largest pieces that you can.  They can stand on their own, acting as beautiful sculptures, and will keep you from over styling your shelves.

Keep it clean, keep it collected, and use art and sculptural pieces to make your shelving your very own. Our Very Best Sale has been extended (20% off!) so come to one of our two locations in Orem or Salt lake to find a shelf that will be the perfect fit for your home!

Rachel's Pick - Gifts For Mom

Everyone has a woman in their life that deserves a big thank you. With Mother’s Day almost here, I've chosen a few of my favorite gifts from Alice Lane that will show the women in your lives just how much you appreciate all they do for you. You really can't go wrong with any of these beautiful accessories!

Jewelry is always a great option, for both mothers living close to home or far away. Who doesn't love a gorgeous and stylish piece of jewelry – especially one that will keep her thinking of you every time she wears it? Give the mother in your life something as beautiful as she is!

Maybe you have one of those moms who's cooking you just couldn't go without! Show her how much you appreciate all those home cooked meals by giving her a new cookbook to add to her collection. Of course, she'll need a new cake platter to put all those delicious new treats she bakes on too! Maybe you can even convince her to share.

Some moms just need a way to help them relax. A new scent for her home is exactly the thing that when she kicks up her heels at the end of a long day and takes a deep breath will make her say "Awwwhhh."

Of course, we have a gift for you too! For the entire week you'll get 20% off all accessories from Alice Lane during our Gift Sale. Don't forget that treating yourself to a little Mother's Day love is also allowed!

Mother's Day Gift Sale

 

Creating Outdoor Living Spaces

It is almost that time… time to begin spending every extra moment outdoors! This also means that it’s time to start thinking about that outdoor furniture you’ve always wanted. Transform your outdoor living space into something both beautiful and functional with just a few pieces. No idea where to start? Here are a few tips to get you started!

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE ZONES Designing outdoor areas revolve around how you are going to use the space. First decide what functions are most important to you, then zone your space into smaller areas for each. These spaces could include lounge areas, dining areas, open space for playing catch, or raised garden beds - just to name a few. Selecting some simple pieces on an empty balcony, or locating a dining area in an unexpected place, are easy ways to make the those warm summer nights more enjoyable.

GO BIG After all, you have the space, so why not use it? Open spaces outside usually create a unique opportunity to bring larger than life moments to your home. Fill your empty areas with large pieces of greenery, deep and comfortable lounge furniture, and open architectural moments. Don’t forget to include lighting for a completed look.

ADD SOME PERSONALITY As always, adding your personality is the best final touch. Outdoor furniture is anything but boring these days. There are endless shapes, textures and fabrics that also happen to be durable and resistant to harsh outdoor elements. Find the perfect pieces for you – pieces that extend your beautiful home into the great outdoors.

[picture source: architectural digest]

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.