Rachel's Pick - Tibetan Fur Directoire Chair

You guys... I have a thing for fur. This Tibetan Fur Directoire’s chair is the perfect combination of elegant and fun with its classy white upholstery and the brass finish on the arm rest and legs. She stands alone and is a bit of a diva – she's definitely a conversation starter.

The best part about this baby is that she is currently 40% off! If you have had your eye on her, or if it is love at first sight - now is the time to come by and get her! Adding this chair to any room is sure to add style and an element of fun, and it is comfortable too. She won't be on sale for very much longer, so come snag her while you can!

Show N' Tell - French Moderne Manor: Part II

Today we're taking you into the master suite of the French Moderne Manor, which is without a doubt the most luxurious and glamorous room in the home. Plush fur rugs, floor to ceiling white linen draperies, and dusty purple velvet furnishings are what make this master bedroom so incredibly inviting and relaxing. Exactly what you'd want from a bedroom. The room is grand in design, but modest in size, with an intimate sitting/lounging area next to an exquisite marble surround fireplace. It's no wonder this room was voted "Best Master Suite" in the 2015 Utah Valley Parade of Homes People's Choice Awards.

The master bathroom is equally as elegant. I mean...let's talk about those marble floors and metallic ceiling. The same french gray cabinetry you saw in the kitchen was replicated in the bathroom cabinets and vanity. Of course, you'll notice a little bit more sparkle on these...nothing says "bling" quite like gold dipped geode hardware.

Senior Designer: Christy Klomp Designers: Kendra Stephensen & Kristina Kellet Jr. Designer: Griffin McCabe

FINISHES BEDROOM: Wall Color - Benjamin Moore Gray Mist | Fireplace Surround - Marble | Wall Sconce & Chandelier available through Alice Lane BATHROOM: Tub - Juliet I Tub by MTI Baths | Wall Color - Benjamin Moore Gray Mist | Ceiling Color - Liquapearl (LP1013) by MDC | Flooring - Honed Calacatta Gold by Daltile | Countertops - Butterfly Marble from Italia Marble & Granite | Hardware - Crowned Quartz Knob by Anthropologie | Mirrors - Custom | Wall Sconce & Chandelier available through Alice Lane

photos by weston colton

Last 3 Days!!! End of Season Sale Ends Saturday

It's the LAST 3 DAYS of our End of Season Sale, and we are ready to ramp things up! We just added over 50 new items to our sale room - all up to 70% off. It's an orange tag frenzy, with hundreds of items lined up and ready for the taking! Here are a few of the new items we've just added to the mix, and don't forget to check out our previous blog post featuring more items from the sale (here). Call us or come stop by, we'd love to help you find that perfect piece (at a steal of deal, too!).

All sale items up to 70% off

HOLDEN CHAISE – 20% Off Original Price: $1,560 | SALE PRICE: $1,248

CHLOE CHAIR (SOLD) – 60% Off Original Price: $1,846 | SALE PRICE: $739

CULLEN CHAIR – 50% Off Original Price: $2,337 | SALE PRICE: $1,168

RIVER REED STRIPE RUG (9x12) – 40% Off Original Price: $1,390 | SALE PRICE: $834

HARRINGTON SLIPCOVER SOFA – 40% Off Original Price: $3,928 | SALE PRICE: $2,357

IMPERIAL COFFEE TABLE – 25% Off Original Price: $1,215 | SALE PRICE: $911

NEW AGE LINEN CHAIR – 50% Off Original Price: $1,526 | SALE PRICE: $763

DARBY CHAIR– 40% Off Original Price: $1,947 | SALE PRICE: $1,168

WESTMORELAND CABINET – 30% Off Original Price: $5,197 | SALE PRICE: $3,638

RIPLEY DINING CHAIR (3 Available) – 40% Off Original Price: $338 | SALE PRICE: $202 each

TIBET FUR DIRECTOIRE CHAIR (2 Available) – 40% Off Original Price: $2,888 | SALE PRICE: $1,733 each

DORWIN LEATHER CHAIR (2 Available) – 30% Off Original Price: $2,210 | SALE PRICE: $1,547 each

JOHN OTTOMAN (2 Available) – 20% Off Original Price: $1,066 | SALE PRICE: $852 each

CODY DUNE LEATHER CHAIR – 40% Off Original Price: $2,098 | SALE PRICE: $1,258

CARMEN LAMP – 40% Off Original Price: $815 | SALE PRICE: $489

VERONA CHAIR – 50% Off Original Price: $447 | SALE PRICE: $224

BRUNETTE FINISH SIDE CHAIR – 50% Off Original Price: $562 | SALE PRICE: $281

WEXLER CHAIR – 40% Off Original Price: $2,314 | SALE PRICE: $1,389

GRAPPA BISQUE CHAIR (2 Available) – 40% Off Original Price: $2,530 | SALE PRICE: $1,518 each

BARLOW NESTING TABLES – 30% Off Original Price: $819 | SALE PRICE: $573

DEAN CHAIR – 20% Off Original Price: $1,443 | SALE PRICE: $1,154

DRAFTERS COFFEE TABLE – 50% Off Original Price: $1,484 | SALE PRICE: $742

CHARTING TABLE – 50% Off Original Price: $1,429 | SALE PRICE: $714

MARAIS BENCH – 50% Off Original Price: $987 | SALE PRICE: $493

JEAN BEDSIDE TABLE – 40% Off Original Price: $2,205 | SALE PRICE: $1,323

Show N' Tell - French Moderne Manor: Part I

We are thrilled to finally be revealing the French Moderne Manor! After working on this project for several years, it's bitter-sweet to have it come to an end. When you design a home from the ground up it sort of becomes your baby. We had a big final push (there's your baby analogy!) to get this home ready for the Utah Valley Parade of Homes this year. We were so humbled by the kind words and praise we received from the thousands of parade goers. We hope you enjoy it, too! We'll be revealing the home in chunks (there's just so much!) throughout the month of August, so be sure to check back for more pictures of the home as we share them. To kick things off, we thought we'd start with one of our favorite areas in the home...the kitchen! The homeowners were all for mixing metals here, and you better believe we ran with that to the finish line! The diamond front french gray cabinets, 18K gold faucets, and brass and stainless steel range-hood are just a few of the things that make this kitchen remarkable!

The dining area sits right off the kitchen with a vaulted ceiling and large grid windows that frame the mountain side views out back. Tucked off to the side of the kitchen is the butlers pantry...which is adorned with classic french design, including black and white check floors (with a modern twist of course!).

Senior Designer: Christy Klomp Designers: Kendra Stephensen & Kristina Kellet Jr. Designer: Griffin McCabe

FINISHES KITCHEN: Floors - White Oak | Wall Color - Benjamin Moore Gray Mist | White Cabinets - Benjamin Moore Sea Pearl | Gray Cabinets - Custom Mix | Countertops & Backsplash - Macaubus Quartzite | Island Pendants - Goodman Hanging Lamp by Visual Comforts | Range Hood - Custom DINING ROOM: Wall Color - Benjamin Moore Gray Mist | Chandelier - Muriel Chandelier by Visual Comforts PANTRY: Ceiling Wallpaper - Cornelius by Thibaut | Flooring: Lagos Blue Limestone and Arctic Gray Limestone by Daltile | White Cabinets - Benjamin Moore Sea Pearl | Countertops - Soapstone | Backsplash - Folio Series Field Tile in Snow Drift by Daltile

photos by weston colton

How To Get That Custom Home Look

There are many reasons someone decides to build a new home, but by far the most notorious reason is because they want a home that fits their exact needs and tastes....a custom home. While not everyone can afford to go 100% custom, choosing a community home builder is a great way to get new construction and still be able to select some of those custom finishes you're looking for. We just wrapped up designing a parade home with Destination Homes in their Daybreak Lake Village community, so we thought we'd share some of our tips and tricks on how to obtain that "custom" look when building with a builder. 1. Tweak the Floor Plan

Most community home builders have a handful of floor plans for you to choose from. It's important that you find the floor plan that meets your needs best (number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, etc.), but don't leave it at that! The key to turning a generic floor plan into a custom one is finding those areas of opportunity where you can do something special! At the Lakeside Loft we converted an empty wall cavity in the bedroom into some open shelving. We also added some built-ins next to the fireplace and even reconfigured the kitchen layout. Take your furniture into consideration, too. Will your sofa fit there? Will the windows be centered behind the bed? Do you need an outlet in the floor for your sofa table lamp? Little structural changes like this can go a long way!

2. Upgrade Where It Matters Most

Most home builders will allow you to "upgrade" a number of finishes in your home, and you may find yourself wanting to upgrade everything! While there is certainly no harm in this, you may find your budget disappearing quicker than you thought! Our recommendation is to upgrade the most permanent finishes first. Things like flooring and cabinets should be first on your list of upgrades. It's hard for us to really put a limit on the upgrades, because let's be honest...we all want the fancy finishes! Things like hardware and light fixtures are the jewelry pieces in your design and can make such an impact! However, if you find yourself having to cut back, go basic on those items for now and you can always change them out later. At the Lakeside Loft, we decided to make a major upgrade to the kitchen cabinets and painted them indigo. Not only are they a killer statement piece in the design, but it really gives them that custom look.

3. Push The Design Limits

So now that you've sat and picked out all your finishes it's time to think about how those finishes are being applied. You know that black slate tile you chose for the mudroom...wouldn't it be cool if you had it laid in a herringbone pattern!? Or what if you took your subway back splash all the up to the ceiling? That's exactly what we did in the Lakeside Loft to give it that high-end look. We even eliminated some of the upper kitchen cabinets and replaced them with open shelving (which was also less expensive!). And our favorite design element of the home was adding the ship lap walls in the entryway. Stunning! You'd be surprised what custom changes you can get away with if you just ask.

4. Be Involved Throughout The Building Process

Just because you've wrapped up your design center appointment doesn't mean you now just sit and wait for your home to be built. Make frequent visits to the build site to ensure you're happy with how things are developing. Depending on your builder, you can usually make some minor changes throughout the building process if needed. Things are hard to visualize on paper, so it's a good idea to make sure you love it just as much in person too. Who knows, you may even pick up on another hidden design opportunity you didn't see before. For us, Destination Homes was excellent to work with and we kept an open line of communication throughout the entire process. Our Lakeside Loft is nothing short of beautiful!

If you're looking for some inspiration, be sure to stop by the Lakeside Loft (house #32) at this years 2015 Salt Lake Parade of Homes, designed by yours truly! We love the opportunity to get to work on homes of all types and styles. Once again, proving that beautiful design can happen on anywhere!

Deeper Discounts - End of Season Sale

Everyone likes a good sale, but when a sale item goes on sale...now that's something! All items in our End of Season Sale have just been marked down an additional 10% to 20% off their already discounted prices. With select pieces up to 70% off retail, you'll be leaving with a bag full of goodies and a click of your heels! Here are a few of our remaining End of Season Sale items and their newly marked down prices:

KENT SOFA - 30% Off Original Price: $4,563 | SALE PRICE: $3,650 $3,194

BANKS SIDE TABLE - 30% Off Original Price: $1,074 | SALE PRICE: $860 $752

HACKNEY FEATHER CHAIR - 50% Off (SOLD) Original Price: $1,820 | SALE PRICE: $910

OLIVE BRANCHES - 60% Off Original Price: $431 | SALE PRICE: $216 $176

CHASE REEDED SIDE TABLE - 40% Off Original Price: $1,537 | SALE PRICE: $1,076 $922.50

PURPLE FISH ON BLUE ART - 60% Off Original Price: $872 | SALE PRICE: $436 $349

MARLENA CHAIR - 40% Off Original Price: $1,794 | SALE PRICE: $1,256 $1,050

AMERICAN CRANK FLOOR LAMP - 60% Off Original Price: $1,417 | SALE PRICE: $708 $567

STRIKING STITCH PILLOW - 60% Off Original Price: $237 | SALE PRICE: $118 $95

TROPICAL PLANT PILLOW - 60% Off Original Price: $208 | SALE PRICE: $104 $83.20

INDIAN ZAG PILLOW - 70% Off Original Price: $225 | SALE PRICE: $67.50

CHINA GARDEN PILLOW - 60% Off Original Price: $689 | SALE PRICE: $345 $279

BRATTLE ROAD ARMLESS CHAIR – 40% Off Original Price: $1,352 | SALE PRICE: $946.40 $811.20

MALIBU CONSOLE – 40% Off Original Price: $2,660 | SALE PRICE: $1,862 $1,356

GUSTAVIAN HALF ROUND TABLE – 30% Off Original Price: $1,605 | SALE PRICE: $1,284 $1,124

BOWMAN COCKTAIL TABLE – 50% Off Original Price: $3,380 | SALE PRICE: $2,366 $1,690

DIRECTOR CHAIR – 30% Off Original Price: $1,872 | SALE PRICE: $1,498 $1,310

ABSTRACT TRELLIS RUG – 30% Off Original Price: $6,750 | SALE PRICE: $5,400 $4,725

FONTANA COFFEE TABLE - 30% OFF Original Price: $2,327 | SALE PRICE: $1,862 $1,629

VEGA COCKTAIL TABLE - 30% OFF Original Price: $1,674 | SALE PRICE: $1,340 $1,172

FRENCH CARICATURE ART – 40% Off Original Price: $612.50 | SALE PRICE: $428 $367.50

CAVELLO STONE OTTOMAN – 30% Off (SOLD) Original Price: $1,043 | SALE PRICE: $834 $729.40 (each)

PISA OTTOMAN – 30% Off Original Price: $375 | SALE PRICE: $281 $225 (each)

HAVANA CHAIR – 30% Off Original Price: $507 | SALE PRICE: $406 $351

OSLO CHAIR – 30% Off Original Price: $1,677 | SALE PRICE: $1,342 $1,174

GOOD NEWS ART – 40% Off Original Price: $432 | SALE PRICE: $303 $259

KANTHA PILLOW – 50% Off Original Price: $68.75 | SALE PRICE: $42 $34.75 (each)

ALTO VELVET PILLOW CHINA BLUE – 60% Off Original Price: $429 | SALE PRICE: $215 $172

SILVER CHAIR – 40% Off Original Price: $2,405 | SALE PRICE: $1,684 $1,443

REPTILE WALL HOOKS – 40% Off Original Price: $85 | SALE PRICE: $59.50 $51 (each)

JULES CONSOLE TABLE – 30% Off Original Price: $1,674 | SALE PRICE: $1,340 $1,172

THANK YOU FOR THE WORLD ART  – 60% Off Original Price: $400 | SALE PRICE: $200 $160

PINK FERN ART – 60% Off Original Price: $397 | SALE PRICE: $199 $139

FES END TABLE – 40% Off Original Price: $1,197 | SALE PRICE: $838 $718

DECATUR CHAIR – 40% Off Original Price: $1,260 | SALE PRICE: $882 $756

CONCERTO II ART – 30% Off Original Price: $346 | SALE PRICE: $277 $242.20

LEATHER WELT PILLOW – 60% Off Original Price: $182 | SALE PRICE: $91 $73

FABRIC WELT PILLOW – 60% Off Original Price: $143 | SALE PRICE: $71.50 $57.20

PARISIAN FACADE ART – 30% Off Original Price: $392 | SALE PRICE: $315 $275

CRYSTAL SHADOW BOX APRICOT/PEACH – 40% Off (SOLD) Original Price: $546 | SALE PRICE: $383 $259

9TH STREET SOFA – 30% Off (SOLD) Original Price: $5,494 | SALE PRICE: $4,395 $3,846

STOCKTON TABLE – 40% Off Original Price: $2,747 | SALE PRICE: $1,924 $1,648.50

MECANIQUE CABINET – 30% Off Original Price: $688 | SALE PRICE: $550 $481.25

GRAYSON GOLD BENCH – 30% Off Original Price: $2,997 | SALE PRICE: $2,249 $1,798

TRAY TOP COCKTAIL TABLE – 30% Off Original Price: $1,979 | SALE PRICE: $1,498 $1,258

NAVY AND GOLD GEO ART – 40% Off Original Price: $309 | SALE PRICE: $217 $186 (each)

SELECT ACCESSORIES – 30% - 70% Off

CLARKSDALE PRIVACY SCREEN  – 50% Off Original Price: $6,245 | SALE PRICE: $3,123

JAMES CHAIR  – 70% Off Original Price: $2,494 | SALE PRICE: $748

The Alice in Alice Lane Home

"Hi, can I speak with Alice, please?" It's a frequent question we get here at Alice Lane. Usually we respond with a slight chuckle because, you see, Alice Lane isn't a person. It's a street. Or, at least that's what we thought up until last week when we received the most surprising phone call... Let's go back to the beginning shall we. If you've read our history you know that Adam and I named our business after the street we built our first dream home on: Alice Lane. It's a beautiful street tucked up on the east bench of Farmington, UT; surrounded by apple trees that were once part of an orchard that stood there before. Turns out that wasn't just any apple orchard though...it was Alice's apple orchard. Alice Burbidge and her husband once owned and tilled the very ground that our first custom home was built on. Their family farm is where they raised chickens, grew fruit trees, and harvested alfalfa. This is the real history behind Alice Lane.

Fast forward a few decades to when Alice's husband passed away and she sold her 15 acres of mountain land to a developer (our developer!). She moved on with life, but left just a small piece of her behind...her name engraved upon one of the street signs. Little did she know that that very street would soon steal our hearts and later become the inspiration for what is now our beloved interior design and home furnishings business.

For years I had wondered who that Alice might be! After all, you must be pretty special to have a street named after you. You can only imagine my excitement when Alice's grand-daughter (who's also appropriately named Allison) contacted us and told us her grandmother's story. She then asked if we'd like to meet her. You mean, there really is an Alice after all!?! Of course we wanted to meet her! We arranged to have Alice and her grand-daughter visit us at our Trolley Square location. At the young age of 90, Alice is as sharp as a tack and is as witty as she is wise! We swapped stories and reminisced about the very same place we once called home. That feeling of "home" has stayed with me after all these years simply because I named our store after the greatest address there could ever be: Alice Lane.

I love that the complete history of Alice Lane has come full circle, and there couldn't be anything more special! What a treat to meet the woman behind the name. And in case you're wondering...next time someone calls in asking to speak with Alice, we'll tell them she's either busy making her renowned peanut brittle (which we can't wait to try!) or off practicing her golf swing. Alice, you'll forever be a part of our hearts!

Parker's Pick - Malouf Italian Sheets

The Italian Collection sheet sets from Malouf Fine Linens have totally re-prioritized the shopping list for my bedroom.  Forget the nightstands, plush rug, and new headboard; instead, give me a 400 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton sheet set.  Nothing else beckons you to bed like these cool, clean, crisp sheets.

[Shown in White 400 CT Italian Collection Set, King size - $550]

Woven in northern Italy, these sheets are 100% Egyptian cotton percale.  Each sheet set comes impeccably packaged with a card signed by the artisan who hand-inspected the sheets before sending them out.  The sheets look just as enticing in the box as they do on your bed, unfortunately sleeping in the box is not an option.

A 10-year warranty is included with every set, so rest easy knowing that these sheets will be with you for the long haul.  You will also find comfort in knowing that Malouf Fine Linens is headquartered in Logan, UT...yay for supporting the local economy!  The sheet sets come in all sizes ranging from Twin to California King, and if we don’t have your size in stock, shipping from Logan only takes one day (for you fellow Utahans).

Besides the refreshing feel of these sheets, one of my favorite things about them is the luxurious drawn thread hemstitching. It reminds you that you’re sleeping on something that was detailed, finished, and inspected by hand.  Available in white or ivory, these Italian beauties are calling your name! Come check them out at our Trolley Square location. I promise we won't judge if you find yourself sprawled out on our display!

www.maloufsleep.com

Jen's Pick - Stoneham Dining Table

I am a sucker for a round dining table. Most dining rooms are perfectly laid out for a rectangular table, but when your space allows it, I think it is so fun to throw in a round one. Not only are they great for conversing, but kitchens are usually full of hard lines so it is a great way to soften up the space.

Stoneham Table (W:55" D:55" H:30.5") - $1,663

This table at our Wonderland store in particular stole my heart. As much as I love round ones, it has been really difficult for me to find one that wasn’t too formal or too industrial for my kitchen. This table would look great in a variety of kitchen styles because of the mix between the concrete resin top and the wood bottom. It is fabulous! Come in to Wonderland to see it in person!

End Of Season Sale

It's that time of year again...time for the End of Season Sale at Alice Lane! You know how the saying goes, "Out with the old, in with the new." Our fall items from market are arriving daily, which means we need to make room on the showroom. That means YOU can save some mucho bucko (up to 70% off!) on select items in store.

Take a peek at some of the items we've just marked down...

CHINA GARDEN PILLOW – Original Price: $689 | SALE PRICE: $345

BRATTLE ROAD ARMLESS CHAIR – Original Price: $1,352 | SALE PRICE: $946.40

MALIBU CONSOLE – Original Price: $2,660 | SALE PRICE: $1,862

GUSTAVIAN HALF ROUND TABLE – Original Price: $1,605 | SALE PRICE: $1,284

JOHN OTTOMAN – Original Price: $1,066 | SALE PRICE: $853

BOWMAN COCKTAIL TABLE – Original Price: $3,380 | SALE PRICE: $2,366

DIRECTOR CHAIR – Original Price: $1,872 | SALE PRICE: $1,498

ABSTRACT TRELLIS RUG – Original Price: $6,750 | SALE PRICE: $5,400

FONTANA COFFEE TABLE – Original Price: $2,327 | SALE PRICE: $1,862

VEGA COCKTAIL TABLE – Original Price: $1,674 | SALE PRICE: $1,340

FRENCH CARICATURE ART – Original Price: $612.50 | SALE PRICE: $428

HERRINGBONE PILLOW – Original Price: $106.75 | SALE PRICE: $33

CAVELLO STONE OTTOMAN – Original Price: $1,043 | SALE PRICE: $834 (each)

PISA OTTOMAN – Original Price: $375 | SALE PRICE: $281 (each)

HAVANA CHAIR – Original Price: $507 | SALE PRICE: $406

OSLO CHAIR – Original Price: $1,677 | SALE PRICE: $1,342

GOOD NEWS ART – Original Price: $432 | SALE PRICE: $303

KANTHA PILLOW – Original Price: $68.75 | SALE PRICE: $42 (each)

ALTO VELVET PILLOW CHINA BLUE – Original Price: $429 | SALE PRICE: $214.50

SILVER CHAIR – Original Price: $2,405 | SALE PRICE: $1,684

REPTILE WALL HOOKS – Original Price: $85 | SALE PRICE: $59.50 (each)

JULES CONSOLE TABLE – Original Price: $1,674 | SALE PRICE: $1,340

THANK YOU FOR THE WORLD ART  – Original Price: $400 | SALE PRICE: $200

IKAT PILLOW – Original Price: $77 | SALE PRICE: $47

BRONZE CLEO PILLOW – Original Price: $165 | SALE PRICE: $83

PINK FERN ART – Original Price: $397 | SALE PRICE: $199

FES END TABLE – Original Price: $1,197 | SALE PRICE: $838

DECATUR CHAIR – Original Price: $1,260 | SALE PRICE: $882

CONCERTO II ART – Original Price: $346 | SALE PRICE: $277

LEATHER WELT PILLOW – Original Price: $182 | SALE PRICE: $91

HERRINGBONE WELT PILLOW – Original Price: $143 | SALE PRICE: $71.50

GOLD NUMBER PILLOW – Original Price: $231 | SALE PRICE: $115.50

PARISIAN FACADE ART – Original Price: $392 | SALE PRICE: $315

CRYSTAL SHADOW BOX APRICOT/PEACH – Original Price: $546 | SALE PRICE: $383

ALTO VELVET PILLOW GRAY/BEIGE – Original Price: $429 | SALE PRICE: $214.50

PARIS FLOOR LAMP – Original Price: $836 | SALE PRICE: $627

9TH STREET SOFA – Original Price: $5,494 | SALE PRICE: $4,395

STOCKTON TABLE – Original Price: $2,747 | SALE PRICE: $1,924

MECANIQUE CABINET – Original Price: $688 | SALE PRICE: $550

GRAYSON GOLD BENCH – Original Price: $2,997 | SALE PRICE: $2,249

TRAY TOP COCKTAIL TABLE – Original Price: $1,979 | SALE PRICE: $1,498

NAVY AND GOLD GEO ART – Original Price: $309 | SALE PRICE: $217 (each)

SELECT ACCESSORIES – 20% - 70% Off

CLARKSDALE PRIVACY SCREEN  – Original Price: $6,245 | SALE PRICE: $3,123

JAMES CHAIR  – Original Price: $2,494 | SALE PRICE: $748

Styling Open Shelves In Your Kitchen

Today we are chatting about styling open shelves in your kitchen. But first...do me a favor and throw out the word “styling”  and replace it with “using” or “utilizing." That's right...USE the items you put on your shelves! What better opportunity to reduce the steps it takes to unload the dishwasher and look pretty all the while?!?! So...why open shelving? When designing a kitchen, I usually incorporate some open shelving because it’s a practical way to access everyday dishes as well as displaying your collections. I did this in my own kitchen and found it liberating! Here are some tips on how you too can utilize your kitchen shelves.

1. Say farewell to the broken batches of mis-matched dishes you collected through college. I did this and felt like I won the Biggest Loser! This isn’t to say that some of the sentiment can’t be added to your shelves, but clean things up and start with a blank canvas and build from there.

2. Go dish shopping and find your soul set! This is your big chance to put your heart on display. Mine was from a company called STAKK. The white porcelain bowls and mugs looked like they each had a hat brim and I just knew we needed to be together. My daily bowl of cereal has felt much more valued ever since.

3. Line em’ up! Just like a restaurant, put like things together at an easy to reach height and really start to zone your kitchen. In what order do you set the table? What glasses are you going to use for parties? I for one feel like such a dum-dum when I’m in someone’s kitchen and can’t find what I’m looking for. You just made all of your friends and family feel sooo smart by putting all the tools at eye level! Now, ANYONE can set the table. #Winning (No one wants to be the idiot that doesn’t know their way around the kitchen.)

4. The top shelves. This is where you get to display your pretty serving dishes and entertaining doo dahs! Pellegrino bottles look good in every kitchen but go to the grocery store or local cookery and find things you love that you’d use! I’m crazy about the examples below of spice collections, aging spirits and modeled copper.

And finally..there really is no right or wrong when it comes to your kitchen because it is, in fact, your kitchen!  Display what you love and the people around you will find themselves comfortable and ready for a great party.

Cheers!

Lauren's Pick - Jewelry

Initial necklaces.  These are all the rage right now.  Since there are so many different styles and kinds, the trick is finding the perfect one.  Our necklaces are great because they are simple, yet sophisticated in every way.  They can be worn on their own for a little added sparkle to your outfit, or can be layered with other pieces to make more of a statement.  Either way, it’s just what your wardrobe needs.

Our necklaces make great personal and thoughtful gifts for anyone -- a family member, your best friend, or even yourself!  I mean, we all need to treat ourselves to something every now and then.  Find these beauties in Wonderland for only $35.75! What a steal.

How To Achieve Perfect Kitchen Lighting

Proper lighting enhances the decorating scheme in every room of your home. It's especially true in the areas of your home you use most. Take the kitchen for example...we all need to see what we’re doing whether we’re making a soufflé or cleaning dishes. And without the right type of lighting, your kitchen just wouldn't be the same. Here are the three “must-haves” when lighting up the heart of your home:

#1: General Lighting This refers to the overall ambient light that fills the room. When you walk in and flip that first switch the whole space needs to be illuminated so that you can put the groceries away, the kids can do their homework, or you can have a quick lunch at the island. Recessed lights are the best way to achieve this. Whether you're building or remodeling, installing recessed cans are usually pretty easy, a local handyman/electrician could get this done pretty quickly. Instead of the bulky florescent box lighting you see is many older kitchens, recessed can lights give your kitchen a fresh, clean look as well as better overall light. Space the cans about 48-60” apart from one another for optimal glow.

#2: Task Lighting Task lighting is the direct light for a specific area of your kitchen. The stove and sink are both great places to have task lighting so that you can comfortably see the finer details of what you’re doing. Over a stove you likely have a hood or a microwave and these items almost always have a built in light, use it! Over the sink, add a small pendant or can light that can be controlled separately from the rest of the general lighting.

#3: Accent Lighting Here’s where we get into the pretty stuff! Accent lighting refers to lights that are there for looks and/or mood. We commonly use accent light fixtures like island pendants, dining table chandeliers, and under cabinet lighting. My favorite way to use accent lighting is when I’m sitting down to a dinner party and I turn off the general and task lighting and leave just the glow of my pendants, chandelier and under cabinet lights. This is a great way to set the mood for a holiday party or a romantic dinner at home.

Holly's Pick - Ceramic Table Lamp

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. This lamp. It gets all the attention on our showroom floor here at Wonderland. With its vintage mod curves and oversized shade, is there any wonder why this one’s a favorite?

It’s a perfect fit for today’s modern homes with large spaces and high ceilings. And the combination of white ceramic with wood and a price tag of just $208, it gives one reason to think that maybe now IS the time to start courting a new lamp for your side table. I won’t tell your old lamp. Secret’s between you and me.

Stop by to see more of our amazing new products, we know you'll find something to love!

Show N' Tell - Solameer Townhome

Small space living doesn't mean you're limited on design. In fact, condos and townhomes have become increasingly more custom, making stylish and affordable lifestyles more accessible. We recently joined forces with Garbett Homes designing their Solameer Townhome model at Herriman Towne Center. Our goal for this space was to maximize the square footage and match the modern lifestyle the townhome offers. We kept the interior finishes of the home neutral and brought in light furnishings with crisp modern lines to give the home a bright and airy feel. The mix of natural woods and metals really pop against the white background. It's our favorite element of this design. Pops of color were used throughout the space to add personality and prevent the space from looking stale. We love how it turned out and how the living spaces easily flow from one room to the next.

If you'd like to go see this design in person the model home is now open! Go check it out! We loved working on this project to reaffirm the fact that compact living can be beautiful, functional, comfortable, and stylish!

Designer: Shelby Castleton Jr. Designer: Lorri Cerva & Griffin McCabe Photos by: Lindsay Salazaar

5 Simple Ways To Accessorize Your Kitchen

Whether you are a cook or not, the kitchen is always the busiest room in the house. In order to maintain the chaos, the space needs to be functional, and if it can look stylish at the same time...even better! Some people want clean and simple while others say more is more! Either way, here are five easy ways to keep things tidy and looking good: 1. Function is Key – Style your kitchen with things you use on a weekly basis. Use decorative glass canisters with metal scoops filled with flour and sugar to add some interest and make baking easier. Fill up a decorative jar with mixing spoons, spatulas, and whisks for easy access. Why not take out a metal serving tray from your storage and proudly lean it up against your backsplash with a decorative wood cutting board for more texture. They will look like pieces of art and be right at your fingertips!

2. Open Things Up – Try installing some open shelves instead of closed upper cabinets. This will make your kitchen feel bigger and give you the opportunity to show off some cool serving pieces. Even stacks of everyday plates and bowls can look nice while being easily accessible.

3. Bring in Some Life – The kitchen is made up of hard surfaces. Break it up by bringing in something organic. A simple plant, some fresh flowers, or an assortment of fruit in a cool container will add a new life to the space.

4. The Island – Don’t make your island feel deserted and lifeless. Add some accessories to not make it feel so vast! Decorative color glass jars with some blooming or leafy branches will add interest and bring some of the outside in. Or, keep a serving board on the island so it's ready for that afternoon snack of crackers and cheese.

5. Surround Yourself with Things You Love – Seeing that you will spend a lot of time in the kitchen why not surround yourself with things you love. Whether it is fresh flowers with fragrant scents on your island, your grandma’s tea kettle placed on an open shelf, or a framed picture of your kids on the window sill by the sink. I believe that tedious tasks like washing the dishes or cleaning the kitchen will be much more enjoyable when memories are sparked or a day is brightened by a simple object.

Alright, so go to your kitchen and see which of your accessories are working and which ones are not. Reinvent a few items that are tucked in the cabinets, make your kitchen more functional while still being beautiful, and create some new memories while being surround by the things you love.

Lakeside Loft Parade Home

White ship lap walls, large grid windows, reclaimed wood accents...that's what we picture when dreaming of a lake house. It's not everyday you get the chance to design such a home here in the Salt Lake Valley. So, you can imagine our excitement when we received the opportunity to not only design a home along the beautiful shores of Oquirrh Lake in Daybreak, UT, but also a home that would be featured in this years 2015 Salt Lake Parade of Homes. A rare and exciting opportunity indeed! Just weeks away from its debut, Destination Homes is working hard to bring our designs to life! While you wait in anticipation, we want to share with you some of our inspiration and what you can expect to see and feel in the Lakeside Loft.

We want people to feel like they're in a space where they can relax and really take in the amazing lake views that this loft has to offer. When you walk through the front doors, you'll feel a peaceful energy in the home. We've designed the entrance to be light, bright, and airy. White ship laps walls will surround the entryway and move up the stairway into the loft's living space. Needless to say, it will be a staple in this lake house design.

We'll extend that light color palette throughout the home to help achieve that lake-side feel we're looking for. It's always a good idea to keep the bones of the home neutral. This allows for the rest of your furnishings and accessories to really pop and make your space your own. One design trick we'll be using in this home is to float the furniture away from the walls, giving the illusion that the loft is much larger than it actually is.

From the very beginning of the design process, we made sure to make the lake the focal point in the home. The lake is so beautiful and really gives that feeling of relaxation that those feelings should extend into the home as well. We've brought a lot of greenery into our design to achieve this. You'll seamlessly be able to flow from the outdoors to indoors. Are you getting excited yet?

Stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks of the Lakeside Loft over the next few weeks! We can't wait to show you how our vision comes to life! You can also find out more about the Lakeside Loft here.

Holly's Pick - Wallace Sofa

If you are having a hard time deciding which of the amazing new sofas to get at Wonderland I highly recommend the Wallace sofa. This sofa looks great in any space. I really love the tufted cushions, which adds striking detail to its square back. The sofa is not only beautiful, but comfortable as well. When paired with some great pillows, everyone will be asking about your new sofa!

You'd never guess it has a price tag as low as $1,430.00 either. So come check out the Wallace and all of our other new sofas here at Wonderland.

Show N' Tell - Cottonwood Craftsman

We recently completed a beautiful home renovation for a client and after much anticipation we're thrilled to finally show you the transformation! Looking at it now, it's hard to believe that this home started out with dark interior walls, deep stained wood finishes, and heavy Victorian furnishings. The home is now bright and inviting, which is exactly what our client was looking for! While there was quite a bit of demolition involved throughout the house, we were able to keep a lot of the home's original mill work by simply giving it a face lift with a new coat of paint and adding new finishes. We hope you enjoy this before/after transformation of the Cottonwood Craftsman!

Before:

After:

Gray Kitchen Cabinets: Benjamin Moore Dolphin | Counter Tops: Delicatus Granite Kitchen Back Splash: White Cliffs Random by Daltile | Walls: Benjamin Moore Pashmina Nursery Wallpaper: Hicks Grand Grey | Girls Bedroom Walls: Benjamin Moore Gray Owl Craft Room Wallpaper: Kelly Wearstler Crescent Lake Cream

- Natalie Ellis & Kristina Kellet

Photos by Eliesa Findleis Built by Upland Development

Rugs 101: Rug Design

Now that you're up to speed on the different types of rugs and where to use them throughout your home (check out that post here if you missed it), let's talk a little bit about rug design. If you have a room that's ready for a redo this summer, consider starting "from the ground up!" You might be surprised to learn that rugs are often times the jumping off point for us. Just as we dress the walls with art to establish the personality of a room, rugs are a piece of art on the floor that can inspire a complete design. Here are a few things you should consider when selecting a rug design for your space: 1) COLOR Select a colored rug that speaks to you and repeats your favorite hues throughout the design, or choose a dramatic rug and let it be the colorful statement piece in a neutral room.

2) MOOD Your rug can dictate the mood of your space. For example, a traditional or structured print feels more formal,  a loose and abstract pattern will evoke a light and airy feeling, and a neutral rug with a relaxed stripe can create a more casual atmosphere.

3) STYLE Maybe you’ve fallen in love with a gorgeous oriental rug or are inspired by beautiful geometric Navajo and Aztec prints. If that’s the case, go with it! Let your rug determine the design style in your room. For instance, with a Southwest rug, simply add some woven baskets and repeat geometric shapes throughout the space and you will have a cohesive design.

As we always say, your home should be your favorite place on earth! Keep that in mind when selecting your next rug and choose something that you will love now and for years to come! Because the best design is one you love.