Happy Birthday Alice Lane - 7 Years!

Happy Birthday to us! Seven years ago our little home furnishings boutique was born and a magical journey began. To think that we now have two home furnishings stores in Salt Lake and Orem, and are working with design clients across the continent is incredible! In celebration of all things Alice Lane, we're offering 20% off your entire purchase, all day long. So come to Alice Lane Home Collection in Salt Lake or Wonderland by Alice Lane in Orem, UT and help us celebrate! Getting older has never felt so good.

Rules of Scale: Sofa Throw Pillows

Nothing will cheapen the look of your sofa more than a dinky set of under-scaled throw pillows. It's a common faux pas, but hopefully with a little help from us it will be a mistake you never make! The thing is...people like pillows. And while you might think you're packing in more comfort by using half a dozen small pillows, you're actually taking up valuable real-estate and making your sofa look smaller than it really is.

To make your sofa look softer, generous and more gracious, follow these 3 simple rules of thumb to achieve the right scale of pillows on your sofa:

1. Go big! Avoid using too many small pillows and instead use fewer larger pillows that will fill up the space but keep things from looking cluttered.

2. Layer larger pillows in the back. Using a 22" to 26" pillow will really help to fill in the gaps and add plenty of comfort. You might even catch us throwing in a Euro now and again!

3. Stack a smaller pillow in the front. When we say smaller, we really mean about 20" or larger. By stacking a smaller pillow in front of your large pillow you're also adding dimension on top of comfort. A perfect combination.

Items available at Alice Lane Home Collection: Tobacco Mohair Pillow 22x22 - $286 | Gray Tangdon Pillow 20x20 - $374

9 Different Ways to Lay Subway Tiles

No tile has passed through the centuries of interior design with as much admiration as that of the subway. Perhaps one of the reasons is how incredible versatile it is! Regardless of it's scale, a subway tile can be laid in array of patterns that fall on both ends of the design spectrum: modern or traditional. We're sharing 9 of our favorite ways to lay subway tiles that will leave your imagination running wild with possibilities!

1. Running Bond | 2. Herringbone | 3. Horizontal Subway | 4. Diagonal Subway | 5. Basket Weave | 6. Vertical Stack | 7. Horizontal Stack | 8. Vertical Subway | 9. Diagonal Herringbone

4 Tips For Layering Art

Before you whip out a hammer and nails and attempt to tackle the brain-crunching task of perfectly spacing and hanging a gallery art wall in your home, try the stress-free "lean & layer" look instead. Layering art is definitely nothing new, but it has most certainly found its way back into the spotlight. We love how layered art looks like an authentic collection of beautiful pieces curated over time.

Here are 4 tips on how to layer art for the best look:

1. Use a variety of sizes - Layer a variety of square, portrait, and landscape art in an array of sizes to keep things loose and organic. Avoid layering art of similar shape and size as this will only cover up the art behind.

2. Mix up the frames - Unless you're going for a super formal look, we suggest mixing up the color and style of frames. This help's to define each layer and makes each piece stand out from the rest.

3. Use complimenting art - Avoid using "sets" of art that are sold together and instead find unique pieces that compliment each other. This will give you that "collected" look, like you've hand picked each and every piece. Because you have!

4. Put in unexpected places - We love to layer art in unexpected places like on a mantle, in a bookshelf, or on a desk. Find that special place where you can view and admire your collection often!

Art available for purchase at Alice Lane Home Collection in SLC,  UT & Wonderland by Alice Lane in Orem, UT

The Perfect Fall Porch

Happy October friends! We love all the festivities that fall has to offer. One of our favorite ways to embrace the season is to spruce up the front porch! We're all about finding ways to decorate for the holidays without pulling out bins and bins of decor that haven't seen the sun in months. We've found that making these few simple changes to your front porch will make your home look festive, warm, and inviting.

1. Add A Wreath - A fall wreath can instantly change the mood of your front porch. Some of our favorite decorative wreaths are made from natural fall materials like feathers and leaves.

2. Seasonal Planters - We love to flank planters at each side of the front door and fill them plants that will last through the cold months. By simply changing out your bright spring blossoms to the rich earthy colors of fall, your home will suddenly feel up with the times.

3. Add A Rug - Ditch the old straw door mat and try adding a rug instead. You'll find that it makes your porch feel incredibly stylish. You can even try layering rugs together. We love this crochet rug layered with the black and white stripe! So festive.

4. Display The Seasons Harvest - Of course, no fall porch is complete without pumpkins! Try stacking pumpkins in an old crate or scatter them around your planters. They add the perfect punch of color and texture that simply screams fall!

Items available for purchase at Alice Lane Home & Wonderland by Alice Lane: 1. Round Feather Wreath - $52 | 2. Square Chelsea Cylinder - $172 | 3. Sanibel Rug - $344

Wonderland Pick: Kensington Wing Chair

Recently, a customer at our Wonderland by Alice Lane store in Orem, UT remarked how pleased she was to finally discover a store with beautiful furnishings that were so affordable. She even exclaimed, "Oh, I need to tell all my friends about this!" We, of course, love hearing comments like this because that's exactly what we hope to provide! When we re-branded our Orem store earlier this year our goal was to curate a whole new collection of affordable home furnishings that were more inclusive of everyone. That goal stands strong today as we continue to add beautiful pieces to our collection. The Kensington Marlow Wing Chair is no exception. With it's vintage modern lines and cool gray upholstery, this chair is a fresh take on the traditional wing back. It transitions well from style to style and is perfect for just about any space! Here we've styled it flanked next to the fireplace and softened up with a brown fur pillow. Doesn't it look so cozy for fall!

{Kensington Marlow Wing Chair - $650}

Come visit Wonderland by Alice Lane today for more affordable home furnishings and home decor. We know you'll find something to love!

How To Decorate With Animal Prints

We like to think we have a bit of a wild side, and every now and again you'll see us sneak a zebra or leopard print into one of our designs. Maybe you've been too timid to make the daring statement yourself, or maybe you're still scarred from the bad rep animal prints got in the 80's. Either way, we're here to show you how beautiful, luxurious, and fun animal prints can be in your home when done right!

The key when using animal prints is NOT overdoing it! Think of it as an outfit...maybe you incorporate a snake skin purse, or some spotted heels for a subtle touch. The second you start layering prints you've gone too far! Here are some great ways you can pull off animal prints in your decor:

1.  Use On Pillows & Throws - If you're a little timid to try it out, ease into it by adding a pillow or throw in a neutral tone. Most likely you'll find that it's really all your space needed to get that edgy feel.

2. Tone On Tone - This is by far one of favorite ways to incorporate animal prints into a space. By choosing an animal print that is muted and watered down it really becomes more of a neutral! Especially if you have other prints and patterns in your space, a muted animal print won't compete and overwhelm. You can easily mix in a tone on tone animal print with anything.

3. Take It To The Ground - A large scale animal print rug is a great way to give your room an organic feel. Try using a hair on hide rug to keep things looking natural and not too contrived. We recently added a muted leopard print carpet as a stair runner, which was a great way to make a statement in a place where it wouldn't compete with other furnishings.

4. Scale Down Print On Upholstery - Using animal prints in your upholstery takes a little more commitment, but it works best when the print is scaled down. This makes the piece instantly recognizable, but keeps it from becoming overwhelming. We love incorporating prints as little surprises, like on the backs of chairs. 

Items available for purchase at Alice Lane:  Le Zebra Pillow - $338 | Lynx Cable Knit Throw - $218 | Hide Rug - $988 | Skylar Chair - $1,365

The Very Best Sale - Extended!

Good news friends! In fact...it's the best news. We're extending The Very Best Sale into October, simply because you're the best and you deserve the best. Now through October 17th, save 20% on all upholstery and casegoods at our Salt Lake home furnishings boutique, Alice Lane Home Collection. So come see us and ask one our stylists to help you pick the best sofa, coffee table, bed, console table, bookshelf, chair and more for your home.

Alice Lane Home Collection | Utah's Best Interior Design and Home Furnishings Boutique | Salt Lake City, UT

Our Favorite Wing Back Chairs

We love a good wing back chair. There's something about those sculptural backs that welcome you in and hug you when you sit. Whether nestled next to your fireplace or paired side by side, a good wing back chair can add character and dimension to any space.

{Pictured: Kingston chair is tan leather}

{Pictured: James Street Wing Chair with leather back and woven fabric seat}

Today we're sharing 5 of our current favorite wing back chairs that you're sure to love:

1. James Street Wing Chair - We love the contrasting upholstery of this chair that gives it both a rustic and refined look. The contouring wing allows you to easy rest your elbows, also giving you one heck of a profile to look at when you walk in the room. Place a matching pair side by side and the symmetry is breathtaking!

2. Colin Chair - Our eyes are automatically drawn to the corded upholstery seams that trace the arms and seat. The chiseled curves in the arms add interest to it's otherwise simplistic and upright frame. We love seeing this chair sitting behind a desk or at the head of a table.

3. Driscoll Leather Chair - We love the clean, modern look and low seat of this wing back. The rustic black leather keeps it timeless, while the subtle nail head accents add just a touch of lux. It's the perfect apart-sized chair, but really fits well into any space!

4. James Leather Chair - Handsome and beautifully made, this wing back has historically accurate details with rolled arms and a high barreled back. It's the perfect chair to snuggle up in with a good book, giving you privacy and support on all sides. And let's talk about that leather tufting...gorgeous!

5. Kingston Chair - We love the definition of this chair. Your eye can't help but follow those hammered brads up and down the curves of it's frame. With it's curved and reclined back, we deem this the perfect chair to lounge in after a good meal. 

Of course, all of these chairs can be fully customized and come in a variety of upholstery options. Come shop our large selection of wing back chairs at our Salt Lake home furnishings boutique and save 20% on all upholstery and casegood items when you buy during The Very Best Sale. Hurry in, sale ends this Wednesday!

Our Favorite Bed Sheets

We make a lot of beds in our line of work, and while we're guilty of paying more attention to the linens on the outside, we truly believe no bed is complete without the best set of sheets on the inside. We've tried and tested dozens of sheets of all kinds and it always comes down to one thing: comfort. Today we're sharing with you what we've learned over the years and what makes these four Malouf sheet sets our absolute favorites!

{pictured above: woven french linen sheets by Malouf}

1. Woven French Linen - If you haven't ever slept of linen sheets you're missing out. Big time! Not only do we love the classic and casual look of linen sheets, but they truly are like sleeping on air. The natural flax fibers easily wick away moisture and they're incredibly breathable. Bonus: they get softer with every wash! They're a bit of splurge when it comes to sheets, but they are every bit worth it.

2. Woven Tencel - Tencel (not to be mistaken with tinsel) is a relatively new fiber that's all the rage right now. Unlike cotton or linen, tencel is a completely smooth natural fiber that, when woven, creates a luxurious silky soft finish. If you're looking to stay on a budget, these are the sheets for you. Performance wise, these sheets actually wick away moisture better than cotton keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

3. 200 Thread Count Italian Cotton - Made with 100% Egyptian cotton parcale and made in the northern mountains of Italy, these sheets give you that soft draping look you find only at 5 star hotels. If you're looking for sheets with the finest attention to detail, these are it! Can you believe that inside every package is a hand-signed certificate written by the artisan that crafted them? Needless to say, those Italians sure know how to make a good sheet.

4. 400 Thread Count Italian Cotton - A common misconception about sheets is that the higher the thread count, the softer they are. It's simply just not true. The softest of sheets can only derive from one thing...high quality cotton. Just like the 200 thread count sheets listed above, these sheets are made from the best cotton you can buy while also increasing their durability and longevity. But we'd be lying if we said that drawn thread hemstitching wasn't our favorite part! Gorgeous!

Woven French Linen King Set - $440 | Woven Tencel King Set - $137 | 200 TC Italian Cotton King Set - $286 | 400 TC Italian Cotton King Set - $550

All of these sheets are available for purchase and on display in our Salt Lake City home furnishings store and Orem home decor store. Come feel and check them out for yourself (we promise we won't be mad if we find you slipping between the sheets!).

Finding Inspiration For Interior Design

In our Pinterest ridden lives, it's incredibly easy to come across a beautiful room design and say, "I want that! Exactly that!" We hear it all the time from clients and patrons who want us to recreate one of our designs exactly for them. While we're completely flattered that our work is so admired, we believe your home should be as unique as you are. Rather than replicating every detail, pull inspiration from the things you love and reinvent it for your own. Today, we're sharing five of our favorite places to find inspiration:

1. Books - Admittedly, we like the kind with lots and lots of pictures! We're not even talking just design books here, but photography and art books too. Inspiration can often run dry when you have a hard time visualizing something. It's incredibly refreshing to pick up a book and flip through it's colorful pages to put things back into focus.
2. Art - Art is a great resource for gathering color schemes and can be an excellent jumping off point for the rest of the design. Find a piece you really love and you'll soon find your heart and mind full of ideas!
3. Fashion - The latest trends in fashion inevitably make their way into our homes. Whether is the latest color rage or use of feathers and metal embellishments, we find that what makes a great outfit also makes a great room. Hint: We constantly are pulling inspiration from our client's wardrobe. If you're wearing it, you probably like it!
4. Movies - Those set designers sure know how to make a room that looks good! Next time your watching The Hunger Games or Sex In The City, take a look at the beautiful furnishings and accessories that set the stage, you might just find some inspiration. We recently designed a local gourmet chocolate shop and found ourselves watching Chocolat over and over again, pulling inspiration from the french blue walls and dramatic patterned floors.
5. Nature - Ironically, the best inspiration usually comes when we need it the least. Like when you finally take that overdue getaway to the beach and find yourself inspired by the gray-blue skies and textured sand under your feet. Sometimes a simple walk around the neighborhood is all it takes to clear your mind and rediscover the beauty of nature. There is inspiration everywhere!

Of course, we always hope to be of inspiration to you as well! Come stop by our home furnishings store in Salt Lake City, UT for the best home decor, high-end furniture, and interior design services.

Cara Loren Design Inspiration: Head-To-Toe Red

Red. It's all over the runways this fall. Have you noticed how fashion designers are taking this bold color to a whole new level, dressing their models in head-to-toe crimson? It's no surprise that our fashion-forward friend and client Cara Loren is all over this trend. When Cara first showed us a sneak peek of this look we knew we had to create one show-stopping design! Playing up the gold accents in Cara's look, we think this vignette will stop you in your tracks.

Available for purchase at Alice Lane Home Collection: 1. Nouvelles Composition Art – $1,105 // 2. Westwood Mirror on Stand - $600 // 3. Apollo Table Lamp - $460 // 4. The Best of Flair - $125 // 5. Parisian Chic - $30 // 6.  Valuspa Pomegranate Blood Orange Candle - $30

This look is currently on display at our Salt Lake store, so come stop by and shop this look and get more inspiration to dress your home for fall. Our Very Best Sale runs through the end of the month - get 20% off all upholstery and casegoods at Alice Lane Home Collection.

Cara Loren Design Inspiration: Easy Breezy

Great design always starts with great inspiration, and this week we've been completely inspired by the stunning looks hitting the streets at New York Fashion Week. We've teamed up with our dear friend and client Cara Loren to showcase some of her NYFW looks...the Alice Lane way!

You may recall we recently designed Cara's dream closet (check it out here if you missed it), and one of the many reasons we loved working with the fashion blogger is because her style is so unique and distinct. Her closet turned out no different! So here we are again, getting inspiration from the talented and stylish Cara Loren and turning her looks into more amazing designs! Starting with this feminine white dress Cara is wearing today, we've transformed her look into a sophisticated, easy, breezy bedroom.

1. Creme Mulberry Silk Throw - $165.00 // 2. Shut The Door, Have A Seat Art - $356 each // 3. Tristan Bench - $1,245 // 4. Kate Table Lamp - $519 // 5. Metallic Velvet Pillow - $220

Come see more of our Cara inspired designs at our Salt Lake store and shop this look for yourself. Save 20% on all upholstery and casegoods during The Very Best Sale happening right now! Be sure to follow along this week as we reveal more Cara inspired designs on the blog.

3 Simple Ways To Bring Fall Into Your Home

Those crisp cool fall mornings are quickly approaching and that means it is time for change. As with every season, we find ourselves itching to give our spaces a little refresh. You know...rearranging furniture, swapping out accessories, and replacing accent pillows and throws. Perhaps one of the reasons we love fall the most is because it's so easy to upgrade. You heard us...easy! Here are 3 simple ways you can warm up your home interiors this fall: 1. Chunk Things Ups You know those chunky knit blankets you love to snuggle up in on those chilly days? Drape it over the corner of your bed or side chair and you've automatically warmed up your space. It's like a sweater for your furniture! Not only do they look plush and cozy, but now they're also easily accessible for whenever you need it. You can even go the unexpected route and try out a chunky knit rug or pillow for a change.

2. Fur, Leather, and Hide ...Oh My! Weather you choose faux or authentic, there is something about fur and leather pieces that really make a space feel down to earth. It adds just the right mix of color, texture, and contrast - all while keeping things incredibly classy and comfortable.

3. Get Earthy Fall is known for it's beautiful rich colors and moody atmosphere. So when you're thinking about freshening up your space, pull inspiration from the colors of nature all around you. By changing up a few throw pillows or swapping out some accessories you can easily tie in those dark amber, burnt orange, and rich brown colors. Just hone your inner Pocahontas and paint with all the colors of the wind!

For more fall inspiration, stop by our Trolley Square store and shop our new fall line-up! Now is the best time to dress your home for fall during The Very Best Sale - 20% off all upholstery and casegoods (that's basically all furniture, friends!). We hope to see you soon!

The Very Best Sale

Our favorite fall furnishings are making their debut – and for a short time they’re on sale! Shop incredible deals on brand-new fall arrivals during our most popular sale of the year - The Very Best Sale! Save 20% of all upholstery, tables, desks, bookcases, and more from top designers like Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Vanguard, Hickory Chair, Bernhardt, Wesley Hall, CR Laine, and Century Furniture. Shop early to get the best selection in store. Hurry! Prices go up October 1.

Debi's Pick - Butterflies for Brains

Accessories are the jewelry of the room, and move it from nicely executed to beautifully personal. And personally, this new girl in town is my new obsession!

She's both mysterious and whimsical from the tips of her brass butterflies to the bottom of her marble base! And, if you want to make a statement, she speaks volumes!

Come see her at our Trolley location.

"Butterflies for brains" $658

Show N' Tell - French Moderne Manor: Part V

Today we're taking you back inside the French Moderne Manor for a tour of the casual and sophisticated living room. Yep...this is casual comfort at a whole new level my friends. I mean really, that 13 foot long sofa is practically begging you to come sit on it (or lay on, sleep on, jump on...whatever). This room is flooded with natural light throughout the day, which automatically makes it a crowd pleaser. But our personal favorite is the wall to wall book shelves that are styled to perfection.

While good design typically doesn't need too use a whole lot of "smoke and mirrors"...that's exactly what we did in this hallway powder bath. Literally. The end result is so dramatic!

You might even notice one reoccurring theme throughout the home...circles. They're incorporated in the balusters, hallway pillars, mirrors, and light fixtures. It really ties everything together and brings the design full circle (pun-intended), don't you think!?

 

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

FINISHES FAMILY ROOM: Wall Color - Gray Mist by Benjamin Moore |  Carpet  - Gray Limestone Summit Source | Fireplace Surround - Marble | Lighting - Available through Alice Lane HALLWAY: Wall Color - Gray Mist by Benjamin Moore | Flooring - White Oak w/ Medium Stain | Lighting - Available through Alice Lane POWDER BATH: Wallpaper - Nuvolette by Anthrolpologie | Flooring - Ark Nero Marquina by Daltile | Pulls - Flute Cabinet Pull by Rocky Mountain Hardware | Knobs - Flute Cabinet Pull by Rocky Mountain Hardware | Cabinet - Custom Made | Counter Top - Carrara Marble from Daltile | Lighting - Available through Alice Lane

photos by weston colton

Show N' Tell - French Moderne Manor: Part IV

It's official. Summer is over. OK...there's technically still 30 days left in the summer solstice, but let's face it, the days of carefree fun in the sun are gone. And while we love a good pair of fall boots and the kids back in school as much as anyone, it's definitely sad to see such a magical summer go. An incredibly rewarding summer at that! We feel like we ended this summer with a real BANG! Our French Moderne Manor parade home was awarded "Best Home" in the 2015 Utah Valley Parade of Homes People's Choice Awards. Woot woot! Not to mention, it swept the competition also winning Best Master Suite, Best Kitchen, Best Landscaping, and (drum-roll please) BEST INTERIOR DESIGN! It definitely makes all of our hard work on this huge summer project worth it! As one final adieu to summer, it seems only appropriate that we share with you the beautiful outdoor living space of the French Moderne Manor. I mean...aren't you jealous that you didn't get to spend your summer poolside here like us? Alright, there definitely was no lounging about on our end, but even arranging the furniture in 100+ degree heat was pretty dreamy. Just close your eyes and envision a secluded beach in the south of France lined with black and white cabanas. Actually, no need to envision it...we'll just show you!

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

FINISHES PATIO: Outdoor Furniture - Available through Alice Lane POOL HOUSE: Fireplace Surround - Black Marble | Cabinetry - Walnut w/ Light Stain | Lighting - Available through Alice Lane

photos by weston colton

Kristen's Pick - Hair on Hide Rug

Do you know what your house is missing? I do. It’s this rug! This 100% hair on hide rug is the perfect neutral, texture, and pattern for any space!

Let’s be honest. No room is complete without a perfect area rug. But the problem with many rugs is that they can be so hard to maintain. Not this rug. Not only is this hide rug stunningly attractive, but is also extremely durable.

Hand crafted in India and brought to your home by Alice Lane, this rug not only could be yours, but should be. Stop by our Trolley location and check it out for yourself. You'll soon realize that a hair on hide rug is the way to go!

Show N' Tell - French Moderne Manor: Part III

Today we're showcasing another space in our French Moderne Manor project. It's easy to get carried away designing the most visible spaces of your home and neglecting to put thought and effort into those little spaces that you actually use on a daily basis...like the laundry room. Let's face it, no one really enjoys doing the laundry. But when your laundry room is as beautiful as this, the chore just doesn't seem so menial. The main laundry room in the French Moderne Manor might even get you a little bit excited about it!

The classic black and white check floors are a stunning contrast against the white cabinets. Standing as the focal piece, the soapstone workbench was custom made for the space, requiring both a metal fabricator, carpenter, and stone mason to get the job done!

Our client was head over heels in love with this Rifle Paper Co. wallpaper, so we found it the perfect home in this petite powder room right off the laundry room. Isn't it just so happy!? It's the perfect pop of color and cheer in an otherwise neutral space.

The mudroom is all about function. You need a space where you can stash all of your shoes, coats, and bags and keep them out of site. This mudroom can do all of that, and then some. But most importantly, it's welcoming. After all, your mudroom is essentially your own personal front door. We love how inviting this space turned out!

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

FINISHES LAUNDRY ROOM: Flooring - Lagos Blue Limestone & Arctic Gray Limestone by Daltile | Back Splash - 3" Carrara Hex by Daltile | Work Bench - Custom | Hardware - Provence Pull by Rocky Mountain Hardware | Cabinet Color - Benjamin Moore Sea Pearl | Chandelier - Available through Alice Lane POWDER BATH: Wallpaper - Rosa by Rifle Paper Co. | Flooring - White Octagon w/ Brown Dot by Walker Zanger | Vanity/Sink - Inigo Console Table Legs & White Carrara Inigo Top by Kallista | Mirror & Wall Sconce - Available through Alice Lane MUD ROOM: Flooring - Lagos Blue Limestone & Arctic Gray Limestone by Daltile | Cabinet Color - Benjamin Moore Season Pearl | Locker Hardware: Empire Pull by Rocky Mountain Hardware | Wall Sconce - Available through Alice Lane

photos by weston colton