Utah Style & Design Feature

I dare say there was no better way to ring in the New Year than to see our French Moderne Manor smack-dab on the cover of the newest issue of Utah Style & Design. Not only is it a dream to see our work front and center, but the issue boasts 11 full pages of the home inside. You could say it's a major pay-off for all the hard work we put in in 2015!

We're pretty proud of this home. The French Moderne Manor was showcased in the 2015 Utah Valley Parade of Homes this past summer (big shout out to our partner McEwan Custom homes!), where it was voted not only Best Home, but also Best Interior Design, Best Kitchen, Best Master Suite, and swept many other categories. Ah! That still makes us giddy to think about.

We know many of you have anxiously been waiting for us to share more of this home with you, so now you can finally go pick up your own copy of Utah Style & Design and delve into it's beautiful pages! Or, head on over to our Press page (here) to read the full article online and our Portfolio page (here) for a complete tour of the home. We're also working on a series of "Show N' Tell" blog posts that will give you a further look into the home, so stay tuned for that! If this is any indication of what's to come...2016 is going to be our year!

2015 In Review...Instagram Style

2015 was a big year for us. We launched our newest concept store Wonderland by Alice Lane, hosted the amazing Tom Felicia for a book signing at our store, showcased not just one but two amazing Parade Homes, received multiple awards including Best Interior Design in the Utah Valley Parade of Homes, and had multiple design projects featured in renowned design publications like Rue Magazine and Utah Style & Design. And somehow we managed to not completely implode in the process! Of course, we can't go without mentioning that the support and praise we received from all of you in 2015 was overwhelming! Our Instagram following more than doubled and we can't believe there are actually 70K people who follow and admirer our work. Wowza! So in celebration of such a great year, we thought we'd share our top 10 Instagram posts of 2015:

1. Cottonwood Craftsman Kitchen - It's easy to see why this kitchen was your favorite image from 2015. It's clean, fresh, cool and has the perfect touch of gray for a modern craftsman home. Check out more of this home in our portfolio here.

2. French Moderne Manor Living Room - What isn't there to love about this home! You aren't the only ones who loved it, it was recently featured in Utah Style & Design magazine and even made the cover!

3. Lakeside Loft Master Bedroom - You don't even have to look out the window to know that this bedroom is a lakeside retreat. This home was part of the Salt Lake Parade of Homes this past summer. We loved being able to showcase our work and we're so glad you all loved it!

4. Our Fall Porch - The perfect way to rock black and orange for the fall. We had a fun time decorating our front porch for fall and we're a little shocked to see that our humble abode made the top 10. Flattered to say the least.

5. French Modern Manor Master Bath - We're not one bit surprised to see that the French Modern Manor made 6/10 of our top ten posts. This Master Bathroom is a bit of dream. Check out more pictures of this home in our portfolio here.

6. French Modern Manor Playroom -  It brings out the kid in all of us, doesn't it? Perhaps that why it received such love and admiration. And lets be honest...we're all a little jealous that a 5 year old lives in that playhouse.

6. Hilltop Haven Powder Bath - Those lights! We're right there with you on this one. This bathroom combination is a top ten for us too! Killer. Stay tuned for more on this project coming soon!

8. French Modern Manor Guest Bedroom - You read that right...guest bedroom. The homeowner offered to let us crash the night in this room during install...it was tempting. VERY tempting.

9. French Modern Manor Living Room - It's no surprise that this room made the top ten twice. This home was in the Utah Valley Parade of Homes this past summer and won several awards, including "Best Home" and "Best Interior Design". We're thrilled!

10. French Modern Manor Master Bath Vanity - It's the gold geode knobs, isn't it? Our hearts pitter-patter whenever we see them too.

We hope you all continue to follow along with us in 2016. We have a few tricks rolled up our sleeves and we can't wait to share them all with you! It's gonna be our year!

Christmas Sale - 70% Off

Oh man. If you're anything like me, it took a lot of self-motivation and alarm "snoozing" to get out of bed this morning. Who agrees that New Year's day should be on a Friday every year? The extra long weekend was sooo nice! But now it's back to life, back to reality. In case you missed our Christmas Sale over the weekend, here's something to perk up your Monday...70% off all remaining holiday decor!

We still have plenty of Christmas goodies to choose from, all for a steal of a deal! Come check it our before it's all gone. Sale is happening at both our Alice Lane Home Collection store in Salt Lake City and Wonderland by Alice Lane in Orem, UT.

Wonderland Pick: Penguin Classic Books

If one your New Year's resolutions is to "read more books", we've got you covered. These special edition Penguin Classics are all the motivation you need to get going with titles such as Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

These little beauties are just as much fun to look at as they are to read, and we guarantee many a cozy afternoons spent curled up with your nose stuck in a book. Each copy is currently in stock at Wonderland for $24.00 each.

Christmas Decor Sale - 50% Off

Alright folks, now is a great time to stock up and save on your Christmas decor for next year. All of our remaining in-stock Christmas decor has been marked down to 50% off! We still have a large selection of ornaments, garlands, and accessories that are all priced at a steal of a deal! Hurry in before it's gone!

Our Top 5 Favorite Gifts For Her

How is it that every year Christmas just seems to sneak up on you, no matter how prepared you think you might be? Hopefully you've made it through most of your shopping list by now, but in case you're still searching for some last minute gift ideas for your mother, sister, wife, girlfriend, or best gal-pal...we're sharing our five favorite gifts that any woman will love.

1. S'well Water Bottle [$35] - S'well bottles are like the Rolls-Royce of water bottles. Proven to keep your water ice-cold for days (no really...the one on my desk from yesterday is still refreshingly cool), these sleek bottles are the perfect hydration accessory. We're crushing on their current metallic collection, but they come in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes.

2. All In Good Taste [27.50] - Does Kate Spade ever do anything that's not of good taste? We didn't think so. Her latest book is the perfect guide on how to be one heckuva hostess. It's full of entertaining tips and tricks, recipes, and even a little motivation to throw caution to the wind sometimes!

3. Aster & Bay Lip Stain [$14] - We love a good berry lip. This lip stain from Aster & Bay gives the perfect tint of color while keeping your lips creamy and smooth. You'll be doing plenty of puckering up under the mistletoe this year.

4. Birchrose & Co. Body Polish [$18] - Massage away the stress of the holidays with this essential oil infused body scrub. The scent alone is enough to make you swoon. Toss in our wood handle bath brush [$27.50] and it's the perfect gift for relaxation.

5. Mighty Purse [$120] - Give the gift of never having a dead phone! This fashionable clutch acts as more than a cute accessory, it conceals a slim portable phone charger that allows you to charge your phone wherever you are. Heaven knows you need all the energy you can get during the holidays!

All of these gifts are available at our Salt Lake location, so hurry and pop in before it's too late! Sometimes even those last minute gifts can be the best gifts. And be sure to check out our other gift guides for everyone on your Christmas list...

Gifts For Him  |  Gifts for Kids  |  Hostess Gifts  |  Neighbor Gifts

Our Top 5 Favorite Gifts For Kids

Your kids have probably already handed you a long list of things they want for Christmas, but we're throwing in some old-fashion fun this year with these vintage toys for kids. Not only are they perfect stocking-stuffers, but you'll delight in watching your kids light up over these classically simple toys.

1. Retro Vintage Race Car [$176] - Every kids first car should be as cool as this! It's full of vintage charm, but built with the best safety features and highest quality materials for your peace of mind. You'll be wishing they made these in your size!

2. Architect Kaleidoscope [$9] - Awh, yes...the kaleidoscope. You used to stare through one of these for hours! Now your little one can unlock an array of colors with this twisting kaleidoscope that will have their imagination spinning.

3. Storybook Light [$20] - It's the perfect interactive toy that will encourage your child to create imaginative stories through images that light up. Looks like you'll get to sit back and enjoy story time for a change.

4. Mini Kaleidoscope [$10] - A world of magic is never out of reach with this pocket sized kaleidoscope.

5. Wooden Airplane [$10] - It doesn't get any more vintage than flying a lightweight airplane! We foresee a friendly competition between parent and child coming on.

All of our vintage toys are currently 40% off during our Christmas Sale, so come pick some up as stocking-stuffers for the kids. Then again, maybe your stocking needs some too...

Wonderland Pick: Paperwhite Bulbs

If you've never heard of Paperwhites before it's about time you learn about these amazing winter blooms. Not only are their green stems and white blooms a fresh of breath air for your home in the winter, but they're incredibly easy and inexpensive to grow. Especially for all you "black thumb" people, we can pretty much guarantee that this is one house-plant you can't go wrong with. All you need is a pack of our Paperwhite bulbs ($12.50 for a pack of 8 at Wonderland by Alice Lane), a shallow vase or bowl, some rocks, water, and a lot of sunshine.

Within a few short weeks your bulbs will sprout right up and bloom into beautiful white flowers. It gives you just a glimmer of hope for Spring in the dead of winter. The best part? You can use them year after year. When you're done with them this year, trim the stems close to the bulb and place them in a cold, dark place until next year.

They also make the best gifts (as seen on our Top 5 Gifts For Neighbors gift guide) - something unique for their home that they'll enjoy throughout the season. They pair beautifully with your Christmas decor too! So come pick up your bulbs (complete with instructions) at Wonderland today and get planting!

Our Top 5 Favorite Gifts For Him

The stress of holiday shopping can take a serious toll on you, especially when you have that particularly "hard to shop for" man on your list. So in the spirit of making your life as blissful as possible this holiday season, we've put together a guide of our favorite Christmas gifts for men (that will even have your stamp of approval, too!).

1. Luxury Car Books [$125] - Chances are your main man rarely picks up those design & fashion books sitting on your coffee table. Surprise him this Christmas with a book he might actually look at...luxury cars!

2. Swiss Wool Blanket [$124] - Whether your man is the rugged outdoorsy type or a refined gentleman, you can't go wrong with these wool blankets. Not only are they incredibly durable and warm, but their Swiss design is something all men can appreciate.

3. Misc. Goods Co. Playing Cards [$15] - Poker night just got a whole lot classier with this fancy deck of face cards. Made from Bee paper, the highest quality coated playing card stock, your man will always have the best dealt hand (even if it's not the winning one).

4. Aviator Model [$33] - Perhaps this brass model plane will tide him over until he finally fulfills that life-long dream to become a pilot. Because let's be honest...what man doesn't want to own an airplane?

5. Regulator Clock [$69] - This clock has all the charm if a true Gentleman's pocket watch, but it's all geared up for modern day living. It's a perfect timepiece for the office or his den at home.

All of these item are available for purchase at our Salt Lake store, so come shop at Alice Lane Home this holiday and we'll help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

Wonderland Pick: Mine Seasonal Candles

An important part of enjoying holiday merriment is soaking in the wonderful scents of the season.  We recently added a special addition to the Wonderland seasonal fragrance lineup.  Mine candles are full of charm and character.  Each soy candle is poured into a copper vessel in fragrances as charming as the holidays—Absinthe? Persimmon?  Move over sugar plums—we have Mine candles dancing in our heads.

Come find your perfect holiday scent today at Wonderland! Our Mine candles are $39.75.

-Holly B.

Our Top 5 Favorite Neighbor Gifts

If you're anything like us, by Christmas day your kitchen counter is so cluttered with home-made goodies from neighbors and friends that you end up tossing half of it away just to find your sink (carefully taste-testing everything along the way to see what makes the cut, of course). So before you go slaving over a hot stove to make 12 dozens caramels for your neighbors, check out our round-up of our top 5 favorite neighbor gifts that are simple, unique, and guaranteed to make the cut!

1. Chuao Drinking Chocolate [$16.00] & Ceramic Scoop [$3.50] - Not to be confused with hot chocolate, this mix contains actual bits of shaved dark chocolate that melts down to a perfectly rich and true drinking chocolate. Your neighbors will love every sip!

2. Helliemae's Caramel Sauce [$12.00] - Caramel that easily drizzles over anything and everything? Sign me up! The best apart about this gift...not only does it taste home-made, but it looks home-made! Slap a bow on the top and your neighbors will never know the difference.

3. Helliemae's Caramels [$10.00] - Don't hate us, but these caramels might just beat out your Aunt Betty's famous recipe. Not only are they made with (a ton of) best-quality butter and cream, but they come in an assortment of enhanced flavors like Chili Palmer and Coffee.

4. Voluspa Makassar Ebony and Peach Tin Candle [ $11.00] - The perfect scent in a perfectly gift-able size. Need we say more...

5. Paper White Bulbs [$13.00] - They don't look like much now, but your neighbor will love watching these buds sprout into tall beautiful blooms. Just add a little water and even those with the blackest of thumbs can enjoy them all season long.

Stop by our Salt Lake or Orem store and pick up these great neighbor gifts before they're gone. You'll definitely be the word on the street this Christmas!

Wonderland Pick: Cutting Boards

What’s good? I’ll tell you what, it’s our wide variety of cutting boards and cheese plates. They look beautiful layered in front of your kitchen back splash and as a bonus...they are so functional!

With a range of $24.75 - $35.75 for the marble and $88 - $175.00 for the wooden boards, they make the perfect gift for anyone! And I'll tell you what...they are really hot this holiday season. With dinner parties and holiday festivities in full swing, servings boards are the perfect way to serve up appetizers and desserts. So come check out our selection at Wonderland by Alice lane in Orem, UT.

-Lexi Laycock

Our Top 5 Favorite Hostess Gifts

It's December...the most wonderful time of the year! Most of the year is so "Go, go, go!" that we really just want to sit back and coast through this magical time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We love embracing the holiday season by spending time with family and friends, and making memories that we will carry with us through the coming year. Most of all, we love the spirit of giving and showing others how much we care with the gifts we give. We're firm believers in host/hostess gifts. Call us old-fashion (we prefer classy), but nothing shows your appreciation more than a little gift left behind for your host. We've rounded up a list of our top 5 favorite hostess gifts to give this year...

1. Wood Serving Board [$24.25] - Next time your assigned to bring a snack to a holiday party, bring it on this miniature serving board and then leave it behind for the host/hostess to keep. They'll love the thoughtful gift, and you'll love going home without a dirty dish!

2. Gold Salt & Pepper Shakers [ 24.25] - You know that friend that throws the most glamorous and "pinterest worthy" dinner parties...they'll appreciate these gold metallic salt and pepper shakers. They're completely unique and unlike anything else, which means you'll instantly be promoted to the head of the dinner table this year!

3. Barr & Co. Bath Salts [32.50] - Throwing a party is hard work! Nothing says "thank you" quite like some bath salts that your hostess can soak in later that night. Especially when it's made from the highest quality ingredients like milk powder and colloidal oatmeal. Rejuvenation at it's finest!

4. Frasier Fir Diffuser [39.75] - Every hostess wants their home to smell warm and inviting. Frasier Fir is hands down our #1 scent for the season. It brings even the most reluctant into the holiday spirit! Long after the smells of good food are gone, this Frasier Fir diffuser will keep your hostesses home smelling full of life!

5. Chuao Chocolate Bar [$6.00] - Sneak a little bar of chocolate and a hand-written note on top of your hostesses pillow before you leave. They'll be completely surprised when they finally retire for the night and see your thoughtful sentiment waiting for them. After cooking and cleaning all day...their own personal bar of Chuao chocolate is just what they need to unwind!

All items are in-stock and available for purchase at Alice Lane Home Collection in Salt Lake City, so stop in and grab a hostess gift before your next holiday party (and maybe a Chuao chocolate bar for yourself too!).

Wonderland Pick: Porthole Mirrors

This series of porthole mirrors is the perfect solution to any tricky wall space. Without breaking the bank for an oversized piece of art, these can be custom hung to fill your space exactly how you want. Their hammered brass sides add the perfect touch of modern sparkle to any room – it’s like jewelry for your walls – the finishing accessory to your living room outfit!

Covington Wall Mirror Set - $245

Your home is so good to you. Treat it to some wall jewelry this holiday season, available now at our Wonderland location in Orem, UT.

- Holly A.

Wonderland Pick: Hair on Hide Pillows

Is it possible to be cozy and sophisticated at the same time? It sure is if you're a hair on hide pillow. They are perfect for adding a sense of warmth for the season while keeping your home chic and stylish.

So many colors and patterns to choose from and all at our friendly Wonderland prices of $90-$158. Come stop by our store, located in Orem, Utah today.

- Susan

Rules of Scale: Drapery

We've been talking a lot about proper scale lately, and while drapery may seem like one of those overly-talked about subjects, we will keep pounding this in your head until the entire world gets it right! It's a simple rule, but surprisingly draperies are one of the easiest things to get wrong. You can blame the shelf-stocked curtains found at most retailers for that. But before we go pointing any more fingers, let's start by going back to the basics...shall we?

Here's what you need to consider when buying and hanging drapery for your windows:

1. Rod Placement - Choke that sucker up as high as you can! Whether you have 8 or 11 foot ceilings, your rod should be placed just below your ceiling or crown molding. This draws the eye up, giving the illusion that your ceiling is taller than it actually is. A common mistake is to hang your rod just above your window casing...don't do this! Your window will appear squatty and short...and no one likes looking that way.

2. Hanging Drapes - Your rod should also extend a good foot or two beyond the width of your window when allowed. This allows you to hang your drapery over your wall instead of over your window. By hanging the bulk of your fabric over the walls, it not only allows more sunlight to stream through your windows when opened, but once again makes your windows appear larger.

3. Panel Length - This is where we blame store-bought curtains for making it so easy to go so wrong! Most drapery panels are sold in a standard 84" length, and you'll find that there simply isn't enough fabric to take you all the way to the ground. As a result, you end up either lowering your rod or letting your drapery hang like a terrible pair of flood pants. Don't do it! It may take a little customizing, but buy a longer length panel (96" or 108" are usually available) and properly hem them to barely kiss the ground. A tailored drape makes all the difference!

4. Fullness - Even if you got 1,2, and 3 right...it would all be for naught if you didn't have the right fullness. Your drapes should look functional, like they would actually cover the window when closed. A good rule of thumb is that each panel should be at least 1 to 1 1/2 times the width of the window. This will make your drapery look more generous and full whether opened or closed.

Wonderland Pick: Compartes Chocolate

OK, this week's Wonderland pick is a little unusual (you know...for a home furnishings boutique), but we just have to share how much we love these specialty chocolate bars! I mean...chocolate is already pretty good, but chocolate with Lucky Charms inside! Definitely something worth talking about. Especially now that Autumn makes everything a bit chilly, it just feels right to cuddle up in a warm blanket and indulge in some Compartes chocolate from Wonderland!

Here's the scoop...Compartes are organic chocolates and are made in small batches every day by the best chocolatiers in Los Angeles. This fashion forward chocolate is famous for integrating art and fashion into their beautiful packaging (Hello Kelly Wearstler!). They are just as delicious as they are stylish, and make for the best mid-week pick-me-ups.

Flavors range from Birthday Cake & Sprinkles to, my personal favorite, Coney Island with caramelized waffle cone pieces. Yum! They're available now at our Wonderland location and range from $9.99 to $12.99 each. Grab a few bars for easy and beautiful gift ideas, and maybe even some for your own little stash...don't worry, we don't tell.

-Lauren B.

Rules of Scale: Table Lamps

Finding the right scale of table lamp is almost as difficult as finding the right size bra (ladies...you know what we're talking about). What looks like the perfect size in store can suddenly seem way too small when you get it home! Just like any good clothing purchase usually begins with a proper fitting, so should your table lamp purchase!

Here are some quick "Rules of Scale" for you to keep in mind on your next quest for the perfect table lamp:

1. Lamp Height - A good rule of thumb is to find a table lamp that is approximately 30" tall from the bottom of the base to the top of the shade/finial. Without getting too mathematical, the top of the lamp should be between 58" and 64" from the ground. And with most end tables and bed side tables being around 28" tall, that leaves you with at least a good 30" to work with. Measure the height of your table and plan accordingly.

2. Eye Level - If you got the math right in #1, then your lamp shade will sit at about eye-level. This not only protects your eye from the blaring light of the bulb, but it also allows the light to perfectly illuminate everything below (like that book you stayed up all night reading). Test out sitting on your bed or sofa and measure where eye-level is for you. That will help you determine if you need a tall base and short shade, or visa versa.

3. Lamp Width - While we usually take the stance that bigger is better, it's also important to know your limits. Measure the width of your table and find a lamp that is no more than half that. You don't want a lamp that is too narrow, but you also don't want the lamp shade to be hanging over the edge!

4. Light - When it really comes down to it, your lamp needs to be functional. Make sure that it's large enough to radiate light where it's needed. Will you be using it to perform nightly tasks, or are you simply looking for extra ambient lighting? Defining it's purpose will help you pin down the perfect one!

Available for purchase at Wonderland by Alice Lane:  Pineapple Refraction Table Lamp - $157

Christmas on Alice Lane starts tonight!

Tonight's the night! It's time for our annual Christmas on Alice Lane event and our hearts are so full of Christmas cheer, they just might burst! Shop tonight at Wonderland by Alice Lane in Orem from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and enjoy 20% off your entire purchase. Same time and same deal tomorrow night (Thursday) at Alice Lane Home Collection in Salt Lake City.

Take a sneak peek at some of our holiday ornaments, accessories, and decor that's ready for the taking!

Wonderland Pick: Black Pineapple Lamp

Sophisticated.  Refined.  Chic.  What more could you want in a lamp? Did I mention it’s absolutely gorgeous and is a GREAT size?  Half the trouble in finding a lamp is finding the right scale for your space.  Well, look no further –we have what you’ve been looking for.

It's traditional shape and pineapple base makes it incredibly versatile. It can dress up a more formal setting, or even hang with the playful. When it comes to being stylish and affordable, this little black and brass beauty nails it on the head, coming in at only $157. Stop in to Wonderland today and take it home with you!

{Picked by: Lauren White}