Collections in an Office

I can’t imagine a better place to display collections then your home office. A collection reflects your passions, interests and hobbies and whether you’re an Olympic swimmer or an avid rock collector, I want you to use your office to show off who YOU are!

One client of ours continues to gather and collect small items and books from their world travels and proudly displays them on the center table in their study. It's handsome and interesting and forever evolving!

 Another keeps foreign currency and inspiring notions on her desk to remind her of the places she’s been.

Even if it’s the color pink that you collect-plaster the walls and layer the place in blush and bashful to reflect your loves!

Show off your art, trophys, rocks and pink proudly!

Happy collecting!

[photos from Alice Lane Home Collection and House Beautiful]

Styling a Bookcase

The most striking offices always feature a well-styled bookcase, wouldn’t you agree? It’s the best way to make a grand statement and create that inspiring and intellectual atmosphere that an office craves. So why is it that bookcases often become either a catch-all for little trinkets or just an empty eye-sore? Try these tips to give that bookcase a face-lift and take it from drab to fab. LAYER ART If you are having a tough time filling those bookshelves, try layering in art to fill the negative space and add depth. You can also mount artwork to the front of a bookcase for unexpected dimension and interest.

GROUP YOUR BOOKS If you are an avid reader and need all of that space for books, you can make a strong impact just by grouping them by size or color. Line your books up vertically, create horizontal stacks, or mix it up for a more relaxed look.

INCORPORATE ACCESSORIES An office is the perfect place to display your favorite treasures. Whether it’s the souvenir you picked up on your last big trip or a gift you received from someone special, integrate items that are meaningful to you. Adding in accessories with unifying features (color, shape, etc.) is a great rule-of-thumb to follow to introduce variety without it feeling too cluttered.

Styling a Desk

How much more productive could I be if were to love my office space as much as I love my bedroom?? As with any space, presentation is key. I want my desk to welcome me home and beg me to spend time there.

COMFORT Let’s face it, you might be spending a lot of time in the office. Why not make it a space where you can get cozy, prop up your feet, and really get down to business? Use a rug to anchor the desk, and a footstool to make your space extra welcoming.

INSPIRATION At Alice Lane, we believe that being surrounded by loveliness helps us exude loveliness. Inspiration is all around us, so try harnessing some of that into the space where you’ll be when you’re in need of it! A charming light fixture, or lovely object is always helpful in keeping the juices flowing.

We also believe in the old fashioned pinboards. We change them out any time we find something innovative or lovely. This is a good way to keep our minds wide open.

CLEVER STORAGE Last, but certainly not least, is storage! Keeping a happy desk means that there is a home for each item. Keep a tray or lovely cup to store pencils, stapler, etc. Drawers will help harness the papers and other things that don’t need to be on display.

Remember that any space in your home should make you feel welcome. Make it your own. Enjoy being creative in your space!

[photos from Style Me Pretty, The Every Girl, Alice Lane Home Collection]

The Office Walls

As wallcoverings have made their triumphant return some may still struggle to find the right place for the patterns we love. A few perfect places that could be covered with a bold floral print or sophisticated grass cloth – the powder bath, the master water closet, the living room, and the office.

The office is a room that can whistle a different tune than the rest of the home. So whistle it loud and proud! Here are a few things to consider when choosing that perfect paper.

HIS OR HERS Where else can you let your hair down if you really want a feminine floral, a masculine tailored stripe, or metallic-leafed wall? Think about the person who uses the office and gear the design toward his/her tastes.

UNDERSTATED OR SHOUT-IT-FROM-THE-ROOFTOP The office is often closed off from the rest of the home and can handle something that may zig when the rest of the home zags.

"Ahem…. HELLO! Look at me!" This paneled mural wallpaper will knock your socks off.

Or choose a classic, timeless grasscloth that will be there for the grandkids.

[photos from Elle Decor, Elitis, and Alice Lane Home Collection]

Freshen up Your Living Room with Greenery

Are you looking around your living room and thinking, “what can I do to help this room have a little more life?”  Well, look no further than out the window.  Bring a little of the outside in!

A decorative tree or green plant will instantly breathe a fresh new life to your living room.

Don’t have time to run to the floral shop before your guests arrive?  Cut some simple stems of leaves from the tree in the backyard and place them in an existing vase or container.  It can be done in seconds!

Do you have beautiful flowers in your yard?  Cut a few stems and enjoy them inside.  The loose look of “I-just-cut-these-and-threw-them-in-a-vase” type arrangement will totally work well.  Don’t be afraid!

So, grab a tree, some branches, or some flowers to help your living room ‘live’ a little more!

[photos from House Beautiful and Elle Decor]

Take a Seat

Feeling bored with your living room? Here are 3 tips to freshen things up.

MIX UP THE SEATING Imagine the guests you entertain in your living room - whether it's grandma who needs a firm chair or the kids who love an ottoman just their size. Wouldn't it be great if everyone had a seat that was just right? Mix up the seating silhouettes and everyone will have a place they can feel at home.

PULL FURNITURE AWAY FROM THE WALLS Your living room doesn't have to feel like a junior high dance with the chairs hanging out on one side and the sofa across the room on the other. Let everything mingle in the middle under the disco ball, er chandelier.

COZY UP THE CORNERS Don't neglect the corners of your room. They need a little love too. Show off a pretty buffet or a spicy chair to liven up the room's pulse.

[photos from Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, and Lonny]

Layering Rugs

Like a good outfit, a room with layers is always better.  Today we’ll be talking briefly about how to layer your rugs and the different reasons why this is the best idea next to the iPhone!  You’re welcome.

SIZE Bigger rugs are ALWAYS better but sometimes the rug you love doesn’t come in a 9’ x 12’ or a 10’ x 14’. This especially is where layering is heaven sent!   You can have a piece of wool carpet or a jute/sisal carpet  cut and bound as a base layer to go underneath your smaller, favorite love rug.  BOOM!  Your room looks bigger and better AND you look really cool for pulling off such a fashionable trick.  (slow clap)

 

TEXTURE I remember the first time I walked from a hard surface onto a wool hand-knotted rug and finally onto a long haired white cowhide.  My little toes didn’t know what to do with themselves so naturally they just curled into the cowhide and stayed for a while.  Texture is a huge part of design and I love when we can literally feel that from the ground up.  Layer your textures!

COLLECTION I’ve always wanted to say “I just have so much art, looks like I’m going to have to layer it!”  Same goes for layering your rugs.   When you layer, it helps your home feel like it’s been curated over time.   It adds depth and like I always say, it illustrates YOUR story.  Where you’ve been and what you love. Collect rugs.

Let the layering begin!

[photos from SF Girl by Bay, Pinterest, Traditional Home, House Beautiful, World of Interiors]

Lighting in a Living Room

True to its name, a good living room should be our favorite space to LIVE in – a place of gathering, a place to fill with laughter, and with heart. Such a special place surely deserves some well thought illumination! And because this room tends to be multi-functional, its lighting plan should be equally multi-leveled. Below are some expert insights on thinking through your living room lighting:

LIKE BEY SAID - YOU PUT MY LOVE ON TOP In an ideal situation, we like to see a living room ceiling with both recessed cans as well as a statement making fixture (and given the choice, we’d take that gorgeous chandelier!) But, sometimes you gotta Tim Gunn-it and “make it work!" No matter your current situation, an easy update is to change your regular old switch to a dimmer. This will give you the ability to flood the room with light (perfect for those midnight cleaning sessions!) or to take it down a notch for an evening of entertaining.

IF YOU BUILT IT THEN YOU SHOULD A PUT A SCONCE ON IT At Alice Lane Home Collection, we never pass by a built-in bookcase or cabinet without looking for a way to light it up. Our preferred method is to place sconces on the header or side rails for a super stylish, but also functional feature.

WHO RUN THE WORLD? LAMPS The final frontier of our lighting universe are lamps. Providing not only soft, ambient lighting, lamps should be considered also for their visual impact in a space. A sculptural floor lamp with a large drum shade compliments an accent chair and side table. A pair of colorful table lamps bring balance and interest to a sofa grouping.

[photos from Elle Decor, Domino, Pinterest, One Kings Lane, and Alice Lane Home Collection]

Picking the Perfect Sofa

Whether you are looking for a place to sit and chat or a cozy spot to plop down and read a book, sofas are a staple in any lounge area. But with endless options at our fingertips, finding the perfect sofa can be overwhelming to say the least. Consider the following main points before choosing a sofa and your shopping experience will go from intimidating to exciting.

SIZE Consider how large your room is, the height of the ceiling, and which other furnishings you want to incorporate in the room.  Make sure the sofa’s length, depth, and height are in proportion to your room.

TYPE The size and function of your room will dictate the type of sofa that best fits your space.  Is this a small, formal area for conversation? Opt for a loveseat, settee, or sofa with more petite dimensions.  Is this a large room where you gather to relax or watch a movie? Choose a deep sofa or sectional where you can tuck up your feet and snuggle in for the night.

UPHOLSTERY Select a fabric that is in-line with the function of the space. Determine if it is a high-use area and define the purpose for the space.  In a formal living room or master bedroom you can get away with a light cotton or linen upholstery, but in a great room or kids’ area stick to a textile with a high man-made content, like polyester, or choose a leather.

[photos from Architectural Digest and Elle Decor]

Perfecting Your Patio

Welcome to summer! It's our goal to spend as much time outdoors as possible, and enjoy our outside spaces to their fullest extent! Here are are a few tips on boosting the ambiance of your patio:

YOUR PATIO SHOULD FEEL LIKE A ROOM Even without four walls, think of your patio as another of your home's lovely spaces. Create furniture groupings where meals, conversations, etc. can be enjoyed. Make sure the space fulfills its purpose and has good flow so guests can move about easily.

CREATE LAYERS Just like your living room, a successful outdoor space can be created by addressing all the layers. Outdoor rugs help ground the area and make it feel special. Ample seating to accommodate guests is key. Outdoor lighting help make a patio more inviting - pendants, sconces, string lights, etc.

CONSIDER THE ELEMENTS Outdoor spaces are going to be exposed to the elements. Select furniture that is made to be outside stone, teak, and powder coated metals will help extend the life of outdoor furniture. Choose fabrics that are made to resist fading in the sun and that can be sprayed off when they get dirty.

[photos from Houzz - Tim Barber Architecture, Pinterest, Architectural Digest]

The Summer Bed

We aren’t the only ones who shed the layers as the weather warms up. Our beds go through the same metamorphosis and lose those superfluous threads as the thermometer skyrockets. For all of you who live within the confines of our beautiful desert mountain west you know that our nights are warm enough without down comforters, extra blankets, and flannel sheets.

My suggestion is to keep it minimal: Go linen, go light, go natural.

These two beds are the perfect example of simple and light; linen sheeting, one lightweight coverlet, and just the essential pillows. Throw in a throw just in case that breeze gets a little too breezy!

Crack the window and sleep well my friends!

Take advantage of our bedding sale (going on now) to create your perfect summer bed!

[photos from Elle Decor]

Summer Entertaining

Summer is almost here and we all want to be outside with friends and family. Deep down inside we all have an itch to throw a fun outdoor party, but we hesitate because we think we do not know how to make it great. Here are three easy tips – eat, drink, and be merry!

EAT! Good food is always a must. Instead of resorting to hot dogs and hamburgers, try a night of salads with a little umph like this or this! They are lite, but will still satisfy the hunger.

DRINK! It’s hot and we all need a little something to cool off. Don’t resort to a folding table full of two liters! Load a fun bar cart full of a variety of bottled drinks, garnishes, fun straws, and a pitcher of your favorite mixed drink. You can please even the pickiest of taste buds!

BE MERRY! In order for your guests to be merry the environment needs to be fun and comfortable. Get comfortable seating with side tables abound to place drinks and food plates. Have extra light throws on hand as the sun goes down and light up the candles! Let’s face it – everyone looks better in a flood of candlelight!

So throw together some food, grab some cool drinks, and light those candles! You will have an outdoor party that is sure to be a good time. Oh, and don’t forget to send me an invite too!

[photos from Southern Living, Coastal Living, The Effortless Chic, Mr. Kate]

The Recipe for a Perfect Patio

Whether you have a small porch or a grand veranda, the recipe for a great outdoor space is the same. Here are our 4 steps for a perfect patio.

START WITH STYLISH SEATING - Look for chairs and sofas with attractive lines, something with personality that speaks to your exterior.

LAYER IN THE TEXTILES - Gone are the days of scratchy outdoor fabrics. There are so many soft, chic outdoor fabrics perfect for your cushions and pillows. Just make sure to use a mold-resistant fill.

ADD SURFACES FOR FOOD OR DRINKS - Think coffee tables, garden stools, and side tables. Every seat should have a close spot to set down a plate or glass.

PEPPER IN FLOWERS AND PLANTS - A plant is the final ingredient for creating a charming outdoor grouping. A plant's organic lines keep the space feeling fresh and lively. Look for a kicky planter to keep things interesting.

[photos from Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Flickr, and cococozy]

The Well-Dressed Bathroom, Part II

RUGS  So I’m a big rug fan and I adore when people use a fine little rug in a bathroom. You can do anything from a washable rug to a hand-knotted rug and there is something about feeling the softness and attention underfoot that will anchor your space and make it feel complete.

BARCARTS, STOOLS, AND PRETTY LIL' SURFACES Fewer things make me happier than a beautiful piece of furniture in a bathroom so of course I must address the cart, table or stool that sits in the center of the room, beside the tub or nesting beneath the vanity. This is as much a tribute to function as it is beauty! A place for your lotions and potions or a spot to stack your hand towels. The best bathrooms are ones that are fully stocked and this number will help you and your guests feel right at home. Plus now your significant other has a surface to place the flowers that were plucked from your fabulous garden!

THE VANITY TRAY Everyone and I mean everyone has a lot of things in their bathroom and I’m here to advise that what cannot fit in your cupboards belongs on a tray. Think of it like a rug!  Its job is to anchor and corral the troops. This is a place to put perfumes and lotions and a small place for jewelry to go before you hop in the shower. Occasionally an ugly bottle of contact solution will show its functional face and it’s our job to try and make even that look pretty. A tray can help you do that.

Friends and family of Alice Lane - Please don’t forget the bathroom! We can help you make this often forgotten room, your favorite place on earth.

With love and potty talk encouragement, your adoring designer,

[photos from House & Home, Flickr, Rutland Designer, Architectural Digest]

The Well-Dressed Bathroom, part 1

Whenever I’m in a home, a hotel, or a nice restaurant, I often excuse myself to use the loo only to see how it’s been treated.  I still remember all of my favorites with wishful thinking that I might return to see them again! They were that good.

I once meandered by a powder room with a cityscape wallpaper treatment and a collection of original oil portraits of kings. It was absolutely brilliant! I promised myself that day that I would never hold back precious pieces from a bathroom.  What better place to capture someone’s attention and nod to the fact that even the BATHROOM is well-dressed!

So here I am today. Preaching of the importance of beautifying your bathrooms and the simple things that make this ordinary room somewhere where your guests will literally want to sit and stay awhile.

WALLPAPER I’m convinced everyone’s soul is lined in a wallpaper that describes them. Lucky for you, we have a myriad of options and it doesn’t take a lot to paste the place in a soul paper! Wallpaper is one of the best ways to add gumption to these little rooms and will become the jewel boxes of your home. Below are some of my favorites!

ART Like I mentioned before, art is a great way to add importance to a space.   It’s unexpected and allows the walls to talk!   Whether they are fine paintings, photographs, or simple quotes that allow one to ponder, art will allow every space in your home deem special.  Especially the often forgotten bathroom.

Don't forget the bathroom! Check back for part 2 of The Well-Dressed Bathroom!

[photos from eBay, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Fashion Squad]

Styling a Bathroom Vanity

Let’s face it, if we don’t take the time to purposefully design and organize a space it can quickly become an unsightly landing zone for chaos. One of the most commonly neglected areas in the home is the bathroom vanity. With all of our potions and products and it’s easy to let our counters become covered in a sea of clutter.  With proper styling, though, your vanity can go from looking disorderly to looking designed. Here are a few suggestions to add function and beauty to your bathroom vanity:

 

DISPLAY YOUR EVERYDAY ITEMS Many of our everyday items are inherently beautiful, so don’t hesitate to store them on your counters. Your favorite perfumes and soaps, a stash of cotton balls, your collection of makeup brushes, and a stack of white towels all look pretty when they are gathered while still being easily accessible for your daily use. Make sure to contain your items so they look orderly- you can use traditional items like glass apothecary jars, or grab something unexpected like your favorite mug or vase.

USE TRAYS Another tried-and-true accessory you can use to style and contain items is the tray.  We love trays because they are multi-functional and can instantly make an area cluttered with tiny objects feel organized and grounded.

ADD LAMPS Who says you can’t use lamps in a bathroom?  We can never have enough lighting when we are applying our makeup—adding a lamp is a way to bring in more light and give the space a sense of chicness.

LAYER LARGE ACCESSORIES If you have an open vanity, fill that negative space with large items that fit your lifestyle.  Whether it’s a stool to sit on and do your makeup or for the kids to stand on to brush their teeth, or large baskets and jars to store your products, make your vanity function for you.

Don’t forget to add fresh flowers and that stack of white towels for that extra freshness and fluff!

[photos from New England Home Magazine, Elle Decor, Nina Holst, House Beautiful, Andreas Trauttmansdorff]

The Perfect Reading Nook

I have a very clear memory of waking up most Sunday mornings, heading downstairs for breakfast and seeing my mom sitting in our green velvet chair at the living room window reading. It’s one I’ll always remember. And now that I get to help others create these perfect reading nooks for themselves I often think back to that Sunday mornings scene as my guide.

There are a couple of key ingredients to creating a perfect nook to relax in and get your read on!

COMFORT  This is a must have if you plan to sit and delve into your favorite book. Select a chair, settee, or daybed that you can pull your feet up in and really settle into. Pillows and a blanket will keep you comfy and warm. Keep it small and personal, 2 person capacity max. This is your retreat!

LIGHT  How will you read on those rainy days or late in the winter without a lamp? Find a lamp that you can reach from your perch and adjust to where you’re sitting. You can use a floor lamp or wall sconce that has an adjustable swing arm for the most flexibility.

CONVENIENCE  Where will you put down that cup of tea, reading glasses or bookmark? Every successful nook needs a small table or shelf close by to hold your things as you’re enjoying your little slice of paradise. You could use a ceramic garden stool, a small pull up table or shelf so long as it’s within arm’s reach.

[photo 1, 2, 3]

Seat "In a Pinch"

You have an extraordinary space that is wonderfully ‘just so.’ Lovely, inviting …the works! The space nicely accommodates the typical bunch that gather in your home. But how do you plan ahead for an extra guest or two without having to store a closet full of folding chairs??

Our favorite go-to pieces are the ones that look great all tucked in, but star in functionality when they’re pulled out.

Stash one or a pair of stools, benches or ottomans under a console. They’ll help complete the look, while getting really functional when you need more seating.

We love adding a couple of ottomans just in front of the fireplace. They add a little punch to the space, give you two extra seats and play a soft role as fireplace screen.

Get creative by cozying an ottoman under the curvy edge of a grand piano. It can quickly add seating for a couple of guests, and helps keep the piano from getting too lonely in the center of the room.

[photos 1, 2, 3]

Upholstered Headboards

If you’ve ever read or flipped through Pinterest on your iPad late at night in bed, you know how crucial comfort is. You’ve probably cursed your wood or iron headboard when you can’t get your head and back situated right under stacks of pillows. The solution to all your night owl woes? An upholstered bed.

There’s a style to suit any taste and thousands of fabrics from which to choose. We have beds with pretty curves, nail head details, tufting, upholstered rails, and even a wood trim.

Take advantage of The Very Best Sale going on now and save 20% on all upholstery and casegoods!

[photos 1, 2, 3, 4]

The Bottom-of-Bed Perch

A little secret I like to include when designing a master bedroom is to place something great at the end of the bed. Whether it be a sofette, chaise, ottoman, or bench, it can add the perfect touch to a room.

There are several reasons for this – the first is the aesthetic graduation of heights as your eye slowly moves from a lower piece to the higher headboard – it keeps the room balanced.

When folding top blankets and duvets back it gives them a perfect landing spot.

I also love the more practical reasons for this bottom of bed perch. It makes a great place to lounge while reading a book, watching TV, or having a midmorning snack, just add a small table and ottoman for a little vignette. One of my favorite suggestions, especially to those who have children or grandchildren is to use a sofette, at the end of the bed, which can double as a sleeping area when they are not feeling well.

[photos 1, 2, 3, 4]