Be Bold

As a person I am bold and unapologetic. I love the tense and slightly uncomfortable feelings of adrenaline and competition. I’ve always preferred oomph over subtlety. And my professional design life is no different. I find myself drawn to bold artwork, saturated intense colors in fabric and drama created by mixing things that feel collected and loved – impulse buys. These things make a statement. They are sure of their place in the room where they live, and you KNOW it when you step through the door. If I had my way, each interior I touched would have color, a LOT of it. Piled in, mixed up and I wouldn’t feel bad about it. Color is a basic building block and I say we all ought to add a little more of it in our worlds!

Consider these ideas the next time you need to re-create or update your own space:

A: Color as your background or “neutral”. Use a bold color to fill the room where you’d normally paint it beige or white, it will serve the exact same function but with some zhuzh! Continue decorating as you normally would.

B: Color in the furniture. Maybe fuchsia walls aren’t your jam, that’s ok. How about adding color to an all-white room via furniture? Furniture and art have so much personality and you can get a lot of style points for a dramatic sofa or piece of art.

Our Favorite Paint Colors

Whenever I meet with a new client 9 times out of 10 I am asked, “well, what color would you do?”  Here is my answer, “whatever color you want.”  Why do I say that?  Well, there are millions of studies showing how color can make you feel nervous, happy, anxious, and even lose your appetite.  However, the real question is how does it make YOU feel?  Everyone sees color differently.  If you love a certain color, go for it!  Here are some colors I love:

BENJAMIN MOORE - STUNNING  I have always been drawn to navy blue.  This version is dark enough to give you the impact you want, but it isn’t so dark that it will feel black when all the lights aren’t on.

BENJAMIN MOORE - WHITE DOVE Just like a trusty ol’ friend, this white always gets the job done.  I use this on trim work and ceilings in different sheens.  It has a little bit of warmth and a little bit of cool so it is universal with any color scheme.

BENJAMIN MOORE - REVERE PEWTER  We used this color in our Salt Lake showroom.  We get inquiries about it every week.  If you are tired of white walls, but can’t push yourself to do a different color, try this one.  It is enough of a change to add some interest, but not enough to make you sick of it in a month or two.

BENJAMIN MOORE - BABY SEAL BLACK Are you a little gutsy?  Try this one!  I have always wanted a black room for the sheer drama of it.  It is strong and powerful and paired with some great art on the walls to lighten it up a little, this is the color to try out!

BENJAMIN MOORE - AMHERST GRAY Did I just push you over the edge with the thought of black walls?  Well, if you can’t handle that much saturation, but you still want something daring, this one is your color.  It can go masculine or feminine depending on the colors you add and it will still give you that little dose of drama you wanted…without going overboard.

I know we all have a room we have wanted to paint for a long time.  Well, start taping off the walls and grab a bucket or two of one of these colors and get to it!

[images from Emily A. Clark, Architectural Digest, and Pinterest]

Dressing the Bed

Designer Confession: I have made MANY beds in my life, but very few rarely is the bed that I make my own. Scandalous, right? So with the New Year, and goal setting happening all around me, I’ve made up my mind – this year my resolution is to get my bed dressed!

Of course, a big part of dressing my bed is going to include finally figuring out my bedding aesthetic. When it comes to my own bedding, I’ve long been a perpetrator of buying what I like in the moment, without thinking through my overall design intent. My own style schizophrenia has resulted in years of miss matched sheets, duvets, coverlets and pillows! Actually, the sheets always match each other. I’m not savage.

This darling illustration from One Kings Lane got me thinking: what does my bed say about me? So far, nothing good….

(Hint – if all this pillow talk is making you uncomfortable, you my friend, may be a Minimalist)

Before I pull the trigger on a total bedding revamp, I’m having the age old internal debate: white vs. color. While I love the crisp simplicity of an all-white “hotel” look, I’m really digging the idea of layering a few colors and textures. The two images below are both making an excellent case for themselves.

Yeah, I could get used to waking up here…

Luckily, The White Sale is happening right now! Our stores have literal piles of lovely linen sheets, special pillows and uber soft blankets on sale – it’s truly the stuff good dreams are made of!

[images via Elle Décor, One Kings Lane, New England Home, Lonny Magazine]

Picking the Perfect PIllows

With the magic of Christmas just a sweet memory until next year, your home can seem a little lack luster leaving you with the felling that a complete home-makeover is necessary. Luckily there is a way to chase away the winter blues with a simple solution that will raise your spirits and add freshness to your space - pillows! Changing or adding pillows to your sofas, chairs, or bed is an easy, effective, and stylish way to transform your space with each season.

Using a bold color or vibrant pattern on a sofa or chair will add oomph, helping your space feel new and alive! If a lot of color seems too loud for you, try grounding the setting with some soft neutrals, this adds depth, allows your eye a place to rest, and helps the color you do use pop!

Sparkle is not just for the holiday season! Liven up your space with metallic or sequined pillows that will leave your bed or sofa feeling chic. Try adding fur into the mix with a throw or pillow. This trend is not only cozy for the winter, but makes your space feel layered, eclectic, and chic - and who doesn’t want that?!

Just like accessorizing, odd numbers are pleasing to the eye, so try using just 3 throw pillows on your sofa or bed. Most importantly, make your space inviting by mixing the textures, patterns, and sizes of your pillows. Whether you use all neutrals or pops of color, different textures and fabrics add dimension and interest leaving your space feeling attractive and complete.

Now for the best part... all of our bedding, pillows, and throws are 20% off through the 24^th of this month! So stop by Alice Lane for some ideas to spruce up your home for the new year!

[photos from Houzz, Rue, Pinterest]

Making Over Your Mantel

Taking down Christmas decorations around the house can be somewhat of a somber activity after the holidays are over. When it comes to taking down your fireplace mantel decor however, there is reason to rejoice! It’s the perfect time to start with a clean slate; strip it down to its bones, wipe all of the dust off, and start afresh. Styling your mantel after the holidays can be a tricky thing, because it’s not quite spring yet, and using evergreens can make you think Christmas is still around the corner. So what do you do? Here are a couple of ideas that we like to use at Alice Lane.

If you’re one to take advantage of the holidays by flying off to your favorite travel destination, don’t be afraid to use some of your prized souvenirs you brought home from your exotic trip to Tahiti. A clean mantel will let you build around those one-of-a-kind pieces, and be unique especially to you.

Perhaps you received some cherished art from your children over the holidays; now is a great time to make your kids proud and display their work in a nice frame over the family room mantel. They will be proud of their work, and it will give your home the perfect warm touch it was needing after the holidays.

If your mantel decor needs some help after the holiday season, give one of these ideas a try, and you just might be surprised with how great it turns out. Stop by one of our locations and our stylists can help you freshen up your mantel!

[photos from Elle Decor and Architectural Digest]

The Holiday Table

We all know the dining table can serve as the center of holiday entertaining in your home. Relax… it isn’t just you that gravitates towards the location of the food at every holiday party. In fact, I believe it’s more than that. The dining table is where so many of our favorite memories are made… and it just so happens food is involved. So here are some tips to make your holiday table one for the books!

I like to start with my dishes. You’ll never go wrong with a solid white plate, but don’t be afraid to get a little creative. Mix and match styles, colors and patterns for a collected look. This is also a great trick if you have more guests than you do plates. Layer your dishes depending on the style of dinner you are serving. More casual? A salad plate and/or a charger will do just fine. Add in your flatware, glasses, and napkins… more of the essentials.

Pay attention to the details. Incorporate different textures for interest and warmth. One of my favorite table setting “go-tos” is greenery. It is full, beautiful and will bring your table to life. It can serve as a centerpiece, run the length of your table, or can be an addition to a carefully crafted nametag bringing another level of personalization to the party. Speaking of which, I love using name cards. This is the place to add a touch of whimsy or an accent of color. Plus, everyone loves to see their name waiting for them at the dinner table.

And finally, top it off with candle light. For an atmosphere that will melt anyone’s heart, add the flickering of small flames down the length of your table top. You’ll have your guests asking to come back every year.

[photos from Smitten Studio, Kelly Wearstler, Style Me Pretty, This is Glamorous, and Elizabeth Anne Designs]

Our Holiday Playlist

It’s December and the holiday hustle and bustle is in full-swing! Our halls are decked and our homes feel cozy and festive.

So what’s left to prepare besides shopping lists and party details? A holiday playlist, of course! Whether you need to add that final layer to an upcoming party or just want to curl up next to the fireplace and relax, the perfect tunes always add that special ambiance we love around this time of year. Here’s what we are listening to this season:

[photos from Pinterest and Emily Steffen]

Fresh garlands and wreaths!

Ushering in the season with a little help from Mother Nature...

There are few smells that get me as excited as fresh greenery this time of year! It encompasses all the ooey gooey Christmas memories we cherish, and if you’ve ever trekked into the woods to have a Griswold family Christmas moment you know what I’m talking about - going fresh is completely intoxicating!

Having grown up with fresh trees, it’s to my adult dismay that I have converted to the mega convenient pre-lit world, BUT I’m here to preach that you can have convenience and freshness in the same household! It’s all going to start with the first thing your guests see (and smell) when they ring your doorbell…..the wreath.

We just received a shipment of fresh magnolia and bay leaf wreaths to help usher in your holiday season (and your party guests!)

What’s so brilliant about a fresh wreath is not only do you look holiday legit to all those that come over, but it’s such an easy trick! Without any doctoring you honestly could hang, walk away, and start sipping cocoa because it's sooo good on its own! If you want to add some jingle bells for sparkle, don’t let me hold you back, just know less is more, and these wreaths look real good naked.

Next on the freshy fresh agenda is the bay leaf garlands Santa dropped off here at the Alice Lane!

Fresh garlands are as easy as the wreaths but your application is so broad. You can drape them around doorways, over your mantles, down your banisters and on every type of table top, console and armoire! Your options are limitless!! We are big fans over here!

So to all my interweb friends reading this, please come over and snag them while they’re hot because today is officially three weeks from Christmas, and I’d hate for you to miss out!

With frasier fir hugs and hot cocoa kisses,

 (The Christmas Elf)

[pinterest, etsy, veranda, and atlanta homes and lifestyles]

Thanksgiving Hosting Tips

Am I the only one that can’t believe Thanksgiving is around the corner? Geesh! Where has the time gone? Luckily my wife and I are not hosting the family clan, but if we were, we would be in full prep mode with a bucket of stress. Are you in the same ship? Hopefully I can make it a little easier. Just remember the art of hosting is in the details. How many times have you heard, “It’s the little things that count.”  How true is that when hosting a holiday get together? Do not feel like you have to throw a party that gets 3,294 likes on Instagram or nifty ideas that get repined five million times. Just pay attention to the details, and your guests will feel like you spent all year putting everything together. Here we go:

There are many things that help set the mood. Candles burning, scents wafting through the air, and visually stimulating décor will put your guests right at ease. Do not forget the music! Technology these days makes it so easy too! I typically turn to Pandora to give my party a variety of artists under one genre. Music is a simple way to set the tone and make a party fun.

How do you dress the table is the question that follows once the menu is finalized. I think Thanksgiving is one of the easier holidays to decorate. Think of different textures and deeper colors – nothing too fussy or overdone. I love the idea of placing planks of reclaimed wood down the center of the table as a table runner with candles, wheat, fruits and vegetables from the fall harvest, and maybe a couple flowers here and there. Don’t pigeon hole yourself into just pumpkins and gourds! There are many other options.

This time of the year calls for family gatherings so why not pay tribute to family members of years gone by?  Grab family heirlooms like grandpa’s basketball trophies, great grandmother’s tea cups, or aunt Gertrude’s collection of flatware to incorporate into your design. Are you like me and don’t have enough table settings for a party of 14+? No problem! Borrow coordinating settings from other guests to mix in. Layering in grandma’s china with aunt Olivia’s flatware and stemware collections from your neighbor’s European ancestors – could make for a dinner with a sense of history and great conversation starters!

See, the small details are the ones that count and go a long way! Just think of how you layer your outfits for fall weather and how the same concept can be applied to your Thanksgiving dinner. Do a little digging or shopping for those unexpected pieces that will make your gathering a little unexpected, a little more cozy, and a greater sense of heritage.

[photos from Decoist, Santa Barbara Chic, and Gourmande in the Kitchen]

Guests are coming!

The holidays are almost here and it’s time to start preparing for your house guests. Here’s a list of my favorite tips for outfitting your guest room and making sure your loved ones feel comfortable and welcome.

THE BED The ideal guest bed has several layers to help your guest sleep at the perfect temperature. Use cotton or linen sheets, a warm coverlet, and a fluffy duvet. Make sure to tighten up the bedding with hospital corners, like mama taught you. Turn down the sheets to make the bed inviting and provide a stack of extra pillows and blankets.

THE NIGHTSTAND When outfitting the nightstands make sure they have the following: an alarm clock, fresh water in a carafe, a bud vase with a few blooms, and a selection of magazines. You get extra credit by topping it off with the guest’s favorite treat. A few luxuries go a long way in impressing your visitors.

THE BATHROOM Stock the guest bathroom with a stack of clean towels, extra toiletries (someone always seems to forget a toothbrush), a fluffy robe, and a lovely scented candle. Tuck in your favorite lotions and soaps to give it that last personal touch.

For Your Fete de Noel

As you may have noticed, around these parts we like to celebrate. Is somebody running their first marathon? We'll make tee shirts. Did your kid loose another tooth? Let's all have cookies. So just imagine what the holiday season does to our party throwing souls. For those of you nearby, we hope you enjoyed our recent holiday events. (We loved seeing you! Weren't those ginger cookies delicious?)

And for those of you both near and far, we pulled together a few quick tips to take any of your upcoming fete from fun to unforgettably festive.

SET THE MOOD Just as we frequently discuss when designing a room, one trick that will set your party up for success is lighting. The pros know that soft lighting is the ultimate goal, creating a relaxed atmosphere and a slight air of mystery. We're not asking you to serve your guests in the dark, but try turning off overhead lights (or at least turn down the dimmer!) and utilize table lamps and, of course, candles. Holiday parties have the added benefit of twinkle lights, which have a reputation for being an automatic mood setter!

MAKE IT EASY Many times the Achilles heel of a good party starts with an over complicated plan. Choose a unifying theme for the décor and then examine whether each piece you want to bring in enhances that theme, or is just excess. Let a few statement making touches have a bigger impact, rather than feeling like every surface of your home needs to be decked out. Use a similar mindset when planning the menu: one extravagant, crowd pleasing dish, and then let the sides play second fiddle.

ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES, AND LET THE PUNCH ROLL For our final bit of advice, we borrowed a story from a decorating and entertaining hero, the magician Miles Redd. “It was springtime in New York and we were so excited for some nice weather, and we had set up this beautiful table outside,” says Miles. “I had gone upstairs to take a shower and within minutes it turned into thunderous storms. So the only other place I can host a large group is in my bathroom. We just moved everything upstairs.”

While most people would be mortified to host guests in their bathroom, we admire the spirit of Miles’ story – sometimes even the best laid plans get thrown awry, but why should that ruin the party? A good hostess has the ability to be flexible, and to lead the mood of an event with their own attitude. Approach obstacles with light heartedness, and remember the unexpected moments sometimes create the best memories.

[photos from Eddie Ross, Lonny Mag, Lifestyle Mirror]

Bedside Lighting

The designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz said, “Light is the magical ingredient that makes or breaks a space; it's one of the most important elements in all interiors.” He’s so right! Sadly, often times lighting a space becomes an afterthought. Here are 4 of my favorite tips for lighting that cozy place we love to spend cold winter nights in - our bedrooms.

Lights placed next to your bed not only create warmth and ambience, they also fulfill a purpose. Make sure whatever type of lighting you use is placed high enough so that the light shines down on that page-turning novel you can’t get enough of.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match! While symmetry is beautiful and stately, having different lamps on each side of the bed helps a space feel less formal; so choose lighting that reflects your personal style and story.

Use floor lamps. Yes, that’s right, try using a floor lamp next to your bed. Many of us don’t have space in our apartments or guest bedrooms to have nightstands on both sides of the bed. A smartly chosen floor lamp on one side of the bed and a table lamp on the other is a handsome solution.

I love sconces; they are jewelry for your wall, and who doesn’t love jewelry?! Free up your nightstand for some beautiful flowers or stylish books by placing sconces next to your bed instead of traditional lamps. Sconces are beauty and function all rolled up in one.

The End of Bed Bench

The end-of-bed bench. It’s the place to sit and put on your shoes in the morning before you head out the door. The place that holds a couple of your favorite books and a chunky knit throw for you to pick up whenever you find a spare second to relax.

It's a place to watch TV until you’re tired enough to actually climb into  bed and fall asleep for the night. A place to sit and chat with the one you love about how your day went.  And hopefully for most it’s a combination of a lot of these things together.

If you have the space, the use of an end-of-bed bench completes the overall feel and look of a bedroom. It’s the icing on the cake really. An end-of-bed bench can really be a pair of ottomans, a settee, a pair of chairs, or even a small sofa. Depending on how you use your space, one option may serve you better than another.

For instance if you’re not one to spend too much time in your bedroom, perhaps a pair of small ottomans or bench will serve you well for a quick place to sit down and put on your shoes. Or if you’re the person that spends time lounging in your bedroom throughout the day, a daybed or chaise at the foot of your bed will accommodate those moments of relaxation.

If you have children, maybe a small sofa or even a minimal seating group at the end of your bed can serve as a place to gather together. So take a look at your space and think of how you use your own bedroom to see what end-of-bed piece will work best for you.

[photos from Home Bunch, Arkpad, Elle Decor, Madeline Stuart]

The Perfect Pillows

After a long, grueling day at the office, there is no better sight than that of a well-dressed bed ready to be climbed into. This picture is never complete unless you've found the perfect pillows to add the finishing touch to this moment. This simple accessory has the power to personalize your space while adding all of the visual warmth of a wood burning stove in the fall. But just how do you pick the perfect ensemble of pillows?

Start with a neutral base that feels effortless and relaxing, complement with an accent of pattern or color to add a little spice to your bedroom. Pillows are a great way to add a pop of color and when the season changes, so can your pillows!

We love to layer. Using your sleeping pillows as a base, layer largest pillows in back and scale down in the front. Just the size differences alone can add interest in shape and texture. There is also some magic behind odd numbers. They seem to be more eye-catching and visually comfortable to even the untrained eye.

A lumbar pillow can ease your worried mind if you are unsure about picking several pillows to make an arrangement. A large lumbar can hold its own by spanning across the pillows behind. Try using colors that bring a sense of cohesiveness to your space and tie together several elements of your bedroom. A large lumbar is also perfect for nestling into while reading that novel you've read three times over and can't seem to get enough of.

Keep it simple. Your bedroom should be the place you go to get away, so keeping your pillow arrangement simple can make a large impact. Fine fabrics, plush linens, and embroidery details can make all the difference.

[photos from Atlanta Homes, Swabble, Veranda]

Nightstands - To Match or Not To Match

In the quest to find the perfect nightstands, we are often asked the same questions: to match or not to match? Well, the answer is - it depends!

MATCHING Symmetry in a room creates a feeling of order and restfulness. Choose matching nightstands to bring in that touch of simplicity and sophistication, especially if your bed is a statement piece. The nightstands become the supporting cast and allow the bed to be the star.

MISMATCHING If you feel that your room is craving some interest, be bold and try two different nightstands. Mixing it up adds that inventive, eclectic feel to a space. Try to choose nightstands with similar features, like color or shape, so that the pieces still relate. For instance, an ivory lacquered single-drawer pieces for her and a linen three-drawer chest for him.

But wait, what about lamps?! Well call me old-fashioned, but generally I prefer a pair of matching lamps. It just feels smart and purposeful. However, I always appreciate a good exception and sometimes selecting two different lamps can be an unexpected twist. If you decide to be daring and mix up your lamps, make sure to pay attention to the relationship between the heights, shade shapes, finishes, and styles.

Fall Bedding

As the sun sets earlier and is later to rise, this time of year beckons me to spend more time in my bed... I seriously can't wait to crawl in and spend a solid 8 - 10 in there! This past weekend I watched the first three Harry Potters IN MY BED while burning candles and eating caramel apples. No lie.

Fall is the perfect time to store away your summer whites and incorporate rich, fluffy, warm textures.

Even if it's just a velvet throw at the foot of the bed or a fury bolster, we want to help you bring the cozy in and welcome the cool crisp evenings and much anticipated cuddle sessions! (P.S. Don't forget the caramel apples.)

Welcome fall! We've been waiting for you all year!

[photos from Poppytalk and Elle Decor]

Fall Scents

If there's something I could tell you about myself that would surprise you it is that I have this secret burning wish to live in the country. No neighbors for at least a mile, orchards and gardens surrounding me on 3 sides and the fourth side is a huge covered porch. Of course this dream includes a handsome hard-working man. This man would have a den and his den would smell like our Big Sky candle. It's a masculine mix of sagebrush, fresh air, and amber wood. A perfect scent for fall. Sit back, open the windows and enjoy!

On the other end of the scent spectrum you'll find our Cilantro Orange Kitchen candle. This has a bright, fresh scent with a tangy undertone. I love that it's so clean and fresh yet still introduces an autumnal feel. This one is perfect for a Saturday afternoon of chores and getting your home ready for fall.

Stop in and pick out your favorite fall scent!

[photos from Pinterest and Cococozy]

Accessorizing for Fall

Have you gone outside recently and felt a little crispness in the air? How about the leaves on the trees? Have they begun to turn colors in your neck of the woods? Whether we like it or not, summer is blowing its last breath and fall is stepping around the corner. Personally, I love fall and everything it brings. The darker rich tones are a personal favorite and I love bringing fall inside with those colors through accessories.

Don’t think that fall accessories have to be red, orange, and yellow. Think antique gold, burnished pewter, and deep bronze to add a sophistication to a room.

 

Change bright colored objects for rich tones of deep walnut, dark cherry, or grey reclaimed wood that will give a space a sense of history.

Mix pieces that are clean and crisp with antique family heirlooms.

Cut some fall branches, rich berries, or decorative grasses from the yard and place them in one of grandpa’s old trophies, a tarnished mint julep cup, or a seeded glass jar.

So, bring on the fall and let her step inside your home a little!  I promise, you will be glad she came for a visit.

[photos from Elle Decor and House Beautiful]

Must-Have Fall Textiles

Because your home deserves to be well-dressed too, consider doing a little back-to-school shopping to take your fall look from geek to chic. Here's our list of must-haves.

Deeper darker hues are making an appearance in clothing stores, so why not bring them back into your decor too? A few jewel-toned throw pillows whether solid or patterned can transform your sofa.

It's time to start cuddling up in style. Ditch that shapeless Snuggie and replace it with a pretty throw to keep you warm when the weather gets cooler. Think chunky cable knit or drapey cashmere.

You know those beautiful leather boots you bought for fall? Your living room is feeling more than a little jealous and craving leather too. You can add leather with a layered hide on top of your rug or even a leather pouf nestled under a coffee table.

[photos from Elle Decor]

Fall Into a Fall Bedroom

As the temperatures start (or, considering the weather we had this August, continue) to drop, our thoughts are naturally turned to the long anticipated return of sweater weather. And as designers are apt to do, we like to think not only about changing our wardrobes, but also how we can update our personal spaces to meet the coziness cravings that come with the approaching season.

Our very favorite (and super simple!) way to transform your most personal space is with textiles. Swapping out your crisp cottons shams for a pair of plush, velvety covers is akin to rotating your summery linen blazer for a felted wool version.

Make sure to consider the functional layers on your bed as well, adding in additional throw blankets as needed. One faux fur throw would do the trick, but also consider a pair of coordinating wool textured blankets – they will increase flexibility for your slumbering temps, and will give your room a sophisticated and curated feel.

Extra style points if you can take a usually bright color scheme a shade or two darker for the cooler months: from red to oxblood, or from Kelly green to emerald. Again, this is simple to do with pillows and bedding. But to push the look even farther, consider adjusting your bedside floral arrangements: go for darker jewel tones and glossy dark green leaves.

 Finally, we always use a delicious candle to complete a bedside table. And for fall we really love woodsy, earthy flavors. A stylist favorite is Voluspa’s Goji Tarocco Orange, which is citrusy with a subtle pine undertone - perfect for the transition out of summer, and to anticipate the shift to the holiday season. Come into either of our retail locations and fall in love with this flavor too!

[photos from Robert Couturier, Elle Decor, and Vogue]