Color in the Kitchen

Last week we were tickled pink to see the kitchen of our Lakeside Loft project spotlighted on BHG.com as an unexpected way to add color to your kitchen (check out the full article online here if you missed it!). Of course, we're all for adding color in unexpected ways, and these indigo kitchen cabinets are just one example of that. So, we thought we'd do our own take on 5 Ways to Add Color to Your Kitchen...

While we love a white kitchen as much as anyone, it's nice to see a kitchen that has a little color! Here we opted to paint all the bottom cabinets an indigo blue (Indigo Batik by Sherwin Williams to be exact). It's a fun contrast to the white cabinets and white subway tile above, and definitely eye catching!

Here we painted this cupboard a country green and it's just the right amount of color in this little kitchenette. If you want to keep your cabinets a classic white, consider painting a cupboard, sideboard, or pantry door instead. This colorful barn door not only adds architectural interest, but gives the kitchen personality!

If you're not quite ready to make the plunge into painting cabinets, try lining your cabinets with a paper or fabric for a fun pop of color. Here we lined the backs of these glass cabinets with an orange grass-cloth paper in a trellis print. All of the sudden those white dishes just pop! As a bonus, it can make even the simplest of cabinets look expensive and custom.

A colored back splash is a great way to add color in an otherwise neutral kitchen. If you're looking for a way to set your kitchen apart from all the other white kitchens out there, find a unique tile that speaks to who you are. As a tip, try taking the tile all the way up the wall where allowed. It will intensify the color and make your kitchen look grandeur.

If you're looking for a quick fix, try incorporating colorful dishes, food, and accessories. They can transform your colorless kitchen into something entirely new. We love to fill jars and bowls with fresh fruits and vegetables (which just so happens to be incredibly convenient to do in a kitchen), and fill shelves with cookbooks. It's appropriate, practical, and colorful!

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

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

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.

Styling Open Shelves In Your Kitchen

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

How To Achieve Perfect Kitchen Lighting

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

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

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

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

5 Simple Ways To Accessorize Your Kitchen

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rugs 101: Rug Design

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

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

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

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

Rugs 101: Types of Rugs

I love rugs! The right rug can really change the feel of a space, ground a furniture arrangement, create intimate settings out of one large space, and when selected properly - they just look goooood! However, understanding the world of rugs is really like learning a whole new language. Rug terminology can be tricky. Tufted, flat weave, hand-knotted, machine made...what does it all mean?! To help, keep these brief descriptions in mind the next time you go rug shopping: Flat Weave:  No pile, usually reversible, made of natural (cotton jute, wool) or synthetic fibers, comes in almost any color and pattern, are reasonably priced, and easy to clean. These rugs are excellent to use in your dining room or outdoor living spaces.

Hand-Knotted: Low to medium pile, extremely durable, generally made of wool, cotton (as a base only) and silk and no glues are used. This is the highest quality of rug you can buy and if made well they are great for high traffic areas.

Tufted: Low to medium pile. These have glue on the back to hold things in place and often times when you look at the back you can see the grid that the rug was tufted to. They are good for medium traffic areas. 

Power Loomed:  Machine made, have a latex/synthetic backing with glue sprayed on it, can be any length of pile, any color or pattern, and are generally the most reasonably priced.

When selecting a rug, make sure to consider the space it will be in.  Does it need to clear a door way? Use a no/low pile rug that has durability. Is it the first thing your feet touch when you get out of bed in the morning? Try using a high pile rug made with silk/viscose for extra softness. Do you need it to outlast your rambunctious kids while still making a statement?  Go for a durable hand-knotted beauty.  Let the construction and materials be your guide.  Also don’t forget the rug pad! This will reduce slippage and hold the rug in place, as well as add years to the life of your rug. And of course, if you have questions, our store stylists are always available to help guide you through the process.

Closet Styling Tips & Tricks

In our recent reveal of Cara Loren's fashion-forward closet (check it out here if you missed it!) I shared some tips on how we made her closet work perfectly for her. While you may not have the same luxury of converting an entire 11' x 11' room into your own personal closet, there are a few styling tricks you can do to help make your closet look just as fabulous! First things first...organize! A closet can look pretty blasé when it's crammed full of nothing but clothes, shoes, and accessories. I know, I know...where else are you supposed to put it all!? Start by sorting through your pieces and putting like things together. Whether you sort by colors or styles, grouping like things together gives your closet a more cohesive look! If you're really shy on space, a great trick is to switch out your clothes seasonally and put those bulky winter items away in storage for a few months.

Okay...now that you're organized, the real fun can begin! Even if you have the most beautiful clothes in the world, it's the accessorizing that makes or breaks a closet. My first tip -- use coffee table fashion books! They're perfect to lay flat and stack shoes on top of, lean them against a shelf wall, or push them to the back so everything in front can support that look. A beautiful book cover with interesting photography can make any of your shoes or purses seem like runway fashion!

Next, pull in sculptural objects to give your eye somewhere to rest in between all the purses and shoes. Objects don't take up a lot of space, but they complete the look. You can even make them useful by draping necklaces or hats on them.

Trays are by far the most beautiful and functional way to group small collections of lipsticks, jewelry, or clutches together. Everything looks less random when it's housed in a beautiful way.

A favorite trick of mine when styling any type of shelving is to push a piece of art or photography against the back wall (or cubby in the case of your closet). It gives your eye something to read and makes everything up front look dressed up.

If you have windows in your closet...don't forget window treatments! Window treatments can help stabilize your space. Go all out with a bold and fashionable print like we did for Cara. Whatever you do, make it you!

Now you know all the tips and tricks! Have fun styling your closet like you would any of your daily outfits! Who knows, maybe afterward you'll even feel inspired to start your own fashion blog!

 Photo Credit: Nicole Gerulat

Side Table Stardom

And the Best Supporting Side Table Goes To….! When we begin designing a room, we typically start by casting major pieces first, or what we like to call the star of the space. In a living room, this is likely to be an amazing rug, the main statement-making sofa, a super stylish cocktail table, or a unique chair. Then we fill in the space with supporting actors, like side tables, lamps, decorative pillows and accents. Just as in the big blockbuster movies we love to rush out and see opening weekend, the best spaces employ a mix of shining stars and strong supporting pieces.

When selecting your Best Supporting Side Table – here are some directors’ cues:

1. Make sure the scale of the table is appropriate to the room and to the adjoining upholstery pieces. Larger spaces can handle tables that are both wide and deep, but a smaller room might need something that feels more open – try a leggy table with a low shelf or a Lucite side table to take up minimal visual weight.

2. Try using side tables that will provide juxtaposition to your cocktail table – for example, if your cocktail table is leggy and glass, use a wood side table with some closed storage. If your space is small and you want both pieces to feel light, try mixing up the shape with a round side table or one with angular legs.

3. A pair of side tables flanking a sofa creates a great formal look, but if your space calls for a second style of table, make sure your choices complement one another without matching exactly. A mix of styles creates depth and will elevate your design performance to Oscar worthy, while a matching set tends to look like student work.

So when you’re looking for your Mammy to go with your Scarlett O’Hara (link: Movies Where Both Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress Won Oscars) don’t just throw any old side table into the mix. Make sure you get that Best Supporting Side Table trophy! Plus it's always nice when you can achieve stardom at a discount. Through the rest this week get 20% off any side table during The Very Best Sale. All upholstery and casegoods included. Now go break a leg!

(images via Elle Décor, Veranda)

Book Shelf Styling

Styling a bookcase can be a tricky thing if you don’t have enough books to fill all of the spaces on the shelf. They can easily become very busy and cluttered if they’re not well planned out. I’d love to share a few of my favorite tips and tricks to help you find success when styling your shelves.

I love neutrals, so naturally my heart loves a white clean book shelf to start with. Using multiple pieces and books that are white, gray, or black are a sure fire way to keep your shelves looking clean, and not overly cluttered (even if you do have a lot on them). I always like to layer in some warmer pieces as well with either wood sculptures, woven baskets, or greenery to make sure it doesn't pull on the side of too cold or stark. Using lighter looking pieces like glass bottles on the top shelves helps you steer clear from making the shelf appear top heavy.

Layering art inside your book shelf is an excellent trick that I feel is sometimes over looked. It’s an opportunity to be reminded of some of your favorite memories with family or friends and can serve as conversation starters when entertaining. Art gives your shelving a custom look that is specific to only you. So even if your neighbor has the same bookcase, layering in your own art can make it look like a completely different piece.

Art is not only good on the inside of your shelving, but if you have built-ins, take the opportunity to layer art over your shelf too. It will make the space feel more collected and also cover up some space that you may have trouble filling otherwise. My biggest tip that I feel is most important when styling your shelves (especially if they’re large) is to use the largest pieces that you can.  They can stand on their own, acting as beautiful sculptures, and will keep you from over styling your shelves.

Keep it clean, keep it collected, and use art and sculptural pieces to make your shelving your very own. Our Very Best Sale has been extended (20% off!) so come to one of our two locations in Orem or Salt lake to find a shelf that will be the perfect fit for your home!

Creating Outdoor Living Spaces

It is almost that time… time to begin spending every extra moment outdoors! This also means that it’s time to start thinking about that outdoor furniture you’ve always wanted. Transform your outdoor living space into something both beautiful and functional with just a few pieces. No idea where to start? Here are a few tips to get you started!

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE ZONES Designing outdoor areas revolve around how you are going to use the space. First decide what functions are most important to you, then zone your space into smaller areas for each. These spaces could include lounge areas, dining areas, open space for playing catch, or raised garden beds - just to name a few. Selecting some simple pieces on an empty balcony, or locating a dining area in an unexpected place, are easy ways to make the those warm summer nights more enjoyable.

GO BIG After all, you have the space, so why not use it? Open spaces outside usually create a unique opportunity to bring larger than life moments to your home. Fill your empty areas with large pieces of greenery, deep and comfortable lounge furniture, and open architectural moments. Don’t forget to include lighting for a completed look.

ADD SOME PERSONALITY As always, adding your personality is the best final touch. Outdoor furniture is anything but boring these days. There are endless shapes, textures and fabrics that also happen to be durable and resistant to harsh outdoor elements. Find the perfect pieces for you – pieces that extend your beautiful home into the great outdoors.

[picture source: architectural digest]

Coffee Table Considerations

A wise design professor once told me, “Every sofa longs for a coffee table!” So, when deliberating over this important piece, here are a few things to consider to make sure your table works for you. What is your room missing?

A coffee table can be an excellent piece to help fill any voids in your room. Not just with space, but with style as well. If you have sensible sofas and chairs, try bringing in a little glam through your coffee table! Check out this star: The Melrose Table! The combination of acrylic, stainless steel, and glass is edgy, lovely, and trans-formative. They work together to give the space a heartbeat!

How much space do you have?

Aim for about 20” between the edge of your sofa and the table. A very large room might even benefit from two (yes, two!) coffee tables in one area. Also consider the flow of your room so your coffee table doesn't interfere with any of the main passageways.

How is the room used?

Consider how the coffee table will be treated. Will it serve as extra storage? As an ottoman? Do you have kids that will easily bump into the edges? Or will it be used in a more formal setting? Stepping away from the traditional glass or fine-finished wood coffee tables is an excellent way to add functionality. This Gent, for example, is handsome to look at and also practical, should you need a place for your toes to perch.

How will I dress my coffee table?

Knowing what you plan to put on your coffee table makes all the difference for selecting the right one. I love to keep a tray on the table where any useful items or décor can live. Remotes can be tucked away in a glamorous box. Keep a few interesting books for your guests to flip through. Work in something organic! (A floral, greenery, etc.).

Most of all, your coffee table should provide functionality and suit your own personal style and aesthetic. If you're unsure what that is, come stop by Alice Lane for some inspiration. Right now during our Very Best Sale you can get 20% off all coffee tables.

3 Tips For Buying Quality Upholstery

Buying new furniture is an exciting thing for a lot of us! However, there are so many beautiful options out there that along with all the excitement it can become overwhelming. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start shopping so that you can filter through your options more quickly and shop with confidence.

Construction:   Most likely you won't have the luxury of seeing the raw frame of the sofa or chair you're interested in, so ask about it's construction. Upholstered furniture that is built with kiln dried hardwood, doweled, screwed and glued frames will increase the longevity of the piece, keeping it from getting creaky over time and reduce any potential failure. Quality construction will ensure your piece will last for years to come.

Comfort: Many people don't realize that a lot of manufactures offer different cushion options (down, poly, or a blend fill). When choosing a cushion think about what makes you most comfortable while using the sofa or chair. For example: Is the sofa going to be used for lounging while watching a movie? If so, consider choosing a down fill. Remember that different cushions require different maintenance too. A down fill, for example, will need to be fluffed each time you’re done using it. I prefer a blend seat myself, but choose what makes you most comfortable.

Fabric: Here’s where it can get really complicated! Every manufacturer has dozens of fabric options and it can get crazy. My advice is to go into the store with a design plan in mind. Know what you want and don’t let the prolific options distract you: keep your eye on the prize! It really comes down to color, content, and texture. Once you know your color scheme, find a fabric that is made of the right materials for your needs. Fabrics with a high content of synthetic fibers will be inherently more stain resistant and durable. If you have little kids this trait won't go unappreciated...trust me. Lastly, look for a fabric with some texture to it. It really doesn't have anything to do with quality per se, but textured fabric helps to hid wrinkles and makes the everyday wear less visible.

My last tip...don't compromise! You don't have to sacrifice comfort for style, or visa versa. With these 3 tips in hand, you have everything you need to find the perfect upholstered piece for your home. And of course, there's no better time to shop than right now when you can get 20% off all upholstery during our Very Best Sale. Happy furniture hunting!

Three Tips For A Welcoming Front Door

A home's front door is your first impression. Think of the last time you went to someone’s house for the first time. How did their entrance make you feel? Did you feel welcomed or was it a little uninviting? Especially when coming out of a cold harsh winter, your front entrance might be in need of a little pick-me-up for spring. Here are some simple ways to make your entrance a memorable one. #1 – START WITH THE NUMBERS Every house has numbers, so why not find a cool way to show them? The font, style, size, finish, and layout of house numbers can speak volumes about who lives inside. Are your numbers big and bold or small and subdued? Find numbers that fit your personality and that work well with the integrity of your home. Plus, your guests will be grateful that your home can be easily spotted by it's number.

#2 – SOFTEN THE HARD STUFF The exterior of your home is obviously made up of hard finishes and mostly straight lines – even inside. Add some interest by softening the lines and finishes by bringing in some potted plants or flowers. This simple addition will also bring different textures and colors to your entrance. There's no better time to do this than in the spring. It adds automatic curb appeal to any home.

#3 – ADD SOME JEWELRY Most women will say that an outfit is not complete without jewelry. It’s a way to express yourself and add different layers. The same goes for your front door, too. Give it an over scaled door knocker or a beautiful kick plate (which will also protect your door). Just make sure your door handle is pretty awesome. After all, the hardware is what you're actually going to be using the most, so it's worth your while to invest in something you love.

I love some of these amazing door handle options from Rocky Mountain Hardware. They definitely make you want to grab on and walk through that front door.

If you're still trying to figure out what you need to do to your homes entrance, look at the homes around you for inspiration. Check out the neighborhood and ask yourself, "Does that house look inviting?" If it does, figure out why. My guess is that it has one or two of the items I have listed. So, assess your entry and implement some of these easy options!

Art-ful Selections

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that is especially true when it comes to art.  A piece of art needs to speak to you in some way for you to want to hang it on your wall and look at it every day.  That can be intimidating.  Because it is very personal, “rules” for selecting art can be tricky. However, there are some helpful guidelines that can take the anxiety out of the process and turn your space from drab to fab!

A safe rule of thumb is to choose art that is approximately two-thirds to three-fourths the size of the wall space you have, going slightly larger in more contemporary homes and slightly smaller for a more traditional feel. Also consider the shape of the wall space you have- is it a tall and narrow wall perfect for two narrow pieces of art on top of each other, or a wide wall that is screaming for a landscape?  Use the wall shape as your guide and then let your eyes and heart lead the way,

Be Daring!  A common faux pas is selecting art that is it too small, this often gets lost and/or shrinks the space.  Oversized art makes a space feel bold and is a wonderful jumping off point, becoming the inspiration that helps pull the rest of the room together.  Larger art in a smaller area can give the space a sense of grandeur and help your space feel larger than it actually is. When it comes to art, often bigger really is better!

An ideal solution for a large area is to create a gallery wall where you mix and match art sizes and mediums. This is a fun way to display smaller pieces of art, or art you have collected over time from travels and explorations that have sentimental value.  This will give your home a more layered feel and create a space that feels unique to you.

Now for my favorite tip - all art at Alice Lane is 20% off through the end of the month!  So come on down and have one of our amazing stylists help you find the perfect piece of art to complete your space! Happy hunting!

How to Make Your Bed for Spring

With the warmer weather coming upon us, now is a great time to transition your bedding from the heavy throws of winter, to the lighter brighter linens of spring!  Here at Alice Lane, we have a few tips to make this transition easy for you.

Start by removing all of your heavier bedding like your duvet, chunky knit throws, and anything else you may have on your bed to keep you extra toasty during the winter.  We love using linen sheets (year around really) to keep you covered but cool in the spring/summer months.  They’re also beautiful and give you a luxurious yet comfortable and casual look for your spring bedroom.

Another easy way to lighten up your bedding is by folding your duvet on the end of your bed during the day, giving you the option to slide it right off the bed and sleep with a lighter quilt or coverlet, or to just quickly pull it over you should it suddenly get chilly at night.

If you’re feeling like a duvet is a little heavy for your liking, a beautiful neutral throw looks great on the end of any bed during the spring. Not only do they give your bedding a finished look during the day, but they are very useful as well. Try and choose one that is light weight and will be easy to pull over you in the middle of the night when temperatures fluctuate.

Hopefully you can incorporate some of these design tricks with your own bedding to make your transition into spring that much better!

Crisp & Clean...for Spring of course!

Despite the freshly fallen layer of snow us Utahans had been lucky enough to escape all winter...spring is just around the corner! I am trying my best to disregard the recent drop in temperatures and focus on the new season soon approaching. With spring, the first thing that comes to mind is getting out those cleaning gloves and feather-dusters for some in depth spring cleaning. Most of us think that this is the best way to freshen up our living spaces. However, some readjusting of your décor might also be in order!

A great way to re-energize a space is to simplify. My home tends to fill up with all sorts of odds and ends during the holiday season leaving me eager to clear out the junk. Get rid of all of those un-needed accessories and objects taking up valuable space. This will leave you with a space that clears your mind and makes you feel more organized.

Bring those light colors back! Whites and brights are soon to be in season once again. Freshen up your space by lifting the color palette to a more invigorating scheme. I love how energetic light colors can feel. There is something about sun streaming through the windows bouncing off one light wall to another that makes it easier to get up in the morning.

And of course, nothing screams spring like a few fresh flowers and doses of greenery. You can literally bring the new season indoors for an added sense of clean.

Pantone's Color of the Year - Marsala

By now you’ve probably heard that the 2015 Pantone Color of the Year is Marsala—and we couldn’t be more excited! The perfect addition to any interior, this color is rich and warm, reminiscent of summers in Italy. Named for the wine, Marsala is an earthy red-brown hue that is sophisticated and inviting. It’s strong on its own or can be paired with an array of different colors. Check out some of the ways the color of the year can be incorporated into interiors:

Use Marsala as a rich accent in a neutral space. Not only is it a beautiful tone for upholstery, but it’s the perfect base for a floral arrangement, piece of art, or in accessories.

To freshen up your space for spring, pair a dusty Marsala with a bright and bold hue like turquoise or indigo.

If you are feeling more daring, make a statement with Marsala drapery panels or a saturated rug.