Accessorizing a Shelf or Side Table

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It's like the great Charlotte Moss once said, "Decorating is like math, a game of adding and subtracting."

[photos from Lonny Magazine]

In putting together the right accessories for a side table, one thing you must always consider is, is it useful for its place in the  home? End tables can contain a lamp, a set of coasters to use when you sit down with a drink, a beautiful or interesting bowl or tray to put remotes on, a small vase for fresh flowers on the occasion you need to quickly fill it with water and drop a few stems in for entertaining, a lovely jar filled with candy, a candle, or a picture frame filled with a lasting memory...

[photo from Lonny Magazine]

Shelf decorating should also have a degree of usefulness, but can carry more precious things for admiration. William Morris said it best when he said, "Have nothing in your homes that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful."

[photos from Domino Magazine]

Shelving works best when you use books and objects together. The books show your smarts and personality. They are a little glimpse into who lives here and what they believe. They give a home conviction. We have been to plenty of houses where the shelving only contains accessories. it feels like a retail store instead of a home. Stack books by size, biggest to smallest, or if you are stacking them horizontally, the largest book is on the bottom.

Make triangles with the heights of the objects... high, low, medium. The same heights of objects aren't going to be interesting unless you are contemporary and using the same object repeatedly, like three vases in a row. You'll want to use odd numbers when decorating.

Study some of the photos below of interesting objects and arrangements in display.

[photo by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

Alice Lane in store display: Antique reading books, jeweled fish is hinged to open up - perfect for putting your wedding ring in at night, picture frames and sculptural pottery/vases.

[photo by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

Alice Lane in store display: Crystal lamp, water carafe, set of bamboo trays and a collection of gold candlesticks.

[photo by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

Alice Lane in store display: End table is a small surface and only contains a collection of antique novels and books with one dimensional picture frame.

[photo by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

Alice Lane in store display: We used a collection of three interesting frames, a collection of candlesticks at various heights and different sizes of candles, and a sculptural lightbulb lamp.

[photo from Lonny Magazine]

Candle in a hurricane, collection of nice pens, beautiful try for coins, etc. and a lovely candle.

[photo by Josh Caldwell]

Alice Lane 2009 Parade Home - Stone Gate, Provo, Utah Home Office - Journals and a pen, brass candlestick lamp, obelisk marble statue, bust of a man

[photo by Josh Caldwell]

Alice Lane 2009 Parade Home - Stone Gate, Provo, Utah Living Room End Table - Books on travel, magnifier on wheels, sculpture, favorite quote in a frame, grandchild's photo in frame, interesting lamp and candlestick

Girls Night Out Sale TODAY!

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[Photos by Ashlee Raubach]

Don't forget that today is our Girls Night Out sale!

20% off all regular priced accessories, pillows & lamps and delicious cookies all day long!

We will also be doing a giveaway for the lovely planter pictured above, filled with scents for spring by Thymes, a picture frame, branches to liven up your room, and a few other items that will help you get ready from the warmer weather.

We are open from 10 - 8 today and will draw our winner at 7:30.

Hope to see you later!

Giveaway

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It's that time again!

We have another $100 gift certificate to our store to give away! Thanks to everyone for participating in our giveaways and supporting our blog! We love to read all of your beautiful and inspirational comments.

Enter to win by following these rules:

  • - Follow this blog and leave us a comment.
  • - For an extra entry, post this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Just copy the link into your comment on this post so that we can see it and your name will be entered twice.

The giveaway ends Tuesday, March 30th, the winner will be chosen at random and announced on Wednesday, March 31st. Please leave your email address so that we can contact you! Good luck!

Dressing the Mantle

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Big and tall, or tall and lean... These are the rules of accessorizing a mantle.

Too many little things will get knick knacky. To avoid a cluttered mantel, you're going to want to make a few bold gestures. Large vases allow you to dress the mantle seasonally with live branches, holiday boughs, pussy willows, etc.

Tall candlesticks add a romantic and traditional tone to the room. Be careful not to go too small or you'll miss it all together!

Ornamental/sculptural objects that speak of the travels you've experienced are the most prized for any mantle. Picture frames are also appropriate.

Large art or a large framed mirror is most commonly centered above a mantle. In Feng Shui it is believed that the mirror will bring the energy back to the room, since the fireplace is a hole in the house where energy can escape. It is true that mirrors bring energy and light to a room. One of the great designers, I believe Suzanne Kasler says, "A mirror is like adding water in any room."

The Gallery Wall

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One of our must-haves for any household. It is the story of who lives here. It's something to study while you are passing down the halls, standing in an entry, or waiting in a home office. The artifacts, photographs, certificates, fine art or prints of the inhabitants speak volumes! It's proof of a life well lived. It gives a home conviction. It tells your story. It layers the room with history. I'll be so bold to say, it makes a house a home!

When considering how and where to put your gallery, here are a few things to consider: If the contents are personal, you may want to avoid the entry, so you are not sharing those deeply personal pieces with just everyone. Save those for the more intimate gathering spots. You will be asked about the framed documents and photos by almost everyone who sees them so make sure you are comfortable with sharing those thoughts and memories.

You may opt to do a gallery of art in the entry. Less personal, but no less impressing.

The bigger the documents the better (especially if its a large wall). I'd try not to use anything smaller than an 8x10, even then, I'd use matting to enlarge the area.

I like it if there is something in common in the gallery. It may just be that you've used similar matting, all wood tones frames, or all black and white photography... The eye likes some form of commonality. Other than that... Go for it!

Tell your story!

How It's Done

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We've had many inquiries about our design services available at Alice Lane. We wanted to share with you what a presentation would include. We were hired by a couple out of the Long Beach, California area. Among many spaces, we put together a bedroom for their adult, 20-something daughter. She's a stylish girl with loads of light and energy. The home has a level of detail that made us want to flex a little design muscle. So we did just that.

The queen poster bed and mother of pearl mirrors are by Oly Studio. Lamps and nightstands are by Shine. The lamps become multiplied when placed in front of the wall-mounted mirrors above the nightstands. Mirrors are a great addition to any room when you are trying to create glamour and expand a space. The crown jewel in this room is that little branch and crystal ball chandelier by Currey and Company that centers over the bed and peeks through the ring atop the bed. For a feminine bedroom chair we used the rope chair by Annie Selke and the hand knotted rug layered under the bed gives the room an organic feel and a sense of movement while anchoring it at the same time.

The plan view is drawn to scale to show how the pieces will fit in the room and how they will relate to each other. The items are numbered and tear-sheets are presented with priced items in the fabrics we have selected. Fabrics are laid out during the presentation for the client to touch, consider the content, and see the color story.

We create renderings to show a front elevation as well as a perspective drawing of what the final room will look like. Lastly, spreadsheets are provided where the furniture costs are laid out and calculated for the client so review.

We wish we had final photos for you to see... but the room is still in progress.

Making an Entrance

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What does your entry say about your home? Is it welcoming? Is it charming? Does it make you want to peek in the sidelights just to get a glimpse of what's to come? Hopefully it leaves you wanting more. At Alice Lane we love to create inviting porches and entryways. Here are a few necessary ingredients in warming up the thresholds:

- A great outdoor rug that compliments the style of your home. The rug should have an abrasive surface to keep the outdoor elements from entering the interior spaces.

- An entry rug as large as the space will allow. bigger is always better. It makes the space feel larger and allows the guest plenty of room to enter onto and slip off their shoes while standing on the rug. A large entry rug makes the entry feel like a room instead of a corridor. The entry rug sets the signature for the rest of the home.

For help on your entrance, measure your space and pop by the store to talk to any of our designers about the right rug for your indoor and outdoor spaces. You are always welcome to try a few on approval!

We're Obsessed - Zippy Patterns

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Ahhhh! The energy a zippy pattern will add to a room...

It just ignites a space. It's contagious. If something is missing from your room... Consider adding pattern! If you're traditional, a stripe, herringbone, or houndstooth may satisfy you.

I love a good graphic motif with plenty of repeat. It's organized, but packs a punch. Suzanni's and Ikat's are a favorite if you like a little Tribal influence, that says "I've traveled. I've seen many wonders this land has to offer and my room has something to say! I am not afraid. Hear me roar!" (Throw in a little animal print with it all.)

See (and feel) the energy of layering some of these organized and organic patterns. You can see that one pattern may not be enough. Go for it!

If you enjoy and embrace this spirit of design, you are sure to enjoy Jonathan Adler's work and attitude on life. Check out his Manifesto: (I can't read it without smiling!) http://www.jonathanadler.com/shop/manifesto.php

Invite some pattern into your home. Here are some zippy motifs we have available in the store right now!

Here are some fabulous rooms that are patterned quite successfully:

Giveaway

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Thanks for all of your support and all of the beautiful comments that you've left us! To show our appreciation we want to do another giveaway. Since it was such a success for our first giveaway, we thought we would do another $100 gift certificate to our store. For those of you out of state here is a sampling of what we have in the store!  You can also see other items throughout our past blog entries. Enter to win by following these rules:

  • - Follow this blog and leave us a comment.
  • - For an extra entry, post this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Just copy the link into your comment on this post so that we can see it and your name will be entered twice.

Giveaway ends Tuesday, March 9th, the winner will be chosen at random and announced on Wednesday, March 10th. Please leave your email address so that we can contact you! Good luck!

Snow and Graham Notecubes $16.50, Coasters $3

Horses $195 for set of 2, Birdcage $22, Votive $7, Metal Bird $16, Birds $24 each

Fish $28, Metal Cake Plate $80, Photo Frame $36

White Urns $71 - $94, Artichoke $35, Chubby Horse $100

Diffusers $50, Small Bowl $80, White Urns $26 & $40, Mercury Glass Votive Holders $26

Butterfly Prints $20, Antlers $257

Recycled Rubber Frames $35, Small Wooden Frame $28

Fish Vases $165 & $36, Barnacle $16

Globe $63, Jars $165 & $230, Trays $60, Magnifying Glass $19

Pink and Orange Vases $172 for a set of two, Photo Frame $39

Large Bowl $165, Blue and White Balls $6

Chair Dishes $5

Candlesticks $57 - $308, Candles $7 - $23

Insect Prints $17, Red Baskets $16

Hurricane and Urns $32 - $40, White Fruit $4 - $7, Salt and Pepper Shakers $22, White and Gold Gourds $62 for a set of 3

We're Obsessed with Texture

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Textures are imperative to our work. They are the story tellers. An entire room can be pulled together in a simple color palate, with the right depth of character. Each piece must have something unique about it. The textures must talk to each other.

There are plenty of inexpensive answers in furnishing a home. I'm okay with inexpensive, I'm not okay with sacrificing detail and quality. For instance, one of my favorite designer moves is using real hair-on-hide throw pillows. Plenty of people use animal prints that are printed on fabric - but here's what they are missing: the texture, character, depth, quality, authenticity, the store... You get the contrast, and that's it!

Note the photos below: We've grouped texture stories together to give you an idea of how to invite more texture into your home. I want to run my hand over everything!

Market Watch

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At market a lot of furniture vendors will show their silhouettes in white on their showrooms. It allows us to focus on the shapes and detail of the furniture. It's something to take note of when introducing this new wave of fresh design. Pay attention to the forms that you're using. There is discipline to using white. You can't play tricks with bold contrasts to occupy and entertain the eye. You must use quality materials. Decorating with white makes you rely heavily on textures to tell the story. Varying tones of off-white and a selection of neutral tones will set off the whites and make them sing.

The feeling as you can see  - is peaceful, serene, and almost simple - in a sophisticated way. It's exciting to see the focus in interiors changing from dark heavily decorated rooms to clean, fresh spaces.

"Within white, shapes start to form and we glimpse an illusion of breathtaking beauty. White is the attainment of the highest vibration, the sum of all colours." - 18 Karat

We are excited about the addition of our new line, 18 Karat. It should arrive any day now! White serene shapes and forms. Textural and artistic. So beautiful it belongs in a gallery. Handcrafted, one at a time. Just you wait...

18 Karat accessories

18 Karat - Campanula & Honey Vases

Jessica and Susan Ortiz, Founder of Shine Home

Shine Home - Verona Chairs, Milan Buffet & Jasper Lamp with Cockatoo artwork

Shine Home - Shanghai Console, Sofia Stool & Drake Floor Lamp with Vintage Rose artwork

Shine Home - Brussels Coffee Table

Shine Home - Grace Ottoman

Who wouldn't want to come home to this?

To Market We Go...

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With spring almost upon us we are ready to bring on the color! Shed our heavy winter layers and freshen up the place. At market we saw a lot of white and a lot of bold punchy colors! We said, “Bring it on…”

Shine Home - White Laquer Errol Console, Masters Chair & Ibiza Bed

Shine Home - Pair of Empire Table Lamps in Yellow Glaze & Gabrielle Chair

Shine Home - Masters Chaise, Rumba Table Lamp, Sofia Stool, Casablanca 3-Drawer Chest in White, Pillows and Throw from the Silk Ikat Series

See examples below of successful ways to incorporate strong saturated hues.

Stay tuned for our white hot post on Saturday...

Clearance Items

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We're making room for amazing new inventory.  Look at what's on clearance!

Clearance Price - $775 Regular Price - $1,547

Clearance Price - $850 Regular Price - $1,730

Clearance Price - $250 each Regular Price - $720 each Quantity - 4

Clearance Price - $595 Regular Price - $1,850

Bold and punchy color brightens up any space. To quote the great Charlotte Moss, "Every room needs a little chinoiserie." Place this beauty in an entry, as a bedside table, in a living room with a fine piece of art above or in a dining room stacked high with cake plates and filled with linens. She's a style star. Brittany Commode Clearance Price - $695 Regular Price - $1,890

This modern classic is a great piece for any room. Comfortable with a tight, clean aesthetic that gets along with any sofa.  This chair is a favorite of our male clientele. Oly Studio - Gabriel Chair Clearance Price - $1,305 Regular Price - $3,625

The graceful sloping arm detail lends itself well to any sitting area. Small enough to tuck into a corner and versatile coloring makes this agreeable in any surrounding. Palisades Petite Chair Price does not include pillow Clearance Price - $695 Regular Price - $1,615

Beautiful open shelving to display all of your keepsakes. Contemporary styling with the black edge detail keeps lines sharp. A great transitional piece that can compliment contemporary or traditional decor. Benedict Canyon Etagere 45"W x 18.5"D x 84"H Clearance Price - $599 Regular Price - $1,710

A charming little side table with French details in black with pomegranate trim and a hidden drawer front and bottom tray table. Looks smart piled high with books. Louis XV Side Table Clearance Price - $285 Regular Price - $612.50

A contemporary file cabinet disguised as an end table. Dolomite Chest Clearance Price - $498 Regular Price - $1,100

Photos by Ashlee Raubach

Giveaway

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Thanks to everyone for joining us here at Alice Lane and making the launch of our blog successful! To show our appreciation we want to share with you a $100 gift certificate to our store. For those of you out of state here is a sampling of what we have in the store! Enter to win by following these rules:

  • Follow this blog and leave us a comment.
  • For an extra entry, post this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Just copy the link into your comment on this post so that we can see it and your name will be entered twice.

Giveaway ends Tuesday, February 23rd, the winner will be chosen at random and announced on Wednesday, February 24th. Good luck!

Alice Lane - The Blog

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Photos by Nicole Hill Gerulat

Welcome to the Alice Lane Blog!

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that "nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Well, we're bouncing up and down on our linen covered bed with colors and textures coming out of our ears just thinking about this blog. We want to explore, create and inspire by giving you a peek into what goes on behind the curtains at Alice Lane.

But most of all, we want to encourage and empower our readers to live well in spaces that are stylish and elegant but also comfortable and intelligent. So cozy on the sofa while we unleash your inner interior designer. Because if Alice Lane is where we work, then this blog is where we play. And please pardon our creative dust as we have a little fun on the job.