Inspiration in Unexpected Places
/Keep things light and breezy this summer!
A summer classic! Navy and white are a crisp and clean duo that are a perfect palette for that weekend brunch outfit or the breezy summer living room.
White is always a must for summer! Keep it looking effortless with white linen bedding and a loosely woven throw placed at the foot of your bed.
Stripes! Linear or loose, thick or thin - we love them all!
[photos from Anthropologie, Jordi Canosa,
Stephanie's Picks
/Nothing says summer like long sun swept days filled with time at the beach listening to the crash of the waves and the warm summer breeze. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been itching to take a mini vacation to soak in some beach days myself. In the meantime, we have a great piece of sunshine to fill the “beach void” in your life.
The vintage swimsuit collection is sure to bring back the summer memories you are missing. The soft color palettes are a beautiful addition to existing artwork or featured on their own. We’re not only crazy about the colors, but these classy girls have some serious style.
Come check them out at our Salt Lake location today!
Cool Down
/There's nothing more refreshing than a popsicle on those hot summer days! We love the idea of homemade popsicles - the flavor combinations are endless and they make the perfect brightly colored photo op. We've gathered our favorite tried and true recipes and a few that are on our to-make list this summer!
Minty Watermelon Lime Popsicles
Strawberry Orange Popsicles and Orange Ginger Popsicles
Josh's Picks
/You guys, it’s happening!! Old man Winter is gone and has been replaced by the beauty of blue skies, sunshine, sprinklers and popsicles. Nothing feels better than walking through your grass with bare feet after a long, cold winter cooped up in your house. And as soon as the sun is in the sky and the temperature is about 65 degrees, it’s my mission in life to cook and eat as many meals outside as possible.
Usually summer dining means burgers, chips and bacon-wrapped grilled asparagus (I’ll give you my recipe.) But sometimes you want a classier evening for a graduation party, engagement celebration or that book club that deserves the very best.
Newly arrived in both our Orem and Salt Lake locations we have just the thing for you. Luxurious linen table runners and tea-towels. They are the perfect thing to give your summer table a little less of the “red-checkered table cloth and paper plates” vibe and a little more “sipping cold beverages and eating fine cheeses on the Amalfi coast” vibe. The runner is perfect down the center of the table with a few bundles of summer blossoms in glass jars and elegant white candle sticks. And the tea towels make beautiful oversized napkins folded at each place setting. Linen is easy to care for and gets softer and more absorbent with use. And while it is true that linen wrinkles easily, you can either quickly press it with a warm iron if you want things a little crisper, or leave it slightly wrinkled so your summer gathering doesn’t feel too stuffy.
Here at Alice Lane, we are not hoity-toity, but we do like to wear fancy pants. And our linen table runners and tea towels are just that. Elegant, upscale and classy but still comfortable, easy and simple. Come visit us in the store and let us help you make a summer table that really shows your friends and loved ones how much you enjoy watching the sunset with them.
table runners - $69.50 | tea towels - $26.50
Bring Life Into the Kitchen
/Bring some life into your kitchen with fresh flowers and potted herbs!
Who doesn't like fresh flowers? It doesn't have to be anything fancy. Just pick up a bouquet at your local grocer and put them in your favorite vase!
Potted herbs are a functional and pretty way to add greenery and life. Pick some pretty pots that fit nicely in your kitchen window above your sink so that they are easily accessible.
For the gourmet chef at home, install some shelves in front of your windows to provide more space for a variety of herbs!
[photos from Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Better Homes and Gardens, and Decor de Provence]
If You Were a Kitchen
/One of the most rewarding aspects of being an interior designer is helping people along a journey of self-discovery. Whether building a dream home, undergoing a “make it work” renovation, or just some light décor shushing, your home makes a statement about who you are, what you value, and the way you choose to live your life.
This is extremely evident in modern kitchens. A place that was once cramped, hidden, often relegated into the basement, and basically a mundane work space has blossomed into the stylish, welcoming, heart of most homes. And after all the big money decisions are made (cabinets, countertops, backsplash and plumbing), the next step is to look at how a kitchen is styled as a further expression of self.
Below are some designer tips to enhance the chosen look of your kitchen through styling those pretty shelves we just talked about:
FOR THE FUNCTIONAL MINIMALIST Regardless of your overall taste leans modern, boho, or traditional, the first styling option is that of functional minimalism – this styling accent is dictated by simplicity, and highlights useful kitchen items. Whether you display gleaming white servingware, or showcase a mix of dinnerware, stemware and cooking dishes, to achieve this look you must be a ruthless editor, and embrace the moto “less is more”. Look for balance with stacked heights and accents colors (or, for extra style points, go monochromatic!), to appeal to your own need for organization.
FOR THE COLLECTOR If you are constantly rearranging you entry table to showcase your growing collection of vintage trays, or find yourself carrying that pretty dish into your bathroom to hold your jewelry, this look is for you. Don’t be afraid to utilize unexpected surfaces (hello, window sills!) to create vignettes. Layer in non-kitchen items, such as plants or framed art to achieve a well curated aesthetic.
FOR THE PRETTY AND PRAGMATIC This styling technique is all about embracing the beauty in everyday items, and we love it for its honesty! From mis-matched bowls, to collected cooking sets, to coordinating wood and ceramic dishes - use what you love and love what you use! Start fresh with your dinnerware set, remember why you first fell in love with it. Highlight the wonderful textures of your favorite grains and other ingredients. Rejoice in the styling and restyling that comes naturally through the use of your items.
No matter what your chosen aesthetic may be, take advantage of the opportunity to enhance your look through kitchen styling! And if we follow the advice of William Morris, your homes, and your kitchens, will be both useful, and beautiful.
[photos from Elle Decor, V Interiors, Remodelista, Country Living, Architectural Digest, and Southern Living]
Jenna's picks
/If there is one thing I’d make sure every kitchen had it would be shelf space. Somewhere to put all the lovelies. While I’m a minimalist when it comes to what I want out on my counters, I like to have a few things at my fingertips. Some of my recipe books, an edited collection of plates and dishes, and a few of my favorite things that are too pretty to hide in a cupboard.
I love the look of our Braxton Bookcase with details resembling a library from the 1940s and with the handles and built in step stool it is as convenient as it is good looking.
The Braxton is $1775.
[photos from Flickr, Pinterest, and Stilinspiration]
A Patterned Powder Room
/These little rooms are a diamond in the rough. They are the place where you can really show off your style and make a big impact in a small way. Because these spaces are so tiny, they make a great place to use that wallpaper you have been dying over but is just too expensive or too bold to cover your master bedroom in. Add a great mirror and sparkly sconces that pair nicely with the paper to jazz things up even more!
[photos by Style at Home, Elle Decor, Lonny, and House Beautiful]
Stylist Picks
/Bathrooms tend to be an afterthought in most homes. Let’s face it, they’re usually the smallest rooms in a home and generally have little wall space. For these reasons, it can be a tricky space to add style and detail. To get the most personality and detail out of your bathroom effortlessly, you can focus on lighting and mirror placement.
Lighting is key; making sure there is enough light, and that it isn’t too harsh. Updating your light fixtures is an easy way to give a small space new life.
The impact that a mirror can have is truly amazing. Every morning we all look into a mirror to get ready for the day… (mornings are hard enough)…Why can’t this be a place where we make an impact? Right? With the right frame, your mirror can add visual interest and be an art piece in your bathroom.
Your bathroom can be an area in your home where you can take a risk - even the smallest spaces in our homes should reflect something about who lives there.
Photo 1: Salon Oval Mirror | $975 | W: 39.75 D: 1.5 H: 43.75 Photo 2: Sconces | $338 | W: 6 Ext: 7 H: 22½" || Pendant | $2,250 | Dia: 18 H: 23
Stylist Picks
/Since I started working at Alice Lane, I have fallen hard for so many pieces that have come through our doors. There are certain pieces which consume my every thought, but only for a short time until the new kid in school comes in and steals my attention.Then there are those really special pieces that have my heart forever.
The Marlena Chair is one of those. She is a fresh take on an old English arm chair. I cannot resist her chubby low-slung arms, nor her gorgeous gams- tapered to perfection. And I would do this perfectly cushioned chair a disservice if I forgot to mention how insanely comfortable she is. The moment she catches your eye, or takes you off your feet, you will instantly see and feel why this piece has stolen my heart.
Holly A.'s Picks
/Can we talk about something for a minute? This chair in particular?
Write this down: High wingback chairs are what make the world go round. It’s true, and this chair scientifically proves that. Through a series of complicated formulas it can be verified that the button tufting, nailhead trim, and detailed woodwork on this chair keep the earth rotating on its axis.
Now let’s take a look at her backside.
Oh, no, she didn’t. Is that the most beautiful thing since Elvis and Priscilla? Only this one’s going to stick around and defy the test of time. Sorry, Elvis. It’s a real stunner from both sides which makes it perfect for floating in a room, placed as a host and hostess dining chair, flanking a fireplace, or accompanying a dressing table in a bedroom. My favorite thing about this piece is its size. Many high wingback chairs have a tendency to dominate the space. Not this one. She’s petite but confident and commands attention without saying a word. Stop by our Orem showroom to meet her in person.
Want to see this beauty in your own home? We’ll make it happen. The Very Best Sale runs through the month of April. All casegood and upholstery items, including this chair, are 20% off.