Private Residence

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We have  a client who was knee deep in a restoration project for her sentimental father. Her dad had recently purchased the home he was raised in, and asked his daughter to help him restore it back to its mid-century state. She hired us to do the space planning and furniture for the main floor. What a fun challenge to go back and study that era and get to use some of the iconic design pieces we have admired. This is how the Family Room will layout:

We always start from the ground up. So we began with this Thomas O'Brien Corsaro Rug. Avocado and teal seemed like a nice vintage color combination to kick things off with.

Retro sofa style with blind tufting has a simple silhouette with track arms and a groovy base.

A pair of Luna chairs with exaggerated angles is a definite throw back.

The George console by Oly Studio will act as a sofa table.

At the center of the room, the classic Noguchi cocktail table.

Stylized lamps play into the rooms Vintage Modern flair.

And check out that entertainment unit... Oly Studio's Jean buffet with brass door panels.

No mid-century room would be complete without the iconic Eames lounge chair - We did it in ivory and a stripy walnut base.

I can hardly wait to install this project next month. The last few pieces are still trickling in. Will be sure to show and tell!

My Parent's Home

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Ahhh home! This is a space that we installed about a year and a half ago for my parents. It's their living room, located right off the entry and kitchen of their home. It's not one of the rooms that you walk by and look at and think how lovely it is, but never enter or sit in it. This room gets used and everything must be comfortable! We couldn't use a cocktail table in the center because that's where all the grandchildren wrestle and spread out the train tracks and toys. It's the greatest gathering spot in the house not only because of it's central location, comfortable furniture, and proximity to the kitchen, but not having a television in the room really allows us to sit down and talk to whomever is in the space playing with a baby, or already engaged in another conversation.

I could go on and on about how I feel about useful living rooms... But I know you just want to get to the pictures, so here they are:

One of the great things in this room is the paint! We used a Ralph Lauren color called Cottage Hill. It's actually the brown color in all the built-ins in our store. It looks olive during certain times of the day in this room. They did the suede texture, which means they stirred sand into the paint to give it this soft velvety look! It's RICH!

Trophy Lamp by Arteriors - My Mom's got a thing for trophies!

Spool chairs in black on black with an off-white herringbone back cushion. These are classic! They float in the room so you can enjoy their back side from the kitchen. I just love these chairs from every angle!

My mom has been collecting old trophies since forever... We used to tease her for it, but look how stunning the line up is on her mantle! You were right Mom! They are gorgeous.

I had to sneak this one in, though it's not the living room. This is the master bedroom. We recently had this bolster custom made and monogrammed with my parent's initals for their king size bed. It turned out great!

Darling wire bird cage hangs in the bedroom. Available still at Alice Lane! It adds such whimsy to any space.

Private Residence - Merida, Mexico

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This room is the bedroom of our client's twin sons in Merida, Mexico. Although their room and the younger boys' room are identical in layout, we wanted to flex a different muscle and add a sense of maturity to the space. At 16 years old, the boys are busy with school and soccer but when they get home would love a place to hang out with their friends. Our client wanted the twins' space to be interesting but much more neutral than the younger boys' room featured here.

Voila! This is the sketch of what the room would look like when completed!

The geometric pattern of this Candice Olsen rug will anchor the space while dictating our palette with its warm grays.

It's important to add variety of interesting textures and surfaces when you're keeping things neutral. This metal chair is fun and adds some industry to the room! This room also has an existing desk between the beds that needed a side chair for studying.

Our client mentioned how much he loved the Jonathan Bench from Oly Studio and I was more than happy to incorporate it into the plan! These guys will sit at the foot of each bed. The tufted cushion adds dimension to the space and pairs great with its hammered metal base.

The heavens opened when we came across this mirror from Oly Studio! It's sculptural and finished in a high lacquered white varnish plus its a great size and gives the teenage boys a chance to check themselves out before the leave the house. What's not to love!

This artwork from Natural Curiosities will hang over each bed creating a visual headboard and I loved that they were similar but still very different, (just like the twins)!

With three metal shelves, this nightstand provides enough surface space for a lamp on top and any other items that the boys might have.

Private Residence - Merida, Mexico

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I was beyond thrilled when we received a call from a fellow in Merida, Mexico who needed some of his home redecorated! I've always been fascinated with this country's rich cultural heritage and how that has influenced its design and architecture over hundreds of years! Our client had recently built a modern home but wanted to add a warmth and history to its interiors. He sent over plans and several photos of the rooms he wanted to address and we got to work! The first room we'll highlight is his two youngest sons. They are like most 9 and 10 year olds, spending their days playing soccer, collecting cars and discovering the world around them. Their room was so fun to design and reintroduced me to being a kid again! Enjoy!

This sketch illustrates how the room will feel when completed.

Next to the entrance of the bedroom we wanted to give the boys a spot to hang their hats and a spot to drop their treasures. The eagle console from Thom Filica is such a fun statement and the Christopher Marley  bug art was a natural fit! All boys love bugs!

The croc inspired rug from Safavieh will anchor each bed and add a level of playfulness to the space.

The existing desk between the beds needed a side chair. I love this Klismos inspired piece from Thom Filicia's new collection. A youthful version of a classic frame!

Ottomans at the foot of the bed provide additional seating when the boys are hanging out with friends and the legs on this particular Oly Studio ottoman are show-stoppers!

The spot table from Vanguard Furniture reminded me of a giant Slinky! Another ode to childhood.

Whether a sports fanatic or a young inventor, I thought that this table lamp, reminiscent of jacks, was a smart choice to light their bedsides.

93 inches by 43 inches!!! Large scaled art is a great way to set the tone of a room. I loved this split alligator and how it is related to the rugs.

This suspended solar system will inspire and ignite young minds and add dimension in the room.

Alice Lane Features Architect Hyrum Bates

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We are big fans of Hyrum Bates. We happened upon his work back when we were living in Farmington and asked if he would help us make our dream come true of designing a charming little shop in Orem. I had the ugly building and a sketchbook full of ideas - I just needed his know-how to make it charming. We asked Hyrum to be a guest blogger to showcase some of his work:

The first is "Residence on Flint" -

"The Stair Hall is the circulation center of the home, giving place for art, a grand clock and playful stair-railing giving nod to the owner's Scandinavian Heritage."

"A kitchen is the heart of any home and this one is no exception. I love the way the strength of the green walls and ceiling is not too overpowering because the white cabinets have a power of their own. This kitchen is designed to be fully utilized and experienced - from its functionality for cooking, to sitting and watching, working at the desk and displaying art."

"The simplistic and detailed Powder Bath was designed to be an art 'gallery' allowing the color to be displayed through the art. Yet the modern 'hatbox' commode and 'farmhouse' sink become the stars of this show."

"This room was inspired by the beaches of Southern California. The warm sandy color of the ceiling and upper walls lend coziness to the creamy white lower walls. Blues and bright whites remind of the sky and clouds, water and waves. The perfect Master's Bedchamber."

"Formality gives way to warm invitation in the Sitting Room. Soothing blue reigns supreme, but is calmed by white and the natural light of the dormer from above. The double 'farmhouse' X gives life, texture and scale to the taller wall of this retreat."

Clarkston Manor - "I love the stateliness of the French Formal/Chateau style... it is timeless and classic in its very essence."

Parley's Way - "This was a remodel, taking the existing, 1950's one-level brick home down to the foundation and creating a completely fresh look was exciting. The porte cochere (drive-thru) was an innovative way to get the upper level the desired size and still maintain access to the garage at the rear."

Bountiful Home - "I love the eyebrow arch window and how it is the star of the show for this particular elevation of the house. Craftsman details nod to the Arts & Crafts style."

Kentucky Downs - "This too is a remodel/addition project designed in collaboration with Judith Clawson. The desire to give the home an 'Arts & Crafts' architectural style allowed the home to command a stronger street presence and give it a 'face' that only rarely will forget."

Private Residence

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This is a client's home in Provo that we are working on. We recently completed the Family Room and Eat-In Kitchen area and wanted to share a few photos. (I must not have loaded the before photos onto the computer, so you'll just have to enjoy the after shots...)

This is the eat-in kitchen with the entry in the background. You can see the new wall sconce next to the closet door. It is from Jonathan Adler's collection through Robert Abbey. The new light fixture over the dining table is a soft brass ring with botanical-like candles.

Close-up of sconce

I love working with this client, she's not afraid to take a risk and do something unexpected. She is very fashion forward. Although she jokes about buying this Ivory Home, there is almost nothing left of it that feels like the rest of the neighborhood.

I love the lines of this Coco Sofa! It is from a group out of L.A. that builds furniture for us domestically. You'd never accuse this sofa of wearing 100% polyester... but she is! This is one way to do it and make it look and feel high-end.

The family room entertainment wall was originally only finished in sheetrock with rounded corners going into the cubbies. We had a finish-worker put a face-frame and adjustable shelves in paint-grade materials. We had the interior of the cubbies painted a dark shade of gray; the face is painted a crisp shade of white to relate to the wall of white shuttered windows adjacent to it. We filled the room with a collection of furnishings to make it feel like it wasn't bought all at the same time out of one box.

A reclaimed coffee table is at the center of the room - this piece is family friendly with a worn-in look already. You don't have to be too cautious about having a young family and entertaining around it. The two sofas are in hard-wearing fabrics, one in a Bella-Microfiber, the other in leather. The pillows marry the colors from the rug and add some pattern and interest.

All in all, the client is happy, the room is successful and suits their needs, and the space is fun to be in because it has such interesting things to say!

photos by Nicole Hill

Before and After

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This is the home of a client who lives in San Juan Capistrano, California. She discovered our shot while staying at her second home in the River Bottoms of Provo. We worked with her on a bathroom remodel and some furnishings for her home here before having us fly out to work on her California home. At first glance you may not think the Before and After shots are very striking - But look closely and you will see that the lines are all cleaned up and there are a few eye-catching contrasts thrown into the mix to give the room a shift from traditional to transitional.

The shell of the room did not change. The rug remained and the drapes were newly hung when we got there. The tufted sofa and mirrored chaise is done in a crisp Belgium linen. Behind the sofa we replaced the traditional console with a beautiful chalky gray blue carved console table with a hand-pieced limestone top. Hugging the coffee table is a walnut butler's table that can also be rotated to hug the chaise from either front or back in the open area. It makes for a great place to set a book or a drink.

The Sophie Armchair by Oly Studio juxtapose the fireplace covered in an unexpected zebra stenciled hair on hide and two gold Arteriors floor lamps flank the fireplace on either side.

Our client recently acquired the new painting of the ocean over the fireplace and just stopped by the store last weekend for a few finishing touches for the mantle. The room is almost complete, but we couldn't wait until it was done to share! It looks great!

Giveaway - CLOSED

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New pillows are in for spring and one lucky winner will be able to choose one of the three lovely pillows pictured below.

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 closes Sunday, May 30th and the winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday, May 31st. Please leave your email address so that we can contact you! Good luck!

Before & After: Private Residence

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This week we wanted to share some of the current projects we are working on. Everybody loves before and afters! This is a home that we are working on in Highland, Utah for a single woman. We tried to give reference to her Asian culture in a few different ways. The 2-door Asian chest centers the room and provides a great base to hang her Grandfather's calligraphy practice sheets over top. We drew color inspiration from the branches and leaves in the trees as a jumping off point and anchored the room with a Thomas O'Brien's Corsaro Rug in Ocean Blue.

The linen sofa has a subtle gray striping and is loaded with velvet, leather and silk pillows by Oly Studio. The coffee table and O'Hara stick-and-ball chair are both from Annie Selke's collection through Vanguard. More calligraphy practice sheets finish off the room with custom draperies that have a net like graphic woven into the body of the fabric. The Tobias chair by Oly fills the corner with an unexpected white frame and tobacco leather. You may have noticed the dog pillow and dog sculpture on the floor near the chest. Our client is a dog lover and rescued two dogs of her own from a local shelter.

This room, though small is loaded with luxuries and levels interest! It is personal, sophisticated, and gives a nod to the past. All the frames are lined with history whether it be old photographs of her parents and grandparents or her grandfathers work with a brush and inks.

She loves her new living room and we do too! We are looking forward to finishing up the other rooms in the house and sharing those too!

Collections

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[photo from Country Living]

I couldn't agree with Mariette Himes Gomez more when she said, "Collecting is an impulse deeply embedded in the human psyche, and the secret of making your treasures look interesting is all in the art of display." Collections can really define you and give your home a strong sense of character. It's the ability of turning ordinary objects into a gallery of your travels and a glimpse into what inspires you!

[photo from Country Living]

[photos from travels to Market]

[photos from The Quilted Giraffe]

I once had a client who collected pewter and had it scattered all about her house. Although charming as individual items, when grouped together it told a fantastic story as the teapots, saucers, spoons, and chargers gathered atop a sideboard in her dining room and became a collection!

[photos from travels to Market]

If you collect plates, display them vertically on a wall or flanking a mirror. If you collect maps and globes arrange them in a way that you can compare different territories and how they have evolved over time. Quantity is an amazing tool when decorating your home. The eye loves repetition and this is when common objects can truly become artful medleys!

[photo from Southern Accents]

[photo from Apartment Therapy]

Keep in mind the most interesting collections usually happen gradually, so there is no need to go out and get it all at once. When you are traveling or even shopping with your favorite people, pick up something to remember the outing by. I love looking around my house and seeing pieces that evoke and memory and your guests will appreciate the interesting voyage your home becomes as they admire your collections!

[photo from Country Living]

[photo from Hall Ready]

Rare Finds and One-of-a-Kinds

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We like to pride ourselves on searching far and wide for the most interesting finds to make for an inspired home. One of our tricks is having Kandi James scout for antiques all summer long while she is staying at her summer home away from home and beyond...

Here are a few of her rare finds that are available now at Alice Lane. And once they're gone... they're gone. You can't duplicate an antique or the amount of patina it's accrued over the years and years of use and age. They just don't make 'em like they used to. Charming!

We have suitcases, reel-to-reel projectors, cameras, an old typewriter, binoculars, books, shoe forms, silver tea pots and pitchers, old school bells, and architectural elements like corbels, columns, gables, we even had an old mantle!

[photos by Ashlee Raubach]

It's the vintage character paired with new updated styles that make great spaces impossible to duplicate and can give your home style and substance!

Collections

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What gives a room heart and soul? The collections of people who live there. That's what makes a room interesting.

We as designers can give a home it's backbone - well-designed rooms with perfectly proportioned furniture, a nice flow in the traffic pattern, the right lighting, wall colors, finishes, etc. But it's the collections of the people that live there that really make a house come to life. It's fun to stare at the books in one's personal library or the art on their walls, the photography in the picture frames. I study the interesting objects on the tables... It's all part of their story.

We have been working to get a photographer out to shoot the fabulous Kandi James' home. She is a collector with a trained eye for spotting the good stuff at antique sales.

We are privileged to offer a few of her goods for sale at Alice Lane. They add such wit and history to our store, and I love what it can do for a room!

Here is a little teaser. We will have the rest of her photos on our Portfolio page soon!

[photos by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

Mother's Day

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Mother's Day is one of those special holidays that oddly enough, a lot of women hate. I don't get that. I love it. Not because I want to be adored and worshipped by my husband and two girls and skip out on doing the dishes on Sunday... but because I think of my mother who is like Mother Teresa and the greatest example of motherhood. The warmest feelings well up inside of me when I hear the word "Mother", and the image of my mom in my mind is the most comfortable place I can go to in my head. She is sunshine. So what do you give the woman who gave you life? I've been asked that a couple of times already this week. Here are a few ideas for those of you still searching for the perfect gift.

Give her a memory - Buy a lovely picture frame to frame a simple candid photo, a time in your lives that will make her laugh out loud or quietly take in a moment. I also love a good quote in a frame. You could even quote Mom! Or something that you know would be meaningful. You could put it in the window where she does the dishes with a set of new hand towels.

New sheets! I'm surprised at how many people don't own a pair of real luxury sheets. My favorite thing in my bedroom are by far my linen sheets! You sleep better. And who couldn't use a really good night's sleep (night after night)?

[photo by Ashlee Raubach]

A new rug in front of her kitchen sink. That would brighten up her space! Or in the laundry room? It will make her everyday tasks seem a bit brighter, happier and softer under foot.

[photo by Ashlee Raubach]

A lovely gift would be to organize any closet, pantry, or drawer of hers in the house and notice if there is something that you could buy her to make the process of whatever you're improving better. New hangers, organizers, bins, baskets, whatever!

[photo from Lonny Magazine]

[photo from Real Simple]

Flowers. We have some lovely estate planters at the store that would flank a doorway in a real traditional classical way. Plant flowers or box woods in them and brighten up her entryway or back porch.

Grab a lovely vase and then run to the grocery store or Costco for some off-the-shelf flowers and she'll know it's from somewhere special because it's not contained in a standard way. Don't forget the love not. That's the best part!!!

[photo by Ashlee Raubach]

Mom's are simple. They already love us - so naturally they'll love any way you want to love them back!

We'd love to hear some of your Mother's Day gift ideas. Do share...

Meeting Annie Selke

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I had the opportunity to meet Annie at the High Point Market last week. Many of you are familiar with her work, even if you don't know her name.

Annie is the visionary behind widely acclaimed home textile companies, Pine Cone Hill and Dash & Albert Rug Company, and licensed collection Annie Selke Home. her kaleidoscopic design aesthetic has yielded thousands of creations, from vibrant bedding and whimsical rugs to innovative furniture and upholstery.

We are proud to carry her lines of furniture and bedding at Alice Lane!

You've seen her work everywhere... across the pages of your favorite decor magazines. (Over 300 pages in the past year alone. That's an impressive press archive!)

Dash & Albert Rugs

Pine Cone Hill Bedding

You can imagine my surprise upon entering the section of Annie's furniture gallery within the Vanguard showroom. When I spotted the designing goddess sitting in bed, under the covers, fully clothed... and on the phone! How perfectly quirky! I knew I liked her already.

After getting off the phone, we spoke for awhile about the line and how much we enjoy designing with it. Then it was picture time... She scooted over in bed and I hopped up with her.

In the latest issue of House Beautiful, Annie is quoted saying: "For me, comfort is the greatest luxury." I couldn't agree more. If you're going to go to the effort to decorate or redecorate your home, always insist on the most comfortable seating and liveable fabrics!

Below is a gallery of Annie's work. Many of these photos are taken in her own home.

Town Settee, O'Hara Stick & Ball Chair, Atlas Cocktail Table

O'Hara Stick & Ball Chair

Hayworth Chair

Victorian Platform Bed

Annie's Home

Market's Top 10

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1. LEATHER SLIP-COVERED DINING CHAIRSThese relaxed leather slip-covered dining chairs have an elegance to them that is easily matched in practicality. They have casters, and a breakaway cushion under your legs, so there is not a hard block under the back of your knee. A dream to sit in and look at! Love the look! I've got 6 coming in an off-white leather.

2. COFFEE TABLE FROM BLISS STUDIO This table gets extra credit points by adding the interesting circular detailed pattern in the cutwork on top of the table and continuing it in the base. It's anything but basic!

3. SOMERSET BAY I love this little console from Somerset Bay. It will tuck in about everywhere, in just about any home. It is great in an entry, a hallway, a vestibule, or under artwork in a living room. It's uses are endless and this classic style could work in any home!

4. THE POUF OTTOMAN FROM CISCO BROTHERS - POUF 43 IN ROUND OTTOMAN The Pouf is genius! I am so happy to enlist this new design trick to our repertoire. It's genius. All those seams and pulled tufting on a radial dome! That's a whole lot of figuring. It's useful and fun to look at!

5. VAGABOND TARP PILLOWS Truck tarps cut to look like European Country flags in neutrals. Raw edges, versatile styling and hardwearing. I'll take oodles of 'em!

6. THE LUCCIA SOFA FROM CISCO BROTHERS High end casual - that's the look + the quality and all the design points! I couldn't resist it and you all are going to love it too! She should be here in about six weeks!

7. ANKASA BEDDING We couldn't resist this fashion forward line of amazing, luxe pillows and bedding. Textures, and intricate details I've never seen! All of these impossible details have been incorporated into gowns for academy awards - and they have put their skill to use in this beautiful line for the home.

8. LOUNGE CHAIRS We bought a pair of these chairs. It was an emotional decision! I LOVE everything about these. There's a grace about them. Their creamy tone makes them a bit softer and they could be paired with linen for a causal sophisticated space.

9. OLY STUDIO'S NEW PHILIP DINING TABLE Love at first sight! Absolute design perfection! I can't wait to use this in a project! I already have the client...

10. LOUNGE CHAIRS FROM CISCO BROTHERS I loved looking at them. I loved sitting in them. These chairs are sooo special! I didn't do them in the cotton velvet shown but a crisp linen blend perfect for the warmer weather!

Market Wrap Up

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Hey y'all! Greetings from the South! Adam and I are in North Carolina this week shopping the High Point Market. We wanted to share a few photos (we are taking with our iPhones) of what we are seeing and buying. We are seeing a lot of relaxed looks. Even the high end is more buttoned down and casual. And let me say, what a great way to live. Comfortable. The wood finishes are reclaimed, bleached, carused, pickled, white-washed, and grayed out. The fabrics are soft, natural textures. Linens, wovens, velvets, leathers - attention is still in the details - but overall the affect is relaxed.

We are meeting a lot of the tastemakers down here:

Thomas O-Brien - the man who made Vintage Modern so very popular. He has a line of rugs through Safavieh as well as a new book out called "American Modern". (He signed his book for me and I got a little shy - Here's the photo!)

Thom Filicia (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy) - Just introduced a bold new eclectic vintage-inspired line through Vanguard. You've NEVER seen furniture like this before! I'm stoked to bring it to you. (We talked design with Thom for a good while, I even got a kiss on the cheek when we said goodbye. I dig that guy!)

Laura Kirar introduced a new nature inspired line of accessories and lamps through Arteriors. SO inspiring!

I can hardly wait till it all shows up at Alice Lane so I can share it with all of you! You're gonna love it too!