Show n' Tell - Jessica's Family Room

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HOME - It's where your story takes place. This is where we live. My husband and I and our two darling girls, ages 6 and 11. It's where we pile in at night and watch tv, play games and build the most magnificent structures out of Legos. There are plenty of surfaces to build on, put down a drink, phone, or plate of nachos.You name it, we live in here. This is our Family Room.

The home is a Spanish Revival home. Originally built in 1980 - We did a massive remodel and addition to the home about five years ago. Adding more traditional, neutral finishes and features that will make the home transcend time. The arched opening into the family room is one of the last Spanish features left. I love the thickness of the wall and the sense of entry it creates.

I begin each room with a rug - to me, it's like buying art. The rug gives a definitive energy to the room, and sets the tone for how the room is used. In this case I chose Thomas O'Brien's wool and silk Guilded Teal 9 foot by 14 foot rug. It has bits of teal and olive that dance along the off-white background. Then bits of deep brown scattered in sections that give the rug depth.

I chose a massive sofa for this room. it spans 108 inches in width, and is 41 inches deep. We lay on it, sit Indian style on it and stretch out and lounge. This isn't a Living Room sofa where you are expected to maintain your posture. We puppy pile on our sofa... the more the merrier! I upholstered the sofa in a chunky linen the color of oatmeal - casual, natural, sofa... and comfortable.

I knew I needed to add height to create the illusion that the 8 foot ceilings were higher. I chose a pair of chairs opposite the entry that are forty-nine inches tall. By running a vertical band of leather up the center, it also lengthened the lines of the chair. One other elongating trick is mounting the drapery rods right next to the ceiling. Those long vertical panels did wonders for the room and framed in the magnificent views of the valley below.

I used Oly's Thor Sliding Cabinet as an entertainment unit. The silvered resin doors add an austere depth and are a bit of throw back. I layered a photo of a horse behind the TV. On more trick to add height to keep the eye from stopping at the top of the TV - just like putting together an outfit, it's all about the layers.

Some of my favorite moments in the room are: - Daylight streaming through the collection of Beijing navy vases from Oly Studio. - The large loosely painted landscape by Chelsea James. I love what it gives to the room - color, life, tranquility. It inspired me to use more purple in the accents of the room.

I filled my room with things that make us happy to look at and that are useful - usually both. Using things that are generally low in contrast allows your eye to move from one thing to the next without much pause. At the end of the day, we all just want to be comfortable, and a big part of that is surrounding yourself with the people and things you love.

Cheers! Jessica

[photos by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

This Just In - Jonathan Adler Pillows and Accessories

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Our shipment of Jonathan Adler accessories have finally ARRIVED! Fun and quirky pieces with TONS of personality. These pillows will add a punch of color and will definitely be a conversation piece. Bargello Chevron Pillow - $195 Acapulco Pillow - $125 Anger Pillow - $195

I think I need this one! How adorable to sit next to my fall candle! Squirrel Match Strike - $45

This little treasure is a perfect place to keep little treasures! Turtle Box - $125

And how can you resist this... This is on my wishlist as well! Whale Bookends - $170

How-to: Choose a Fall Scent

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With the cooler and crisper weather that is quickly approaching, also brings with it, cozy nights tucked inside the house, holiday parties and entertaining. A fall scent for the home is a must to start off the season right. Last month for our birthday, we introduced our newest line - Voluspa, known for their creamy coconut wax blend and the ultra clean burn. We are delighted with all of the rich scents and the pretty packaging.

Warm but fruity, these scents start us off right in the transition from summer to fall:

Pink Citron - Ripe citron grapefruit with a juicy pink center is layered with a tart cassis and a heart of subtle rose. Saijo Persimmon - Japanese saijo persimmon, considered to be the finest gourmet variety, is layered with peach and red currant.

And an Alice Lane favorite - Goji & Tarocco Orange.

Perfect for the kitchen, the James Boyce collection was designed for the kitchen specifically, taking scents that mix well with the smell of many cuisines.

Sommelier is a unique but warm scent with a combination of ruby port, mission fig and star anise. This is one of my favorites! Spice Market is the perfect traditional fall scent with a mix of cassia, ginger and ground clove. If you are looking for something clean and citrus scented, California Citrus is perfect with satsuma tangerine and meyer lemons.

A comforting scent that takes us into the winter months are Snow Flakes and Frost Pinecone.

Which is your fall scent?

What's in Store - Tables with Animal Feet/Hooves

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We've been seeing tables and chairs with animal feet and hooves all around! Quirky and full of personality! This is definitely no passing trend... this detail all started with the animal-worshiping Egyptians! The animal legs also influenced Greek and Roman designs. Can you believe it? Here is one of our favorites, the Ari Side Table from Oly Studio, featured in Elle Decor. Just the perfect little accent table that is full of character!

Here we see another Oly piece. Not quite as subtle here, the Ajax side chair has been slipcovered and gives a modern twist to an otherwise traditional Dining Room from House Beautiful.

We love our Oly pieces and can order them in but we do have these lovelies in the store now for instant gratification.

1. Stag Side Table - $737.50 2. Side Table - $900 3. Foyer Table - $1,296 4. Demi-Lune Console Table - $879

Giveaway Winner!

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Congratulations Kate! We will email you to let you know that you are our winner!

Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate our 3rd birthday. We appreciate all of your support! Keep reading for more design tips, inspiration and fresh ideas!

Don't forget about our sale! Today is the last day for the Vanguard Special Order Sale but there is still a WEEK left for the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams sale. Make sure to stop by!

A Few Words from: Suzanne

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I'm pretty sure I've quoted this verbatim to client's as I am an avid believer that everything in your home should have reason. There's something to entering a home and reading spines of the books, seeing picture frames filled with candid moments, and discovering traveled collections! I feel fortunate to have learned so much just by associating with so many great people and getting a sneak peek of who they are, what they believe in and all things that inspire. Thank you, thank you to those that have allowed us in their homes!

- Suzanne

[photos from Sibella Court's Etcetera]

A Few Words from: Jessica

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This is what Alice Lane is to me - a place to be lifted out of the ordinary. A place of inspiration. Where you can identify with an item, or a spark goes off... and you think - That is me! or I could live like that. Or I'm going to try that when I get home. Charm and make believe don't have to be so far off. We have to have these moments that make us feel capable, happy - Come out and play! Find yourself in here.

- Jessica

[photo by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

* Don't forget to enter our giveaway! Leave us a comment here to enter.

Greatest Alice Lane Moments

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Over the past 3 years we have had some amazing moments here at Alice Lane. Everything from appearing in magazines to having a film shot here that Jessica had the opportunity to be in! Our own Alice Lane star! Take a look at some of our favorite moments.

We were voted one of the best places to shop for gifts! What an honor - especially within our first year!

In their Summer 2010 issue, Utah Style & Design featured us in their Pacemaker section!

Last summer, we had a scene shot at the store for the film, "Midway to Heaven" directed by Michael Flynn. Jessica was cast as client of Michelle Money's, whose character was an interior designer.

Jessica appeared on the cover of Business Q magazine last fall for Utah Valley's "40 under 40" article.

That same fall, Alice Lane was chosen for the cover of Utah Style and Design featuring our beautiful blue plastered wall. The article inside was all about how to use hides.

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Alice Lane hosted the Blogger Holiday Social for the biggest local bloggers with Kirsten of 6th Street Design School. It was a big hit and such a great time, getting to know all of the other bloggers in person!

In February of this year, we were asked to participate in an American Express photo shoot... The day was full of make-up, hair, flashes and smiles.

Matthew Mead was hosting a little party for NieNie and all of her sisters and friends for an article for his magazine and decided to have it here!

Alice Lane hosted Nicole's Classes book signing with Nicole Hill Gerulat and Mike & Alma Loveland. There were sweet treats and mingling galore!

Jessica had the opportunity to rub shoulders with the talented Thomas O'Brien and Suzanne Kasler at Market!

So many amazing events and moments! Thanks to everyone for your support and friendship. We look forward to seeing what the future holds!

AND don't forget to enter our giveaway! Going on here...

Birthday Celebration

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Last night was the kick-off of our big birthday bash! With a few of our favorite sweet treats and favorite people, the evening was a delightful celebration.

Jessica and Adam - the perfect hostess and host!

Mmm... these candles are to die for! The packaging is so pretty and they are the perfect scent to take us into fall.

Thanks to everyone who came and shared this special time with us!

Make sure to stop by the store today and tomorrow. Our party is still in full-swing! Cakebites, cookies, flavored waters AND our giveaway for TEN DESIGN HOURS plus a few of our other favorite things. Come in to enter - this is an in-store giveaway. The winner will be chosen at the end of the day on Friday! If you aren't local, we DO have a giveaway going on on our blog! So leave us a comment here to enter!

A Few Words From: Natalie

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For our birthday month, we've decided to do a few little posts by the designers here at Alice Lane - What inspires them and design advice.

When working on spaces with our clients, we try to find a color palette to match the client's personality. Using neutrals as the main pieces in the room makes a great canvas for adding color to your space through pillows, ottomans, art, and accessories. The impact is incredible.

- Natalie

[photo from Elle Decor]

Funniest Moments in Alice Lane History

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Oh where do I start? Everyday at Alice Lane is a fun day! Those of you that have worked closely with us know that we are a good time and when I was asked to write this post the floodgates opened and so many memories came to mind! The American Express shoot wardrobe malfunction! Late night installations! Tired girls on late night flights! All of these moments are typically marinated in Diet coke and laughter and added to our regimen of Alice Lane funnies.

Please enjoy these obnoxious pictures as they speak way, WAY louder than words ever could!

- Suzanne

Giveaway Time!!! - CLOSED

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Introducing our Birthday Giveaway! We have included a few of our favorite things in this little giveaway. The architectural pillow, Parisian glass tray, candle snuffer, a box of long wooden matchsticks, and one of our newest introductions at Alice Lane are Voluspa candles. Their scents are divine! This one is Goji & Tarocco Orange  - isn't the packaging stunning?

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 Thursday, September 29th and the winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, September 30th, the last day of our Birthday Celebration and sale. Please leave your email address so that we can contact you! Good luck!

Celebrating 3 Years!

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I always get a little sentimental in September...It is our birth month here at Alice lane. We opened our doors just 3 years ago! September 2008! What a milestone.

If I only knew what I do now - Everything I ever anticipated about the business is almost entirely different than I would have thought. IT IS BETTER! It is a dream come true each day to come into work and be able to rub shoulders with such talented people that bring their A game and give it all they've got. I work with the brightest creative minds in the business.

We EAT, SLEEP, DREAM design - and come to work with an even better idea than the day before. We love design so much we are oozing with excitement. We don't try to play it down. We are design geeks!

Stop by this month and talk to any of my geeky staff! Ask them questions - get their opinions on anything design related. You'll see what I mean by oozing!

We are having a couple of BIG things to celebrate in honor of our birthday!

Open to the public! We will have way too many delicious things to eat and drink and the design staff will be on-hand to work with anyone in-store. Not only will we have an in-store giveaway but our blog giveaway will start tomorrow! So make sure to check back and enter!

I have also reached out to my biggest vendors to offer you 20% off custom upholstery throughout the entire month. So NOW is a good time to start that project and have it all in to entertain by the holidays!  We'll look forward to seeing you soon.

Many thanks for your patronage and support over the last 3 years!

- Jessica

[photo on left by Nicole Hill Gerulat]