Thom Filicia at Alice Lane

Thom Filicia is the whole package when it comes to being an interior designer. Those familiar with him from Queer Eye For the Straight Guy or who met him at our event 2 weeks ago know that he has one of the most contagious personalities - he instantly makes those he meets feel like the most important person in the room. We saw firsthand at our event just how easygoing and forthright he is, which is the same vibe we got when reading his latest book, American Beauty. We should also mention that we're BIG FANS of his work. In fact, our showroom always includes pieces from the Thom Filicia Home Collection. During his recent visit we styled a complete Thom Filicia vignette in his honor; the sofa, art, chairs, rug and table were personally curated by Thom. No wonder we love it! Stop by the store at Trolley Square to see it all.

Thom is known for having an effortless cool and cozy look. It's masculine, yet refined and delicate all at the same time. We used his book for inspiration and incorporated some of Thom's staple design tricks into our own styling of his vignette. Here are just a few of the beautiful designs by Thom Filicia that you'll find in his book.

His looks are stunning and his countless accolades in the world of design are well deserved. Thom continues to create spectacular design that, of course, you can always find at Alice Lane. And don't forget, now through April 27th all upholstery and casegoods (including those from the Thom Filicia collection) are 20% off. So stop by today!

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!

The Very Best Sale

It's here! The Very Best Sale at Alice Lane begins today and runs through the month of April. Why is this is our very best sale? Well, it's the one time of year that all of our upholstery and casegoods are 20% off! We also have the very best team of Stylists that can help you customize your upholstery pieces and find the perfect chests, dressers, bookshelves, and cabinets for you. Stop by one of our stores today!

Changing Art With The Seasons

Over the past few years or so you've probably managed to acquire quite the collection of home decor specific to every season and holiday. Spring to winter, Easter to Christmas...you've got your bases covered. Let's be honest though, sometimes you just don't want to drag out the bins of decorations from storage, unpack everything, and rearrange your whole home just to do it all over again in a month or so. What a pain! Instead, start by simply changing up the art in your home to pieces that highlight each season. And no...we don't mean hanging pictures of bunnies and Easter eggs on your walls (although that might just be your thing). Instead, find subtle pieces that you can leave up all season long. Sticking with the color scheme of each season is a great place to start.

Pieces that incorporate elements of nature are a great way to bring the feeling of the seasons into your home. Try it for yourself this spring, you might just end up leaving your bunny decorations in storage for good!

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!

Thom Filicia Book Signing and Giveaway

It's time! He's here! Don't forget that Thom Filicia will be at Alice Lane Home Collection for a book signing event tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. We want to show Thom just how awesome the design community here in Utah is. We think he'll be blown away. And just in case meeting Thom isn't reason enough (which it totally is!), you'll get 20% off your entire purchase of full price in-store and special order items. Not to mention, you could be the lucky winner of one of the following giveaways:

• A signed copy of Thom Filicia's book
• A piece of art curated and signed by Thom Filicia
• One year subscription to Utah Style & Design

We hope to see you all there tonight. We know you're going to love Thom as much as we do.

Susan's Pick - Ginger Jars

Are you looking for a new way to bring spring into your home? Ginger jars are a perfect way to add new dimension to your surroundings. Plus they can be styled in a variety of ways, making them the perfect accessory to easily change up with the seasons. Take the lid off and your jar becomes a stunning vase that you can use to display cherry blossoms or other blooms.

Leave the lid on and group a collection of jars on a shelf or table for a classic and beautiful centerpiece. This is a look that never goes out of style.

And who says ginger jars are for interiors only? Most can be used on an outdoor table to add interest to your covered patio or deck.

Try several different sizes and shapes to get the look you’re after! Whether your jars are blue and white or solids of any other color, ginger jars are elegant, whimsical, and timeless. Give them a try in your own home and see how these versatile pieces can help make your home your favorite place on earth!

French Moderne Manor - Modern Bath Design

As the Parade of Homes draws closer, we are busily working on getting our French Modern Parade Home designs finished up. The project is still in construction mode, but we're finally starting to seeing some of our design elements take shape and form. One room in particular, the master bathroom, has us eagerly awaiting. We think you’re going to fall head-over-heels in love with this master bathroom. It’s so good you’ll never want to leave. I pinky swear. We’ve combined all our favorite bath fittings in one space with a perfect blend of technology and beauty – a sculptural soaking tub with a perfect pendant suspended above it, a steam shower with a book-matched marble wall, custom brass mirrors, a sparkling champagne ceiling and a Calcutta marble floor crisscrossing the whole space. Dreamy, no?

Here’s a glimpse at the initial design to spark your curiosity…

There's only a few short months to go until this amazing home makes it's debut! Don’t forget to block out your calendars for the Utah Valley Parade of Homes June 4 - 20, 2015. We’re excited to see you there!

Holly's Pick - Cake Stands

You know that bridal shower you’re hosting in a few weeks? Remember how you promised your BFF you’d do it, but you haven’t given it 2 seconds of thought?  Don’t stress.  On your to-do list simply write “Go to Alice Lane”. We have the most unique and beautiful serving pieces for hosting a memorable soiree.

Most importantly you need some cake stands. We just so happen to have some of the most unique and beautiful cake stands and platters. They’re new for spring, so you’ll want to get in on this. They are just so good. And did you know you can use cake stands for more than just cakes. Don't let the name fool you, cake stands are perfect for serving cupcakes, muffins, or any bite size food.

Try using a cake stand for something other than food, too. Stacking cake stands and arranging lit candles, or some fresh flowers, would make for a beautiful centerpiece. Even the platter itself can be the showstopper of your party with these beauties!

Styling trays for every room in your home

Trayscaping. Have you heard of it? For those unfamiliar, it's our fancy way of saying styling a tray. Today we had the opportunity be a guest on KUTV's Fresh Living, and we talked all about styling trays. If you missed it, you can watch our segment on "How to Style a Tray" here.  Whether styling for your living room, office, powder room, or kitchen, trays are an excellent way to anchor all of your nick-knacks and accessories into one general area. Not only do they look sophisticated and organized, but they're incredibly functional too. When styling a tray, always keep function in mind. Simply look around your space and see what's already there. Incorporating practical, every day elements onto your tray is key.

Powder Room Tray - Find a small tray that fits nicely on your vanity top and doesn't take up too much space. Accessories with hand soaps, lotions, perfumes, and candles. As a bonus, it keeps your counter tops safe from any spills.

Office Trays - Offices can become very cluttered incredibly fast! Placing a tray on your desk can make all that clutter suddenly seem very organized. Finding decorative office supplies, like this gold pineapple letter opener, is not only very useful, but adds interest. Office supplies don't have to be boring, let them become your decorative elements.

Coffee Table Tray - Don't over think it when it comes to your coffee table. Place a box inside your tray where you can stash all of your remotes and other electronic eye-sores when they're not in use. Adding a pile of coasters is great, too. Your family and guests will appreciate having quick access to everything they would need, making entertaining a breeze.

Kitchen Tray - Instead of using your tray horizontally, flip it vertically and use it as a feature piece against your back splash or cabinets. Then, when you need it, you can quickly grab it and use it to serve drinks or appetizers on.

Hopefully these tip have inspired you try out some "trayscaping" for yourself!

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!

Thom Filicia Book Signing at Alice Lane

We have big big news people!!! Thom Filicia, a renowned interior designer and good friend of ours, will be coming for a book signing event at our Salt Lake store on March 25. Mark your calendars because this is exciting stuff and you do NOT want to miss out. If you haven't checked out his latest book, American Beauty: Renovating and Decorating a Beloved Retreat, you need to. It is beautiful! It's one of those books that makes you literally want to jump into the pages. I mean, just look at that entry setting below. If you don't have a copy of his book, don't worry. You can pick one up at the event that night, Oh...and personally have it signed by Thom, too.

We first met Thom at market years ago and he is the best. Not just the best when it comes to interior design, but one of the best human beings we've ever met. He can instantly make a complete stranger feel like he's known them for a hundred years. That's why we're so excited our customers and the local Utah design community have this opportunity to meet him, too.

We have a shipment of pieces from his latest home furnishings collections on it's way to our store RIGHT NOW! So, you'll also get the chance to chat with Thom about his rugs, sofas, case-goods, artwork, and other pieces from his collection. How cool is that! Hopefully you guys are just as excited as we are. We hope to see you there with your mom, sister, friend, husband, dog...whoever! It's going to be one heck of party.

Richard's Pick

Welcome spring!  It's time for refreshing and renewal, and we usually look to our interior spaces first to see what could use a little updating. In our last post we had some great tips on how to freshen up your living spaces for a crisp and clean look. One of the best ways to do that is to bring the outdoors in. Don't worry...you don't need to have a green thumb to add greenery to your space. Today, there are a plethora of faux greenery options that not only look amazingly real, but require little to no maintenance. And for those seeking the challenge of keeping a plant alive, we got you covered too! Plants can serve as the perfect subtle accessory to bring the whole design home, or they can be dramatic enough to be the focal art in a room. Don't those beautiful leaves just draw your attention!

Egg Planter w/plant - $456.00

Here at Alice Lane Home Collection, adding greenery to your space couldn't be easier! Just pick out your favorite container/pot and find a beautiful plant to put inside! Like this one here:

Round Fish Pot w/plant - $564.00

For those of you that consider yourselves to have less-than-green thumbs, a beautiful silk arrangement is a great option. No need to worry about care and watering, the perfect houseplant!

Cream Peony in Blue/White Jar - $328.00

Pink Fuchsia Peony - $259.75

We've got some great ideas here in store to get you started. Come visit Alice Lane Home Collection today, in Orem and Salt Lake City, Utah; and we'll help get a little green in your life.

French Moderne Manor - Master Bedroom Design

Things are coming along nicely in our French Modern Parade Home in Highland, Utah. While the kitchen and living room are definitely major focal points in this home, we can't be more excited for the master bedroom! I mean come on...who doesn't dream about a luxurious french bedroom?! And this master bedroom is exactly that...the room of our dreams! We began with the idea of punctuating the vaulted ceiling with a sculptural chandelier and a canopy bed. You heard me right, A CANOPY BED. Our inner child is going crazy right now. We tucked a swoon-worthy velvet chaise at the end of the bed and an arm chair on either side surrounding the fireplace. Speaking of the fireplace, we can’t wait for you to see it. We have a custom stone surround that is out of this world. Here's a sneak peak at our sketches and design board for the room. Now you're dreaming about too, aren't you? You're welcome.

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.

Last chance for End of Season Sale

So you heard we were having an End of Season Sale, but you failed to come in to the store to check out the goods for yourself. Maybe it was lack of preparation on your part...or maybe it was divine intervention from the shopping Gods, because you're in luck! Our End of Season Sale is still going on and there's plenty of items up to 70% off left! And guess what!? We're making things really easy for...browse below to see all remaining sale items located at our Salt Lake store. Seriously, this sale just keeps getting better and better.

ALCOTT CHAIR – Original Price: $1,531 | SALE PRICE: $459

ALLURE SIDE TABLE – Original Price: $1,194 | SALE PRICE: $358

AZERI RUG [8X11] - Original Price: $1,058 | SALE PRICE: $529

BANKS SIDE TABLE - Original Price: $1,074 | SALE PRICE: $537

BARCELONA DISPLAY CASE - Original Price: $961 | SALE PRICE: $480

BARRINGTON BENCH - Original Price: $1,775 | SALE PRICE: $647

GRAY VELVET CHAIR - Original Price: $1,958 | SALE PRICE: $979

CALAVERAS RUG [8X11] - Original Price: $1,860 | SALE PRICE: $558

BRAXTON BOOKCASE - Original Price: $1,774 | SALE PRICE: $532

CLARKSDALE SCREEN - Original Price: $6,245 | SALE PRICE: $3,122

COLTIER TABLE - Original Price: $1,650 | SALE PRICE: $825

CONSOLE TABLE - Original Price: $1,037 | SALE PRICE: $311

CORSARO RUG [4X6] - Original Price: $1,782 | SALE PRICE: $534

DIAGONAL BOOKCASE - Original Price: $2,587 | SALE PRICE: $776

EMMA ROCKING CHAIR - Original Price: $2,805 | SALE PRICE: $841

FRANCES SIDE TABLE - Original Price: $1,062 | SALE PRICE: $318

KELIM PILLOWS - Original Price: $55 - $72 | SALE PRICE: $16 - $21

LILLIES ARTWORK - Original Price: $2,487 | SALE PRICE: $1,243

NOEL CHAIR - Original Price: $1,125 | SALE PRICE: $562

RAIN RUG [ 8X10] - Original Price: $910 | SALE PRICE: $455

TAMAR RUG - Original Price: $2,822 | SALE PRICE: $1,411

TUXEDO CABANA RUG - Original Price: $416 | SALE PRICE: $208

Lizzy's Picks

You can really set the stage of your room and home with the perfect rug. Did you know our designers always begin their projects by selecting a rug? A rug can act as an anchor for the room, and from there every piece in your room, whether it be upholstery, art, pillows or accessories, can take a cue from the rug. Perhaps your rug is a safe, pattern-less neutral, creating a calm flow from piece to piece in the room.

Perhaps you will choose a rug that sports a bold pattern, with some unexpected color that adds a little humor to the room, acting as an under-foot surprise each time you enter. No matter what you choose for your rug, you can take cues from the rug’s coloring and design to create a cohesive story in your room.

 

My favorite rug in the store creates a cohesive setting, where the pillows and upholstery really reflect the organic browns, grays, ivories and greens in the rug. The colors and pattern of the rug are natural and organic and the texture of the silk and wool is soft and luxurious. It reminds me, in a way, of a Monet's water lily paintings! Why not put the star art piece of your room on the floor?

French Moderne Manor - Kitchen Design

Kitchens are the most technical and time-intensive spaces in the home. We’ve spent many hours on this parade home perfecting our cabinetry drawings, selecting appliances and hardware, and fine tuning the finishes with our cabinetry shop. We take the time because the beauty is in the details. Here’s a peek at our site visit progress photos, drawings, and finishes to give you a peek into the space.

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.

Things Are Looking Up! (Or In This Case Down)

If you thought our End of Season Sale started out great, wait until you see how low the prices are now! Here's a sample of what we have at our SALT LAKE location.

SOFA - SOLD OTTOMAN - Original Price: $702 | SALE PRICE: $351  $210

CHAIR - Original Price: $1,958 | SALE PRICE: $1,174 $979

 CHAIR - Original Price: $1,125 | SALE PRICE: $675 $562

NESTING TABLES - Original Price: $487 | SALE PRICE: $243 $146

 PILLOWS - Original Price: $55 - $72 | SALE PRICE: $27 - $36 $16 - $21

 POUFS - Original Price: $286 each | SALE PRICE: $171 EACH $143 EACH

 CONSOLE TABLE - Original Price: $1,037 | SALE PRICE: $518 $311

ARMOIRE - Original Price: $3,536 | SALE PRICE: $1,768 $1,060

 ARTWORK - Original Price: $2,487 | SALE PRICE: $1,492 $1,243

We have an assortment of rugs, art, and accessories too!

And here are a few of our favorite pieces in OREM!

 SOFA - Original Price: $2,875 | SALE PRICE: $1,725 $1,437 RUG (under sofa) - Original Price: $1,900 | SALE PRICE: $950 $570

 COCKTAIL TABLE - Original Price: $1,674 | SALE PRICE: $1,004 $837

 DINING TABLE - Original Price: $5,500 | SALE PRICE: $3,300 $2,750

 

WINGBACK CHAIR - Original Price: $1,526 | SALE PRICE: $915 $763

 CHAIR - Original Price: $1,125 | SALE PRICE: $675 $562

CHAIR - Original Price: $1,987 | SALE PRICE: $1,192 $993

 CONSOLE TABLE - Original Price: $1,650 | SALE PRICE: $990 $825

There's a selection of art, accessories, rugs, and bedding as well. Stop in to see what else is on sale!

Stop by to see what else is on sale!!