Show N' Tell - Modern Glass House

Well, it's been a few weeks since we've posted here on the blog, and what better way to say hello again than to share one of our most recent projects. We actually wrapped this project up earlier this year, but it's been under wraps until it's recent debut in Utah Style & Design magazine's Fall issue. We were thrilled to have it featured there this month! But in case you missed it (or maybe you just want a another look!), we'll be revealing the whole project today on the blog. It's very rare when a husband and wife have the same exact taste and want the same exact things. This was not one of those rare moments! In fact, the homeowners of this warm contemporary home were quite the opposite in their styles. He wanted minimalist modern. She wanted classic and cozy. They entrusted us to help them find the perfect mix. And that we did! We used a warm walnut throughout the home to keep the rest of the homes stark cool tones in check. Large paneled walls brought depth and interest, but by reversing the moldings it gave it a contemporary spin. Little ying and yang tricks like this made it all possible!

Thanks to the homes genius layout, the entire backside of the home is nearly floor to ceiling windows. And while the pictures don't do it justice, the view of the valley outback is amazing! We really want to highlight that feature and make sure our designs didn't obstruct that view. Upon entering the home you find yourself staring at a large open staircase. You can almost see right through those floating runs and open railing...refocusing you back on the incredible views.

While we typically would say a home's entry sets the tone for the rest of the house, we must say this one gives you a bit of a surprise upon entering the living spaces. The real "wow" factor comes when you see the massive 20 foot wall of marble surrounding the asymmetrical fireplace. It's not until that moment that you reeeeally get it. We chose a combination of modern and classic silhouettes to furnish this space, giving you all the comfort and visual interest you could ask for.

One of our favorite design features in the kitchen is how the oak hardwood floors ricochet off the kitchen island. It's a bit of an optical illusion really, but smart and well played. Again, we combined both modern and classic styles in the kitchen, with the grain-matched cabinets and the massive porcelain onyx hood surround. They just work so well together!

The mural wall was a special request from our client. The wife is a photographer and has a love for abstract photography. We loved the idea of turning that wall into vortex or sorts...making that TV almost completely disappears!

The master bedroom is definitely a slice of heaven. It's cool, crisp, and refreshing AND it's practically drowning in sunlight. So that's a win! We opted for simple window treatments here and throughout the home to once again highlight the views and minimize any obstructions. Don't be fooled by their simplicity though...each window is cased in walnut making them just as thoughtful and important.

Be sure to check out our online shop for many of our favorite pieces that we used throughout this home!

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photos by Lindsay Salazar Photography

Show N' Tell - A Neutral Nursery

Usually the first thing we ask our clients when designing a nursery is, "Are you having a boy? Or a girl?". So when our dear friend and client Natalie Hill Jensen told us she wasn't going to find out we were floored! How do you not find out!? We soon realized though that this nursery would be a special retreat for the mamma, and regardless of what gender the baby was this space was really designed for her! We started by picking gender neutral furnishings and finishes that could later be pulled in either direction once the baby was born. After the arrival of sweet little Lucie, we threw in a few extra pink accessories that easily tipped the scales for the perfect little girls room!

Natalie had just a few requests for us, one of them being she wanted items that could easily transition from one phase of life to the next. She also wanted a hint of a moroccan flare, a rocking chair that would work with both her short petite frame and her husband 6'8" build, AND a place to display her growing collection of children's book.

We selected this exquisite wood and bone inlay chest (our Everly Dresser) for the changing table. It's the perfect height and added that eclectic moroccan vibe she was looking for. We topped it off by adding some perfectly pink accessories where Natalie could stash her everyday baby essentials. Those blooms really gave this space a feminine touch!

The rug played a major role in the design. It's subtle rainbow of blue and pink was exactly what we needed! It could easily go either way, by playing up the blues or choosing to enhance the pink. It was fun to see the pink really come to life once we added all the extra accessories into the room. And of course, another moroccan touch with that nude leather pouf!

We kept the walls their original greige and then painted the ceiling a pale blue/gray. It's the perfect "lid on top" to the whole design. And don't you just LOVE this chandelier. Natalie instantly fell in love with it because it reminded her of the dressing room lights from of her Broadway days in NYC.

For this project, we reached out to our friends at Oilo Studio to help us find the perfect crib bedding. We selected their charcoal and gray linen bumper and Finn crib skirt because it was perfectly neutral! With the rug and the art already adding so much color and movement, we wanted the bedding to be soft and relaxing on the eyes. It's exactly what we needed.

This wall of books really acts as a piece of art! Seriously...they make the cutest children's books these days, and Natalie owns all of them! This is definitely the happiest little corner in the whole room with its vibrant colors and playful imagery. It always works out so well when you incorporate everyday objects into design.

We're not sure what it is, but there's something extra special about working on miniature spaces for miniature humans that get's us all gooey inside. It was a real treat to work on this sweet little space for Natalie and baby Lucie, and we can't wait to see how it grows with her in time!

SHOP THIS COLLECTION HERE

photos by nicole gerulat

The Very Best Sale starts now!

We're going from one of our biggest sales to our absolute BEST sale in one week flat! And this time...it's even online! Starting today, shop in-store and online and get 20% off ALL furniture. ALL. MONTH. LONG. After all...this is The Very Best Sale! Use promo code "TVBS20" at checkout!

Alice Lane Pick: Tibetan Fur Bench

The world is on a craze for Tibetan Fur, and we're no exception here at Alice Lane. We love it for a few reasons: it's beautiful, it's incredibly soft, and it's animal friendly. Cool fact: Tibetan fur is simply made from the long wool hair that is shaved off of Tibetan or Mongolian sheep when it comes time for a haircut. We love the natural curl of the wool and how it adds an incredible organic feel to any room. We've rounded up some of our favorite Tibetan fur benches (that you can now buy online!). With splayed wood legs and a Tibetan wool seat, our Otto bench is versatile as well as comfortable. It fits great in a bedroom, living room, or entry. Also available in a cube size, it fits perfectly under a console (a great trick for storing extra seating!) and is an aesthetically pleasing height.

The Bette ottoman really steps things up with it's sleek acrylic base. Seriously...does wool get any more glamorous?! We love to use this bench tucked under a vanity, or next to a buffet for extra seating. So tell us, what is your favorite Tibetan fur bench?

1. Bette Ottoman | 2. Otto Cube | 3. Otto Bench

Our BIGGEST Tent Sale Ever!

People! This is a big deal! For months and months we've been preparing for this most amazing show event. We've been purging our warehouse, pulling product, marking it down, then marking it down even more (because why not), and gathering it all together under the Big Top! That's right...it's time for another Tent Sale! This time, we're offering our lowest and best discounts right out of the gate on Alice Lane Home Collection and Wonderland by Alice Lane products. Some are still even in their boxes! So when we say it's our biggest Tent Sale yet, we really mean it. Mark your calendars and join us at our Orem location (look for the big white tent on the corner of State Street and University Parkway!) this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. First come, first serve. No holds. You're gonna want to be first!

Show N' Tell - Emily Jackson's Entry

Good morning and hellooooooo beautiful! We're thrilled to show you another chapter (and shop-able collection!) that we've been working on with the stylish Emily Jackson from The Ivory Lane. Her entry way! As you well know by now, we've been helping Emily put all of the final touches together in her new home (check out her kitchen and closet here). A home's entrance is so important because it gives you just a taste of what is to come. A bit of an appetizer, if you will. It should set the stage and give your guests that "wow" feeling that will make them want to see more. And since we believe you should always put your best foot forward, that's exactly what we did in Emily's entry. It's warm and welcoming, but still says "I'm bold and chic, and you're going to love me."

We chose to incorporate this modern art to add a bit of contrast to the space, and because we loved how it played so well with the curved paneling in our Elisabeth Buffet. It also brought out that bit of "edge" that we see in Emily's own personal style from time to time. So chic!

This subtle snake-skin rug was the perfect fit for her entry. We needed something large and with impact to help fill in the space between her front door and staircase, and we knew this would do just the trick. We love how this space turned out, and so does Emily! No doubt her guests will love it just as much from the second they walk in.

SHOP COLLECTION

Our Five Favorite House Plants

Earlier this month we had the opportunity to visit Studio 5 again and share some design tips with their viewers. They asked us to talk about a current trending topic: House Plants! Oddly enough, we've become quite the experts in this field (is "plant lady" a term?) as we've done our fair share of exploring the best plants for your home. In case you missed that segment, we thought we'd share a little bit more about that here on the blog today. So...here are our top 5 favorite house plants and what makes them so great!

1. Fiddle Leaf Fig - It's the current trend setter of the plant world and it's not hard to see why. Even if it is a little high-maintenance (needs a lot of indirect sunlight!), it's definitely high-style! Perfect for adding a little height to your space and bringing in that breath of fresh air.

2. Citrus Tree - When you need a little color, a citrus tree is the perfect plant. It bares bright fruit that is sure to make you smile, and it’s a perfectly functional plant too! You literally get to enjoy the fruits of your labor with this one.

3. Black Olive Tree - If you're looking for a tree with a more familiar silhouette, the olive tree is the one for you! It's the perfect in-door plant to match your transitional style, and out beats that dusty old ficus any day. It needs plenty of overhead space to grow, making it great to use in rooms with vaulted ceilings.

4. Orchid - It’s classic and timeless. If you’re one that enjoys blooms over leafy greens, the orchid is the perfect house plant for you. Its low maintenance nature (plop in 2 ice cubes once a week!) and small size makes it’s the perfect plant for your bathroom, kitchen, or entry.

5. Fern - Another classic, but this time with a facelift! Plant it in a bold stylish vase for a fresh look that won’t look like your grandmother’s fern. They're inexpensive, low-maintenance, and can be found just about anywhere. Can't go wrong!

Show N' Tell - Emily Jackson's Closet

As it turns out...we really love designing closets! Especially in the homes of high-end fashion bloggers such as Emily Jackson from The Ivory Lane. We've been working with Emily ever since she finished building her new home last year, when she asked us to help add all the finishing touches that would transform her house into a home. We started with her kitchen and dining area (see that post here) and then moved into one of the most important rooms in her house...the closet! When your job is to dress up in gorgeous clothes every day and take beautiful pictures, a well designed closet is a must! Emily had the bones of her closet in place, but felt it lacked that "fashion forward edge" that matched her own personal style. It's always fun to design for someone who's already so well immersed in fashion and design. It allows us to really push the envelope and be bold in our design choices. Luckily for us, Emily was all in and loved that we chose to enhanced her moody undertones into a full blown fashion-forward closet.

The new island is a major focal point in this design. Emily needed to the functionality of a large storage solution in her closet, but we made sure it packed just as much style as it did space. A-symmetrical drawers, mismatched hardware, vintage modern millwork, and the most gorgeous inset marble counter tops you ever did see! This baby is a show-stopper! Really, everything else sort of fell into place once we had the island design squared away.

Now...who wouldn't love a whole shoe wall! That is, as long as you have a few pair of Valentino heels to show off. We felt like this space needed to be more than just a place for Emily to stash her shoes...those puppies were practically begging for a little spotlight! We lined the backs of the shelves with some metallic cork wallpaper and now every shoe looks like it's on its own personal runway. Our Piper Stool was the perfect addition to this shoe corner. A place where Emily could quickly sit to put on her shoes and complete her outfit for the day. Just check out her Instagram feed...she really does use it!

Emily was so trusting of us, and that really makes the design process so much easier. Our creativity can just flow when there are no restrictions or hesitations, but it's always good to get a list of some "must haves" from our clients. For Emily, her "must haves" were privacy and a working space. Although that beautiful bay of large windows brings in the most gorgeous natural light (perfect for selfies), it also posed a little bit of a privacy issue. We had some custom designed roman shades made to fit inside each window. The marble-like veins on that fabric is our absolute favorite! As for the "working space"... it might seem odd to the rest of the world that you would put your office inside your closet, but when you're a fashion blogger it's practically perfect. In every way! We butted our Sofia Desk right up against those beautiful large windows, making it the perfect spot to work with a view.

We say it all the time, but pay day really comes when we see our clients living in and enjoying the spaces we design. With Emily, we get the chance to see it on the daily! We certainly hope you've enjoyed touring our latest closet design as well. Be sure to check out Emily's blog for more on this project and how she's utilizing her newly designed space. Also, be sure to check out our online shop where you can shop this entire collection!

SHOP EMILY JACKSON'S CLOSET COLLECTION

photos by Lindsay Salazar

Emily Jackson's Closet Design

We've been working on another exciting project with fashion blogger Emily Jackson of The Ivory Lane....her closet! We've designed a few fashion blogger's closets here at Alice Lane, and each time we're amazed at how unique each of their own personal styles are. The end result of each of our designs is proof of that...always entirely new and different from the last. While we won't be revealing the final pictures of Emily Jackson's closet today (watch for that tomorrow!), we wanted to give you a little sneak peek into the design process!

Just like we do with every design closet, we met with Emily in her home to really get a sense for what she was needing. When you're fashion blogger like Emily Jackson, a well designed closet plays a critical role in your day to day life. From storing and displaying her plethora of handbags and high heels to being the perfect back drop for taking a selfie, every inch of this closet needed to be worthy of the spotlight. While Emily already had the bones of her closet in place, we were able to design all of the finishing touches that made the space unique to her. We always like to provide our clients with these hand-drawn sketches of their design so they can begin to visualize their space. Sometimes we even surprise ourselves with how much they look like the real thing!

It's fun to design a space that entirely centered around one person...no need to restrain or take multiple people's tastes into consideration. Emily's personal style is soft and elegant, but there's always an underlying sense of "edge" to each of her ensembles. We wanted to enhance that, while also pulling inspiration from some of Emily's favorite designers like Kate Spade and Kelly Wearstler; which resulted in a fantastically moody combination! We can't wait to show you how this design came to life in tomorrow's reveal. The entire collection will be shopable on our website too! So keep an eye for it, it's going to be a good one!

Show N' Tell - Historic Ivy Flat Remodel

When a client comes to you and says they want to remodel their historic 20th century condominium in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, you jump at the opportunity! That cliche saying of "they don't make 'em like they used to" became all too true when we first visited this home, with its large ornate moldings, arched doorways, and paned glass windows. Our client's main request was to keep the original charm and historic elements of the condo intact, while modernizing the space with better design and function. You'll notice from this "Before & After" that we kept most of the original finish work in the home - because how could we not! From the vintage tiles on the fireplace surround to the beautifully aged oak floors, this little flat had a lot going for it. But we must say...the "afters" will certainly make you fall in love with the space even more.

BEFORE: AFTER: 

While the kitchen needed a full overhaul, we kept the layout and design of the space true to its time and brought in some of those same historic elements, like the aged brass hardware, classic white subway tiles, and lamp shade chandelier. We LOVE the way this quaint dining space turned out, and we're all heart eyes for those moody teal blue cabinets.

This teeny-tiny room was the perfect place to let loose and pull out the blush pink paint! Often times are clients are dumbfounded with what to do with these quirky little spaces in their home (and historic houses are notorious for having plenty of them!), but you'll find that if you work with them, instead of against them, they can turn into something really special. Turns out this one makes the perfect little office...a place where creativity can flow and inspiration comes from every turn.

We're leaning more and more toward designing spaces with high contrast, and this bedroom is the perfect example of why this look works so well! Even though it's a small space, the deep navy walls make everything in this room pop! Softened with a vintage inspired rug and plush white linens, it became the perfect retreat for this historic home.

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Alice Lane Pick: Summer Entertaining

When it comes to summer entertaining , two words says it all...Fresh and Easy!

We love this blue and white serving ware. It's fresh, clean and takes us right to the beach! Throw in some gauzy bright linens, organic, easy salad hands and toss up a great summer meal with our Fresh and Easy cookbook. Done and done!

Shop in-store at Alice Lane Home Collection:  Serving ware - $37-46 | Tea towels - $29 | Salad Hands - $32 | Fresh and Easy Cookbook - $45

Wonderland Pick: Capri Blue Volcano Candles

It's our favorite summer scent...Capri Blue's Volcano candle. Simply put, they are scent-sational! While we tend to associate the smell of Capri Blue's Volcano candle with no-more homework and lazy days by the pool, the real heroes in this candle are “tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons, and limes, redolent with lightly exotic mountain greens.” It is too complex and wonderful to even describe! Whether or not this is the genuine smell of a volcano though...that's up for debate. Either way, this scent is a real mood lifter and a must have for your summer days.

The scent burns slowly and subtly, filling the room with an amazing aroma that's not too overpowering. As an added bonus, the jars are so lovely that we find ourselves styling with them all the time. Not just a pretty jar, the scent backs it up making this our top choice.

Come shop our Capri Blue Volcano candles Tuesday and Wednesday at Wonderland by Alice Lane and get 40% off while supplies last. ***UPDATE: Volcano candles have SOLD OUT! Come shop and save 20% on any candle of your choice!

Wonderland Pick: New Navy Wing Chair

Ooooh how we love a good wing chair! If modern, yet classic, is what you're searching for than you'll find it in our New Navy Wing Chair. She's quietly traditional with that certain something that makes her a showstopper. With a plushy velvet upholstery and stately brass nail head, you'll be under her curvy spell in no time flat. Even better, put two together and you've got the perfect pair! This gives your space a bit more of a formal look, but the impact this duo makes is unbeatable. Come check them out in-store at Wonderland or shop them on at website!

Show N' Tell - Waterside Reno

The majority of our clients right now have us working on new build projects, and while we love working on a home from the ground up sometimes it's refreshing to get that instantaneous satisfaction that comes from working on a remodel. Not just because the turn around is so much faster, but because the sheer high that comes from seeing what a home used to be to what it is now is simply just unbeatable! BEFORE: 

AFTER: 

Our clients of this kitchen renovation are young and energetic, and their home is in the dreamiest neighborhood overlooking Utah Lake. When they came to us with their request for an updated kitchen we couldn't wait to get our hands on it and make the space as hip and stylish as they are!

The kitchen they had been living with had some interesting angles, which was only amplified by an angular and choppy island that we just couldn't wait to change. We moved a wall to soften the angles in the room, squared up the island, and reoriented the appliances to establish a better work triangle.

The stunning custom hood, made of satin nickel and antique brass, is the crown jewel of this space! It creates the perfect focal wall to add the balance that the room was lacking. We chose to use a fresh and classic white for her cabinets, while using a contrasting navy (custom color mix) on her island. We love how the navy on the island and in those bistro bar stools complement each other perfectly!

We chose a fabulous white subway back splash with a unique shape and hand-poured texture. It gives it that high end look you would expect from only the most gourmet of kitchens. While our client loved the look of marble, it just simply was not realistic with her two little kids. We opted to go for something low-maintenance that also had the most gorgeous veining similar to marble: Macaubas Quartzite.

The best part about this project was receiving a photo from our client of her baking cookies with her kids in her beautiful new space. That's the real pay-day for us! She is in love with her kitchen and it functions just the way it should.

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Alice Lane Pick: Studded Stacking Bowl

If you've looked through our portfolio or regularly browse our Instagram feed then you've probably noticed that we have some definite "go-to" accessories that we use in just about every project. These Studded Stacking Bowls are one of them! Their beaded gold leaf edge dresses them up, while their imperfect shape keeps them casual. A trait that makes them work in just about every space!

We recently used them in Emily Jackson's kitchen paired with our Eternity Salad Servers...a killer combination! We even use them outside of the kitchen too...styled on a console table or in a bookshelf. The possibilities are endless!

Shop Studded Stacking Bowls

Wonderland Parade Sale! In-store only!

Anyone else starting to itch with envy from all the beautiful homes in this years Utah Valley Parade of Homes? Yea...us to! That's why we're throwing a special in-store only Parade Sale for all you locals...it's the perfect cure to have you loving your home again. Shop with us at our Orem, UT showroom today and tomorrow and you'll receive 20% off anything you want for your home! It's going to be a wonderful day here at Wonderland! __________

*Offer only valid in-store at Wonderland by Alice Lane. Discount not available on online purchases. Offer expires 6/12/2016.