Runways to Rooms: A Valentino Valentine's

Don't you think this outfit serves as incredible inspiration for Valentine's gifts? (Hint, hint.) We think so, too! And all these items are available in the online store.

Serve up a romantic dinner on these Brush Stroke Plates.

Maybe you can even serve a divine dessert from the Chocolate book? (Because is it really Valentine's if there isn't any chocolate?)

Show your love with the Cartier Heart Strings wall hanging.

Set the mood with the Crisp Champagne Candle.

Treat yourself to Harper's Bazaar Greatest Hits and enjoy hours of fun reads.

And don't forget to spend some snuggly time with the luxurious Sable Throw.

For more Valentine's gift inspo, check out all of our Valentine's Gifts!

Caring for Your Bed Sheets

We've spoken on the subject of caring for your bed sheets before, but it's been awhile and with The White Sale going on we thought we'd do a quick refresher! First off, if you want your sheets to last longer and maintain their comfort, it's important you buy good quality sheets to begin with. Don't be fooled by fancy sheet jargon such as "Egyptian Cotton" and "Thread Count" and assume you're getting a high quality product. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

However, you also shouldn't be led to believe that you have to pay an arm and a leg for true comfort. We've done our fair share of research and testing and while we won't bore you with the details of that today, we encourage you to check out our post on "Our Favorite Bed Sheets" here.

Once you've found the perfect sheet set, it's important you properly care for them to not only maintain their comfort, but to make sure you really get your money's worth out of them!

Of course, the manufacturer's care instructions are a good place to start, but we've found that these few tips almost always fall in line:

1. Wash your sheets separately - Never wash your sheets with other laundry, especially with things that contain polyester or have abrasive materials like zippers that can damage the fabric.

2. Don't overload your washing machine - This will cause the fibers to break down from excessive agitation. Your sheets should be able to easily move about in your washer.

3. Wash in warm water - Avoid washing your sheets in hot water as this will only cause your sheets to shrink (especially if you have linen sheets). Choose a cycle that uses warm water to wash and a cold water rinse.

4. Only use mild detergents - It's best to use a mild liquid detergent (like Woollite or The Laundress), and unless your sheets are very soiled, use only half the recommended amount of detergent.

5. Avoid bleaches and other whiteners - Bleaches and other whiteners will only break down the fibers in your sheets and, believe it or not, cause them to turn yellow.

6. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat - If you have the patience for it, line drying your sheets is best. Otherwise, tumble dry on a low heat setting until slightly damp.

7. Do not over-dry - Remove your sheets promptly from dryer while slightly damp to minimize wrinkles and avoid shrinkage.

8. Smooth or iron out wrinkles - Most cotton or linen sheets can be pressed with an iron at a high temperature setting if desired. Otherwise, lay slightly damp sheets on your bed and smooth out any wrinkles.

Currently all of our sheets are 20% off during The White Sale! If you have questions on what sheets are best for you, any one of our stylists can point you in the right direction. You can even do a little testing for yourself while you're here!

Hurry in because the sale ends Saturday!

Runways to Rooms: Proud Prada

The patterns in Prada's spring look are perfect for your home! Watch how we turn it into the perfect living room.

Janelle Sofa

Longwool Pillow

Triangle Trail Pillow

Hobson Cocktail Table

Longevity Heaven Jar

And the Light Studies Art Piece for a little pop of red.

Living the Hygge Life

Are the cold winter months getting you down? We've got the remedy to the winter blues: making a hygge home! Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) is a Danish word that means finding genuine joy in making the ordinary things in life beautiful. In design lingo, it's all about turning your home into a personal cozy haven.

There's no one word in English to describe hygge, but here are a few that get close: coziness, contentedness, comfort, and simplicity. How perfect does that sound on a rainy or snowy day?

Here are some examples of hygge items for your home that you can find in our online store!

Fight the cold when you get up in the mornings and keep your toes warm with this extra soft Mongolian Lamb Rug. Maybe it will make waking up a little easier, even if that Alpaca Throw Blanket wants you to stay in bed!

This deliciously soft Sable Throw by Alice Lane will turn any living room or bedroom into the coziest place in your home.

The Hampton Cream Big Pillows are a perfect way to make your bed more comfortable than you've ever imagined. You'll never want to leave.

The Morris Lantern by Alice Lane will add the perfect amount of light and warmth to any room. It's the perfect remedy for the drab gray outside.

The Bourbon Vanille Candle from Alice Lane will make your house smell so yummy and throw in a pretty little sparkle.

Remember, there are so many ways to live the hygge life. Do whatever makes you feel cozy, and your home will become the perfect place to hide out from the cold!

Runways to Rooms: Tidy Tibi

This clean and simple look by Tibi would look so great in a bedroom! Here's how we did it.

We took our Connor Bed with it's simple lines and organic colors and paired it with...

Our Antwerp Coverlet to bring in that muted sea green color.

We chose the Marlow Matchstick Pedestal as a side table, echoing the model's hourglass figure.

We added the decorative Gold Nugget to match her earring and to add that little golden glow to the room. (And because who wouldn't want a gold nugget in their bedroom?)

The Eureka Task Lamp brings in a little bit of the runway with its concrete base and the lines of the model's zipper.

And lastly, we chose our Navy Wing Chair to tie the room together with its studded upholstery.

Pin of the Week: Floored by a Lamp

This floor lamp is perfect in the Summer Hideaway family room! It brings a touch of golden glamour to a neutral space. It creates balance with the organic feel of the sofa and wooden side table and continues the subtle use of metallics in the wall hanging and candle holders. Pin on our Family Room Board, design by Alice Lane

Stairs

Let's be real for a minute. Sometimes stairs can become a forgotten corner of our homes. They get us from one floor to another and that's about it, right? But stairs don't just have to be functional, they can be fun! We think they're vital to giving a house some character! When done right, they can be a defining fixture in your home.

Before we start, let's clear up some of the technical terms like "riser," "tread," and "baluster." It can be tough even for us to keep it all straight. Here is a sketch by one of our designers that shows all the parts of a staircase.

So now that we know the basic parts of a staircase, let's talk about all the different ways we can style them!

You can use a beautiful wooden staircase as a prominent feature to combine rooms. This one helps the entry way flow into the living room. By using a decorative banister that carries over into the loft, you can elongate and showcase the flight of stairs. Alpine Manor by Alice Lane

While some staircases are exposed, some staircases are hidden, like this one. By keeping the destination of your staircase a surprise, everyone will be so curious to explore the rest of your home! Entry, design by Candace Barnes

This simple staircase is tucked away behind a grand fireplace, just barely visible. By using a half landing (where the stairs change direction), you can add depth and layers to any room. French Moderne Manor by Alice Lane

The banister and balusters don't have to be the only decoration on your stairs - add a carpet stair runner to enhance the space! Entry, design by ML Interior Design

This staircase gently winds about the entryway, echoing the curves of the doorways. The deep wood of the doors and floor are carried into the delicate banister. By following the architecture of your house, the stairs can emphasize the design theme of your home. Entry, design by Ashley Whittaker

By using a skirt to hide the treads and risers and a sleek metal banister, you can really enhance the modern feel of your home. Entry, design by John Barman

Above all, remember that your staircase defines the character and feel of your home. If you keep it in line with the style of your home, you'll be sure to have a staircase that will wow!

Need more stair-inspo? Check out our Pinterest board!

Our Favorite White Houses

White is the perfect color for any and all design styles. From elegant and formal to clean and simple, white can do it all. It's no wonder we're obsessed with the white trend! Take a look at some of our favorite white house pins from our Pinterest boards.

Exteriors

This remodeled farmhouse is chic and beautiful. The huge stainless steel windows and the white walls keep it bright and full of light.

Source: Becki Owens

Living Room

We’re crazy for Sara Story’s living room remodel. The home’s Victorian frame is accentuated with an elegant side chair and pendant lights, and the room is fresh and inviting with white walls and buttercream drapery.

Source: Architectural Digest

Bedroom

This yummy bedroom is kept open and light with off-white walls and bedding and large windows. The dark upholstery and leather  ground the space.

Source: Alice Lane

Kitchen

We love this white marble kitchen! The white marble countertops and woodwork create a clean feel, while the brass dual apron sink and brass cabinetry hardware add a touch of rustic glamour.

Source: Decor Pad

Bathroom

The white marble floor in this bathroom is quietly elegant, while the white tub commands our attention. The golden goodies throughout the room tie the space all together.

Source: Alice Lane

Laundry

We love this small laundry space. The white takes what can be a stressful area of a home and transforms it into a calm and clean workplace.

Source: Yahoo! News

Don't forget to follow us on Pinterest!

The White House

There's a new man in town—and he's moving into the White House. The White House is the most iconic piece of architecture in American history. Because we draw so much inspiration from it, and in honor of the upcoming inauguration, we thought we would look into the White House history.

The White House was originally designed for a contest held by Congress in 1790. They wanted to see who would be able to design the best home for the President of the United States. No pressure, right. Irish-born architect James Hoban won, and the current White House looks very similar to what was first constructed.

During the War of 1812, the building was set on fire by the British. President James Madison oversaw the reconstruction, but refused to tear down the original walls of the building. After the reconstruction, President James Monroe decorated the interiors with elegant gilded French furniture, much of which remains in the White House today.

When President Theodore Roosevelt came to live in the White House with his large family, he realized the need for expansion. He oversaw the addition of the West Wing, where he moved his presidential office and the cabinet room. Later, President Franklin Roosevelt would oversee the addition of the East Wing.

President Harry Truman renovated the entire building in the 1950s to ensure structural integrity. Like President Madison, he refused to tear down the white walls that Hoban had built 150 years previously.

No major architectural changes have been made since FDR, but each President and his family make plenty of changes to the interiors to reflect the style of the time.

Now, the White House has 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 residence levels, as well as 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators. It also has a movie theater, swimming pool, jogging track and a bowling alley! Talk about the perfect place to live.

Hoban's original construction remains in place today after nearly 230 years. And in spite of this symbol's many renovations, the United States White House has always remained just that: white.

Power of a Statement Chair

Just like Bonnie Taylor taught us, everyone needs a hero. And when it comes to decorating, so does every room. When designing a space, it's important to establish what you want that "hero" piece to be early on. Maybe it's some abstract artwork or a colorful rug, but whatever it is, it should be eye-catching! Using an accent chair as your main statement piece is the perfect way to add functional style into your home; and don't you just love walking into a room and instantly thinking, "Man, I want to sit in THAT chair!" A great chair can be a powerful jumping block into great design!

While finding a great chair is really of one of those "you'll know it when you see it" scenarios, there are a few things we believe can make a chair truly great:

1. Silhouette - A chair that has a unique shape will always catch your eye.

2. Frame - A chair is only as good as it's frame. An exposed or sculptural-like frame can be a major "wow" factor.

3. Novelty - It goes without saying that any chair that makes you take a double-look is making a statement. Sometimes it's fun to dive completely off the deep end and go for something even a little bizarre.

4. Color/Pattern - Sometimes the only thing your chair needs is some really awesome upholstery. Take a traditional silhouette and frame and dress it in a colorful print and you've got yourself a statement piece!

Alice Lane's Top Pins of 2016

Happy 2017! Alice Lane’s designers always have a tab open on Pinterest for inspiration, and Pinterest is also a space where Alice Lane can share our creative work too! So as we reflected on the year of 2016, we decided to share this year’s highlights via a list of Alice Lane’s top pins for 2016. Be sure to follow Alice Lane and our interior design boards on Pinterest.

Entry

Living Room

Office

Kitchen

Closet

Bedroom

For inspiration for 2017, follow Alice Lane's Pinterest!

12 Days of Gifting

It's that time of year—to splurge on those you love. We've compiled a festive gift guide to aid you in your quest to gift just the right thing to everyone on your list (especially if that list includes you)!

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On the first day of Christmas ... say yes to carbs.

On the second day of Christmas ... cuddle up with pure merino wool.

On the third day of Christmas ... keep things fancy with gold-filled arches.

On the fourth day of Christmas ... make bon appétit a reality.

On the fifth day of Christmas ... wash up with lavender, jasmine or anise.

On the sixth day of Christmas ... pair this runner with your table for a match made in Heaven.

On the seventh day of Christmas ... say hello to our rainbow compacts, the perfect mate for touch-ups on the go.

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On the eighth day of Christmas ... stash your beauty essentials in style.

On the ninth day of Christmas ... bookend your collection with rose quartz.

On the tenth day of Christmas ... add charm to your tabletop.

On the eleventh day of Christmas ... keep things classy with smoke glass decanters.

On the twelfth day of Christmas ... plop your roses in a new, marbleized garden.

Disclaimer to the happy shopper: Order items no later than December 10th to get them by Christmas.

Show N' Tell - Emily Jackson's Family Room

Say hello to stylish, opinionated and cozy. We believe that great design is functional, fits the way you live, and is a reflection of you. When we set to work on Emily Jackson’s family room, we wanted to accomplish just that. We spent months designing a space that matched her fashionable flair with comfort, function and ease.

To begin the process, we sat down with Emily to discuss her vision. We weren’t surprised when she gave us her simple criteria for the space: comfortable, chic and kid-friendly. Although Emily is a fashion blogger and devotes a good portion of her time surrounded by the dernier cri, her dream was to create a family room with usable space—space for games, toys and fun. A gathering space for her entire family.

We approached the room with both her kids and key fashion-forward pieces in mind. Other than over-scaled built-ins, the space was a blank canvas. We thought of the built-ins as light blue denim and asked ourselves: What might Emily pair with light denim jeans?

Maybe an acid wash jacket and vintage purse?

Easy enough.

We searched for a rug with an acid wash feel to it. When designing, we always start from the ground up so it was important for us to find a rug that stayed true to Emily’s contemporary taste. We splurged on a hand-knotted, soft-like-silk, 10-by-14 foot stunner that wasn't too young, too trendy or too obvious. It was perfect.

From there, we lent our time to upholstery. We wanted to find fabrics with a vintage flair that paired well with the color of the rug. We found our happy place in '70s-inspired hues, including brown sugar swivel chairs—the supernovas of the space—and a biscuit-colored sofa.

Due to the space’s large footprint, we knew we had to scale the sofa perfectly for it not to look like dollhouse furniture. We pushed together two sectional halves to create a super sofa—more than 13 feet of paradise. It’s deep and designed with enough room for her entire family to curl up on.

The volume of Emily’s family room is double story, meaning we needed to tone down the grandeur and let every piece hang out at a lower altitude. We kept all the furniture at a lower height—the sofa, ottomans, side table, consoles and cocktail table—so one piece isn’t more proud than the other. Our takeaway? You don’t need to do tall, grand things in tall, grand spaces in order to create a wow moment.

Once we had the groundwork laid with the right furniture, we began layering—what fashion is all about. It’s no different for a room.

We topped Emily’s side tables with fashionable accessories and earthy-toned lamps; filled her consoles with books on fashion and hidden storage for kid’s books and toys; mixed up the sofa and chairs with a different texture and pattern on every pillow; adorned her mantel with fun artwork, brass rings and a massive faux horn mirror that took three men and plenty of elbow grease to install. We made everything count.

We love taking someone’s needs and transforming them into a beautiful space with layers of practicality. The ultimate goal was to create a family room that accommodated Emily’s entire family and still felt leisurely, off-duty chic. What’s your favorite aspect of the space?

Design Principal Jessica Bennett and Emily Jackson

Kristina Kellett, Emily Jackson, Jessica Bennett

Shop Emily's family room here and hop on over to read Emily's take on the space here.

We’ll be delving into the details of Emily’s family room over the next few weeks! See you back here next week!