Dear Alice | Libraries - Changing for Modern Lifestyles

This week, we’re chatting Libraries. They are a luxury and a space that has really shifted over the past year. This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

We love libraries! They are kind of a luxury to have in a home, but have become such a necessity in 2020 and into 2021. Libraries, studies, offices, and homework rooms have become very popular and significant as more people work from home, school from home, or need a space to focus. We’ve seen these rooms become used more AND become more collaborative as an office, study, homework room, or hobby room. We’ve talked about this before, but 2020 really demonstrated the need for each space to have more functions for the family.

What is a library? It’s no longer just one big desk for the man of the house. Modern libraries are a very multi-functional and custom spaces. They are less formal than they’ve been - tossing aside the stiff chair at a looming desk (with 2 chairs in front of you as if you’re conducting an interview). They are more serious spaces - something dark, moody, and intelligent. And designed for how YOU use the space - learning, paying bills, writing poetry, creating art, or playing family games.

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE LIBRARY FEATURES INCLUDE:

1. BUILT-INS - If you have the space and the inventory (actual books) to display, we always recommend built-ins. The first step here is determining how much of the room that you’d like to dedicate to shelving vs. wall space. If you have a unique art collection, maybe you will want more wall space.

2. COLLECTIONS - One interesting thing that we discover is that most people have a collection. Maybe it’s a collection of vinyl records, magazines, artifacts, rocks, or things you’ve picked up on your travels. The library is the perfect place to exhibit these collections and bring some personality. Book collections are an obvious choice here. A lot of older generations have collected books over the years, so they will want to go through and choose favorites. To display book collections, we recommend taking off the jackets to show off the linen spines. We also love books organized by color or topic. Categorizing your displays will add an artful touch.

3. PULL-UP TABLES- These are one of our top tips for a usable library space! Round Tables for gathering, studying, and crafting. We included one in Rachel Parcell’s library and one one of our visits, we noticed a huge lego masterpiece was being assembled on it.

   Go big with your table. The top should be 36” - 60” around. In contrast to a desk, you can move the table or chairs according to what’s going on. It’s the perfect spot to open up a laptop or pay bills. But it also makes a great game table. We’re currently working on a study for one of our clients and she asked for a space to play Majong with her friends. Cue the pull-up table.

4. COMFORTABLE SEATING - Libraries are meant for passing and enjoying time. A stiff desk chair is not going to cut it. Include soft sofas, lounges and club chairs for comfort. We’re designing an office for one of our clients. When we asked her how she would use the space, she said, “I take a lot of calls and I like to lie down when I take them.” So, instead of focusing on a grand desk, we gave her a luxurious chaise to relax on while she takes her calls.

5. PRIVACY - We love a library with a beautiful set of doors. Closing it off from the rest of the home allows for focus and privacy. This means your Majong game isn’t going to be interrupted or you can gossip without the kids hearing you.This also gives you the space to take private phone calls or handle sensitive documents. In an office, you can leave your papers and files out and come back to them. This is quite different from the kitchen table, where you have to clean up all of your project - even if you’re in the middle of it. You could even start a game of Chess and come back to it every day for a week.

   We’re working on a woman’s office space right now that is far enough away from the rest of the home so that her kids don’t have the immediate access. This is her sanctuary - a place of her very own to plan and dream.

6. HOBBIES - if Harvard Law Books aren’t your thing, don’t add them to your study. There are so many options for making this space functional and fun for your family. Add a Piano or other musical instruments. Include a telescope for stargazing. A styled bar cart makes the space feel extra lounge-y.

7. LADDERS - Admittedly, ladders really are a luxury. But, they add so much charm and interest. If you don’t have the space (or need) for a larger ladder, you could also include a smaller decorative step stool to be able to reach high objects.

8. LIGHTING - Lighting makes our list for every space. It’s for a reason! Lighting sets the mood. A library isn’t the place for stark overhead lights. Instead, you’ll want a chandelier with a dimmer and then lots of task lighting. Pair each sitting area or chair to a lamp. This will really make the room usable and charming.

   We don’t want the library to become extinct! And we’re definitely seeing a shift that tells us it’s here to stay - just better.

   The modern uses for a library or office space are family, fun, and function. It’s becoming a hobby space. A space to showcase your treasured collections and sentimental items.

   Take a look at your home. Maybe there’s a room that isn’t being used to it’s full potential. Take a guest room that only sees guests once a year and add a pull-out sofa bed and use the rest as a library. We also had a client with grown children that decided to transform the play room into a music room. Your home should evolve with you and function for your lifestyle.

Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com

Dear Alice | Rachel Parcell's Nursery

This week’s episode is all about Rachel Parcell, her incredible lifestyle, and her new nursery! This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

JESSICA BENNET (JB): Hello everyone and welcome to Dear Alice. We are on location today. Tell ‘em where we’re at, Sue.

SUZANNE HALL (SH): We are in the fabulous library of Rachel Parcell - one of our favorite clients. It’s lovely and we’re so lucky to be here. I’m so jazzed. I love this room.

JB: And we’re here because we have the fabulous Rachel Parcell with us today. Welcome, Rachel.

RACHEL PARCELL (RP): Thanks for having me.

JB: For those of you who don’t know Rachel (who have been living under a rock), she is a blogger, an influencer, and social media phenomenon. She is best known for her Pink Peonies blog and has a successful line of dresses at Nordstrom, and she has over 1M followers on Instagram. Her clothing line curates chic and romantic inspiration for wardrobe. She has pajama and loungewear sets, ‘mommy & me’ looks, and occasion dresses.

She is also a Mother to 3 beautiful children. And her husband is a talented custom home builder. And, I’d say, entrepreneur. Rachel’s Instagram handles (if you don’t already have a visual on her) are @RachelParcell - clothing, dresses, home decor and @RachParcell - family, travel, home, and fashion. Her website is RachelParcell.com. And we get a lot of questions about Rachel, so we’re just super excited to have Rachel and to able to share. Let’s launch into it.

PARCELL HOME

SH: Okay, we have a bunch of questions that we’ve been gathering from our team and audience and I think the thing that most people want to know is - What does a day in the life of Rachel Parcell look like (because I know you’re busy)?

RP: Oh my goodness. I feel like my day in the life is different every day. As you witnessed me trying to get here, I feel like it’s crazy running from one thing to the next. Every day, literally. Trying to run 2 businesses and keep up with kid’s activities and workouts and all of the things. So, I feel like it’s different every day. I feel like I’m running from one thing to the next - constantly.

JB: And you’re designing a whole line of dresses. How do you fit in work? Do you have certain hours where your folks know that they can corral you? Or is it just certain days of the week that are more office days and then days of the week that are more home days?

RP: Yes. So, Mondays I go into the office and I meet with my team and I really try to get through their questions that they have for me. We also have a team in New York. Most of our design and production team is in New York, so there are a ton of Skype and Zoom calls throughout the week.

When my kids are in school, I feel like I have a much more balanced life because I send them off to school and then I just focus and get the work done. And then I finish up before they are done with school and run all their carpools. I like to be super involved. But, in the summertime, I feel like I’m on a conference call while I’m doing dance carpool so that I can see the choreography and work with her on it. I don’t want to miss out and I think I drive my team crazy, but I try to schedule work calls around my kids’ busy summer schedule. I’m secretly excited for school to start again so that I have that block of time to get work done.

SH: Wasn’t there a meme once that was like “In the summertime, I’m half the woman I once was” . Seriously, we’re so stretched.

RP: Yeah, as a kid the summers are easy and fun. But, as a mom, I am just going, going, going.

SH: Yeah, it’s so true.

JB: Well, at least you won’t have any regrets though. At least you get to see them grow up.

RP: I love it and that’s why I schedule things around their activities because I know that I only have them for a limited amount of time. So, I’m like, “Sorry guys…move the conference call. I have a soccer game right now.”

SH: I love that. So, how did you get into Interior Design? Where did the love for Interior Design spring from?

RP: When I was a Junior in High School, I needed a few more electives, so I took an Interior Design class. This is where I discovered Elle Decor magazine - we had stacks of them in our classroom. When we would create mood boards or collages for projects we were working on, I would pull everything from Elle Decor because it felt so much more elevated. And then I discovered Arch Digest. There wasn’t Pinterest when I was younger, so this was the way that I discovered how other people lived (besides going over to your friend’s house). I’ve always been very intrigued by people watching, so I would get a look inside celebrity homes or homes in Nashville, New York, or LA. And then I would sketch out what I wanted my own dream home and floorplan and what I wanted. It was through those magazines that I fell in love with design.

Pinterest was fun because it was a whole other layer. hen you got to see more everyday people and what they were doing with their homes and making it unique.

JB: That’s a great answer. When we began working with you, you had an idea of what you wanted and you would let your feelings guide you. You would say, "I have to get the feels.” Right? And even when you saw this exterior which it was a portion of a home, it gave you a feeling - you had to build. Even though you had a really beautiful home at the time, you knew there was another home inside you. I feel like you let your gut guide you, which is a true guiding principle.

RP: Yeah. Drew and I always say, “That home gives me the feeling,” or “That room gives me the feeling.” When we go to the Parade of Homes or look through a magazine, certain ones give us the feeling. So, when I was designing rooms in my house, it was important that each one gave me the feeling.

SH: I feel like that’s so important and something that we try to stress on the podcast and with our clients. Find your style. Trust your gut.

JB: So, why Alice Lane?

RP: When I was in college, I would drive past Alice Lane and it would give me the feeling. I wanted to know what was inside the store because it was so beautiful. I needed to go in. So, as a poor college student, I walked in and wanted some bedding. I looked at the price tag and was like, “Oh, never mind!” It was out of my poor college student budget. But, I decided that one day, I wanted everything in this shop.

My in-laws live in a beautiful gated community and you helped with a home in their neighborhood. It got published in French Country Magazine.

I was flipping through and saw that Alice Lane had helped with the decor, so I started following your blog and social media. As I could afford it, I would go in and buy one piece at a time. The first space that you designed for me was my closet in my previous home. I just fell in love with your aesthetic and how you curated pieces from different designers.

JB: I remember that we came up to your previous home - even before that - do you remember our first meeting? We were going to do a closet there and you guys were like, “Wait…I think we’re going to build a whole new house.”

RP: Well, when you’re married to a builder…It’s funny. Every time I go to you guys to design something, my husband will just start looking for a new lot to build again.

JB: She’s so lucky!

RP: We bought a lot in American Fork and built. The market went up and we didn’t have any kids, so we decided to sell and build again. With this next house, we wanted to change a few things in the kitchen, so Drew said, “Let’s just go lot shopping again”. We found this one and you guys have been designing it from the ground-up.

SH: How cool. High five, Drew!

JB: I feel like when you give a TED talk one day, Rachel, it should be on manifesting. Because you really do have this idea about yourself from when you were a Junior, in college.

RP: I was such a daydreamer when I was younger - in math class or church. And then later there was this moment when I was older and getting into my car with 2 kids and it hit me that “I literally daydreamed about this moment.” When I was younger, I cut my hair and donated it to Locks of Love, which was fun. But, then I couldn’t get my hair to grow. I would imagine myself with this long hair, slicked back ponytail, shoes with the red bottoms (I didn’t even know what they were). I had little kids and a beautiful home. I manifested it.

JB: Daydream, ladies and gentlemen. Let your kids listen to this podcast. I think that’s really powerful. And, I’d love to actually talk to your mom about you as a kid. That would be really fun.

RP: Visualize your life.

JB: Do you feel like fashion and interior design go hand-in-hand?

RP: It’s fun. For my fashion line, we’re subscribed to WGSN - all the trend reports. They’re forecasting a year or two out and what’s trending with clothing also translates into interior design. Color palettes. Moods.

My lifestyle with Interior Design is Transitional. I love the Traditional side of it, but I also love to add in more modern pieces. I do the same thing with what I’m wearing. I love those pieces and then add in a little edge or twist to make it more modern.

JB: I think the palette of your home is something that you would wear. I see it in your dresses and notice that connection.

SH: There’s a real timelessness to it. It’s rooted in tradition, it won’t go out of style. It’s fresh - doesn’t feel stodgy.

JB: We’re using the word ‘trend’ for the reports that you’re following. But, your dresses aren’t trendy. They’re trending.

RP: Yeah, very timeless and romantic and classic, which could be said for so many rooms in my home. I’m definitely drawn to I light colors. I have dark hair, so I like to wear light colors for the contrast. You guys pushed me to go darker in the library, which I’m so grateful for. I like everything light and airy. I’m drawn to light colors so I don’t lose my hair.

SH: That’s so interesting. Jess and I are both blondes. I can’t wear light colors.

RP: My sister is blonde and I always tell her, “wear the black”.

SH: That’s something we always ask our clients (we probably asked you), “What’s your favorite piece in your closet?” What we’re comfortable wearing is how we should design our home and what colors you should use. That’s your cue, people.

RP: Yeah, I remember that you guys came in and looked at my closet and what I wore to get a sense for my style.

JB: We usually do that. Sometimes people have a hard time finding their voice on what they want. If we can look at other buying decisions that they’ve made, it helps us know what to do.

SH: Yeah. What gives you the feels. What ignites you.

JB: How would you advise people to find their own personal style. It’s easy to get lost with all the crowdsourcing and influencers. You’re obviously a thought-leader in this industry, so how do you advise others to find their style?

RP: I think you have to understand to appreciate something is beautiful and love it, but know when not to use it. Once you decide on a style that you love for the exterior, run with it. I see homes with Modern, Traditional, and Coastal all on one home. I think you can appreciate the styles, but don’t go for them all or else it will look hodgepodge. For my home’s exterior, I love Coastal and Drew loves Modern, so we needed to pick a style and go for it. We wanted to create something that looked like it had been here for a long time that had been updated and has a true style to it. I trusted that and went all-in. These other styles are just as beautiful, but don’t let them cloud your decisions.

SH: It’s so cool. That base layer is so important. You don’t want to mix Modern and Traditional on the base layer. You can layer it in with modern art and clean it up with the top layers as long as the base layer is consistent.

RP: I wanted my home to feel really warm and inviting, so I tried to let that guide me.

JB: What’s your favorite part of the design process?

RP: I would say 2 parts. First, gathering the inspiration for the room. And then watching it come to life in the build stages.

JB: Just while we’re talking about this, we want to point out that Rachel is really involved in the design process. She really sits in on every piece and detail. This isn’t something we did FOR her. She was doing it along with us.

SH: Yeah, it has soul. You can feel YOU in the design.

JB: How was it working with your husband, Drew, as the builder?

RP: I mean…I thought it was great. He might not say the same. Haha! We’re a good team. We’re super creative and we love doing projects together. I have the ideas and he executes it. But, also with him being the builder, I’ll say, “Why didn’t the railing get on today?” and he’s like, “We had to build it piece-by-piece.”

We’re not going to move again for a while, but we’re already gathering inspiration to save and picture our lives for the next 10-15 years.

JB: We were going to ask you that, actually. Is this your forever home or is there another home in you?

RP: There’s another house.

JB: Your view!

RP: That’s the thing that we keep coming back to. We’ve looked at other property, but nothing beats this view.

JB: Rachel lives in a setting that looks like the Swiss Alps. It’s the most beautiful, stunning setting. You have an unobstructed 360 degree view.

RP: It will be hard to replace this property, so who knows?

JB: People want to know - how do you live your lifestyle with children and a dog in this beautiful home?

RP: We have a sofa that’s off-white and light. People will say, “How do you have a dog with kids?!” or “How do you have trinkets everywhere?” But, when you live in it, they are intrigued for a second and then get used to it. I feel like your home is the backdrop to your life. There may be fingerprints and dog hair, but you have to live in your home. It can’t be perfect all the time. My little boy got lipstick all over my ottoman. It’s totally ruined. We tried to get it out and couldn’t. But, it’s lived in. That’s his little signature on our ottoman.

JB: I like that you’re saying this because so many people will say, “We can’t have nice things. We have little kids.” I love that you’re saying, “No, you can.” It’s your life and eventually the nice things are normal to your kids and it’s not going to be so intriguing.

RP: And honestly, they are just things. It doesn’t need to look perfect all the time.

JB: We tried really hard in the design process to give you fibers that were buoyant and could live through things. Her sofa is a fabric that’s hydrophobic. You can pour Diet Coke on it.

RP: Yeah, we did the Diet Coke test in the conference room.

JB: Yeah, and you just put a paper towel near it and it soaks the liquid up. It looks like a linen. It looks incredible, but it’s bombproof. We tried really hard to give you the look, but make sure it would withstand kids and dogs. We didn’t want to give you a brown sofa. That wouldn’t work with your lifestyle.

SH: Yeah, your hair would disappear.

RP: Another thing I loved when we were designing our Family Room were some options. You gave me 3 options for the rug - a really expensive hand-knotted rug and a less expensive $600 Magnolia option that we ended up choosing. I’m glad because about 3 months after we moved in. Bear snuck off with my food coloring when I was making sugar cookies.

I thought, “It’s a little too quiet" and then I saw Bear under the coffee table. At least he picked the right color. He picked blue and the rug is blue. But, it’s there and you can see it. It’s just a $600 rug and I’ll have to replace it, but it’s a choice I’m glad I made.

Rachel Parcell Master Bedroom

JB: Now that you’ve lived in the space, what’s your favorite room and why?

RP: I would probably say my bedroom. We spend a lot of time in there as a family. My kids shower in my bathroom, get ready in my bathroom.

SH: Can you blame them? It’s really good.

RP: We spend a lot of time in the bedroom. It’s so serene. I love the wallpaper and that fireplace. That mantle. Staring at that every night. It’s my safe space. It’s where I go to unwind and decompress. I love it.

SH: I think that’s a really good cue because you knew that. You knew that you would need a lot of space in your Master. You do have a very gracious sized Master, but you live in there. You knew that’s where your kids would gravitate.

RP: At night, my kids come down into my room and into bed. Drew will move them over to the sofa. When we were designing, you gave me those living spaces in that room so that we could really live in there.

Rachel Parcell’s Nursery Reveal

Rachel wanted a space that was "elegant and versatile". Our team worked with Rachel (and Ford!) to create a space that embodied softness and sophistication, while still providing the functionality of a nursery.

JB: Okay, let’s talk about the nursery. It’s brand new. How have you liked it?

RP: I love it. I gave you guys a challenge because I said that I didn’t want to do anything to the walls - no wallpaper or paint. I just wanted it to be really neutral because I wanted it to be my nursery. We’re going to have one more and we don’t know if it will be a boy or a girl. I didn’t want this expensive wallpaper and be stuck with it. You guys did a good job with the limitations I put on you. I wanted this one to feel light and airy and serene. And I think you guys totally captured that.

JB: Yeah, it’s so peaceful. I love that room. Everyone is so excited to see it.

SH: Does he sleep in it?

RP: He loves it. He’s my only child that is easy to put to bed and stays in bed.

JB: Do you have a favorite part?

RP: I love that ottoman. I use it all the time for changing his diaper or getting him dressed. And then my kids will pull it over to the crib to get him out. Isla Rose uses it as a stepstool. And then I love the rug. It was the perfect color to add because the drapery and walls are neutral, so it grounds it. That grey-blue rug is a good color and adds a beautiful layer.

JB: The ottoman was a really good trick. We’ve never done that before. You need one of those ottomans in your nursery.

SH: They’re so nice. They roll around. Little Isla Rose. She’s right here. Little mommy me.

Pippa Ottoman

Versatile and neutral, the Pippa Ottoman easily styles into a variety of rooms. Its wide, rounded form is complemented with its textured fabric and set on solid wood legs.

JB: Let’s talk about the Mud Hall. It’s probably one of the best we’ve ever seen.

SH: And you had so many interesting requests. We’ve never done a dog bath. How did you come up with that?

RP: Dash, our dog, is a family member. He’s an English Lab (not American). People think he’s overweight, but he’s English Lab and they are huskier.

SH: I wish you guys could feel this scene right now. We’re in the beautiful library. Dash is sprawled out on the floor. Isla Rose is in here.

Podcast Recording

Recorded live in Rachel Parcell’s Library.

Isla Rose (daughter) and Dash (family dog) were a part of the charm!

RP: Yeah, we put that dog bed at the base of the sofa in the family room, but Dash makes himself comfortable on the sofa and in our bed. He’s a person in our family. So, he needs a shower. We live in the mountains, so he trots off and gets his paws muddy. Honestly, sometimes we throw the kids in there too. After they swim, it’s a quick bath.

JB: It’s the mud hall of all mud halls. There are so many amazing lockers. A bench to sit at. A hat display.

SH: I love your hat display! It’s so beautiful!

RP: I love that lamp you added. In the evening, when all the lights are turned off, but the lamp is on. It’s a moment. I can see from my kitchen into the mud hall. That moment gives me the feels.

SH: Nancy Meyers moment!

JB: And I feel like the mud hall is your entry. You park in your garage and enter through the mud hall, so it should be beautiful. It’s how you feel, so it should be beautiful.

RP: And the vintage rugs that you guys layered in. I would have thought that it would have been one rug or the same pattern. But that just brought so much warmth and makes it feels collected. Again, a Nancy Meyers feel.

JB: What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you, Rachel Parcell.

RP: Well, I feel that (and I hate this word) Influencers and Bloggers are coined as always having to be perfect and ready. i’m literally sitting here - sweaty from my workout, no makeup on, hair in a bun. That’s what I look like most days.

I feel like Instagram Stories has given people a chance to get a look at my real life. I talk about probably too much on my Instagram.

JB: I feel like you are super real. We know you in real life and I see you on Instagram and you’re the same person. I feel like, what you see is what you get.

SH: We love that vulnerability too. She’s the real deal, guys.

JB: Okay, so 2 last questions. What projects are you working on next? And how would you define luxury?

RP: Our next project (with you guys…I’m so excited) is our basement. We’re starting construction on our basement. Drew and I are working on that together. For a second, I was like “I’ll just tell you what to do and we can just get it done.” And then, I was trying to tell him where art light and sconces should go. He asked me about the height. That’s when I knew i had to call Jessica and bring Alice Lane on.

We’re finishing construction on the basement and then moving to the living room. I’m so excited about the living room because it’s sat vacant for almost 2 years and it’s right in the middle of my home. So, I’m excited to get that room filled up and finish off the main level.

JB: Just so you guys know, Rachel is always having events and parties, so that room has been a makeshift ballroom. It’s transformed into whatever she needs it to be. So, setting down furniture means that she’ll be embracing it and using it as a new room.

RP: I know, I’ve done product photo shoots for my clothing line. Drew threw me a magical 30th Birthday Party in there. So, having it sit empty has meant using it a lot of different ways.

JB: Your basement can be the new party lair.

RP: And if I need to throw a party, I’ll just make Drew move all the furniture out of there.

JB: And he would. We love Drew Parcell. He’s the best.

SH: Never has there been a nicer builder.

JB: Okay, how would you define luxury?

RP: Well, I loved what you said about the designer…

JB: Oh, Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Yes!

RP: I love what he said about using his special pieces in every day moments. I have girlfriends who are like, “How can you always have your Hermes blanket out? Or how can you use that fancy bag?” But, if I’m going to spend the money, I’m going to use it. I’m not going to let it sit in a box. I think every day moments feel beautiful. Give my kids the feels. And the people that come into my house.

JB: I love that answer. And I think sitting here in this beautiful library is a luxury. Any moment in your home is a luxury. Thank you so much for your time. We know how busy you are and how much our listeners are going to enjoy hearing about your lifestyle. Thank you for joining us.

RP: Thank you for having me!

Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com

Dear Alice | How to Curate Artwork for Your Home

This week’s episode is all about how to select, mix, and display art in your home. Art is an ice breaker and conversation starter. It really tells the story of your home and is the best way to enhance a mood. This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

For a home art collection, our number one piece of advice is to switch it up with different mediums! Without variety, the design can start to feel flat and the art take a back seat to the rest of the décor. We recommend a mix of graphic, painting, texture/tactile, sculpture, and photography. The best homes and galleries are the ones where all of the mediums live together in the same space.

Art is the most challenging layer of design because most people don’t know how to respond or what they even like. So, start by figuring out what YOU like. You can do this by going to museums, galleries, and art shows to determine what moves you. You can also spend time on Pinterest exploring and checking out other designers art boards.

One thing that we have found is that people either love or don’t love figures and animals in their art. Be open to it and find new ways to incorporate these pieces because they can be storytellers. Art with figures can also ease loneliness - extroverts especially love to have company in any form. Right now, we are seeing a lot of bunnies (thanks to Hunt Slonem’s work). We also see horses, cranes, and even Tigers. (Tigers are very Gucci and we love the tasseled pillow that they made!) Figures are “very designer” at the moment. Even if you don’t like portraiture, find a subject you like so your pieces don’t feel like condo art and it has soul.

Scale is everything with art! Trust us when we say that you’re going to want to go bigger than you think. We just recently hung a 5’x7’ high-pile rug on Rachel Parcell’s nursery wall and it adds such a layer of softness. Having something soft on a vertical wall is so interesting and we feel that window treatments shouldn’t be the only softness in your room. In addition to size, you can play with scale by mixing up pieces with different matting and frames. Don’t make the mistake of putting cheap frames on your artwork. Frames can be a whole other piece of artwork themselves. There’s something special about hand-crafted works to frame your special pieces. Frames are also an opportunity to mix up styles - pairing ornate and tailored frames will establish added appeal.

Photography can really add a vibe. We did a home in Dallas where we put a Slim Aarons lifestyle shot of Lake Tahoe with trees and mountains. Not only did it fit the client’s lifestyle, it really transported the room.

Art tells your story, so use it to remember a place or moment. While you’re traveling, look for something unique. Consider buying from a street artist after visiting for a few minutes. That piece of art will always take you back to that place. Vintage art is also really special and soulful. There’s something to be said for art that has been passed down. While not all of your pieces need to be original, the ones that are will mean more to you. You’ll be proud of them and pass along those memories and stories.

Make your art work in the space.

• You can mix a large matte, a sculpture on pedestal, a rug on wall, a gloppy oil still life and it all pulls together to create interest and life.

• Putting graphic art in an otherwise formal room can tone it down. And visa versa. You can add a splash of dressy to a drab space with a work of art.

• Don’t be afraid to celebrate little pockets in your home. Adding art pieces above ranges in the kitchen or in small powder rooms makes the space feel polished and interesting.

Expose yourself to all types of art, but the mix is where the magic is at! Photography doesn’t have to go with photography. Watercolor doesn’t have to go with watercolor. The combination makes you look stylish and your space feel alive. Curating art is about picking with discernment. That’s what curating art is all about - picking art that you love.

Pay attention to the art and mediums that draw you in and then spend time seeking out those pieces in your travels, research, and browsing. Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com

Dear Alice | How to Style When You Have Conflicting Tastes

This week’s episode is all about how to make your home cohesive when you have different tastes! Whether you’re building a home or putting on the finishing styling touches, it’s hard to navigate how to design your home when you have a spouse with different tastes. This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

We can design with any beloved and conflicting styles by creating a North Star for all of our clients- they’re collected images (a lot of the time from Pinterest) that express what your vision is and keep you on a clear path of your style of home. It’s so important because most people can’t communicate what they’re drawn to or don’t understand exactly what a design term actually means. Of course, everyone that’s going to live in your home needs to be reflected in the North Star. You can do it virtually, physically with papers, or on Pinterest boards- you just need to see what you like and don’t like. Go on dates with your spouse and pick out your favorite paint colors, finishes and pieces- it makes for a really fun date night! Don’t assume your spouse doesn’t care about your home- ask their opinion and try to find common ground.

You should never hate anything in your home- you might not like it but as long as you can compromise, you’ll have a happy home. Passion is infectious, especially in your spouse so ask them and yourself why they love or hate something in a space so you’ll understand the why. Mix mastering is realizing that new styles are often a reaction to a different style and as long as you know the specifics of what draws you and your spouse, you both can find pieces of certain styles of design to incorporate into your home in order to compromise.

Consider who is using which rooms; if your spouse is going to primarily use the office, let them design the office. If your family loves to cook together, involve your family in the process. Prioritize your spaces- the others might not be the hill for you to die on. Pay attention to the little things- the details might be really important to them and make them feel wildly involved. No couples come to us with the same taste so be ready to make some adjustments. Generally speaking, men typically like simple and contemporary designs, women want cozy and lived in; a builder told us recently that older folks want contemporary homes and young folks want traditional homes so of course there’s lots of life experience that come into play when picking and designing your home.

Pay attention to the way you and your spouse react to pieces or the visuals when designing your home- that’ll tell you all you need to know. Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com

Dear Alice | Make a Rental Feel like a Home

This week’s episode is about how to make your rental feel cozy and chic! It’s no secret that renting can be restrictive but that’s no excuse to not make it a beautiful home. This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

Renting is a fantastic time to start your collections- the longer you live in a rental, the more you’ll know about what you want in a home and what speaks to you.

Some landlords might not let you hang art because of holes in the wall but it’s important to have art up. OOK has brass hooks to hold artwork with tiny nails that are easy to fill. You need to go big in your scale- nothing feels more awkward than a small piece of artwork on an empty wall.

Invest in those rugs because you can hide the rental carpet and hardwood. Rugs can be expensive but you’ll take them into your new home and have them around for years.

Drapery rods (not Romans) are something to invest in- you might need to get new drapes when moving to your home to fit the space but you can take rods anywhere. You can use sheers to hide an ugly view while still letting the sun come through. Unclip those vertical drapes, hide them in a closet and put up some chic drapery- it’ll make the room 20 years younger.

You might be able to paint or replace hardware- talk with your landlord and let them know you’re trying to update the space by giving them a vision board. Replacing hardware can make a kitchen feel more authentic to you and give it character but make sure to measure correctly so you don’t end up needing to redrill.

No Ikea furniture unless you can’t afford anything else. Cheap furniture can make your entire place look dated and you might as well get the pieces you’ll be putting into your home without having to purchase two sets and donating or tossing the first set.

Get ride of that boob light (flush mount) as soon as you can; get great lamps that are at least 30” tall that you’ll take to your home! Get them in pairs and don’t get the daylight bulbs because you’ll look blue.

Bring in the green! We want a big ‘ole tree- not a little baby succulent. You can go to a nursery or to places like Lowes or Home Depot. We love that they soften corners, are sculptural while being asymmetrical and brings the eye up. We love olives, fiddle leafs, palms, and birds of paradise. If you put a tree, you’ll get an endless amount of compliments. You could also do cute branches or dried florals.

Sconces are great to put around a staircase, near a piano, or on your side of the bed if you don’t have a night stand.

When you’ve got interesting things to look at, all the things you don’t like about the rental will float away. We just want you to live in your spaces to the fullest and to remember that just because your rental may not be “a house you bought” doesn’t mean it’s not a home. Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com

Dear Alice | Buy, Build or Remodel

This week’s episode is about how to figure out if buying, building or remodeling is right for you! There’s many paths to take when you’re deciding on your dream home and the “right” path completely depends on who you are as a person and what your family is prepared for. This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

If you’re not good at making decisions, don’t like that people have lived their previously, or need the quickest and cheapest option- you’re probably already have a feeling of what is best for you.

You are good candidate for a remodel if you like an old home and charming neighborhood. Just because it’s not new doesn’t mean it’s cheap because you don’t know what’s going on behind walls and with plumbing so you’ll need a fluid budget for wild things to happen. If you’re thinking about remodeling out an area of an home, consider tearing it out and building because it might be cheaper over time. A good and bad thing is that it can go on forever because there’s always room for improvement so if you love to renovate, it may never end. They’re wonderful because there’s room to dream about how to give it new life and because you can live with it while you’re chipping away at it.

A new build is good for someone who knows what they want and have the vision- if you’ve done the prep work and already know what you want, the less stressful it’ll be. It can take over your life so if you need help, hire your designer- don’t ask your friends. We like to get started on design details 6 months before breaking ground. There’s a lot of city fees so know your limit and make sure your architect knows that so they respect it and you have money for landscaping and random expenses. Strangely, appliances are months out right now so buy them as soon as you break ground so you hopefully won’t have to live without them. It’s very helpful to live in a rental home beforehand to know what you want when you build- new homes are such a big responsibility because a well built home can be around for hundreds of years so make sure to do right by them.

If you don’t love waiting or makes decisions- buy a finished home so you are ready to move in from the get go while slowly swapping out pieces that feel like yours. Building and designing are not the same thing so you can just buy a walk in ready home and get it styled by an interior designer.

You know yourself best so be honest with yourself and follow your heart. Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com

Dear Alice | Staircases

This week’s episode is all about everything staircases! There’s so many things that go into creating the grandest of staircases; they’re truly something to boast in your home so you have to make sure you’re doing it right! This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

An old staircase can really date a home- don’t try to rescue it if you don’t love it; tear it out and do it right. The anatomy of a staircase includes; balusters, treads, and handrails.

Treads are the spot you step on. End caps on them are an eyesore so make sure to do solid wood tread with a carpeted runner over them. Surge the sides and bottoms and use stair runner rods to feel really expensive and tailored. If you have a curved staircase, stay away from any geometric patterns and lines so it doesn’t end up looking goofy. If you are choosing between wooden or carpeted staircases, choose wood and save up for the runner which generally tend to be $1,400-$3,500. Use an engineered wood floor and leave 4-6 inches of wood on each side of your runner to really make the most of it.

Dramatic newel posts aren’t as important anymore- balusters are taking over and are more graceful. There are so many options to use for balustrades that’ll instantly give your home so much personality - iron is trending (use natural and not powder coated) but wood can be so charming. You can go custom or look at different pre-manufactured ones but as long as you keep them refined and timeless, you’ll be good to go.

We’ll do paneled handrail and almost always take out a pony wall if there is one. If you’re going to keep it, you should panel it or chop it down- it closes off your home and make it feel cold.

Wood handrail mixed with iron rails are find to do; you can mix or go all in on one material although of course using all one looks more uniform.

To finish it all off, we will do paneling and put sconces on the wall along the staircase to make it feel really regal!

The balusters and runners are most important so make sure you’re doing those right! Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com

Dear Alice | Accent Pieces

This week’s episode is about accent pieces! We’re obsessed with accent pieces because they can be the finishing touch to make a house feel like a home. This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

Accent pieces are the things that tells your story and has an opinion; it contradicts the ordinary. If you’re hunting for more, look over the pieces you already have and make sure you’re displaying them; the wilder the pieces, the better! Pieces with character are going to be way more interesting. If there’s a style you love that you feel is lacking, inject it in your accent pieces. When you travel, look through antique stores and find those hidden gems!

If it’s an important piece, invest in pedestals or glass boxes to show them off. Sculptures and busts are so stately and demand attention- put them on a pedestal to celebrate them; it gives your pieces immediate importance. Park your pedestal in between two windows and notice how quickly they become the center of attention.

Quirky accent chairs don’t have to be the main seating- think of it more like an art piece, especially because they don’t have to match. Three dimensional art that lifts off of a wall will liven up your room; we also use rugs as wall art as well (we put nails right through the rug into the wall)!

Teak root balls are so beautiful and instantly warm up a room and make it feel more organic.

Fun lamps with goofy shades are incredible and one of a kind.

Table torches are so unique and fun.

Railing is such a good way to switch it up and make a home feel like a completely different.

Bar carts are made to be filled with treasures; wether you fill them with fun beverages or put one in a bathroom filled with bath bombs- they can do no wrong.

At the end of the day, it’s all in the details so make sure those pieces speak to who you truly are. Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com

Dear Alice | Countertops

This week’s episode is about everything countertops! We’re really passionate about natural materials because they always draw us in and give good energy back to us so investing in a quality countertop is a must! This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

Quartzite is beautiful and really tough so it’ll withstand the test of time because it has the same qualities of marble without being absorbent. Because it’s harder than marble, it’s nice for places that have more wear and tear to them like a kitchen. You can get them in light colors with veining so the world is truly your oyster when it comes to quartzite. We use the Macaubas and Taj Mahal stone a lot! Quarts is man-made so you can’t put a hot items on it because they’re ground up and mixed so just invest in a quartzite- you’ll thank us later!

A fireplace might call more for a marble because you can sculpt ornate details into it easier. Bathroom and showers are a nice place to use marble; you can use it in a kitchen but you’ll have to be okay with the character that comes with it. Ask your slab yard people for the best way to upkeep it- it might be expensive but it’s very worth it. Marble is very rich and timeless- it can be more charming the more it gets lived in. Be aware of acidic items on it though because they can get etched onto it, you’ll have to get it buffed and resealed every few years.

When we typically think of granite, we think of gross speckle-y brown stone- we won’t typically use granite but we don’t write it off completely. We only use a super white granite so make sure you’re aware of what you are drawn to so you can find it. There are different grades of granite and can have sweeping veins in it so there are options out there if you’re passionate about it!

Concrete is another option. We don’t use it often because it’s really porous, can chip, crumble and crack. It’s nice if you are drawn to styles that are very casual and industrial. It might be nice maybe in a garage but in general, it’s not as practical. If you have wooden cabinets, they might shift around so keep that in mind. Don’t use it outdoors if you’re in a climate that’s prone to freezing and thawing because it will crack- use a natural stone that can uphold a shift in temperature.

Soapstone is a softer stone; it’s a living material that can go from light grey to dark grey because you can to oil it to get to the tone you want it to be. There’s a quartzite that looks like soapstone if you’re looking for a stone that’s more durable with the same look. It’s very organic looking and like concrete, feels more industrial and casual. You’ll see stones that lean more blue, green or grey so get a tone that fits your home.

Wood/ butcher block is nice to break it up. We’ve done islands that are half butcher block for prep. It has a culinary casualness and artisan feel to it. The end grain of butcher block absorbs the least amount of moisture (although all wood will be absorbent to some degree) and it feels really special with the checkerboard pattern. You have to treat and coat it fairly often so be aware of the upkeep to it. We probably wouldn’t do an entire kitchen in wood but we primarily use it for work surfaces- you don’t want too much of a good thing.

We’ll use a large slab and reuse parts of it throughout the house to be economical- bathroom vanities, shower seats, mantle surrounds or even as artwork; be creative!

It’s fun to go to a slab bone yard and see all wild pieces that might be there! Ask the people at the slab yard to see what nobody buys- it such an enjoyable experience! We don’t make decisions on the slab until we get there; picking out your slab is like buying artwork- you can have an emotional reaction to it and be completely taken back by what you end up loving. Be flexible and keep in mind the practicality of the stone for your lifestyle.

At the end of the day, everyone should go to a slab yard on a date! If you’re shopping for stone, keep in mind the practicality of what you need and let your perfect slab find you. Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com

Dear Alice | Carpet 101

First of all- we are so excited to let you know we’re ranked the second podcast for Apple's US interior design podcasts- thank you so much for getting us there; we quite literally couldn’t do it without you! We interviewed some of our favorite people within the world of carpet for everything hot and best practices in carpet and we can’t wait to share what we’ve learned! Ten years ago hardwood floors were only 10% of the home where now it’s 50% hardwood so carpet has taken a backseat but is still very charming and worthwhile in our opinion! This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

Carpet is usually sold per square yard so keep that in mind when buying carpet. Also make sure to factor in installation to your budget as well! $60 a yard for carpet including install is where we usually end up at.

Carpets in bedrooms are lovely; waking up and feeling cozy when you’re stepping out of bed is unmatched and is much quieter. One thing we always think about- do you want to vacuum or mop your room; it feels wrong to mop it!

Closets also could use some carpet because it’s very nice and cozy. You don’t want to mop a closet when there’s fallen lint or fibers. The same carpet that’s in your room will be the same in your closet unless it’s separated by a bathroom and you want to do an accent carpet.

Stairs are lovely to put carpet on or at least a runner so you don’t slip down and it makes them much more interesting. It adds a lot of personality and is replaceable without being extremely expensive.

Basements are another good place to put them- they can be colder and is a great way to warm the space up. If you have a kitchenette, you can tile around that!

Your carpets will mostly be uniform throughout your home unless it’s a runner or accent carpet!

Don’t put carpet in the bathroom!! You don’t want it to get moldy and it especially should never go around the toilet. Do tile or some other hard surfaces in your bathrooms. You can have removable mats that are washable but nothing permanent and fiberous. 

Don’t put clipped/in set carpet in rooms- run the hard surfaces right to the mantle and corners of the room; it’s not the same thing as a rug. There should be no angles created by carpet! Boardroom carpet goes from wall to wall and is the only way to carpet a room in our opinion!

Accent carpet is more expensive than general carpet but very worth investing in because it’s the pocket square of your home. Stark carpet is great- we used it on Rachel Parcell’s runner and they’ve got a lower end line called Prestige which has a lot of the same carpets for much cheaper so do your research because they come from the same mill. Rosecore also has a lot of beautiful options! 

No carpet in dining rooms- it goes without saying but you don’t want to spill drinks or food and have it stain. It’s a great area for a rug thought if you’d like one!

We generally go for as light as we can while it still feels natural for the space while not being white or leaning yellow or grey- so think of your buff and oatmeal colors.

When shopping for carpet- polyester is generally cheaper, has a great range of color and is good to get stains out of although it has a lower melting point so if you clean it too hot when steaming it, you can melt it. It has a 7-10 year lifespan and most homes have polyester because of how budget friendly it is so don’t feel guilty about ripping it out. It’s generally around $18-$50/yard.

Nylon is a step up; some brands are pet friendly so it doesn’t stain as easily. It doesn’t have as many colors although for carpets we don’t look for crazy colors so it’s fine by us. Nylon has a 10-20 year lifespan and you can steam clean it so the performance is fantastic. It’s generally $40-$75/yard.

Wool is the best! It’s low luster so no shiny materials pop through and it’s a natural material that feels like it gives you energy back. We typically use this in our projects. It’s thick and dense with undyed fibers. It’s more difficult to clean so test clean it first and make sure to be delicate- you don’t want to get it too wet so use dry cleaning type products. It has a 12-25 year lifespan so it’s a worthwhile investment. You can ask the vendor if they can find a nylon that looks like a wool if wool isn’t in your budget!

Loop cut loop (or LCL ) are loops and tip of the carpet, is a mixed construction and is really trending right now. Low pile is best because you’ll want to put rugs on top of your carpet without it being floppy and will show those vacuum lines less. It’ll show off the rugs in a much more true way without shifting around. Don’t get cut pile; it’s having a bad hair day everyday and is high maintenance. Dig you finger in and see if you can find the spine- if you move it around and can see the spine, it might not be that great quality of carpet so keep looking!

Invest in your pads for longevity so your carpet doesn’t feel wave-y because of the pad. A half inch thick pad is best so it won’t break down before your carpet does. The higher the density number, the more dense it’ll be, the lower the number, the more squishy and comfortable it’ll be. Get one that’ll fit your lifestyle- if you’re wrestling kids, a squishy one might be better suited for you.  

Nothing will drive you crazier than walking over carpet you hate for years so make sure to get it right! Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com

Dear Alice | Outdoor Spaces and Fireplaces

In this week’s podcast, we’re chatting about outdoor spaces and fireplaces! Over the past year, we’ve learned how incredibly important our outdoor spaces are- especially if you’ve got a cozy fireplace to hang out around with all of your favorite people. This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

We love a good deck, patio or a pool- you can never go wrong! Conversation and s’mores are such a dream and days last longer when you’re around an inviting fireplace. Rather than winding down in the evening, an outdoor experience will bring you so much joy and want to bring people over. It’s both therapeutic and poetic. 

Don’t put stone benches around the fire; be nice to your guests and get comfy seating- if you build it they will come. In desert/dry climates, stick to high quality metals in your furniture so they stand the test of time because outdoor furniture isn’t cheap. Like we always say- buy once, cry once! If a piece looks uncomfortable, it probably is. Make sure to space plan seating so the seating is the perfect distance away from the fire without being too hot or too far away. By a pool house is such a fun area to add a fireplace because of all the fun elements coming together. Make sure there’s a stool or smaller accent table so it’s functional and can be used to place things on. The pandemic taught us that we only want spaces that are functional, beautiful and comfortable so really invest in them!

Some people may recommend using a wood burning fireplace for s’mores and cooking food but we wouldn't worry about it tasting like gas if you buy a gas fireplace. Smoke travels so thats a win for gas and it has a more authentic feel. The fireplace table is very resort and fun to put your feet on although it’s not the best to warm yourself unless you’re super close to it so weight out those pros and cons.

Space is more usable when it’s shaded and not overbearingly hot so it might be nice to have a pergola, umbrella or shade cover.

Consider how to winterize your pieces; you’ll need to find out whether you’ll have covers or put them in storage.

Have fun with your outdoor lighting- use sconces or globe lights to really create an ambiance and help people find your home if they need to go to the bathroom. Landscaper can help with lighting most of the time!

The floor of your outdoor spaces don’t have to be concrete; you can use limestone, pavers (are so dang charming!), blue stone, concrete in large squares with turf in between, or pebble gravel (not fun to walk in heels over or barefoot)- the possibilities are truly endless!

Bring attitude to the space with accent pieces- generous planters, teak root balls, and fun side tables. Be cautious when working with a landscaper to make sure that they don’t attract bees and wasps but check if you could put an aromatic, cutting or vegetable garden. You could have vegetables or herbs growing around your spaces.

All in all, we’re just excited that these spaces are being brought to the forefront as important spaces to invest and spend time in! This simmer is going to be the best one yet! Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com

Dear Alice | Textures

In this week’s podcast, we’re talking texture! Texture might be the most neglected aspect of interior design which is so unfortunate because of how quickly they can change the feel of a room when utilized to its fullest potential! This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

First and foremost, use different textures to bring interest into a space! Offset hard surfaces like dining tables and islands by bringing in some softness to make it really dynamic. We’re also always going to use different scaled textures like faux fur, velvets, leather, woven fabrics, sherpa, etc. You know when you’ve been in a home where people use just one textures; all leather, cherrywood or shiplap- just use a texture it in a or two spaces because there really is such thing as too much of a good thing. You don’t want to end up looking like you live in an old cabin by an excessive amount of one texture. Texture is great if you don’t want to use a lot of color and also if you’re into a specific color and need to break it up a bit more. If you’re going to lean more into neutrals and whites- get more high textured pieces. Make sure to use fun or easier to clean textures on your accent pieces like fur, sherpa and leather compared to different woven fabrics for bigger pieces of furniture like your sofas.

Not having any sheen in a fabric makes it more dry; think of your linen or woven textures. You can add more wet finishes to balance it out as if you were getting dressed for the day. If you’re room isn’t feeling right, try playing with those wet and dry textures. Get some skin in the game- leather, fur or animal print hide; it can feel really well traveled.

Don’t do matching loveseats or accent chairs with a sofa. A good change in texture and color would be nice to add some interest; having a complimentary pillow story will be the icing on the cake. No matter what, you’ll be starting in with your rug so you can get dimensional inspiration from it. Most people want to look “expensive” so you’ll want to invest in dense textures and scale although it doesn’t inherently mean it’ll be the most expensive fabric!

Some people can’t stand certain textures like velvet so make sure that what you choose will fit in in perfectly to you and your family’s life.

Lastly, think of your pets- you might not want to get a looped pattern if you have cats so they don’t claw them up and get their nails stuck in them.

And if you take anything from this episode- never order a bunch of fabric without getting a sample first; you’ll thank us later! Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com

Dear Alice | Pool Houses

In this week’s podcast, we’re chatting about pool houses! While they are a luxury as is, we have some tips and tricks to help take yours up a notch and feel like you’re living everyday at the most beautiful resort! This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

A landscape architect will really come in handy when building your pool house. Think about the orientation- you want to be in a prime location so all of your guests don’t roast in the sun.

The exterior of your pool house should mimic the exterior of your home so there’s cohesiveness but the interior is where you can really let loose and go wild! In a perfect world, you should put in a bathroom, dressing area and a stacking washer and dryer so no one has to wait in line while being sopping wet- besides, what’s better than a warm towel? An outdoor shower would also be wonderful; you can put in a tile pad and privacy panels. We love wallpapering or painting fun colors and murals in the bathroom in the pool house- you only see it when it’s warm out (if you live in a place with actual seasons) so you won’t get sick of it. Consider what’s happening in the house and continue it outside so it looks unified and not like goofy patchwork. You want your pool house to feel so lively that it make you want to get off your couch and throw all the best parties!

Grilling is really big and deserves its own area- you should have enough prep space and cabinetry if you plan to be hosting and dining a ton. If you’re smoking meats, you want proper ventilation so you don’t run everyone out while making them smell like charcoal. You’ll want room for platters to hold food, spaces to hide serving ware and as a pro tip- have a silverware caddy ready to go so you’re not flustered and spilling them everywhere. Go all out if you can and get a snow cone machine or something just as memorable that your family loves! Most importantly, have big enough trashcans so everyone isn’t awkwardly holding onto their trash or putting them into overflowing tiny bathroom waste bins.

Get furniture that’s made specifically for the outdoors that can withstand the sun and weather because if not it’ll fade within the year. Fabrics that are UV protectant are important so your furniture doesn’t get sun rot. Space planning is also super important because outdoor furniture is expensive and you’ll want to get it right the first time around. Lead times are something to be aware of; if you want things around May, place your order in January. The pool house should effortlessly flow to the pool, wether it be with lounging or dining spaces. Teak is a no go and doesn’t fare well in places with desert climates like in Utah, Colorado and Nevada. Keep an eye on any iron frames you may have- like we always say; buy once, cry once! Look into those warranties and buy covers if you don’t have the space to store those larger pieces. Keep your furniture matching and cohesive so it feels really resort! TV’s are fun, especially when it gets dark out- get cozy and have fun watching your favorite shows while your guests are still swimming.

Outdoor drapery is so beautiful and elegant around a pergola; you can also get timed shades to really set a mood! Woven fabrics are really dreamy when sun comes through them as well so there’s no bad choices! 

Make sure the tile you choose is okay to use in your climate so won’t burn the bottom of your feet when you’re walking on it!

Most importantly, create your incredible pool party playlist now and bust out the heavy duty speakers because no pool house is ready for entertaining without some good tunes to set the vibe! Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com

Dear Alice | Trend Forecast

In this week’s podcast, we’re chatting about our trend forecast! While having a timeless home is important, incorporating some trendy elements into your come can freshen it up and be really fun! This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

Green is the new black!

Desert tones for the win!

Understanding who you are and what you love is the most important when thinking about interior design because while trends are fun, you shouldn’t be throwing away money on things you’ll quickly get rid of. Don’t be afraid to be opinionated; at the end of the day just because your neighbor might be obsessed with a trend doesn’t mean you have to be too; if it’s not authentic to you, it won’t work. Don’t hop on trends when everyone is doing the same thing- at that point the train has left the station. Now it’s time to go through the list!

1. We’re leaning more towards sculptural than structural ; curved sofas, arms, chairs, tables, cabinetry, bullnose countertops, and softness in fireplaces. There’s not a lot of high contrast in a space. Kelly Wearstler described it as 80’s Italian; it’s simple and soft.

2. Fluting and reeding have our hearts. They are classical textures that we’re obsessed with! Tables have roundedness which is nice so everyone is equal distance away from each other.

3. Bold pops of colors with neutrals create a nice and interesting balance! Public spaces are neutral but bathrooms and formal areas are more fun with color blocking and wallpaper. It’s also nice when you have a huge piece of art with a strong color in a neutral room; it’s very gallery and makes you seem very cool. 

4. High styling accessories. Authentic accessories are better when you use them so just make sure they fit into your life. They’re high quality pieces you’ve invested in. Knowing when to pull back is important if you’re feeling cluttered so get rid of stuff that’s not functional, authentic, beautiful, meaningful.

5. Functionality and duality is in. Get rid of uncomfortable or unused items! Don’t “save for the best”; live beautifully like everyday is your favorite holiday!

6. Lux minimalism is very simple with a pure palette. It’s simple in color but big in scale and elegant texture.

7. The color of green is everything! Blue has been extremely popular but it’s shifting; we love the warmth in different green tones. There’s also a lot of influence from landscapes. Rust tones, nudes, desert tones are very big right now. 

8. We’re moving towards more casual design rather than grand. We’re inspired by your landscapes and outdoor spaces because being outdoors is better for the soul! Windows are getting much larger than ever before and we put them everywhere because everything looks better in natural light.

9. Entertainment spaces are a must; staying in is the new going out! We want to utilize your spaces to the max. Our homes reflect who we are and what we love to do!

Stay away from highly trendy things because at the end of the day, we want to invest in beautiful pieces that’ll look nice in your home longer than a couple of months! Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com

Dear Alice | Past Cool Unique Spaces

In this week’s podcast, we’re reminiscing about past spaces we’re still swooning over! When designing spaces that are 10,000-44,000 square feet, that leaves us a lot of room to have fun and design some really wild spaces. This week’s episode can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcast.

A landscape architect for our Garden Cottage project suggested building a thunder shack for the apple orchard so they wouldn’t get caught up in the rain which connected to the cottage and a little patio with a fireplace. Truly so perfect for showers, parties and as a guest house. It was another really romantic concept. There’s so many swings on their apple trees- does it get dreamier than that?

Another home we’re infatuated with is for the sweetest Sikh family. They make a lot of incredible Indian food so we made an aromatic kitchen off of their show kitchen which was very romantic to create. There were lots of space to store food and we to make sure that their countertops wouldn’t get stained by turmeric or any other colorful spices. Their dining room was to fit 20 people because they do host a lot of guests and put together incredible parties. They had a stunning prayer room with no furniture room so everyone could sit on the floor on the same level with a stunning stained glass window overlooking their garden. They also are designing in a special shoe storage by the foyer behind finished doors so all their guests can take their shoes off- not to protect the floors but to welcome their guests to their home and show that there’s intention and space for all of them. 

In Dallas we have a remodel that previously had a bigger formal dining room and a smaller kitchen but we knew we were going to open up the kitchen to make it larger and so we made a really charming keeping room that had a beautiful rounded window with a big tree outside. It’s a wonderful area for mom to hop on her laptop and do some work or have breakfast in peace while being baked in some sun. Sign up for our newsletter if you want to see the floor plan!  

There was a Hobbit house that connected their theater room with a tunnel. The tunnel is covered in sticks and all kins of fun natural elements and it ended at a big round door like in the Hobbit. The exterior door connects you to the backyard and there are 5 in-ground different sized trampolines. It was on four acres so there was enough room to play and get creative. Home overall is grand but those spaces made the feel of the home really joyous.

Glam rooms are getting more popular! They can be in a bathroom or in closets which can be as big as kitchens. They can have room for hair and make up artists and room for more if they want their kids in there or a film crew. Of course there’s lots of drawers and shelves for makeup and they’re all decked out with natural and artificial light. It’s quite lovely to have a beautiful dedicated space to the ritual of getting ready.

We had a client ask for a tatami room which is a traditional ritual room for relaxation and way of life. H lived in Japan and wanted to incorporate that into his home. He was a successful businessman with investors from Japan and all other parts of the world so it was a nice way to welcome and meet with his guests.

Basketball courts are getting more common for homes with 10,000+ sq ft. It doesn’t have to be a full court but no matter what, they are so fun! Clients can get tactem panels to help with acoustics and can stencil fun things onto the floor to make it the court of their dreams.

Not all closets are created equally! Tan France’s closet was such a dream. His home is a smaller older home filled with big designs. We renovated his attic into a beautiful closet with tons of vaults and steep pitches. Striped wallpaper followed the pitches, there was a huge mirrored wall and beautiful staircase leading into it. We’re building out a crazy closet for an influencer- a “His and Her’s” two story closet. He’s a sneaker head and she’s very glamorous so they need all the space they can get. For a different influencer, we used the closet for him and pushed out a wall for her and used an office with bay windows for her closet. We use our closets everyday so might as well dream big!

We designed a game room with stunning purple velvet walls for an NBA player. Game rooms are very common among professional players for their off time so we want them to be really relaxing but super fun spaces. Our client specifically wanted it to feel exotic so it was very regal with the velvet and there are fiberglass panels so there won't be any sound coming out from that room. 

Commercial work is fun because they’re looking to be very eye catching within a first impression. In Stix, we had artwork blown up along an entire wall- it was really striking and beautiful. We’ve done an ad agency, software company, chocolate shop, cabinet shop, recording studio, and excitingly, we’re working on our own building! It's 20,000 sq ft on the main level and it’s got an upstairs level so people can shop and we can have all our employees there.  We’re so excited to design it and share more as it comes together!

You can make any space memorable by being authentic to who you are- just remember to have fun while bringing it together. Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com