Dear Alice | Interior Design

Everybody’s asking about cool different spaces that we’ve designed such as past projects, so that’s what we want to talk about today. We’re doing a unique home for a Sikh family who have an aromatic kitchen, which is an area containing various potent spices that give off many different smells. The family entertains a lot, so they have the need for many large containers where they can store big amo...

In this episode we go over tips on how to design when working with a tight budget, which is a request we have gotten from a few of our listeners. Many people want to have a tall, two story ceiling in their home, but don’t realize how expensive it ends up being and there are ways to work around that. Your budget generally should be 10-20% of the cost of your home. We discuss how you should approach...

Our latest podcast is all about backsplashes and wall treatments. We were asked about whether a grass wallpaper would make a good backsplash in a kitchen, to which we reply that it would not be as water could damage it. Zellige Cle tile is an excellent option as it will provide your home with a more authentic, natural look and won’t be ruined when it gets wet. We recommend going on a date through...

In this episode we discuss how to create a great pillow story. A pillow story is a combination of pillows that you put on your sofa or sectional in conjunction with what you also put on your chairs, such as what is the formula to use, what you’re going to be looking for, and what not to buy. We discuss what sizes, tones, and types of pillows you should have in your living spaces, but also what you...

There are various different extra spaces found in homes, such as the attic, side rooms, closets, and more, which is what we will be talking about today. Sue tells about when she lived in an attic above her parents and the fun aspects and perks of using vaulted ceilings. We discuss the various options you can consider when designing a home and how most people don’t think to add the fun little space...

Recently we have had some people asking about the definitions of certains words or how things generally work, so today we wanted to break down the design world a little bit so you can better understand what we’re talking about. I go over the definition of market, which is a show you can go to to see essentially any product that you could need in the home. Show houses are used for showing off home...

When do I use a can and what are cans good for? We get a lot of questions about cans and lighting so today we decided to dive into this topic to help you better understand the best tactics you can use for can lighting. If you’re in a home that has cans already, but need to replace them, you should be able to get a can kit and replace them fairly simply, and then you want your can lights to be clos...

Today we have Colton Broadbent, one of our favorite architectural designers with whom we’ve done quite a bit of work lately. We talk about the importance of the architect and what role they play in the whole design process where the architect is like the surgeon. We talk about what to look for in an architect, such as someone who will provide share-ables to you, and then look for someone that you...

In this episode we are going to be rounding out this podcast with common design mistakes, which is part two of our previous episode. Sometimes people get too carried away with certain "heroes" and just have too many items representing one icon in history, causing the room or home to feel less unique. Try to avoid the karate chopped pillow, as it will give it a less inviting, don’t-touch-these look...

Today we have Cory as the MC and we’re going to be talking about “party fouls,” or common design mistakes. We start out talking about arch niches, which many home builders will install in homes, but they almost always do it wrong. Another thing people often get wrong is their window treatments, where they put one single curtain on either side of the window and end up just looking like a wall scarf...

In this episode we have with us design artist Aren Muse, who has his own team of stylists and a great amount of experience and knowledge in styling that he shares with us today. We start off talking about the finishing touches in a room and how to accessorize, mainly with a fireplace and tables. We discuss the different greenery we want, the types of books we should put out on the coffee table, an...

In this episode, we talk about “The icing on the cake" (as Jess would call it) a.k.a finish work and moulding. Finish work is baseboards, casing around your windows–it’s the paneling that people love and adore in your homes. We go over different styles you’ll find in various homes or buildings, such as coffered ceilings found often in libraries, or shiplap. You can also see various examples of fin...

Today we have Courtney Grow with us, a fresh taste maker who we find sincere, genuine and believable in her quest to discover and share fashion in an accessible fresh way. We discuss ways you can get a more expensive look than your pocketbook might afford. The trick is, you have to be prepared with the elbow grease for the search and know the pieces you never want to get rid of are the ones with a...

We had a listener reach out asking how to integrate the crystal and silver she has had around for years, so we decided to take that on today. In the grand millennial movement, styles have moved to a more casual look but we think you should show off your antiques and we talk about to tastefully pull that off. We talk about the quality of crystal and why it makes a difference and great places to sho...

In this episode we talk about the design rules we break and the rules that aren't really rules at all. We went to school to learn all the rules, so we can know when and why to break them. We talk about upper cabinet doors vs open shelving and the rules we follow around fireplace hearths. We talk about putting area rugs on carpet. When to do it and why. We discuss other space planning rules includi...

Today’s topic is about the ever present question: New Build or Remodel. We get a lot of questions about this so we've decided to discuss this subject and help you guys understand what to focus on when considering either option. Cory tells about his DIY remodel and the ongoing challenges he faced and his vote is on a new build. Sue however, just bought and is in the process of remodeling because sh...

Today we talk about the master or primary bathroom and the tricks we have learned over the years designing this space for respite and comfort. Are you a baither or do you prefer a shower? A lesson we have learned the hard was is to be sure you take the time to sit in your tub before you install it to make sure it is a good match for your body and lifestyle. If you are the kind of person who likes...

This is a rebroadcast of an episode we wanted to share as we get into the new year. We brought Morgan back on to help us talk about pantries. We cover everything from beginning design stages to organization and upkeep. We discuss what kind of shelving, the difference between butler’s pantries and a typical pantry, and then all the amazing tools that Morgan uses to help organize pantries. Everythin...

This is a rebroadcast of our interview with Thom Filicia, one of the original designers from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. He is a well seasoned interior & product designer with amazing experience and has such a great way of working with clients. We discuss what inspires him, how he works with clients, we get to know his background. We also get to hear some amazing advice on styling. Join us for...

In today’s episode, Cori chooses our topic and we go over an article about the top design trends in 2020 according to designers. We go over a plethora of things that are in and things that are out, with most of which we agree, but there are a few trends with which we don’t completely agree and we explain the reasons why. In: Integrated Hardware, Out: Oversized Pulls 1:55 In: Floral Wallpaper, Out:...

In this episode we discuss the primary bedroom, which was formerly called the master bedroom. This is one of the most important rooms in the home, especially if you are wanting to put your home up for sale. We talk about the benefits of having a desk in this room and whether it’s a good idea to have one or not, and then how to fit this in there. Four-poster beds are kind of like a room within a ro...

Today we talk about figuring out what your style is and how to discover what works best for you. If you think about design as making choices that are super authentic to who you are, then we’re going to be able to tell your story for you, and you’re also going to be a part of that story telling. We discuss traditional design and the role it plays in understanding where design originates, which can...

It's time! Today we are going to give you tips on how you can get your decorations to stand out this season. We take a tour of each space, starting with the entry scene: We vote using real garlands outside around your door so as people arrive they can see and smell it when they arrive. Put a diffuser near the entryway with a nice seasonal fragrance to invite the holiday spirit. In the entertaining...

In this episode we have with us Edward Reisert, the National Sales Director of Libeco Home who is going to be talking to us about linens. Ed tells us the origin story of their linens and what defines the quality. We talk about the many different benefits of living in linen from a study showing people who sleep in linen, sleep 20% better to how this fabric helps your body thermoregulate and is 8 ti...

Today we’re talking about styling your kitchen. The place to start, the island. We will tell you a few tricks to wrangling the little things that tend to occupy large kitchen surfaces and some styling tips to keep things fresh and seasonal. We address the stove and give recommendations for what to put on the wall behind your stove and ways to incorporate a painting or a cutting board. If you have...