Dear Alice | Interior Design

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...

Today we’re talking about taking your vision to the finish line, or following through with your dream. We share some insight into a unique, wonderful project we worked on years ago, which the owner didn’t want us to share until just recently. This man wanted us to design a chandelier room, which we felt was a terrible idea, but he insisted it would be great, so we took it upon ourselves to do the...

In this episode we're celebrating two major milestones with the one year anniversary of the podcast launch and 12 years in this business. We started Alice Lane because we saw a spot in the market locally that wasn't being represented. We talk about what we have learned over the years from our successes and mistakes. It started as a store front and has grown to a full service design firm that has b...

Today we talk about one of the hardest working rooms in the house, the mud room. A space that sees all the comings and goings in the household and is your entry & exit. There are a few tricks to organizing this space and contain the mess. Start with a large format tile floor with a walk off mat on the garage side and a nicer rug inside the house. We suggest using plenty of hooks so you don't overl...

In this episode we define and describe. space planning and give some examples of how to arrange your space to inspire conversation. Space planning is a critical part of the design process and we find that often architects don’t create the right amount of space for your furniture because they use generalized sizes, not specific to your furniture selections. You’ll want to work with the architects a...

We are talking about fireplaces today on Dear Alice. Because most homes today have central heating, fireplaces are mostly used as a piece of architecture or to create a mood. Because of this we have a little more control of the size, look, and when we use it. We talk about what materials to use when building, what to match this material with, and how to update or change a current fireplace in your...

Today are talking laundry rooms and we want you to make this space one you enjoy spending time in because it will likely be a lot. Take some risks with the wallpaper and don't forget to style the space with good looking containers and smells, like Mrs. Meyer’s, to make it comfortable and enjoyable to be in. We talk about the different options for sorting and drying clothes, whether it be a rod to...

In this episode we discuss those special hard to find pieces, which will be exactly what you need for your style. We love vintage decor because it can bring an original point of view to your space, if you are using it right. Sue tells how she got into vintage shopping and finding heirloom pieces she could use in her own life and offers a word of caution as well. When you find a piece you love, it...

In this episode we discuss from where we draw our inspiration and how we inspire our own ideas and styles. Sue tells us what her inspiration is and why you shouldn't get rid of everything that is “out of style.” She suggests using Pinterest to find inspiration, and if you're kind of tired of the things you're seeing on there, follow someone else. Look for new designers until you find something tha...

Today we talk about the things that really make the open concept work and how to define those spaces. We discuss our opinions on open concept versus segmentation of rooms and the benefits or advantages of each. We bring up the fact that an open concept can often get loud, so we provide solutions for ways to dampen that sound like adding drapes and rugs to absorb the sound. We answer a question abo...

Today we are talking about closet design and are sharing some tips for creating more closet space, including knocking down walls and using a room next to your bedroom. We talk windows and the role they play and a few other tricks for arranging storage & furniture. We have some suggestions for mirrors and our love for valet rods and hooks. We talk about using wallpaper in your closet and the unexpe...

In this episode, we talk with Jen Dolan, Director of Sales for residential and retail at Arteriors. Jen tells about where Arteriors started, how far they've come in design and how they have moved into all aspects of interior design development, including furniture, accent furniture, upholstered seating, wall decor mirrors, lighting, and accessories, so that people can come in and decorate basicall...