Podcast Summary: Dear Alice | Interior Design
Episode: The New Classics
Date: February 26, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, the Alice Lane team—Jessica Bennett, Suzanne Hall, Corey, and Jules—take listeners behind the scenes of their newly released furniture collection, The New Classics. The hosts discuss the inspirations, design decisions, and stories behind some of the collection’s most iconic pieces. They offer insights into modern classic design, practical utility, and timeless style, all infused with their signature wit and penchant for high design. Each highlighted piece is explored for its function, aesthetic, and place in a well-designed home.
Key Discussion Points
1. The Making of The New Classics Collection
- The collection is described as a response to real design needs encountered over 20 years of practice. Many pieces resulted from wish lists and client requests, including solutions for awkward spaces or untapped potential in homes.
- Design and R&D for each piece can take years, and the line continues to “grow a family,” with new pieces evolving from customer and designer needs.
- Quote:
“We just continue to make the things we wish existed. And now the things that do exist, we're starting to find that, oh, my gosh, we could make.” —Corey [03:36]
2. Key Pieces from The New Classics Collection
Bruno Burlwood Pedestal
[04:33]
- Inspired by vintage and historic design, particularly the resurgent 1970s, this dark stain-grade pedestal fills a void in their previous offerings.
- Burlwood is celebrated for its dimension and ability to tie disparate wood tones together.
- Quote:
“Burlwood is the wood that blends all the other wood tones together... historically, you see burl because it was just such a beautiful wood that showed a real elevated lifestyle.” —Suzanne [06:06]
- Design tip: Use pedestals to fill corners or create artful displays—all you need is a great piece on top.
Cocoon Swivel Chair
[08:49]
- Years in development to achieve the ideal “sit,” shape, and mechanism—a luxurious, tactile piece made from an alpaca and wool blend.
- Features both swivel and glider action, aiming to be equally stylish and comfortable for all.
- Quote:
“I'm so excited for you guys to get this home, to use it in your projects, and just to really, really have your clients live like this or for you to live like this. It's fantastic.” —Corey [12:01]
- It's described as the answer to “swivel chairs that don’t look like they belong in an old woman’s nursery.”
“Every dude wants swivel. It has a swivel and a glider. High five.” —Suzanne [12:48]
Nicholas Daybed
[13:17]
- An expanded “family member” from the popular Nicholas Bench, now a low, chic, biscuit-tufted daybed with bolsters.
- Designed for room flexibility—works under windows, in the middle of large spaces, or as a U-shape breaker.
- Quote:
“People oftentimes would be like, I don't know what to do with a daybed. Where would I put a daybed? This is going to be that thing that fills in the gaps and makes it feel finished.” —Corey [15:46]
Constance Center Hall Table
[19:16]
- Created to solve the problem of underused space in grand entryways, stair landings, or oversized closets.
- Stands out with an octagonal top, mysterious taupey-green French finish, and an inlaid gold detail.
- Quote:
“It’s so stately. I love this piece so much... A favorite design trick: If you're feeling like something's missing in your home or that your entry's been underplayed, you might just be missing a center hall table.” —Corey [21:31], [22:14]
Luca Center Hall Table
[22:47]
- A modern, organic complement, with a plaster-like finish and hand-planed texture—described as “California cool” and flexible for varying home aesthetics.
- Also a solution for display and utility in large closets:
"Put all your tall boots underneath it in a circle facing out... fold all your knits and put those around the center hall table. Put all your bottles of perfume in the middle, load up boxes, put a stack of Vogues. It will look like a department store." —Corey [37:04]
Chagrin Lacquer Tray
[23:32]
- Developed as a high-quality, heavy tray with faux stingray texture, glossy finish, and brass lion head detail.
- Designed for organizing and elevating daily clutter, the tray is described as “furniture too.”
- Quote:
“A tray can either pull your furniture game down if it’s not a quality, or… even uplevel an old piece by having a really chic tray.” —Corey [24:32]
Colette Curved Sofa
[26:18]
- An answer to the ongoing hunt for the perfect, symmetrical curved sofa—a rarity in the market.
- “Old Hollywood glamour” meets everyday livability, covered in a durable, cleanable indoor-outdoor velvet.
- Quote:
“It just feels like a classic made modern. I don’t know. I’m just absolutely taken with this.” —Corey [27:46]
- The symmetry is highlighted as essential for a refined, organized look.
Fern Dot Box
[29:35]
- Handcrafted in India, each box is one-of-a-kind, heavy, green, and versatile for organization—think jewelry, supplements, bathroom supplies.
- Highlights the importance of “beautiful boxes” for everyday luxuries and tidying up visually.
- Quote:
“This is for the artist and the lover and the poet.” —Corey [31:53]
Simone Slipper Chair
[32:28]
- A sculptural, armless accent piece praised for its comfort, side profile, and distinctive pinkish woven fabric.
- Works as accent seating in bedrooms and living spaces, tested by people of all heights for universal comfort.
- Quote:
“It feels so iconic... it just looks so lifestyle y and looks so put together all the time.” —Corey [35:18]
Greenwood Stem
[38:37]
- A faux branch offering: tall, voluminous, and convincing enough to pass for real. Used throughout Corey's home for drama and cohesion in styling.
- A new favorite for effortless, year-round greenery.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On why they design their own pieces:
“It is practical based because we know what's happening. Since you're on the front lines of design... we're tapping into needs that are out there.” —Corey [02:57]
-
On perfection in designing the Cocoon Chair:
“We could have done it a year ago and not had it be perfect, but it's perfect. Yeah, we completely nailed it.” —Corey [12:01]
-
On polyvalent use of furniture:
“Engineering. In a room configuration... a daybed completes the conversation circle. You can have people on every surface and everybody can be facing the middle and talking.” —Corey [14:52], [15:46]
-
On entryway design:
“If you're feeling like something's missing in your home or that your entry's been underplayed, you might just be missing a center hall table.” —Corey [22:14]
-
On decorative boxes and living beautifully:
“Once you start to live more beautifully, you want to corral beautiful things in a beautiful way. This is how you do it.” —Suzanne [26:00]
-
On the goal of the new collection:
“Color is what we’re trying to invoke more of in our interiors today.” —Corey [31:04]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [04:33] Bruno Burlwood Pedestal
- [08:49] Cocoon Swivel Chair
- [13:17] Nicholas Daybed
- [19:16] Constance Center Hall Table
- [22:47] Luca Center Hall Table
- [23:32] Chagrin Lacquer Tray
- [26:18] Colette Curved Sofa
- [29:35] Fern Dot Box
- [32:28] Simone Slipper Chair
- [38:37] Greenwood Stem (decorative faux branch)
Design Tips & Inspiration
- Pedestals and center hall tables are powerful tools for filling voids, refreshing spaces, and creating gallery-like interiors.
- Furniture in multipurpose spaces (bedrooms, large closets, under-windows, entries) can be both utility-driven and visually impactful.
- Investment in quality materials, artisanal details, and modular design translates to timelessness—not just trend.
- Small accessories, like trays and boxes, can “up-level” or rescue older pieces and organize daily clutter beautifully.
- Don’t be afraid of color—even subtle, sophisticated greens and pinks have a place in the new classic home.
Tone
The discussion is conversational, full of mutual admiration, humor, occasional design nerdiness, and a clear love for details. They express pride in finally releasing a collection that answers genuine design needs and encourages listeners to elevate their environments with both big statement pieces and small accessories.
For Further Engagement
Listeners are encouraged to follow the team on social media (@alicelaneinteriors / @alicelanehome) and to send in episode ideas or questions. The hosts emphasize their willingness to share advice and their ambition to become the number one design podcast.