As I always say, nothing makes a room like adding draperies or curtains. They are great for a focal point in a room, they add color and coziness and pulls a room together.
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you will no doubt be familiar with my 1905 Victorian house that I am fixing up as my design studio. It has been a few months since I got my hands on this hidden gem, and since then I have been slowly reviving it from the beautiful mess it was.
Casa Vilora Interiors Design Studio located at 5602 Franz Rd Katy TX 77493
I have been trying to stay true to the charm and character of this 1905 historical home, while recognizing my personal design aesthetic, and of course keeping my eye on the bottom line.
The concept behind the decoration of my design studio, is to create a home-like atmosphere centered on hospitality, so that my clients and potential clients would feel almost like they were invited into my own home. That way they can see themselves in a Casa Vilora Interiors designed space – even if it is not necessarily their personal design aesthetic. It is more of a mood and feeling that I am trying to capture.
I brought in comfortable upholstery to allow clients to sit and relax and talk freely about their interior design dreams. The dining room/conference room vignette also boasts a settee and upholstered chairs instead of typical dining room chairs. It is all about comfort and homey-ness.
It is still a work in progress, as there are still a lot of small projects to be done, but I am definitely on a roll.
This past Saturday, I finally had the draperies installed in three of the room vignettes – the living room or reception area, the dining room or conference room, and the study or where all the paperwork happens 
I will share some of the pictures taken with my iPad, but I will be bringing in a professional photographer after it’s all done.
First off the living room/reception area. These are lined pinch pleat drapery panels in a blue and white cotton damask fabric. The custom pillows for the sofas are still in production for the room, and those will definitely help to finish the room.
This next picture is the dining room or conference room vignette. This room is where I will sit down with clients and show them all the wonderful ideas I came up with for their projects.
These draperies are a beautiful linen cotton blend. I just love the colors
This is the study or the room where the magic happens There are actually a total of six drapery panels in this room, but the room needed a bit of organizing at the time of the photos
I just love this beautiful geometric Kravet linen fabric
Here are some other views
I added a piece of art done by my daughter when she was in 8th grade. It was judged for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, but wasn’t selected. She insists she doesn’t like it at all….I mean she has gotten so much better now, but I just love this piece. I framed it in an inexpensive Ikea frame, and I think it looks like a million bucks! You can see more of my daughter’s work from a previous Artist Spotlight post. Click here
There are quite a few more projects I will be tackling before the Spring Open House in April.
- Paint the small powder room including the cabinets, trim, and even the old claw foot tub
- Paint the kitchen cabinets
- Decorate the powder room and kitchen vignette
- Finish hanging plates from my white plate collection
- Build plate rack for wall in kitchen
- Add spring flowers to the front porch
Wow, still a long laundry list of items to be done, but I’ll get there!
Thanks for checking out my design studio happenings. More coming soon so stay tuned!
I am heading off to Dallas for the next few days for Spring Break, so I won’t be posting for a few days. But be sure to check in on my Facebook page for updates about my Spring Break trip to Dallas. You won’t want to miss my visit to The Dallas Market Center. I know it will be amazing!
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Be Inspired!
Veronica Solomon, Casa Vilora Interiors
VeronicaSolomon.com
I love your decorating! We have a very simple style in our house and our philosophy is less is more. We don’t have curtains because I’m afraid it will make our small house look too cluttered and not as simple. But after seeing your awesome pictures I might consider trying to find some cute fabric and make my own curtains. Thanks!
Thanks Amanda. Curtains done well really enhance a room and make it look finished. As often as I do drapery installs, I am always so amazed at how much they change the look and feel of a room for the better
Have fun in Dallas!
I don’t do anything fancy with my curtains, but I definitely think curtains can make or break a room.
You’re right Robin. They sure can. Maybe I can hook you up one day
Thanks
What a Beautiful home. I wish I knew how to decorate like this.
Thanks Tina! This is my design studio. You should see the before pictures. I will share them in another post one day soon
You do have a beautiful way of decorating. For me, I guess I just don’t care much for decorating. Like lipstick, I don’t wear it or focus on my curtains. LOL
Thank you!
Beautiful job! I agree with you that curtains are in fact the lipstick to decorating. You can really pull a room together by using them. The ones you used look absolutely fabulous in that home!
It’s also amazing how doing something as simple as changing the curtains and adding a few difference accessories to a room can really change the tone as well. You always have the best ideas!
Thank you so much KungPhoo. I am a big believer in curtains. I have a weakness for beautiful fabrics and I love seeing them made into curtains to add softness in a room
My curtain are all solid colors, but I’m looking forward to swapping them out for fun prints. We recently redecorated our master bedroom and I chose damask print for the curtains – love them! All of the curtains you’ve shown here are gorgeous – thank you for the inspiration.
Thanks Emily. I find that people are sometimes scared of using patterned fabrics for draperies. But a well chosen patterned fabric can work so much better than plain solids. You can actually modify the solid color curtains you have now by adding a color block using a coordinating patterned fabric. Color block is a big trend now, but it has actually been around for a long time. It is an inexpensive way to go instead of replacing your solid color curtains
I love your expression that draperies are like the lipstick of decorating!
Yep. I love it too! A fellow designer friend posted this on her Facebook page and I had to share it here
I enjoy the idea that draperies can finish off a room or setting to make it just right. And I love your decorating ideas, great talent! I think it’s important to pull a room together while making it look nice and feel like home. Thank you, for sharing your work and ideas, they are worth trying out!
Thanks Meryl. It is my heart, so I love sharing it with others.
This does feel like a home, comfy, beautifully assembed and a reflection of your talent. I love fabric althou have hardly ever shopped for any so I cant wait to see the draperies up close and the professional finished photos. I think you created a fabulous studio for yourself and your lcients.
Thank you Roz! I have enjoyed putting it together
Your decorating is gorgeous! I need to do something about my windows. Draperies really pull the room together.
Thank you so much. Let me know if you need help with draperies
i love your living room! lovin the striped walls and that white knight chess piece is stunning, I want one
Thanks Natasha! that chess piece has been with me for many years. I think I got it at Marshall’s a long time ago
Such a welcoming living room! You’ve created a warm space. The draperies definitely do much a difference. Beautiful!
Thanks Alexandria! I really appreciate it
I always enjoy seeing pictures of your work. What do you suggest for those who are renting that’s afraid to put holes in the walls?
Thanks so much! For apartment dwelling, you can do fabric shades installed inside the windows with tension rods to avoid putting holes in the walls. In general, the management companies will allow you to hang curtains if you fill the holes before moving out.
Those drapes perfectly compliment your room. They are absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks Lawna
You are so right about curtains. Not having curtains in the house, makes the house feel a little naked. It does complete the house and makes it very welcoming. Thanks for sharing the pictures!
Thanks Nate! That’s why I named my drapery business No Naked Windows. Lol
The lipstick of decorating, I like that! And your curtains (and the entire room they are in) are gorgeous!!! **LOVE**
Thanks Kristen!
I love this. If I ever get to your part of the world I will come and see this masterpiece! It’s gorgeous, just like you!!
I would love to have you Tina. Thank you
That is a beautiful room. I would feel comfortable meeting there for sure. Plus, I think your daughter did a great job on that photo. I am not sure why she doesn’t like it.
Thank you so much Pam. My daughter is like more artists; very critical of their own work
Your studio is just really beautiful! You’ve truly selected some beautiful things!
Thanks Liz!
You’re an amazing decorator! Can you share where you got those lovely chairs?
Thanks Marjory. Those chairs are from Restoration Hardware
You have a very nice studio. Did you paint the portrait of the home?
Thanks Jim. The picture was edited in an app called Waterlogue. It is not a painting
I so love your style! What a great quote about the curtains are the lipstick…Love it!!!
Thanks so much Traci
I always love reading your posts Veronica!!! Beautiful pics!!! Thanks for sharing
Thanks Joan!
Those rooms look stunning. The curtains really complete the whole thing. Amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Ashley!
Wow. It is amazing how a few finishing touches can really change a rooms look.
They sure can Lilith
Beautiful draperies! I seriously need to change the ones in my living room and bedroom come spring. You have inspired me! =)
Thanks Marielle. Glad you found some inspiration here
These drapes look lovely. I always have a hard time picking drapes out for my living room because I don’t know about measuring. Must have something to do with me being so bad at math.
Haha! Measuring is simple. Let me know if you ever need help
I do love the draperies! Actually, I love everything about the entire studio! Especially those walls!
Thanks Theresa! The walls are my favorite part
Looks like i need to change my curtains.. its been 2 years since i changed it. Those are lovely designs.
Thanks Richard. I can help with that!
Yes!! Curtains make a huge difference. I always say to invest in a good pair of curtains since funding another set you love is hard to find!
That’s right Maria
It is SO gorgeous!! You can’t help but be inspired in a place like that! It’s much too pretty to be a studio only, can I move in?
Lol. Thanks Tiffany. I can design you one just like it
You are doing a great job! It looks very homey to me already
Thanks Annie!
You’ve done a great job Veronica!
Thanks Meli
I love to decorate with curtains! Curtains make or break a room I think.
That is so gorgeous! I love the stripes on the wall, then the bit of color in the draperies. Perfect together.
I really adore your taste in decorating.
Amazing. It’s so amazing how you decorated the place – I feel I want to be there, lol.
I love how arranged everything is in your pics. You’re so professional. I’m inspired.
I like those drapes a lot. It adds more height to your room. I also like the chandelier.
That place is beautiful! You are doing an amazing job! My house was built in 1890 and has been a serious fixxer upper since we purchased it two and a half years ago. I’ve done a few major overhauls but we still have a long way to go!
I really like what you’ve done. Also, the painting in the living room. I love what you’ve done there too!
How exciting to see your dreams come alive! You are doing an amazing job with this remodel. Taking on an older house is not an easy task.
This is so beautiful, you’ve have a very warm and inviting look to your house!
You’ve done some amazing work and I’m loving the look of this as well. As for the artwork by your daughter, I think she did a great job at it as well!
Thank you Amanda
Everything looks beautiful! You are really talented!
It definitely look more homey. My mom agrees with the first quote. She loves decorating the house with curtains on the windows!
Thanks Le-An, it’s a great quote
Veronica, I changed continents 7 times in 14 years. I never quite got the curtains up anywhere before moving on. I knew I’d be “settled” wherever I finally got the curtains up. (And that was here in South Florida.) They really are far more than just long swaths of fabric, aren’t they?
Love the quote graphic at the beginning of this article, Veronica! “Thinking of curtains as the “lipstick of decorating” definitely got my attention. You are doing a fantastic job and the pictures turned out great from you iPad. You are inspiring me to do some decorating, too!
Beautiful. I loved how you mentioned creating this space with hospitality. That is awesome. And your clients will definitely feel cozy and comfortable as they can witness your talent first hand. Great job!
Thank you! Some clients find the process intimidating so that helps them to feel relaxed