As a Residential Interior Designer, there is so much beauty that I get to experience everyday in home fashion and styling. My personal taste constantly changes, although there are the classics that I will always love. My personal decorating style can change from one week to the next. This is what makes me different from other Designers; I don’t necessarily embrace just one signature look – I love and appreciate every design aesthetic, and I am very flexible to each client’s unique needs. So from a mountain lodge to a beach cottage, and everything in between, I craft each space to suit my client’s lifestyle and taste.
Having rescued a 1905 Victorian cottage that is now my design studio, and refreshing it to its former glory, has also allowed my personal design aesthetic to evolve – from traditional with dark cherry woods to light & airy cottage style with a hint of industrial.
During the planning phase, and now adding the finishing touches to this turn of the century gem, I have realized that there are a few things that I am really into, and had to have in this space.
Here is a list of 5 things I am really into (currently, because I know this will change pretty soon 
)
1. Large Scale Horizontal Striped Walls
Source: Casa Vilora Interiors – Horizontal Striped Walls
Source: Casa Vilora Interiors – Toddlers’ Bedroom with horizontal stripes
I don’t know what it is about large scaled horizontal stripes on walls that totally get my attention. Maybe it is the fact that it is such a big trend at the moment, but still has a very timeless appeal. It could also be because it is simple to do, not very expensive and adds a certain je ne sais quoi. I especially love the more subtle tone-on-tone version, but I also like a bold contrast in certain settings.
2. Shades of Gray
Source: Décor Pad.com
Source: Usestack.com
For a very long time, I was into the Tuscan look with warm neutral colors accented with red and burnt orange for my personal home. But these days I have made a 180 degree turn to cooler, more relaxed and monochromatic color schemes in shades of gray…… all 50 of them 
. Ok that was a bad joke. I just love the calming effect of gray – especially in a bedroom. Don’t get me wrong. I still love a punch of color. But this is what makes a gray neutral back drop so great. You can then accent with whatever color you enjoy.
3. Open Shelves In Kitchens
Source: TheInspiredRoom.net
Source: Centsationalgirl.com
Source: HammersandHighHeels.blogspot.com
Look at the amazing photos above and you can see why I’m really into kitchens with open shelves. This is a great way to highlight a beautiful collection (which is one more thing I’m into) and a wonderful way to break up the look of a bulky bank of cabinets, and lighten up your kitchen just a bit.
In my Victorian cottage, there is a small kitchen that I am sure is original to the house. My landlord painted the cabinets in a really yucky shade of red and they just don’t look that great. The layout of the kitchen is also very poor and it is sorely lacking in storage. Since I am leasing this property for now (hoping to purchase it next year), and won’t even use the kitchen that much since I am not living there, I was looking for ways to freshen up the look on a very tight budget. Open shelves came to mind immediately and of course repainting the cabinets. I will also add a subway tile or mosaic tile backsplash that I may even cover the entire wall with.
Here is a BEFORE shot of the kitchen.
This is a BEFORE shot of the kitchen in the design studio for Casa Vilora Interiors
Can you see that it needs urgent attention? Right now it is a catch all for all the things I have no idea what to do with. I literally close my eyes as I walk through it to get to the back office sample room.
AFTER pictures will hopefully be coming soon. It’s on my list of projects to get to soon.
4. Collections (White Plates and Ironstone)
Source: RosemaryOnTheTV.com
Source: Burlap and Blue.com
Source: Indulgy.com
Source: Casa Vilora Interiors
I love collections! Whatever is placed in well thought out groupings always look fabulous to me. Blue and white porcelain, a collage of mirrors, family photos in great frames, you name it; grouping them in a collection always has a bigger impact in a room.
I have a weakness for white plates, especially hanging on walls. I have had quite the collection for a very long time, but have only recently started to hang them. My obsession has brought me to the world of collecting ironstone. I only have a couple of pieces so far, but I am really enjoying the hunt.
I am making room in my design studio for future pieces. I had my carpenter build me this plate rack that I hung in the kitchen, and will be painting in white next weekend. I will slowly be adding new pieces in, along with some of my older pieces. Exciting! Take a look
Here is a post I wrote not long ago about my love for plate racks. Click here
Plate Rack for white plates collection for Casa Vilora Interiors
And in case you are wondering how I hang plates on the wall……..
Source: Casa Vilora Interiors
Source: Casa Vilora Interiors
5. Skirted Tables
Source: Casa Vilora Interiors
Source: SoHauteStyle.com
Source: Chic and Glamorous
Source: House Beautiful
I just love skirted tables. They add such a feminine element to a room. I especially love the very tailored box pleat versions. To think that underneath the beautiful facade is probably a particle board skeleton of a table, shows just how a bit of creativity and a fabulous fabric can change the look of a piece of furniture. Click here to see the article I wrote a while ago about my love for skirted tables.
And here’s a BONUS of one more thing I’m really into
6. doTERRA Essential Oils
doTERRA Essential Oils
Many of us are searching for a more holistic approach to self care, aroma therapy, and staying healthy. Essential Oils are gaining in popularity and mainstream acceptance.
doTERRA Essential Oils are certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils. I made the decision over 8 months ago to take charge of my own health and find a better alternative to mainstream medicine and my diet. I switched my diet to almost raw vegan and I never looked back. doTerra Essential Oils is a natural choice for me. It complements my lifestyle in a wonderful way. I recently signed on as a Wellness Advocate for doTERRA, and I am very excited about this opportunity to share my experience with using these amazing essential oils, and hopefully help influence others to take charge of their health with this natural alternative. Click here to find out more about doTERRA Essential Oils and to try them for yourself. I will be talking more about doTERRA in great detail in a future post, so please watch for that.
I have enjoyed sharing 5 things that I am really into. Let me just add that I am REALLY into YOU the readers, commenters and followers of The Naked Decorator. Your support means the world to me
Now it’s your turn! What are some of the things you are into?
Have a fabulous Friday and an amazing weekend! It’s finally Spring, so get out there and do something fun this weekend!
Be Inspired!
Veronica Solomon, Casa Vilora Interiors
VeronicaSolomon.com
Oh my gosh! I have to agree with you… those large horizontal stripes really catch the eye, and brings a level of calm excitement! I have to have those!!!
Also, I’m so excited that you are involved in doTERRA! This is a huge movement! Such a generous company that makes every person able to afford having these amazing oils in their own homes! Love doTERRA! Always looking forward to your next post
I think you should go for the stripes Loretta! Try a small bathroom or bedroom!
I am really excited about doTERRA! Wonderful company and I’m already feeling the love and support from everyone!
50 shades of gray??
Haha! Why not Meli?
Love the picture and ideas. I’m in the mood to do some changes but on a limited budget. I’ve been thinking about painting a few rooms. Freshen up. Some nice ideas.
Paint is such an inexpensive way to shake up an old space and make it new again. Love those wide, horizontal stripes! Thanks for sharing these great (and inexpensive) ideas!
Love, love, love your ideas. I have always loved the idea of opened cupboards in the kitchen. Just love your ideas!!!
I’ve been so curious about essential oils. As for the open shelves kitchen, the hoarder in me won’t have it! lol
The broad horizontal stripes does look really beautiful. These are some great ideas for revamping the home space. Will keep in mind for my new place.
Very nice ideas. My house is so plain, but maybe when my kids aren’t around to destroy everything, I can have nice things like the stuff in the pictures.
I would LOVE to do horizontal stripes, but I am so afraid they would be crooked!!
I love those striped walls! Something I am really into at the moment is chandeliers.
Being a landscaper, I’m into greens and yellows and bright floral colors. I love a pop of color inside and outside my house.
These are all great! I especially love the open shelves. Those kitchens look incredible.
Wonderful list! I am in love with shades of grey at the moment as well. I love how classy and simple it is and it’s so easy to do various things with grey which is great. I also love the open shelves in the kitchen.
I love the open shelf look but my kids mess up the cabinets so much I am not sure I could get away with it!
Love these ideas so pretty. You have a great ryr for desgn.
Wow, those ideas are awesome. So gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.
I am all about the shades of gray lately. I have grand dreams of what my bedroom will look like as soon as I get around to redoing it. It will definitely be gray!
I love EO’s! I’ve just become to study them in the last few months. Very helpful
I love the shades of grey! Very creative and great ideas!!
I must say I’m totally loving the the neutral gray as well. It’s a perfect backdrop.
You have so many fabulous ideas! I love the idea of the open shelves in the kitchen..as long as you have matching sets of plates and dishes..we have a variety of way to many different styles and patterns:)
An eclectic mix can be great too Dani. Just look for the ones that have something in common – whether the color or scale and use for your grouping. A collected eclectic mix tromps matchy matchy any day in my book
I love the horizontal stripes too. The gray ones you put up here are awesome!! I’d love to do something like that in the house!
love the setups!! thanks for sharing
I love strips on walls! and I’m really into grey at the moment. Going to be doing my room grey and dusky pink soon
Very nice! All 5 are very much important for interior designing and I can say that you are a great interior designer.
Thank you Gerald!
It seems like a lot of people are making this switch from the darker heavier to lighter and softer.
That’s right Jeff! But don’t be surprised when it comes back around in a few years
I really like the looks in your pictures and have started decorating our new home in these cooler tones.
I will be sharing your blog here with some clients that need to update their home.
Awesome! I appreciate that Jim
I really like the shades of gray. Something about the different shades on each other, it just looks great!
I so am in love with your taste! The stripe walls are the cats pi’s!:=)
Thank you Stephanie!
I’m with you on the collections and the shades of gray for sure! I have a feeling I’m way too trendy LOL I’ll be done with what I like in a matter of months, probably!
I loved seeing what you are into. I really like the strip walls as well.
I really like the open kitchen shelves but my cabinets are not organized enough to show off. I love the horizontal stripes too.
When I win the lottery, I am flying you up here to decorate my house. I loved the purple striped walls.
Haha! Thanks TripleZmom! I would love to. Let me know when you bring home the big jackpot
I have been seeing a lot of posts about open cabinets. I would love to try this but I’m afraid that my junky hideaways would be disclosed.
I hear you Rachee. I think it has the opposite effect – it forces you to stay organized which is great
Thank you all for your great comments!
Such gorgeous, peaceful rooms. I would love to redo, well, just about everything in my house!
I love the look of that shaded gray, it is simply stunning!
I am lovin’ the horizontal stripes! Whenever we have a baby, we may have to do that for his/her room
I love horizontal stripes in a nursery or kids’ room!
I really love everything you shared here. Thank you so much for the tip on how to hang plates on the walls. I’ve been thinking about doing something but had no idea how I would accomplish it! Thank you!
You are welcome Erica! It’s very easy and very sturdy too
I love the idea of skirted tables. I’d hide stuff under them, use them as storage. Not sure if that’s the intent, but it’s just the perfect hiding spot!
That is a great idea for them! You can definitely help keep a space organized by hiding away stuff under a skirted table.
Great selections. Our living room and bedroom are painted grey. I absolutely love them. I’m looking for the perfect skirt for my tabled turned desk.
Thanks Virginia. Your best bet is to go custom. You can find a wonderful inexpensive fabric and have a seamstress make it for you. I could even help you with the right measurements sent to me