Category Archives: Design Studio Happenings

One Room Challenge: Studio Dining Room – Week 2

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Hello again and welcome to week 2 of the One Room Challenge. If you aren’t familiar with the ORC, please check out Week 1 to get up to speed.

One Room Challenge

 

I accomplished quite a bit within the last week. I identified all the pieces that I will be using in the room - Some I already owned and some I am in the process of purchasing.

Here’s the mood board showing all the pieces for the room. I was having issues removing the backgrounds from some of these pictures, but hopefully you get the idea of how these pieces will work together in the dining room.

one room challenge

Created Using SampleBoard.com

As you can see it will be quite an eclectic mix with a common theme in the color scheme and the casual, comfortable feel of each piece. As a Designer, I appreciate so many different design styles. I always try to incorporate the things I love regardless of the style and period into one cohesive look. The result is a room with more personality and a collected feel versus a showroomy feel.

The only missing piece is a large console or sofa table to place behind the bench to fill in that awkward space (see floor plan below), but I was having trouble finding the right dimensions and for the right price. Those bad boys were getting quite pricey!! :-(

one room challenge

Studio Dining Room Floorplan

 

Well, the solution to this dilemma was having a console built out of scrap wood and then adding a tailored box pleat skirt. Here’s what we came up with. It measures 60″W, 12″D and 35″H. The perfect size for what I need! I had a couple of shelves added so I can use it for storing items I don’t need on a regular basis.

one room challenge

Bones of Console Table – Casa Vilora Interiors

This is what it will look like when it is all done (with different fabric of course).

one room challenge

Box Pleat Skirted Table

one room challenge

Photo: Elements Of Style Blog

See how pretty that is? And none will be the wiser about what is underneath the skirt!

So here’s what the room looks like now.

one room challenge

The Light Fixture from Ikea

one room challenge

The chandelier is in, which many of you might be familiar with. It is the Maskros Chandelier from Ikea. These are some of the furniture pieces I already owned: the table, bench and arm chairs. The sideboard off to the right is a recent purchase and so was the area rug.

I think I got a lot accomplished! What do you think?

I am eager to see what the other Bloggers have been up to. You can check them out below, and the linking event here

Please come back next Thursday to see the progress of my dining room. You can click the icon below (also in my side bar) anytime to follow the progress of the One Room Challenge Studio Dining Room

ORClinkingparticipantCIH

Happy Thursday!

Be Inspired!

Casa Vilora Interiors

Veronica Solomon, Casa Vilora Interiors
VeronicaSolomon.com

 

One Room Challenge: Studio Dining Room – Week 1

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So I am very excited to announce that I will be linking into this year’s One Room Challenge (ORC).

What is One Room Challenge you ask?…… Great question!…….

ORC is a semi-annual event where 20 bloggers, made up of Professional Designers, DIY-ers, and Interior Designer Bloggers, transform a room from start to finish. For the next six Wednesdays, they will be giving updates on the progress of their rooms.

Here are the participants One Room Challenge

 Abby M. Interiors

They have graciously opened the challenge to other bloggers like myself who would like to participate by linking in on Thursdays to show the progress of a space they are working on.

This is a great opportunity for me to meet and get to know fellow bloggers, and maybe even gain some new followers. This challenge is sure to keep me accountable, on track and motivated to finish one of my personal projects. Too often my personal projects take the back seat due to time constraints. I think it’s a win-win, and I am super excited to participate!

Basically I have chosen a room that I will be working on for the next six weeks, and each Thursday I will share with you the progress of this room through to completion! How exciting is that? You will see a little bit of the behind the scenes of how a project comes together.

I was quite torn about which room to choose for ORC, so I had the kids take a vote.

Here were the choices:

  • The Study of my Design Studio
  • The Living Room of my Design Studio
  • The Dining Room of my Design Studio
  • The Kitchen of my Design Studio
  • The Master Bedroom of a wonderful client who I know would be ok with that

Well, it’s right there in the title……we ended up choosing the Dining Room/Conference Room of my Design Studio. Can’t wait to get this baby going!! :-)

Some of you may recall that my Studio is an historical 1905 Victorian cottage that I am leasing. The home needed a lot of TLC when I first saw it and I have been slowly working on each room as budget allows. Since it is a lease, I am very careful about the improvements I make. I do not want to put too much money into something I don’t own. I plan to buy it in the next year or so, but until then, I am penny pinching.

Here’s a Waterlogue image of the exterior. Isn’t it cute?! I loved it from the very first moment I saw it….despite the mess that it was.

Casa Vilora Interiors Design Studio located at 5602 Franz Rd Katy TX 77493

Casa Vilora Interiors Design Studio located at 5602 Franz Rd Katy TX 77493

About the Dining Room

When I first saw the dining room, I couldn’t believe how small it was and I couldn’t understand why someone would paint such a small space (ceiling included) in dark puke green. The room has just one window and doesn’t get much natural light, especially since there is a carport right by the window. The dining room has three doorways which makes it feel more like a pass through and not one to stop and linger in. The layout was going to be very difficult because traffic pattern was working against it.

Another challenge in the room is the thermostat which is smack dab in the middle of the main wall The room does have a few great features: High ceilings, wonderful casings around the window and doorways and the original hardwood floor stained a dark ebony.

The Floorplan

dining room floor olan

The Floorplan for Dining Room/Conference Room at Casa Vilora Interiors Design Studio

As you can see the traffic pattern is a bit weird so a traditional dining room layout would not work well. Besides, the space will not be used for dining, but as a conference room for meetings with clients.

The Goal for The Dining Room

  • For guests and clients to feel welcomed and at home
  • To complete it on a very limited budget utilizing items that I already own
  • No construction and only manageable DIY projects
  • Respecting the architecture and history of the home

The Feeling I want to Create

  • Light and airy with great traffic flow
  • casual feeling in keeping with the cottage feel of the home
  • comfortable and welcoming and feel more like a home than a business office

The Color Scheme

  • Cool grays, yellows, light turquoise, light jade, white

The Before

One Room Challenge Dining Room

Dining Room BEFORE

This was right after painting. Unfortunately I cannot find the picture of the puke green walls. I chose a nice cool gray (Benjamin Moore Silver Chain) for the walls, and a bright white for the ceiling to bring in as much natural light as possible.

one room challenge

Dining Room BEFORE

This shows the view to the kitchen. Notice the thermostat in the center of the wall? I decided not to move it, so I will have to decorate around it :-(

I really didn’t search for inspiration because I knew exactly what I wanted the room to look like, but here are a few pictures that will help you visualize my goal for the space

one room challenge

Source: Melissa G Moore Blog

One Room Challenge Dining Room

Source: Haltik.net

One room challenge - dining room

Source: The Decoist

Ok, that is it for now! I hope you come along each week and follow the progress of the Studio Dining Room makeover.

Please feel free to leave me your thoughts and comments!

You can look for this badge in my side bar to follow along anytime!

ORClinkingparticipantCIH
Click here to visit the link party going on now!

Have a terrific Thursday!

Be Inspired!

Casa Vilora Interiors

Veronica Solomon, Casa Vilora Interiors
VeronicaSolomon.com

Studio Happenings: Draperies Installed Finally

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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.

Casa vilora interiors drapery
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

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.

Casa Vilora Interiors Drapery

photo (40)

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

Casa Vilora Interiors drapery panels

Casa vilora interiors drapery
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

Casa Vilora Interiors drapery

Here are some other views

casa vilora interiors drapery

Casa Vilora Interiors
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

Casa Vilora Interiors
Courtney Morris artist
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!

casa vilora interiors photo collage

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!

Casa Vilora Interiors

Veronica Solomon, Casa Vilora Interiors
VeronicaSolomon.com

Studio Happenings: To Paint Or Not To Paint

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My Restoration Hardware vintage wooden carousel horse arrived this week and I am super happy! You may recall from a recent post that I ordered it for my old Victorian design studio.

I found it and fell in love with it while shopping for a client, and of course ordered it, not quite sure where I was going to place it.

Here’s what the carousel horse looks like incase you missed the recent post where it was featured

Source: Restoration Hardware Baby and Child

Source: Restoration Hardware
Baby and Child

The wooden carousel horse is artisan crafted by hand, and no two are exactly the  same, so I was anxious to see what it would look like when it arrived.

It was slightly darker than the photo on Restoration Hardware’s site, but that was to be expected. I love the graceful shape and scale of it, and I am very happy I bought it!

I decided to place it in the dining room/conference room vignette of my design studio, and I really like it there. The scale is perfect and it enhances the focal point of this room that is really devoid of any real architectural features to speak of

Here is the carousel horse in a room vignette by Restoration Hardware. This will hopefully give you an idea of the scale of it

Source: Restoration Hardware Baby and Child

Source: Restoration Hardware Baby and Child

(Fortunately the horse wasn’t a little bit further to the left in this picture. Look carefully :-) :-) ) Ok sorry, couldn’t resist :-)

The darker oak finish works great in the vignette above, but seems a bit too dark for mine. I have been trying to decide whether or not to give it a lighter finish. Maybe paint it white with a bit of distressing and antiquing to really make it look old. Right now it just feels a bit too new and too much of a contrast in my design studio.

Maybe something similar to this…….

painted finish

Take a look and tell me what you think.

Here it is in my studio

Casa Vilora Interiors carousel horse

What you are looking at is the main wall as you walk into the dining room vignette of my design studio. It is anchored by a tufted settee with a skirted console table behind it. The horse sits perfectly on top of the console table. On the wall is an arrangement of some of my white plates (still missing a few that I just cannot find time to hang :-) ), and the round dining table with a faux orchid floral and two ginger jars in the foreground. I will share pictures of the finished room very soon.

My faux painter would do an amazing job of “aging” it for me, so I am not that worried about how it will turn out. I just hate to alter it in any way. Maybe it’s the OCD nature in me :-)

So what is your take on this? To paint or not to paint? Feel free to chime in in the comments field below.

I think I will wait until the room is completely finished, and maybe live with it for a couple of weeks after that, before I decide to paint or not to paint.

Decisions, decisions :-)

Hope you all have a great weekend! I will be spending a big part of mine spray painting some lamps and accessories for the studio.

Be Inspired!

Casa Vilora Interiors

Veronica Solomon, Casa Vilora Interiors
VeronicaSolomon.com

 

 

 

Studio Happenings: Styling The Cocktail Table

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If you’ve been following my blog for a while you probably know that I have been tinkering away at finishing my old Victorian house turned design studio for a couple of months now.

I have been consistently and inexpensively adding new pieces. This week, I added the new slip-covered sofas, and a few more accessories. Last week was the area rugs. Next week will be draperies, and I am super excited about that addition!! :-) :-)

A few days ago I received a nice bouquet of tulips to cheer me up after a long weekend. Tulips are my favorites, and what better way to display them than on the cocktail table. To complete the cocktail table vignette, I added a few design magazines and books I had on hand from my vast collection, a horse head chess piece that was sitting unused in my garage, a tiny trinket box from my home, and a terrarium left over from a previous project.

You can see a glimpse of one of the sofas in the background. They are still missing pillows and maybe a throw but soon those will be added to finish the look

Here’s what the cocktail table looks like now

Casa Vilora Interiors

Here’s a before shot of the cocktail table

Casa Vilora Interiors

You can see that it is all a work in progress. But soon will be awesomely beautiful! :-)

I have been obsessed with the Instatus photo editor lately, so here is the same picture after being edited with Instatusapp

Casa Vilora Interiors

The key here is that you too can style a cocktail table on a budget using pieces that you already own.

  • Start with fresh flowers that you can pick up from your local grocery store or cut from your own garden
  • Books and magazines are beautiful and are wonderful to use for decorating. They are great space fillers or for adding height to an object in a vignette.
  • “Shop” your home for any decorative objects that you can use to finish the look. You’ll be surprised what you will find, even inside your kitchen cabinets
  • Check out garage sales or estate sales for unique finds. Refinish or spray paint if you have to
  • If you are crafty, You can make something unique to display

Here are a couple more styled cocktail tables for your inspiration

Source: Chic and Glamorous

Source: Chic and Glamorous

Notice how books are used generously.

Source: Sweet Nothings

Source: Sweet Nothings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What decorating projects have you been working on lately? tell us about it in the comments below.

Hope you all have a terrific Thursday!

Be Inspired!

Casa Vilora Interiors

Veronica Solomon, Casa Vilora Interiors
VeronicaSolomon.com

 

 

My Restoration Hardware Haul

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I’m on a mission to finish off my design studio in time for my Spring Open House at the end of March or early April

I have to admit that it hasn’t been easy trying to furnish and fully decorate a 1400 square foot space on a tight budget. I am determined to do it without any business or personal loans or debt, and so I have had to get really creative (that’s what I do anyway :-) )

My design studio is a 1905 Victorian home designated by The City of Katy as an historical home back in the 1980′s. It is zoned as a commercial property now, but in its former life was a rent house that was never occupied by the actual owners until the 1960′s, at which time an addition was done on the rear (making it the 1400sf)

The property was in really rough condition when I discovered it back in October, but with some inexpensive fixes like painting and landscaping, and some expensive ones like upgrading systems, it is now in “livable” condition. I won’t get into too much detail now, as I will be doing a full video tour and blog upon completion. I also am happy to announce that I have had some interest from a popular national decorating magazine, that might be interested in doing a story on my little gem. Fingers and toes crossed for me please :-) That may delay when I can share pictures publicly, but I will eventually. I promise! :-)

So back to the point of today’s post……. my Restoration Hardware haul!

I decided to go for a very casual, shabby chic with an industrial twist as the overall look for the space. Restoration Hardware has become a great source for that look.

It all started with a pair of these wing back chairs in the living room/reception vignette

Source: Restoration Hardware

Source: Restoration Hardware

They provide the perfect combination of timeless and classic lines with a casual, distressed feel.

I also brought in a pair of these in the dining room/conference room vignette

Source: Restoration Hardware

Source: Restoration Hardware

 

Definitely adds a bit of the feminine, shabby chic touch, but still tailored and refined…..and very comfy too!

The piece that I am most excited about is this vintage carousel horse! Don’t you love it too?

Source: Restoration Hardware Baby and Child

Source: Restoration Hardware Baby and Child

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just ordered it so it’s not here yet. I have a few places in mind for where I’ll prominently display it, but we’ll see when it gets here.

Then the final piece is this awesome bulletin board (the medium size), that will be my inspiration and idea board in the room that is my study.

Source: Restoration Hardware

Source: Restoration Hardware

 

So what do you think of my Restoration Hardware haul?

Of course there has been a lot of spray painting in the process of putting together my studio vignettes.

Source: Casa Vilora Interiors

Source: Casa Vilora Interiors

I purchased this sunburst mirror about 16 years ago from a store called “This End Up” (not sure if they are still around), but it was a bright, shiny gold finish that just didn’t work for the look I am going for.

There are a bunch of other pieces that were spray painted. As I say all the time ‘spray paint is a DIY-er’s best friend” :-)

Here is a glimpse of the exterior of my studio after my sign was installed (before any decorations were added)

Source: Casa Vilora Interiors

Source: Casa Vilora Interiors

Here are some of the vignettes in progress

Source: Casa Vilora Interiors

Source: Casa Vilora Interiors

 

I am so in love with these botanicals (this vignette is still a work in progress)

And of course my white plate collection that I decided to hang on the walls. There are many more plates in the dining room/conference room vignette.

Casa Vilora Interiors

Source: Casa Vilora Interiors

Source: Casa Vilora Interiors

 

Soon I will share with you professional photographs and a video tour of the Casa Vilora Interiors design studio. I can’t wait!

Are you a Restoration Hardware fan? What’s your most recent haul?

Wishing you all a happy Presidents’ Day and a very productive Monday!

Be Inspired!

Casa Vilora Interiors

Veronica Solomon, Casa Vilora Interiors
VeronicaSolomon.com

 

 

Budget Decorating: Styling An Ikea Etagere

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I regularly receive emails from folks asking about budget decorating, especially how to  take an inexpensive piece of furniture and making it look fabulous. To address those questions, I decided to do a little segment every once in a while on my blog called “Budget Decorating” where I will highlight some projects done on a tight budget.

I have to admit that Ikea was never a place that I have shopped in the past for my clients, but I have found that one or two pieces placed in the context of a well designed room works just as well as a pricier piece.

I myself, have used a couple of their pieces to fill some space and add some function in my new work-in-progress design studio.

The office area (formerly the only bedroom in this old Victorian) is currently set up as a place to sit with my clients and discuss the numbers part of their design projects, review and sign contracts etc, and where I will be doing paperwork. I wanted it to be comfortable, light and airy and a clutter-free zone. I will be showing the finished space in a future blog post, but for now I wanted to focus on how I addressed a dead space that is the walkway to the other rooms in the space.

Since I am on a really tight budget I decided to bring in an inexpensive Ikea etagere to fill the area without visually or physically taking up space. I chose the etagere because it was open, with very clean lines and had glass shelves that helped to give it a less obtrusive appearance.

Ikea Vittsjo Shelving

Ikea Vittsjo Shelving

The etagere started out as a box of parts, and I am eternally grateful to my friend Courtney for helping me put it together. He was able to assemble it in about half an hour. The cost for this run of the mill metal shelving was $70.00

Here’s what it looks like now

After Styling of teh Ikea Vittsjo Shelving

After Styling of teh Ikea Vittsjo Shelving

I now call it an etagere because that sounds a bit more fancy than shelving. :-)

For about $120.00 I was able to solve the issue of the dead space in the walkway with something beautiful and functional. Most of the tcotchkes you see here, are just left overs from long ago projects or things laying around my garage from my recent move. I did purchase the new picture frames (pictures of the kids will be added :-) ) and rosette candle holders from ZGallerie. The etagere provided a great place to display a few of my design books and magazines.

The key to styling a bookcase, etagere or shelving is to mix up the textures, layering, adding various heights and levels, adding softness with florals, keeping the colors fairly consistent or complementary, and using things that have special meaning to you. I displayed a few of my favorite design books & magazines, and my 1920′s peacocks are a favorite treasure – I love peacocks and birds in general :-)

Other items that you can use are baskets or storage boxes on the bottom shelves to add some visual weight and ground the whole unit. I chose not to because I wanted to keep it open and airy.

This etagere can be used in any room of your home really – In a kitchen as extra storage for cook books, wine bottles or dishes. In a bedroom closet as a place for shoes or sweaters. In a game room or kids’ play area for storing games and toys. In a laundry room for storing detergent and cleaning supplies. In a garage to get things up off the floor (if you’re anything like me :-) ), and even in the pantry for storing cereal boxes and canned goods. You can even ”bunch” two or three or more side by side to fill a large wall space and add tons of storage in a room.

Where would you use this Ikea etagere and what are some favorite items you would display? Leave me a comment below

One more thing before I go. If you like Ikea prices but not necessarily the look of some of their pieces, this website has tons of products and ideas that you can use to add some fabulousness to a plain piece. Check out O’Verlays Decorative Fretwork Panels to see what I mean

I hope you have been inspired by my budget decorating! Now go forth and decorate! :-)

Please share this post and contact me here if you have any questions about my design services. You can also connect with me on social media through the same link.

Visit my online store to purchase designer bedding, pillows, rugs and the recently added doggy styles (dog fashion, beds and carriers).

Have a very blessed Monday!

Be Inspired!

Check out the new DOGGY STYLES category on our online store

Check out the new DOGGY STYLES category on our online store

 

Support Casa Vilora Interiors’ Indiegogo Campaign

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You may or may not be aware that we have moved our interior design studio back to Katy, TX into a very cute historical Victorian built in 1905. The home, formerly built as a rent house is currently zoned for commercial use and because of its location and charm, I happily snatched it up as the place where I want to showcase some of my work and greet my current clients as well as prospective ones.

Casa Vilora Interiors Design Studio 5602 Franz Rd Katy TX 77493

Casa Vilora Interiors Design Studio 5602 Franz Rd Katy TX 77493

The home has not been renovated or upgraded for many years and is really showing its age. I can see the tremendous potential that lies in this building and I am working diligently to restore and preserve some of its history and charm. I have already done quite a bit of work on my own, and would love to do alot more.

With careful thought and prayers, I decided to launch an Indiegogo Campaign. For those who don’t know what Indiegogo is: It is a crowdfunding platform where people who want to raise money can create fundraising campaigns to tell their story and get the word out. Indiegogo is also a place to discover what people all over the world are passionate about and how to get involved. Quite honestly, this is way out of my comfort zone, and I was even told by someone in marketing that it needs to be re-evaluated for optimum reach. But everything in my campaign speech came from the heart, so that will have to do. I am hoping to add a video soon, giving you all an insider tour of the space.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT MY INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN.

Of course the goal is to raise funds, so please contribute if you are so inclined! It’s ok if you can’t, but please help me share and get the word out about Restoring my cute Victorian.

Thanks for reading today!

Courage-to-chase-dreams

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…….” Deuteronomy 31:6 Holy Bible

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

Veronica Solomon

 

 

What’s New At Casa Vilora Interiors

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So I have been missing from the blogosphere for a while now….but with good reasons. While I enjoy writing meaningful articles with decorating tips and ideas……..and beyond, I had to make a decision to take a break from blogging just to maintain my sanity. I absolutely missed the wonderful comments and interactions with those who read my articles and took time to leave comments and questions. I am slowly getting back to normal as things slow down for the season. It has been a wild ride!

So why was I gone for so long? I have been blessed with several new projects – large and small and without a full time assistant, things just got a bit crazy (good crazy :-) ). Here’s a sneak peek at a few of the projects I have been working on. Pictures taken with an iPhone, so professional pictures will follow soon.

Family Room

Family Room

Game Room

Game Room

 

Dining Room - Hsot chairs didn't arrive in time and two pieces of art arrived in pieces :-(

Dining Room – Hsot chairs didn’t arrive in time and two pieces of art arrived in pieces :-(

Drapery Panels For A Teenager's Bedroom

Drapery Panels For A Teenager’s Bedroom

I will update you through future articles about all the decorating projects I have been working on. But today’s post is really about a big decision I made recently about the future of Casa Vilora Interiors and No Naked Windows.

Well here’s a hint

Casa Vilora Interiors - New Design Studio

Casa Vilora Interiors – New Design Studio

What you are looking at is the new world headquarters aka interior design studio for Casa Vilora Interiors and No Naked Windows.

About two years ago I decided to move into a trendy side of Houston (The Museum District) to expand my niche and reach a different demographic in the market. My clientele was mainly mid to high income level suburban families, but I also wanted to reach young professionals who were very much in touch with fashion and home trends and culture. It felt like a great thing to do at the time, but fast forward two years later and it turned out not to be the right decision for my business. As I thought about moving back to Katy where most of my clients live, it seemed like an impossible thing to do. But with prayer and the determination I have, I pressed forward.

I happened to be on my way to pay a traffic ticket (of all things :-) ) when I noticed a “For sale” sign on a cute little victorian home (located on a busy street with several commercial offices). I made a quick U-turn and got the phone number displayed on the sign and immediately called the owners. We arranged a viewing of the property that same day! It had clearly seen better days, but I fell madly in love with it! I could see all the potential that dingey little structure possessed. It is designated  an historical home in the city of Katy and that was very intriguing to me! It was built in 1905 as a rental property and was added on to in the 1950′s (based on the yellow bathtub :-) ). It had really high ceilings and felt airy and light despite the horrific paint colors on the walls! There was even a back building where my daughter could do her painting and art. Even better, it was already zoned for commercial use, so setting up shop will be a piece of cake, right?! - Wrong! (I am still in the process of getting everything ready for inspections for the Certificate of Occupancy and signage) but so far, so good!

I wasn’t sure if I was ready to actually purchase the property, and I explained this to the owners, who explained that they would be willing to lease the property to me for a year with the option to purchase. They won’t try to sell to anyone else within the year! This was perfect! I happily signed the lease! And for almost half of what I was paying for the trendy location!

Casa Vilora Interiors Design Studio located at 5602 Franz Rd Katy TX 77493

Casa Vilora Interiors Design Studio located at 5602 Franz Rd Katy TX 77493

 

So, we are in the middle of getting some minor projects done, so I can move in and get down to business, right after inspections that is! Here’s my honey do list:

  • The driveway is going in – landscaping to follow
  • To keep costs down, I am only painting the blue trim to freshen up the facade (guess I’ll fully paint when I own the place)
  • The front doors and back door have been changed to more welcoming french doors (not shown)
  • I wish I could pull out that carport (just a thought :-) )
  • painting the interior – what a relief!
  • Refinishing wood floors
  • Adding storage
  • Decorating! Yay!!! My favorite part!

I will defintely keep you all updated on the progress of my new design studio with more photos later.

I’ll try not to go MIA for so long in the future.

Don’t forget to connect with me on Facebook and Twitter where you’ll get up to date information on what’s new at Casa Vilora Interiors or simply click my about.me profile for all my social media and contact information

Have a blessed Thursday!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

Veronica Solomon

Is It Time For An Assistant?

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I have been missing from the blogosphere for a couple of weeks, and I am finding that I miss all the wonderful comments and encouragement from my wonderful fans and followers. People like you are always such a blessing as I try to take my design business to the next level.

Just to update you about what’s been going on in the wonderful world of Casa Vilora Interiors and No Naked Windows: After a short weekend vacation to New Orleans, I came back to an unprecedented list of new prospects and clients. Two of which have been large enough to take up most of my time at work and even home. I also unfortunately, got a major virus on my laptop, that had it in the shop for 3 or 4 days….you have no idea how your whole world could change until your laptop is sick! I do not want to relive that experience again!

Source: Clip Art

Source: Clip Art

I am seriously considering hiring an assistant….even on a part time basis to help me manage my daily activities. I think it’s time!

I’m off to get some bookkeeping done (Fun!). For now, I will leave you with this quote today, and will hopefully resume my normal posting of articles full of great design ideas and tips soon. Thanks to you all.

every-job-is-a-self-portrait-of-the-person-who-did-it-autograph-your-work-with-excellence

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

Veronica Solomon