The Naked Decorator » Fun Finds

Perks Of A Wallflower

Veronica — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 05:15:13 +0000

Lately I have been crushing on those fabulous three dimensional wallflowers that bring an unexpected and unique touch in a room. I set out on a mission to find the most unique ones possible, and boy was I in for a pleasant surprise! These beauties are made from all types of materials: ceramic, glass, metal, tissue paper, and even pages from old books.

I could keep rambling on about how beautiful they are, or I could just show you!

Let’s start with this collage I did in my client’s sitting room a few years ago. These green wallflowers are made from ceramic and look fabulous when grouped in a random yet organized fashion

Wall Flowers by Casa Vilora Interiors

These carnation wallflowers are also made from ceramic and have the most beautiful mother-of-pearl look when observed close up. These are great placed against a really dark wall

Ceramic Carnation Wallflowers

Here they are in a room setting

Source: Decorpad

Etsy is always a great source for creative and unique hand-made finds, and these wallflowers found on various Etsy shops are no different from what you’d expect. Perfect for a little girl’s room!

Etsy

Here are some really clever ones

BillieMonster

Source: BonafideBridge

Source: The Enchanted Petal

Source: Brit.co

Source: YogaSpy

Source: Sweet Paul mag

Well, not to be outdone, this wall of peonies are a great touch for wedding decor

Source: Pinterest

Even the minimalist can enjoy the sculptural effect of 3D wallflowers.

Source: Bed Bath and Beyond

Not really a flower, but you get the idea on this one! I just LOVE it!

How about a wall artichoke? This arrangement would be perfect for a breakfast room

Wall Artichoke

Here are a few more of my favorites

Don’t you agree that these beauties are great for filling a great big wall instead of art? They will definitely be a conversation starter. Comment below with which wallflower you would love to see in your home!

Most of these wallflowers are from Global Views and are available through me for ordering.

Please connect with me and contact me here

Please remember to go out and support small businesses this Saturday, November 30 – Whether online or in-store. Visit my online store for great items for your home at great prices.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Be Inspired!

Cool Knobs And Pulls

Veronica — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 04:41:34 +0000

One of the best ways to breathe new life into an old piece of furniture is by changing the knobs or pulls to cool new and updated ones. Like a well put together outfit, knobs and pulls are like the jewelry that makes cabinetry and furniture look polished and complete.

Source: Zara Home

Finding the right knob or pull whether it is for a piece of furniture or cabinetry can be a bit overwhelming. There are literally tons of sources available online with millions of options at reasonable prices. Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s will stock basic styles to make it quick and easy, but if you like a bit of “bling” (do people still say that?), then take a look at some of my favorite sources.

These beauties are from Anthropologie

Anthropologie

Check out these gorgeous knobs from Zara Home

Zara Home

These ornate beauties are from CoolKnobs AndPulls.com

Cool Knobs and Pulls

Cool Knobs And Pulls

How about these classic beauties from Restoration Hardware?

Restoration Hardware

Inspired yet?

Here are a few other sources I like.

MyKnobs.com

Knobs4less.com

Rejuvenation.com

VanDykesRestorers.com

Another great resource is shopping at flea markets and vintage stores. They are a treasure trove for classic and vintage knobs and pulls with tons of character and charm.

The next time you look at a piece of furniture or cabinetry in your home and think “hmmmm, something’s missing”, take a look at these wonderful sources for some inspiration.

Source: House On Ashwell Lane Blog

How gorgeous is this chinoiserie inspired chest with the hardware details. Just fabulous! Adding a touch of pink to this vignette adds just the right touch!

There’s still time to save big on bedding, custom drapery panels and pillows! Please checkout our FALL SALE still in progress. Save 10% on all orders of $300 or greater plus free shipping. SHOP NOW!

If you are local to the Houston area and need help with holiday decorating, room makeovers, staging or organizing your home, please contact me about my new design service - HappyNest One Day Makeover and Organizing. Please CLICK HERE for details or call 281-751-7552 to schedule your free in-home consultation! Introductory price now in effect until January 2014!

Contact me here if you have any questions about this article or my design services. I’m always happy to hear from you!

Please comment and share!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

Design Crush: Plate Racks

Veronica — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 02:03:19 +0000

In my quest to decorate my new design studio with a fresh updated feel, yet remaining true to the age of the building, I have been searching far and wide for creative storage ideas that would look like they have always been a part of the property.

Casa Vilora Interiors Design Studio 5602 Franz Rd Katy TX 77493

My new studio is a cute, historic Victorian that was built as a rent house in 1905, and was never occupied by the actual owners until the 1950′s when an addition was done on the backside of the property. It is the perfect little place for my design business, and I hope to own it in about a year But enough about the property itself. I will be sure to fill you in as time progresses and share photos of the interior space. Today’s post is about finding creative ways for storage in this small space. Storage that will not only be functional and help keep me organized, but aesthetically pleasing as well.

Recently I have been crushing on plate racks. So much so, that I have presented a sketch to a new client for a custom piece for her breakfast room, and she is so in love with this idea! Her initial thought for that main wall was to hang a piece of art. A plate rack is a more creative and functional way to create a focal point, and accessorize a small space like a breakfast room, without using up a lot of physical and visual space.

Plate Rack

Can you see why I’m obsessed? This plate rack has allowed utilitarian items like plates, platters and mugs to look oh so elegant!

I’m especially drawn to plate racks that display the platters and plates horizontally. This way, you are able to enjoy the beauty of your collection everyday…..and easier to dust too!

A plate rack display should be treated like any other vignette in a room. Scale, balance and proportion should be kept in mind. Varying the sizes, heights, and textures of the pieces, make for a more interesting display. I much prefer that the colors of the pieces are more monochromatic, and all the pieces relate to each other somehow. But whatever you love to collect I’m sure will work beautifully when properly arranged. As I always say, decorate and live with things you love!

Notice how impactful this collection of blue and white china is? This is a great way to display a collection versus having them all over the room. This absolutely makes a statement and a great focal point!

Can you say FABULOUSNESS! This gorgeous room has a lot of wonderful features, but the plate display definitely caught my eye. I especially love the curved shape of this piece. It adds an elegant and feminine touch to this room.

Notice how well they work in a more formal setting……..

…….as well as as casual settings!

They work beautifully for displaying holiday dishes and help bring the season alive in your home. How adorable is this display with the pinecones and mini Christmas trees!

And in case you’re wondering, they are not just for plates and platters or for the kitchen. They are great in a nursery or playroom as display for toys and books.

They don’t have to cost an arm and a leg, especially if you are handy….(even just a little bit). This plate rack above was repurposed from a baby’s crib! Talk about creative!

Here’s one last one for good measure

Love the bead board touch!

Hope you are as inspired as I am by these gorgeous plate racks. Hope to have mine completed soon! Please come back daily for updates about my new design studio!

Please don’t forget that our FALL SALE is still in full swing. Go to our online store and order your new bedding, custom drapery and pillows just in time for the holidays!! Enjoy 10% off on any order over $300 storewide plus FREE SHIPPING! Don’t miss out!

Please comment and share!

Click here to view my entire profile and feel free to join me on all my social media channels.

Have a fabulous Friday!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

Decorating With Demijohns

Veronica — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 06:31:44 +0000

Demijohns

You see them everywhere, those bulbous, narrow-necked bottles that are all the rage in home decor today. They are called carboys or demijohns (the old word that formerly referred to any glass vessel with a large body and small neck, enclosed in wicker). They are primarily used for transporting fluids, often water or chemicals and can hold from 5-15 gallons. They are also used for in-home fermentation of beer or wine.

Demijohn enclosed in wicker

These handsome jars, alot of which are vintage, can be found on eBay and Etsy, and are great for collectors.

Demijohm grouping

Demijohn used as vase
Source: Southern Hospitality Blog

They offer a bit of charm and hominess when used to decorate a home. They work wonderfully for a casual beach inspired or rustic interior or even an industrial chic or shabby chic setting. But they can be incorporated into your decor no matter what your personal design aesthetic is.

Assortment of demijohns in different hues

Demijohns from Go Home Ltd

They can be found in fabulous shades of greens, blues and clear glass. I especially love when demijohns are arranged in groupings of at least three, and when an arrangement is made up of several different colors.

Demijohn Inspired Lamp

The soft, casual feel of demijohns has inspired light fixtures and lamps. Look how wonderfully chic the lamps above are.

You can opt to collect authentic, vintage demijohns or……

Recycled Glass Jar available at Pier One Imports

Grab this version available at Pier One Imports which is made from recycled glass.

So if starting a demijohn collection is your thing…..there are many options available and great ways to incorprate them into your decor!

Would you consider using these vintages bottles into your decor? How would you use them? Leave me a comment below!

Thanks for reading today’s post. Please remember to comment and share. If you have any questions, you can contact me through my about.me profile.

PS. Our fall sale is still in full swing. Please visit our online store for savings on bedding, pillows, custom drapery panels, and our Mail Order Decorator design service. Hurry! Sale ends soon!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

Fun Finds For Fall

Veronica — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 06:18:41 +0000

Cooler weather is here in humid Houston, the leaves are turning, and stores are packed with pumpkins. This could only mean one thing……it’s time to start decorating your home for Fall.

As a Decorator, Fall is an exciting time to help clients bring in color and warmth in their homes. DIY-ers can also tackle simple, inexpensive projects to help ring in the season. Here are a few Fun Finds For Fall and ideas to help you make the most of the season, and create a welcoming home for friends and family.

Create A Stunning Entrance – With the abundance of pumpkins and gourds at pumpkin patches and even in the grocery stores, you can easily use them to create a colorful and welcoming vignette on your front porch. Adding a wreath to your front door, and some seasonal flowers will help to complete the look.

Fall Entrance

Create A Fall Tablescape - If you have a formal dining room table that is not used everyday, or a foyer table, creating a fall inspired tablescape is a great way to ring in the season. Start by adding a tablecloth or table runner in the beautiful, warm oranges, green and golds and then layer on leaves (real or artificial), pumpkins, gourds and other fall inspired ornaments. Be sure to make it interesting by varying the heights and textures of the items used.

Fall Tablescape

Create A Fall Inspired Mantel – mantels aren’t just for Christmas decor! Fall is a great time to begin the festivities of the season. Pumpkins, garlands, candles are always welcoming additions. The tradiitonal fall color scheme of burnt oranges and golds are great, but why not try other colors for an unexpected twist?

Fall Mantel

Take The Fun Into The Bedroom – Changing your decor with the seasons is a great way to create a cozy and welcoming home. A great place to start is in the bedroom by changing out your bedding. Changing pillows and even window treatments is also a great idea for fall decorating.

We are now offering with our fall promotion10% off bedding, pillows and custom drapery panels through our online store, plus free shipping!……. You’re welcome!

Bring In Some Halloween Fun – Fall is definitely a season for kids, so bring in some fun and spookiness to welcome the little trick or treaters on Halloween night

Available Through Casa Vilora Interiors

Available through Casa Vilora Interiors

Available Through Casa Vilora Interiors

Don’t Forget To Be Thankful – We should all be thankful each and everyday for all the blessings and freedom we enjoy. This season especially is a great time to reflect on those blessings of family, friends, great jobs….everything! Just be Thankful!

To order products shown in today’s post, please visit our Ecwid Online Storefront or contact me through my about.me profile.

Some items shown are from various sources found on the internet.

Please comment and share this post!

Have a terrific Tuesday and enjoy this wonderful season!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall…..

Veronica — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 18:01:32 +0000

Mirrors are a great addition in a well designed room. They bring light and add depth in a space. Mirrors can be a decorator’s best friend in a small room that doesn’t get much natural light. Among the many benefits of mirrors, they make great focal points, reflect and emphasize views and colors from art pieces and create special effects in a room.

Here are some do’s and don’ts of decorating with mirrors:

The location of the mirror is very critical to a successful room design. A mirror should never be placed in a way that it reflects undesirable views.
You can absolutely hang multiple mirrors on one wall. They need to be grouped in a visually pleasing way keeping scale, balance and proportion in mind
Never hang a mirror that is too small on a large wall
Although it seems to be a very common thing, a mirror above a fireplace mantle is usually too high to be functional and really only reflects the ceiling
Choose mirrors with great frames that will complement your décor. This is a great way to add personality.
Add a mirror in an entry to reflect light. They also create a great opportunity to check yourself on your way out the door
Add a mirror in a dining room with candlelight to create a warm, romantic glow
Avoid doing a wall of frameless mirrors or mirrors on the ceiling….especially in a bedroom.

Here are a few cool mirrors that would be a great addition to any room:

A tear drop mirror. How cute is this?

Another teardrop inspired mirror

An early American mirror

A Grouping of Lotus Leaf mirrors

Burlap framed mirror

A grouping of porthole mirrors

A contemporary spin on a baroque mirror

A traditional mirror

Doesn’t this look like a necklace?

Great grouping

One of my favorite mirrors

Sunburst mirrors

Clover mirror

A beautiful venetian mirror

Which of these mirrors to you is the fairest of them all? Please comment below

Most of the mirrors pictured above are available for purchase through Casa Vilora Interiors. Please be sure to contact me if you need help with incorporating mirrors into your décor or for any decorating or remodeling help

Don’t forget to check out my online store for your custom drapery needs. Click here to be directed to my Ecwid store.

Have a great Tuesday!!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

My Weakness For Chinoiserie

Veronica — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 04:19:28 +0000

Chinoiserie is a favorite pattern of mine. This beautiful, classic pattern can be found in elegant wallpapers, fabrics, ceramics, furniture and folding screens.

Chinoiserie is a French term that refers to European artistic styles with Chinese artistic influences. It is characterized by fanciful imagery of Chinese motifs. Chinoiserie entered the European market in the mid to late 17th century and its popularity peaked in the 18th century. Its use was mainly in the decorative arts. These days Chinoiserie is used in the most elegant of interior spaces, even in clothing as can be seen in this beautiful hand painted silk dress worn by The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. Click here to view

I especially love the use of hand painted silk Chinoiserie wallpapers in formal dining rooms and elegant powder rooms. Companies like de Gournay and Gracie have a vast selection that is highly customizable to suit any color scheme. While it may not be the least expensive wall treatment you can find, it definitely has a timeless appeal that will hold its value and beauty for a very long time.

Here are some very inspiring photos of Chinoiserie influenced rooms and furniture. These photos are from various sources

If you want to try the look without the commitment of wallpapering a whole room, try adding an accent piece like Chinoiserie chest or a room divider. Add it in accessories like ceramic vases or pillows with a Chinoiserie pattern. Another way to use this beautiful motif is by purchasing wallpaper remnants from your local wallpaper store or online and wallpaper the inside back of a built in bookcase, or decoupaging an inexpensive garage sale chest or dresser. Click here for how-to video.

Is Chinoiserie right for you? Where would you use it?

Be sure to contact me if you need help incorporating the beautiful Chinoiserie motif into your décor or for all your decorating and remodeling needs.

Please comment and share!

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

Great Furniture Finds

Veronica — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 05:59:23 +0000

I love working on projects where I am sourcing furniture pieces for my clients. I enjoy finding some really great and unique pieces that fit my vision perfectly. I was working on a presentation for a new client recently, and I couldn’t help filing away some of these pieces for my own home or design studio.

Do any of these pieces speak to your decorating style? What pieces would you love to see in your own home? Take a look

Side Board from Lexington

Cabinet from Vanguard

Console Table – Oly Studio

Console Table

Iron Bed – Oly Studio

Cabinet

Cocktail Table – Oly Studio

Dresser – Halo

Halo

Sofa – Gabby

Oly

Gabby

Chair – Gabby

Ottoman – Gabby

Chair – Lexington

Sofa – Bolier

Sofa- Fairfield

Sofa – Duralee

Sofa – Owner’s Select

Well this is just the tip of the iceberg! There is so much more where these came from

Most of these pieces are customizable – You can pick your own finishes, fabrics, cushion comfort, and they even modify sizes in some cases! Talk about custom! Most pieces shown are available to the trade only, but you’re in luck…..you know a design trade professional…..ME!

I am always available to assist you with your decorating needs, whether you just need one accent piece, or a full on renovation. You can click here to find out more about my design services. It’s also a good place to connect with me on all my social media sites…..You don’t want to miss all the valuable tips, information and trends that I bring to you daily!

Of course if you prefer the do-it-yourself approach to decorating, please check out Mail Order Decorator to order your professionally designed mail order room that you get to put together with my expert guidance! Click here for details. And because we don’t believe in Naked Windows, check out our online store for our summer special on window treatments. There is still time to order your custom drapery panels with 20% off! Be sure to stop by!

Please comment and share, I just love hearing from you!

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

Things I love: Blue and White Porcelain

Veronica — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 05:11:33 +0000

The Enchanted Home Blog

I love blue and white porcelain! It is so crisp and elegant, very refined and timeless. Blue and white porcelain works well with virtually any décor and style ranging from coastal, city sleek, country, farmhouse, French country and so much more.

Blue and white porcelain works very well in groupings large or small, as an accent in a room or as the main color scheme.

Just a very pretty and classic touch in any room

Why not start your very own collection of blue and white porcelain pieces.

Please contact me for more information on my design services, and how I can help you incorporate your collectibles into a beautiful and comfortable retreat.

Take advantage of our summer savings on window treatments going on now. See my online store for details and to place your order. Don’t forget to use coupon code SUMR20 at checkout.

Shout Out Time!

PS. In my post for Friday titled “A Jamaican Vacation Would Be Nice”, I asked you to guess the local dialect for my home country Jamaica - A special shout out to Terry Jago of BlackBox Cosmetics who guessed correctly!! The local dialect is called “Patois”. Please check out Terry’s fan page and give her a “like” if you are not already a fan. Thanks to everyone who participated and congrats to Terry!!

Have a great, relaxing weekend!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

Inspiring Baby Rooms

Veronica — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 04:56:28 +0000

Ever notice that most baby rooms are decorated either in pink if it’s a girl, or blue if it’s a boy?

Today, I wanted to showcase some beautiful baby rooms that are nothing short of amazing – with no pink or blue in sight. And no, I’m not expecting.

Here goes:

Monochromatic Baby Rooms

Notice how these monochromatic nurseries are very soothing and relaxing…. great for sleeping babies. They are also decorated in a way that’s not necessarily juvenile…..they are classic and timeless and will still be appropriate as the kids get older.

Colorful Baby Rooms

Aren’t these colorful nurseries inspiring? Such personality, and a wonderful haven for imagination and creativity to thrive as the kids get older.

Baby Rooms With Unexpected Touches

I love the light fixture and the little butterfly sculpture on the wall above the crib

How about the stylized chevron pattern on the ceiling combined with the subtle pattern of the houndstooth carpetNotice the striped ceiling and the layering of rugs in this room. I love the use of a dark wall color in this baby room

Inspired yet? How about one more?

Ok, so maybe this one is blue and pink

The wonderful baby rooms featured today are all very beautiful and inspiring in their own way, and no emphasis on pink and blue! The key to a successful design in a baby room is beauty, function and of course safety. It’s hard to know exactly what their little personalities will be like, but I like to think that a mommy-to-be feels and knows deep down inside.

Which type of baby room décor appeals more to you? Which would you choose? Please leave me a comment below.

If you are expecting, contact me and together we can create a beautiful, functional, safe, and inspiring nursery for your bundle of joy!

Be Inspired!