I have always been passionate about interior decorating and it is what I enjoy doing the most apart from being a mom. I founded Casa Vilora Interiors, a full service residential design firm, and later No Naked Windows, providing custom window treatments to my clients. We are very customer-focused and believe in treating every client the way we would like to be treated.
I named my Blog “The Naked Decorator” for a couple of reasons: The first is a very embarassing but Ha-Ha moment I experienced recently. After receiving a call from a potentially big client, I wanted to really dress the part and show up with confidence. I went out and got a new “power dress” on sale from my favorite store to really set the tone for landing this big client. I arrived at his home on time and everything was going extremely well, until I raised my arms up to measure a window. I suddenly heard a pop and felt a cold draft on my back….the zipper of my “power dress” had completely come apart! Lucky for me, it was a cold day and the coat I brought with me came to my rescue. Wheewww! Needless to say I left the meeting feeling quite embarassed. As I went over the scenario in my head, I realized that the dress wouldn’t have changed things one way or another. What clients look for is that immediate connection and rapport and the confidence that you know what their needs are and that you understand and have the skills and resources to fulfill those needs. That comes from actively listening, empathizing and caring about each client individually. I did land that big client thankfully, and we now laugh about that wardrobe malfunction, but I have learned that sometimes it is necessary to strip away all the frills and glamour of interior design and just giving the client a liveable, functional and beautiful home that is uniquely theirs. This particular client simply wanted a home where the family can escape from their hectic everyday life and just LIVE!
The other reason I decided on this name for my blog is, after observing that many designers are so set on their own signature design styles and the rules of design, that they forget that a client’s home should uniquely represent their lifestyle and taste. My approach to each consultation, is to “strip” away my own personal design aesthetic, and pre-conceived notion about a client, and really listen to their wants and needs and carefully craft an interior that represents them. The key ingredients are beauty, function and comfort. This blog seeks to share with my readers design tips, and fun finds from my design projects and travels. I wish to engage my readers, so please feel free to ask questions and leave comments. I promise to respond to each one. Thanks for taking the time to visit. Please come back soon!
Veronica