Imagine what would happen if we got up each morning and made the choice to be positive. With the innocence of a child, we approach each day with great expectations that something wonderful is about to happen.

Imagine if we had an attitude of gratitude despite the storms of life – counting our blessings and being thankful in all things.

Imagine if instead of focusing on all that is bad in our life, we help someone who is struggling. I am sure you will find that not only is it a blessing to the person receiving your help…..it will be a blessing to you, and completely changes your perspective. It’s like magic! Try it!

The truth is, we are not guaranteed a trouble free life. But the beauty is that we don’t have to go through life alone.

I have learned that gratitude is one of the best things you can do for yourself  when navigating life’s murky waters.

What do you do when life hands you lemons?

Do you plan a day at the spa or lunch with friends? Dive into a hobby, or a good book? Or do you fall victim to complaining, impatience and ingratitude? I admit that I am guilty of the latter, but like many of you may testify, I am a work in progress. When I catch myself complaining, I turn it around to being grateful for the things that are going right. I go to my happy place: Laying in bed and reading one of my favorite shelter magazines or a book on design (I have quite the collection, so there will always be self-indulging moments like this ). House Beautiful and Traditional Home are still my favorites!

Source: House Beautiful magazine

Source: Traditional Home Magazine

What they say is true: It really is the little things that make all the difference.

Below are some great words to live by.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend filled with joy and blessings. Don’t forget to do something nice for yourself!

Here are my links to contact me and shop for designer bedding, pillows, rugs and the recently added category doggy styles (dog fashion and beds):

Store

Contact and Connect

Please comment and share!

Be Inspired!

  ]]> http://nonakedwindows.com/Blog/2013/11/09/saturday-self-care-snippet-2/feed/ 0 http://nonakedwindows.com/Blog/2013/10/22/pin-with-casa-vilora-interiors/ http://nonakedwindows.com/Blog/2013/10/22/pin-with-casa-vilora-interiors/#comments Tue, 22 Oct 2013 03:39:51 +0000 http://nonakedwindows.com/Blog/?p=3045 Continue reading →]]> I have to admit that I haven’t gotten into Pinterest as much as I should. I mean, I opened an account a while ago, created a few boards and pinned a few things, but never really took the time to develop my account and my following. I have decided that I will focus a bit more time and energy to my Pinterest account, and I need your help!

Casa Vilora Interiors Pinterest Boards
http://www.pinterest.com/casavilora/boards/

I have 13 boards featuring things like: Some of my work, what inspires me, places I’ve been to and would love to go and things that I find interesting, amomg others. I will be adding a few more boards soon and will be pinning away! Please join me in my pin-adventure!

Please go to my Pinterest page and check out my boards. Feel free to follow, repin and comment to your hearts desire! I’d love to have you join me there!

Casa Vilora Interiors Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/casavilora/my-work/

The above board screenshot features some of my work – I really do need to pin more of my work! And that will be changing soon! So will ya join me on Pinterest? I’ll be waiting for ya!

Fall Color Inspirations

In the meantime, enjoy this fall color inspiration pinned to my Paint Color Inpirations board. There are lots more to see and get inspiration from. If that doesn’t help, keep in mind that I do offer paint color consultations in Katy and surrounding areas. I can even offer telephone consultations, so please drop me an email :-)

Please click my about.me profile to visit my Pinterest page as well as all my other social media pages. You can also send me an email from there with any questions about my design services.

Please don’t forget that our FALL SALE is still in full swing. You can enjoy 10% off bedding, pillows and custom drapery panels plus FREE SHIPPING! You can also save on our Mail Order Decorator design services. Hurry! Sale ends soon! Click here to SHOP NOW

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

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

Here I am by Lake Pontchartrain, posing next to one of the really old oak trees, that clearly sustained damages from hurricane Katrina

I will be sharing the experience of my first visit to New Orleans in the coming days, but for now, business as usual and getting things in order. I have missed connecting with you guys very much and soon I will get back to the flow of things.

Hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

Although this is the busiest time of year for my business, I have decided to take a much needed weekend away from work and even from the kids. My friend Aimee and I will be driving to her old stomping grounds, and boy do we have some fun events planned. Parties, museums, art galleries, music festivals, even carriage rides are on the list of things to do. Most of all, I am hoping to be inspired by the scenery, people and architecture. I sure hope I can stick to my new healthy way of eating, because this is a city full of fine, world famous cuisine.

Can you guess where I am headed for the weekend? Leave me a comment below and let me know where you think I am heading off to.

I will not be posting any articles over the next few days, but I will be sure to tell you all about my trip when I return next week. Stay tuned

Hope you all have a wonderful and fun filled weekend like I plan to have!

Be sure to connect with me on all social media sites by clicking here. You will also find links to my online store and websites.

I’m off to pack

Be Inspired!

Aimee Chaison and Veronica Solomon

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

This week’s feature product is throw pillows.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, pillows are a great way to add color, style and even keep up with current trends without making a major commitment or investment. Pillows can easily be added in or subtracted out according to changes in your taste, mood or the seasons. The sky is the limit with the choices available for throw pillows. It is always best to add different sizes, patterns and color that complement each other on a sofa. They can be customized to suit any décor. Pillows are just a great way to add a comfortable homey feel in a space.

I have throw pillows available on the products page of my Casa Vilora Interiors website (Click here to view the selection) and my Ecwid online store (click here to view the selection).

Here are a few of my favorites:

What do you think? Wouldn’t you love to get your hands on some of these beauties?!

If you don’t see exactly what you are looking for on my website or Ecwid store, please feel free to give me a call at 281-751-7552 and I will be happy to help!

Ok, time for the big reveal from my blog post yesterday “Rate This Room” where you were asked to rate a dining area, and guess what the minor mis-step was in the room. It was so much fun seeing all your comments, but only one person got it right! Karen Langston guessed correctly that the area rug is a bit too small for the space. The area rug should be just a bit wider so that the front legs of the sofa sit on top of it, as well as the host/hostess chairs. The room is so well proportioned and symmetrical, that it stood out to my trained eye. The room in my opinion is still very well done and so I can overlook the smallish area rug

All the other guesses were great as well and even had me do a double-take. Thanks to everyone who participated in my guessing game. Please feel free to visit and “like” Karen Langston Nutritionist” Facebook page by clicking here.

Please contact me about my design services or connect with me by clicking here

Have a fabulous Friday everyone!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

Let’s play another guessing game today. Come on, it will be fun!

Below I am posting a photo of a wonderfully finished room that looks really great upon first glance. But if you look closely, there is a slight and tiny mis-step that  is actually on my list of decorating pet peeves. I want you to look at the picture closely and try to guess what that slight mis-step is and rate this room (using a scale of 1-10 with 1 being blah and 10 being fabulous). If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you may already know the answer. Are you game?

Please comment below with your best guess and your rating for this space

Here’s the room (Photo source is unknown)

Photo source unknown

Ok there you have it. I am looking forward to your comments

I will reveal what the mis-step is in my next blog post with a shout out to all who guessed correctly. Have fun!

Please click here to contact me or connect with me

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

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

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

My last trip to England and France was very inspiring. The beautiful countryside of England was a great stress reliever just driving through and seeing the beautiful rolling hills and pastures. Then there’s the wonderful architecture in Paris; definitely wonderful to see in person.

Here are a few pictures from my trip

The town of Marlborough in England.

That’s me in Stonehenge England

I’ve always wanted to ride a double decker bus!

Chelsea Harbour Design Center in London

The beautiful Salisbury Chapel, England

Salisbury Chapel

London Eye

London

London

Me and Big Ben, London

Buckingham Palace, England

Windsor Castle, England

Shoe shopping in Manchester, England

The Eiffel Tower, Paris

Beautiful building in Paris

The Louvre, Paris

Paris

Looking at these pictures from this trip definitely is putting me in the mood for another trip really soon. I’ve already started my “Europe Fund”, where I am saving for a trip to London and Paris next summer with the kiddos. This time I will be visiting some of the famous flea markets of Paris, and Versailles, I can’t wait! That’s what I call inspiration!

What inspires you? Leave me a comment and tell me all about it.

Please contact me here for more information about my decorating services, and visit my online store to purchase custom drapery panels, pillows and bedding.

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon