Hello my lovelies!
I have missed you guys so much! It has been a crazy busy season in the world of Casa Vilora Interiors and The Naked Decorator has suffered a bit of negligence. Thank you guys for sticking with me during the silent periods. Your loyalty means so much to me
Of course, I wanted to make this a post full of eye candy to make up for my three week absence from the blogosphere (Do people still say that?) 🙂
This particular project is very near and dear to my heart, and I love every piece of it.
My friend Georgia was ready for her third project with me. I have know this girl now for over 25 years going back to our days in Montego Bay, Jamaica where we both grew up. I still remember the first time I met her, and realized that she was a cool chica 🙂
She moved here to Houston about 5 or 6 years ago, after living in New York for a number of years. I think my move to Houston may have influenced her decision a tiny bit (at least I’d like to think so), and I was very happy when she ended up making the big move. She has a son (Aaron), who is close in age to my son, Josh, so that was a big bonus.
After buying a new home in the Cypress area she asked me to do some custom window treatments for a few rooms, and I was happy to oblige. A few years later, she enrolled into nursing school to finish her degree and decided to move to a small one bedroom apartment and lease out her home for a while. She called me in to make the small rental apartment accommodating for both her and her son. This meant I had to carve out a bedroom where one did not exist for Aaron. The result was a fabulous, eclectic and very stylish apartment. Here is a shot from that apartment space. You will see some of the same pieces in the new space.
She decided to move back into her home a few months ago and called upon me again to transform the space into a stylish livable space.
She had placed a lot of her beautiful pieces into storage when we redid her apartment, simply because they couldn’t fit in the small apartment. She wanted to transplant the look we had created in the apartment back into her home and sell the pieces that were in storage. I begged her not to sell the amazing pieces she had collected for years. She has very exquisite and high-end style and had managed to amass a treasure trove of some amazing pieces from various periods and styles – chinoiserie, french regency, rococo, mid-century modern, just to name a few.
She loves the mix of all these styles for an eclectic and collected feel in her home. I was so excited to take all these pieces that seemingly were random pieces that did not match or even relate to each other, and create a beautiful, cohesive space for her. I knew that as long as we were using all the pieces that she loved, we could not go wrong.
So with the smallest budget she ever gave me to work with to date :-), I set out to shop for accent pieces that would tie everything together.
Before I get to what the rooms look like now; let’s look back at the BEFORE video I recorded using Facebook Live.
I know you all are ready to see the AFTER shots, so here goes
The Living Room
This shot of the living room showcases her large Ralph Lauren gilt mirror similar to the 18th century Italian overmantel mirrors. I placed it above a red painted chinoiserie chest as the room’s focal point. I decided to display her vast collection of blue and white chinoiserie jars and pottery in one big grouping to give more impact. There are a few more scattered throughout the spaces. The large Chippendale style ottoman in the center was recovered in the colorful chinoiserie fabric that I chose – this was the main element that I used to tie all the colors and styles together. We wanted to use her hair-on-hide rug but it was too small for the space, so I chose the faux sisal rug to anchor the seating arrangement.
Here you can see one of my favorite pieces by the window – the red two-tiered table with a cute little vignette on top. You will also notice the two brown leather Klismos style chairs. By the window are two Ralph Lauren houndstooth chairs with a very unique curve to the arms. Love them!
The window treatments are the first project I did for her. they are beautiful silk panels and Roman shades
The leather klismos style chairs
The Ralph Lauren houndstooth chairs
She already owned the french style sofa, and it was a bit formal for the room. We talked about reupholstering it, but in the end, I decided to remove the matching pillows that came with it and add more casual and fun pillows. Now you don’t even notice the formal silk fabric on the body. It acts as a neutral with all the pops of color.
You will also notice the beautiful chinoiserie lacquered screen behind the sofa. She wanted it hung on the wall, and I was against that idea because I did not want to put holes in the back (which also has a finished chinoiserie scene). My installer figured out a way to anchor it from the top and bottom where the screws would not be visible. Brilliant! Now it is one of my favorite part of the room
A few more shots of the room
A Ceramic Garden Stool With A Lambs Wool Rug Thrown Over It
The Art Deco Styled Console – Custom Upholstered
Blue and White Pottery Collection
Georgia and her hubby were at odds about the TV placement. So here’s the compromise.
TV In The FireBox
I know it’s kinda weird, but this is Houston and we seriously do not use our fireplaces ever! Her TV happened to fit exactly in the opening. When it is off, you do not even notice it’s there. And no, it’s not too low for them 🙂 This photo was taken later with my iPhone
Here are some other areas in the home that we decorated
The Foyer
The Dining Room
The Dining Room
The Newly Spray Painted Chandelier – From Gaudy Gold To Black Lacquer
The Bar Area Off The Kitchen
The Foyer Vignette
The space looks just like her. She dresses in the same whimsical, quirky, stylish but still sophisticated manner. She absolutely loves the space. In fact, she graciously did a video testimonial for me to use for marketing (not included here). How sweet is she? Love this girl 🙂
Here is Georgia Doing A Video Testimonial
This photo taken with my iPhone 🙂
Here’s a final view of the living room. So fresh, stylish, eclectic and so her.
We are both very pleased with the space! This one is up there with my favorites. I know this look is not for everyone, but it is definitely her style and personality
Here is a video tour of the completed space
I would love to help you create a space that reflects your style and personality. Check out our website for more details. And don’t forget that even if you are far, far away in Never Never Land, our eDesign service knows no borders 🙂
Wishing You Beauty and Inspiration!
