Pulling my heart strings currently is a Spanish getaway, tubes of paint and new ways to use them, and an ancient pattern that seems new again.
Instead of images of red interiors, this Valentine’s Day I decided to post images of what is tugging at my heart strings this month.
Lorenzo Castillo’s hunting lodge.

(Photo: Ricardo Labougle)

(Photo: Ricardo Labougle)
Castillo’s work is always good. I am particularly fond of his weekend home that was recently published in World of Interiors. There is a fine line when decorating old homes. Personally, I don’t care for bleaching out the old. Part of the appeal of an older home is the history and the feeling of many lives having lived there before. Castillo did a wonderful job updating the house without stripping the age.
Painted lampshades.

A lampshade I painted for a client inspired by Mexican textiles.
Last year one of my clients needed a new shade. Custom shades made of gathered printed fabric are all the rage. They are charming and a great way to add mismatched color. They are expensive however. A painted variety was the substitute.
Olivia Hayward is a talented artist. She posts on Instagram her embroidered work as well as clothing that she artfully mends. Recently, she has tried her hand at painting lampshades. I love her blue seaside shade above.
Églomisé.
My talented friend Que has a collection of reverse glass paintings. They lived upstairs not seen by many, but she recently relocated them to a prominent location in her home for all to see.
I find their primitive quality quite charming.
Bargello.

A very worn example on an antique chair seen in Atlanta.
My mother used to needlepoint many bargello pillows back in the 70’s. I have fallen in love with the pattern again. When I next begin a new piece I think a bargello pattern will be my choice.
Jimmie Henslee, another Instagram inspiration, created this pattern during Covid. I am crazy about the carnation he incorporated into the pattern.
Casa V Interiors can bring any of these lovely notions to your home.