Musings
Explore the various topics which serve as inspiration in creating interiors that are timeless yet memorable. There is a world of beauty to educate and encourage new design shaping Casa V’s work. Spanish architecture, Old Florida, Luis Barragán, Casa del Herrero, fashion, flowers, and hotel design are some of the many subjects explored on this page.
“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Fortunate design
Paul Fortune combines noteworthy advice, photos of his sophisticated restrained design work, and witty commentary to make his book, Notes on Decor, etc. worth buying. Before buying a design book these days a peek inside is a must. There are too many books out there...
Spring is too late for a visit from your French grandmother
To contrast the decadence of Christmas, a strict about face is in order beginning with a good cleanse as advised by some wise French grandmothers. A diet of blended green juice is not for me even after a month of champagne and Christmas cookies. A cleanse for the home...
Heartfelt Gifts
Some of the best Christmas gifts require little money, lots of time, but display loads of creativity. Extravagance at Christmas is part of what makes it so special. Decadent cookies, cocktails, chocolate are everywhere you turn. Conversely, extravagance can be an...
Memories of Christmas Past
Christmas magic used to spill out of shelter magazines inspiring homeowners to celebrate the season by creating beauty and whimsy throughout their homes. November used to mean the arrival of Christmas-themed design magazines. They marked the beginning of the season as...
Gifts for the brain
Giving a book is giving inspiration, dreams, escape, and hope that is possible anytime one chooses to simply pull open the cover. There are so many things to love about Christmas. One of the best things is being Santa. As the years have passed shopping is less...
Bye bye bird
A Casa V Thanksgiving reflects Texas roots with gratitude for the state's influence on my life and its food that has nourished me. After too many years of turkeys and beige bland side dishes my family revolted. Why on this special holiday would we celebrate by eating...
Sun-kissed splendor
Adding a touch of gold brings a bit of sun-kissed splendor to a room as if the sun had reached in leaving a piece of golden ray behind. Sometimes a bit of gold is just what is needed. Certain fabrics remind me of this color's transformative power. Dedar recently...
Flair: Laura Lacambra Shubert
Laura Lacambra Shubert inspires with her painting talent, quest for knowledge, beautiful home, and festive dinner parties. Flair is defined as stylishness and originality. The second word is the key. Being original requires thought and interjecting one's point of...
The cocktail garden
Cocktail gardens create a welcoming space outdoors where one can enjoy nature and satisfy many of the senses. My sister has a favorite garden that she likes to pass on her walk to work. It is a lovely lush garden full of flowers. Pretty as it is, the reason my sister...
The Peacock Room
The Peacock Room should be on the top ten must-see list of any lover of beautiful interiors. Last week while in DC. some unexpected free time led to a visit to the Smithsonian's Freer Gallery. The jewel there is the incomparable Peacock Room. This room, designed by...
Shall we chalet?
Warm wood, human-scaled spaces, and ethnic charm fight back against plain shiny multi-purpose spaces. Orlando is full of houses with large open interiors, often white, with slick finishes, little detail, and minimal texture. White drywall with taupe/grey basic...
Vampire en Vogue
The Vampire's Wife, a line of unconventionally sexy clothing, casts a spell on the wearer transforming her into a witch goddess. The Vampire's Wife originated when Susie Bick Cave made a few dresses for friends. Susie, once a muse to many, is now the creator with...
The art of life
Arte de la Vida is a treasure trove of vintage Mexican finds perfect for those in search of handmade beauty. My mother made a wonderful discovery. She stumbled upon Arte de la Vida in Tucson where she lives. Walking inside feels like 1970's Tijuana. Shopping in...
Tucson: Summer 2018
Tucson is a city dramatic in its mountainous sometimes prickly beauty but subtle in its unpretentious charm. Driving through El Encanto, a wonderful residential neighborhood, is a favorite activity and a personal requirement. My parent's friends own the stately beauty...
Bok Tower Gardens: Making Lake Whales a bit more beautiful
Bok Tower Gardens is home to various birds, butterflies, reptiles, as well as the Singing Tower, making it a local treasure to Central Florida. When visiting El Retiro one gets the added bonus of the adjacent Bok Tower Gardens. This National Historic Landmark was the...