Just in time for the holidays...JV Staging's new store

As you may have noticed, I haven't been blogging for quite some time...  I am pleased to say it's because work got really busy.  Finally, I'm coming up for air and wanted to share a little something Jane (my business partner at JV Staging) and I have been working on.

We both share a passion for global travel and have been incorporating a lot of our beautiful finds from around the world into our staged properties.

To whet your appetite, we're starting off with a few fun pillows (or as we call them in the UK - cushions) - many from my Summer travels to England and a beautiful pair of zebra pillows from deepest Peru which Jane found on a recent trip.

This is just the start - keep checking back with us as we have some special and unique items coming up from New Zealand, Paris, Morocco and India!

Here's a screen shot of our store:

My UK finds are quite patriotic....  well, we did have quite the year with the Jubilee and the Olympics:

This Aran pillow was hand-made in England for me by a very special lady - it's totally one of a kind and I helped pick out the wooden buttons:

Love the subtle tartan fabric:

A pair of sophisticated pillows:

Finally, Jane found these zebra pillows in Peru - they are beautifully woven:

Please don't hesitate to call us (our contact details are on our website) if you want to know more about any of these items....  in the meantime - check out our website:

www.jvstaging.com

Happy shopping and here's to a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Valerie Wills Interiors and JV Staging xoxo

Featured designer in Bonhams magazine

I was contacted by Bonhams auction house a few months ago and asked if I was interested in being the featured designer!!  I thought it was some sort of hoax.....  but it wasn't and I was well and truly honored to be interviewed.  The day I arrived to have my photo taken, I was given a sneak peek into the bowels of Bonhams, it was like being on the set of Downton Abbey - guys with brown coats carrying antiques and period items, then behind a curtain was the photography department.  I loved every minute!!  A HUGE thank you to everyone involved, the staff were amazing and made me feel very special.

Here it is.....

North Wales visit

I'm currently in the UK visiting my parents and doing a little buying for my company...  the stores here are full of Union Jack paraphernalia...  well, we are in the thick of the Olympics and I'm loving the patriotic nature of my fellow Brits!!  

I've posted a few store finds on my Facebook page (same name as this blog) but I thought I'd share a few scenery shots as I am now in North Wales.

 Conway castle

 Llandudno Bay

Llandudno beach 

 St. Tudno's Church, Great Orme

 Llandudno Bay

 Smallest house ever!!  Conway

 Old Tudor house in Beaumaris

Entryways

Entryways, hallways or receptions areas are the first room in your home that anyone gets to see.  Large companies pay designers a lot of money to get the look and feel of their offices just right....  first impressions really do count.  Yet in our homes the entryway tends to be forgotten....  a mere place to throw off your shoes and drop your keys.  So I thought I would inspire you today!  Here are a few of my favourites:

My suggestions for a great hallway:

--  For oversized entryways - a round library table filled with gorgeous books and a vase of flowers

--  Great artwork - it doesn't have to be expensive - blow up a few shots and change them to sepia

--  Large mirrors really open up narrow hallways 

--  If you are feeling daring then go for a bold colour or even try wallpaper

Happy decorating!

If you don't think you can tackle a project - then feel free to contact me!

All images www.housetohome.co.uk

Georgian interiors and exteriors

When I was in middle school we were given a project to write about another era....  funnily enough, I chose, Great Britain in Georgian times.  It was one of the best projects ever....  I took myself off to the library and delved into the history, fashion, architecture and interiors.  

Just look at how beautiful the panelling is in this entryway:

I've always loved symmetry in design - that's what draws me to this particular period.  The front door, centrally located and then two or three equally sized windows are placed on either side.  It's just so neat and tidy.

Bath, England has some of the best Georgian architecture.  The Royal Crescent is stunning... the colours, curves and sheer grandness is a feast for the eyes!

Detailed sketches of interior panelling - so intricate.

Finally, as I was checking out images for this post, I came across this fantastic wallpaper....  doesn't it look real....  of course, it's made in the UK by Mineheart:

Images/photos from Pinterest

Last image from Mineheart