Christmas Surprise

My kids are spending Christmas with their Dad this year.  While they are away, I'm going to rally the elves (read my creative instincts) to add a little UMPH to their bedrooms.

I am so excited!  My youngest daughter has a bit of her Momma in her & would not go to bed the other day because her room wasn't pink.  Dear me!!  Since she shares a room with her teenage sister, pink - in all it's glory - may not be the wall color, but I'm thinking we can work it in a place or two or three or sixteen!

Pics to follow!  Ho! Ho! Ho!!

XOXO - Glenda

2011 Chestnut Square Holiday Tour of Homes House by Vivan Avenue

210 N. Oak

I was asked to decorate a home for the Holiday Tour of Homes this year.  This is a newly built home in our little neighborhood.  It was completely empty before I started.  I have to admit, I did not create the outdoor garland or the garland on the stairs, but everything else is 100% me.  There were rules to go by (no heavy furniture, no furniture in the bedrooms), but I think I did very well with what I had to work with!

This sure did put me in the Christmas Spirit!  Now off to do some magic on my own home!  We have a visit from Santa on Monday evening ... better watch out!  Better not cry!!

Merry Christmas! XOXO

Glenda

Autumn Garden Party

In Texas, we had a very, very, very hot summer.  Cooler temperatures are here at last!  I'm having a hard time spending much time inside.

This morning as I was eating breakfast on the deck, one phrase ran through my mind again and again:  "Time for an Autumn Garden Party".  I love a party!  I love gardens!  I love Autumn!  Why not party in the garden this Autumn, right?!

 

Yesterday I found the perfect (and I mean perfect) coffee table for my patio area.  It's from Wisteria.  Made of iron and antiqued glass.  Reflective surfaces are an incredible asset anywhere.  Outside, I adore the way they capture dappled sunlight, reflections of flowers and green, and give an almost liquid effect to light.  This is, by far, my new favorite spot

As always, I have to keep a project on the books.  This week: transform camp chairs into sophisticated seating worthy of a garden party.  I'm enlisting my favorite new toy:  Chalk Paint as well as some lovely, yummy houndstooth fabric I have left over from a drapery project.  I'm thinking some silver leaf may make it's way onto these stools as well, but ... I'm getting ahead of myself!   

 Stay tuned for the finished results.  And ... as always ...

Live Comfortably

xoxo - glenda

Live Comfortably

What an amazingly busy summer we had at Vivian Avenue! Our address was anything but peaceful and quiet, which we like; however, it left my blogging with MUCH to be desired.

With the first day of Autumn came renewed energy, some cooler weather, and great inspiration!!! I hope y'all enjoy a flowing of new posts over the next few weeks.

We've come up with a new tagline at Vivian Avenue, "Live Comfortably". Dottie, the dalmatian, is our inspiration. Dottie loves nothing more than a soft spot to rest. She's a nervous, worrying sort of dog. Providing her with a place to rest her body and mind is essential in our home.

Dottie inspired me, made me think, "What do we seek more than anything else in our homes?" I decided our long sought after item is Comfort. Whether comfort lie in an overstuffed sofa, favorite chair, bed, or style which reflects our true selves - comfort is just that ... comforting. As a designer, I long to provide a comfortable atmosphere for my clients. A home which encapsulates their true nature. An appropriate nest so to speak.

Welcome Autumn! Welcome back to the blog! And always ...

LIVE COMFORTABLY!!

xoxo - glenda

Practically Hilarious

I was purusing a copy of Dwell this morning when I noticed an ad for these fans.  I love when design gets a little silly.  For giant, lofty spaces these fans would be amazing.  I just wish I had been present at the company naming brain storming session!!

Another Great Resource

I just found this catalog site.  With Summer just around the corner, it had me dreaming of breezy beach-filled days!

Go look, drool, and enjoy!!!

Great Finds at a Fab New Haunt

Bring me your old, your forgotten, your salvaged ... I can't get enough!!

Look at the absolute yumminess!! I took a little jaunt to Jackson, Mississippi last weekend & found this GREAT salvage yard called The Old House Depot.

Road trips are an awesome way to discover never before seen treasure troves. I had such a great time exploring on my way. Outside Jefferson, Texas I practically ran over a median to get to another spot of goodness. There I found this spectacular patio set and chaise lounges. I may have to drive back over there to pick them up! I can't stop thinking about them!


Seriously - and I'm not making this up - the sweet, sweet lady who owns this "shop" (more like Sanford and Son meets Green Acres) came hobbling down the driveway to greet me, wiping her hands on her apron, and babbling on and on about her canning. I wanted to give her a big and say "Oh my goodness!". Maybe I love the people as much as the stuff? No maybe about it! I really love the people as much as the stuff!! It's what gives everything character. I love that this little old lady has the same "eye" I have when it comes to junk. She's a cool chick!

This is the quaint town of Jefferson, Texas. I stopped for about an hour to poke around shops & sample the local bar-b-que joint. My first stop was this shop:

This is a pic of about 1/3 of the store. I was shocked to see all these instruments in this otherwise unimpressive little store. What was more impressive still? Some of these instruments were made on sight. All of them were repaired there. While I looked around at the other goodies in the store, I was serenaded by fiddle. This tickled my Texas toes!! It was such a surreal experience. One that I savored.

Next time you set out on the great wide open pad your agenda with a couple free hours to pull off the beaten path and check out what surprises those little towns may have in store!

All Work and No Play Make Vivian Avenue Up and Running!

My love, my first love, is writing! When I'm not doing that or thinking about that or thinking about doing that, I love to keep my mind busy with what's beautiful - mostly as it pertains to homes and gardens.

Good news? I've had lots of time to think about homes! Clients are coming out of the woodwork and keeping me very busy! Love that!!

Bad news? Not much time for writing. However, I'm thinking about writing - especially as it pertains to design.

Keep posted! Don't give up on me!! I have some great ideas coming through this thick skull of mine!

Hang tight & until I have some of my own yummyness to post here, partake of one of my all-time favorites and his new collection for the home. I'm giving homage to this collection in honor of my sister, Sandy, whose style so fits this entire collection!

In case anyone wants to send me a gift ... I am dying for this book!

gmontierth's photostream

gmontierth's photostream on Flickr.