Thanks again for stopping by during my little open house week. It is so much fun to have you over for such a personal visit. If you missed the office reveal and country house tour: part 1, simply click here…
Today I am taking you to the city house, which is a gated two story little place, that sits in the city of Tucson, Arizona.
Come on in through the private gate to my front yard that leads you under my overgrown arbor, and into my secluded and very private courtyard. You can sit on the green wooden bench that lives under the umbrellas…
I love courtyards. I think they are so sweet and dreamy. A tiny garden space to read in or listen to the fountain in…
That is not our cat, but he lived in our garden for a short time, then left one day. Let's go inside, shall we?
Let's start in the sitting room…
As I said in the post below, I believe in surrounding myself with what I love. I adore Jen's at Indie Fixx's description of my decorating style. She has gotten closer than I ever have in describing it.
In putting this little home tour together I realized that I have never ever wondered if something will work with something else in my house. I just buy what I like and want. Is it obvious? Since I have always had an eclectic style, I don't know if it is just a big mish-mosh, or not. All I know is that it makes me happy ;)
(I like to put a big mirror in front of the fireplace during warm months. The fireplace is behind the black chair)
I adore little nooks and shrines filled with treasures. They don't have to be religious shrines, I just love creating little spaces that hold things that lift my spirits and bring a sense of beauty and peace to me…
Almost everything I bring home ends up coming home with me because of its story or history. That, or I simply feel a deep connection to it…
As you can tell I love bright white. I don't know what it is, but I have to have brightness. I think it keeps me from feeling gloomy or sad. Maybe that's it?
I do adore color bursts here and there. I have many of my colorful paintings hanging that I did many years ago during my abstract art days (which I am being drawn to again, I must admit).
I also love going into homes that have colorful walls. I have tried color on my walls in my own home, but it didn't feel right in my own space. I even love looking at really dark rooms, like black walls or tapestry covered walls with baroque furnishings and white curtains etc. Maybe one day, if I win a Victorian Mansion I will do dark walls in one room 😉
When I was 11 years old I started painting furniture. There are many pieces I painted about 10-15 years ago that still live at the city house. Once day, about 5+ years ago, I saw the bench above by Luon St.Pierre at Bohemia, and thought it really complimented my own painted pieces. I love that bench.
I painted the mermaid on my bookcase as well. The other side of the bookcase is painted with the mermaid from head to torso, and the side you can see has her tail painted on it. I also painted scenes on the lower doors, but they are blocked by the bench.
The large wooden mermaid on my black piece of furniture happens to be part of one man's collection (unbeknownst to me when I purchased the first piece), which I acquired over time from an antique store. The mermaid was part of the collection that had the two wooden santos that are at my country house. They all come from the Philippines and were used in religious processions.
I also love collecting other artists work. Like the sculpture below by Gonzalo Espinosa, which is a winged man on one side and a woman on the backside…
Anyhow, let's leave the sitting room for now, and move on to the little dining area, shall we?
I forgot to show you at the country house, but I have a wall with what others call scary clown paintings. And, I have one of my circus guys hanging in the dining/piano area at the city house.
This is my piano which I painted about 13+ years ago. That piano was given to me by my parents when I was 3 years old. It was a beautiful creme and gold French looking thing. Oops ;)
Although, my Mom likes it better this way, and she is the one who encouraged me to paint it in the first place…
I love to incorporate things like antique chairs and funky silly pillows. I think the whole juxtaposition of it all, thrills me…
I just love collecting treasures. Notice how I have used the word "love" one too many times in this post already ~ Oh well, I love to love I guess ;)
The deliciousness of collecting interesting things has its hold on me. Don't you love the anticipation of searching for the ultimate find? I sure do…
Many years ago I painted a whole series of heart paintings and I kept this one below. I have two in my canvas storage that are left to be completed from 15 years ago, and I am itching to work on them again. They are heavily textured, which is much more visible in person…
Sooo, on to the next room – we won't be going upstairs today, but let me take you to the master bedroom, which happens to be on the 1st floor…
This is my happy little bedroom, filled with flowers and wacky things…
I just don't get tired of this Anthropologie bedding. I got it years and years ago, and it still makes me smile…
On the left side of my bedroom is a tall piece that goes with my nightstands. It houses my television, and stands in front of a wall of windows, which I forgot to take a picture of. There is also a nook on that side for…
And this is the powder room. Talk about getting personal ;) Although, no closet shots for today. My bathroom had a double sink, but when we gutted it, we got rid of one sink so that I could have more usable space.
Is it time for dress-up yet?
Well actually, I think it is about time for treats, don't you?
I think one of my favorite places in a home is the kitchen. I love to cook, and I love nothing more than huddling in the kitchen and cooking while people sip wine and chat with me…
A kitchen can be such a warm fun place, don't you think?
I think it is extra fun to find ugly pieces of furniture with potential. I painted that kitchen curio cabinet in the far right, that I got at a rummage sale for 40 dollars about 8 years ago. It was so ugly, but painted it worked just fine.
The table has tall chairs, but I moved them for the photo. My friends usually sit there, while I chop veggies and create some sort of edible treat…
As the sun goes down, and the city house tour comes to an end, we light candles. Don't you love how candles make your house glow?
You can see more city house garden night photos in this blog post…
Thank you ever so much for peeking inside the city house. Two more posts to come, for our tour this week. I hope you will stop back in 😉
🖤,V
ps: There are two art dolls in my shop looking for special homes 😉
Thank you for welcoming us into your home, Vanessa. It looks great and exactly how I imagines your house would look like 🙂 Love the kitchen!
V….
That was so inspiring to me..Been in a rut lately..I love your home and the fun and whimsey…love love love..Thank you for the tour so much…and the dolls WOW…going to check them out also..
xoxoxox
Veevala style is definitely rockin it! I have white walls in every room in the house except the bedroom-thats some goofy wallpaper Cowboy’s in love with. I think it reminds him of a bordello, what with him being a Cowboy & all (though its pale colors, not bright red). But its the one room where he gets his way (LOL i mean decorating wise)
That painting behind the piano is awesome, as is the heart, which i fell in love with during a previous post. Now, I will also be in love with Skelly-too cool for school!
I am the same way about thingz-live with what you love. Although, i found the perfect pair of hot pink chairs one time-pink velvet, can you imagine? GORGEOUS. The lost boys happened to be with me and told me they live with ALOT of craziness (true dat) but they absolutely positively adamantly refused to explain to the rest of the lost boys why they had to sit in hot pink chairs, so i didnt get them-but i still dream of them to this day!
I am totally digging on these posts.
XOXOXOXOXOX
I love, love, love your house because it’s so “you”…it’s eclectic and artsy and always bright and cheery~ You make it work. I wish I had the nerve to pull off such an eclectic look in my house because I too, like many styles. I can’t seem to merge them together like you have done. Your house is great!!
Let me tell you, Oh Magical One, it WORKS for me!!! I love every little thing! I LOVE LOVE LOVE everything LOVE. And love that you love it!!! Enough with love; have I told you lately that I adore you? I do, I do!!!
**blows Christmassy kisses** Deb
Wow!! What beautiful spaces you have created. Thanks for sharing them.
Vanessa, it’s delicious! Completely delectable. What a world of joy. You have a style that is sacre joie! It is you. Glad to know such a spirit. Blessings dear one.
Oh! Sighhhh! It’s like a perfectly elegant museum of magic…so perfectly you! What a true collector you are!! I wish I had 1/10th of your eye for arranging things ‘just so’! 🙂 Beautiful beyond words, Miss Vanessa!! Thank You for sharing a bit of your world with us! 🙂
Another fabulous tour V! I just love your houses, they are both you but feel totally different from each other…to me anyway. lol
Your art dolls are stunning, I wish I could snatch them up and give them a home! 😀
I can see why you love your bedding, it’s gorgeous.
I just wanted to drop by and let you know that I’ve linked to gift tags/labels that you designed. The post is located here http://burdart.blogspot.com/2009/11/free-printable-artist-made-gift-tags.html There is also a text only post for slower connections just below it. Thank you for sharing your art so freely. I would love it if you would let me know if you have designed other tags or labels that should be included. And please, by all means, share this post. Stamp out store tags! 😉
Francie
Your home is amazing! I love all the details and unique pieces. It really does look like a bright, happy place to come home to. 🙂 Pssst…I know a lot of people don’t do these awards, but I wanted to include you. I left a little something for you over on my blog post from yesterday. 🙂
Your house looks so fun! I live in Tucson too, in the Armory park area. I aspire to have as much fun stuff as you someday 🙂 The kitchen is adorable!
Oh my Vanessa! Your home is magical!!!! Absolutely cozy and bright. Thanks you for showing us. 😉
you are making me so happy these past days and i had to go and see the indie blog to see more, thank YOU very much!
yes to you!
and hugs too!
You are such a dee light…nay, a sugar plum faerie! Peeking into your world is such a fantastic journey…I truly hope that one day when I get my new and improved Gypsy Caravan..I’ll come through Tucson and stop for a real visit!
I notice it is very open here in your city house as well, Vanessa ~ spacious and bright. I’ve heard many times that those who deal with color on a daily basis {like artists} don’t like it on the walls of their homes because they are around it all day and need a bit of a break. Thanks so much for the tour!
Vanessa,
Thanks for inviting me in. It really beats looking through the windows at night. HaHa! I actually do this. I love peeking inside peoples houses and touring open ones. I don’t know what it is, I just love it. Yours is exactly like I would have imagined, maybe better. Your house is like one of your paintings which I am sure reflects your soul. Thank you. Oops! I forgot my hostess gift 🙂
Amada
Again you have outdone yourself and created a beautiful and colorful home. And I have to tell you that I LOVE THE SIRENA…if ever she wants to leave your home she can stay with me..hehehe I cant wait to see more…
It realy is so delightful to see your creative space. How kind of you to share this part of your life to us. I enjoy looking through this pretty window of whimsy. Your world is so enchanting and inspiring. I can’t wait until I get my new place to decorate. It’s amazing how nuturing and rejuvinating it can be to truly live in a place that’s all your own and surround yourself in the things that give you comfort, isn’t it?
What a magical place Miss V. I would never be able to sit still. There is something unique and wonderful everywhere!!
What a wonderful home!
The pictures (as always) are just gorgeous!
Love love love! <3
Oh, more beauty! This house is lovely as well. I adore the copper pans in the kitchen and the beautiful Chinese dragon candle holder. Your style is so eclectic and fun. 🙂 Thanks for sharing – can’t wait for the rest of the tour. Theresa
Oh thank you, thank you so much for your invitation to visit your homes. Looking at the photos makes me almost giddy….I find myself saying “I want one of those” or “I want to do that to my cabinet”.
I am so drawn to your spaces, mostly because of the eclectic-ness. I am a true believer in buying what you love not what matches. I think if you love everything you have, it will all mesh together. Well, at least in the eyes of the person who lives there. And…after all, isn’t that what counts? Decorating for yourself not for others!
Thank you so much Vanessa:
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
Beautiful V! I love all the white and I think I may have woken up thinking about it this morning…it is such a clean slate in which to fill with love. Each of my rooms is an entirely different color…which works well for me. But I’m telling you…I DO love what the white does!
Such a delight to see the spaces you love that give you shelter and envelope you with crazy color and soothing whiteness. I can just see you flitting from place to place, tucking new treasures in all the nooks, cooking up a storm in that kitchen. What a spectacular retreat! Thanks for sharing your inspiration! Enjoy the day! Erin
I swear I could fit my whole house in your Townhouse – it’s really roomy and your room looks huge!!!
I have been wanting to start over in our living room and one thing I told BohoMan is that surprisingly I want to paint it white, not hospital white, but you know what I mean. I usually go for color on the walls but I think I’m ready for a change. Your spaces are making me want to do that NOW! I agree about being surrounded by and purchasing things that you love and that speak to you – that’s what makes a house a home. You have amassed the most amazing array of treasures and finds so that both in the city AND the country the mixes are perfect!
XOXOXOXOXO
You are just tooooo cute, and your life is cute too. Plus by the way you talk about your Momma and Mr Lovee, you are a wonderful person. It is fun to know you even if only through your blog. Thanks
vanessa, i always fear your blog takes forever to load, and now i know why!
what is this exquisiteness i behold, for it seems to me to belong to another world??? you come from a far flung star my dear, even further out in outerest-milkywayness than my good self, which is saying something indeed!
your home must be the most shimmeringly magical abode i have ever stumbled upon online, and i will remind you once again to get a freaking book together, ok?. i could make films in there!
i could peruse this stuff for an eternity, just like the 1001 paintings book…..a snippet of wonder on every page, never knowing what will come next.
i think i now envy your dogs;)
of course i have to have a fave, and the headless couple get it.
mail them to me asap, like pronto, and be quick about it?
you can keep the four poster, im feeling generous tonight^^
xxx
I’m on the next plane – I want to touch EVERYTHING! That piano is to die for. Oh the colors of everything. And by the way – mish mosh is good!
Oh, to sit at that kitchen table, wine in hand, and chat with you as you cook – I can only imagine! Your home reflects your fun, whimsical, artistic self….thankyou for sharing with us x
Vanessa, I love, love, love your style! I love the white walls and pops of color. I know now that it’s okay to have eclectic tastes! I, like you, buy what I like and don’t give a thought as to whether it will ‘go’ or not. Thank you for these two wonderful tours. It’s GORGEOUS! Twyla
I love the mermaid and the large procession cross in the front room, and the black and white kitchen with the colorful cabinet. Everything is just so lovely.
Thanks for sharing,
Tracy M.
You have the best style! It’s this fun blend of chaos and eclectic madness – as if Betsey Johnson and a little old Grandma were having tea and cake at a Mercado. Can you hear them laugh and sharing wicked tales of love and fashionable moments? ‘;)
Hello my dear! It has been so long since I have paid you a visit and I picked a good day to play catch up. I love love love these photos with the brightness and pops of color. Fantastic!
Honestly V, you are giving me such inspiration to decorate my new home (when I ever get it, tee hee). I just love how you own what you love…totally my style! The white with bright splashes here and there…oh my, I think I drooled a bit 😉 Love how your Mombie encouraged you to paint the piano…what a dear!
And oh how I would love to snag one of your forest dolls (or any doll made with your talented hands…one day it will happen 😉 For now, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of ‘Clementine Elfshat Muffincake,’ and am so glad to have snagged her cutie-pie self…thanks again!
Big Hugs,
Jamie 🙂
Breathtaking! Inspiration galore! What wonderful magic!
Such a joyful, magical, color filled space ~ I love it! You truly are gifted with the decorating gene…the white walls really make the furniture & decor just pop in the rooms. I will be looking through these posts for awhile ~ so much to see!
Thank you for sharing your home with us ~
OMG, we have two more days of peeking into your home. I love it. The piano is fab! I can stare at all the lovely, colorful and original things you have in your home for hours.
I cannot even begin to tell you how amazingly beautiful I think your homes are. Your style is so perfect in every way…I do think Jen described it quite well. Oh how you must have such fun in your homes, I can visualize the tea parties and balls now 🙂
xoxoxo
Krista
As always…U never surprise me…U R just amazing…seems suiting that your house would mimic that..as I say to my friends…we are a product of our environment…Just a breath of fresh air with you…well done ;.) I must ask you where you got that mustache pillow…I am DYING for one ;.) Thanks again girl for the inspiration!
Wow! That is an amazing house, eclectic and happy! You have a super unique style, and it is fascinating to explore the details! Beth
What a gorgeous home! If your walls had another colour than white, you propably wouldn’t be able to mix all those beautiful colours. It is truly a home for an artist! /linnea-maria
V~
There is so much to absorb…I spent yesterday looking at each picture picking out my favorite things and well it’s quite a long list 🙂 Your City Home is AMAZING!! I’m thinking if you need a house-sitter for your City home while your at your ALSO AMAZING country home I’m definately free
🙂 🙂
Thanks for inviting us all in!!
oh my…
i am so THRILLED that your parents
gave you a piano
when you were 3!
🙂
this must have started the ball rolling
towards creativity,
or, rather,
pushed it along somewhat.
thank*goodness
for such parents!
{{ i lifted the lid
on one of your copper pots
and tasted the sauce.
it was yummy…
hope it was not intended
for other uses }}
I am still sitting in the kitchen, with all the light and color. What a wondrous place you live in. Both homes are magnificent!! As I sit here, I am hoping for that wonderful quiche of yours to attend the table!!! Yum! Your homes dress like you do! Fun, expressionistic, feminine, light, bold, colorful, whimsical, and magical!
Thanks for having me…I will just sit here for awhile longer if you don’t mind?
Hugging you
SueAnn
What a lovely place! Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us. I love the colors, eclectic mix of decor and the kitchen is so wonderfully welcoming. The treats are just my style, love all tea goodies.
Your other home is just like you: fanciful. I too love the bench, and the corner cabinet in the kitchen. And of course the piano! I love color, relish every aspect of every hue. We are kindred spirits there. I also have a courtyard, with a little gazebo in it. I have special seating places in my yard, whimsical art. Sometime go online and visit the Garden Deva in Tulsa. (My grown daughters live in that area.) I have many pieces from her. http://gardendeva.com. I think you will like it very much.
Brenda
Sorry, I got the web address for Garden Deva wrong. I copied it for you.
http://www.gardendeva.com/
Brenda
Just love your way of weaving art and life together… something so many of of struggle to do you make seem so effortlessly beautiful! Carry on dear one… carry on. xoxoxo
I’ve been pooh-poohing white walls for years, but now I have to reconsider. Your use of beautiful colorful pieces of art and furniture look fabulous against your white walls. Very inspirational!
amazing!! <3 it!!
I’m not sure which I love more: city house or country house! Oh what I wouldn’t do for a gated little courtyard! Reminds me of days back in New Orleans, brick walled courtyards full of brick pavers, green plants, colorful flowers…sigh.
Fantastic space! I have a can of bright white paint in my garage and I am inspired to grab a brush and cover my living room walls! Everything is so crisp and happy! I love it! Thanks for sharing.
What a truly amazing house, I just love all the things you have collected – although I wouldn’t want to have to do your dusting!!
WOW! Vanessa I loved looking into your city home.. The beautiful artwork.. oh my. I love seeing how others live and decorate.. thats part of why I love this blogworld so much!
have agreat weekend
vivian
Whoa. Don’t need my afternoon coffee after this tour. My senses are jolted into high gear. So very generous of you to share your private spaces with us. I want peacocks over my bed, too. :>
Hi Vanessa, from so far away I´m falling in love with your blog, with your decor, your paintings… well, everything I´ve seen is so, so exciting, so beautiful and so different to many decor I´ve seen. Your home is extraordinary and I love, love, love it!!!! You have given me such happiness in this feeling of falling in love, it´s such a great pleasure.
Muchos, muchos cariños to you.
MarÃa Cecilia, from Chile, southamerica.
p.s. hope you take a little time and visit me.
I love that you have a city house and a country house – all chock-a-block with unusual treasures! xoxox
I want some of your goodies while I sit at that table! I love that curio cabinet. In fact, you’ve given me pause to think about painting everying we have! I’m not much for lots of things, but what I love is the colors! You really have me thinking about my own style, now…
i’m at a loss for words. you are insanely amazing! i could so come sit on that black chair and chat hours with you. thanks for the tour. you are my inspiration!!!!!!!!
Lovely lovely!Im so enjoying your blog,so glad I found it!
So is rural or urban life more sustainable? The question itself is probably misleading. Just as it is apparent that cities will have major difficulties in the coming years, it is also obvious that striking out for the wilderness on one’s own alone is naïve; very few people are actually able to be completely self-sufficient, even if they are able to tolerate living that way.
The City House is like a fancy house where rare and extraordinary things can be found. I really adore people who wants to go beyond the traditional home decorating. This one of the many that I adore too much. Thanks a lot for sharing these lovely photos.
I´m in love… it´s like a bit of me!!! I´m a peruvian living in Mexico and I blog passionately. I wanted to know if I can create a post about you and your amazing spaces…pleas, please, pretty porfavor!!! Come by and check out my blog, see what you think and gimme a holler!
Ciao! Clau
http://handmadeconamor.blogspot.com
LOVE!!!!
I love the antique, whimsical items that decorate your home. So inspiring! 🙂 OM NOM NOM! Thanks for the magical moment.
Wonderful city house. I would like to celebrate my birthday party in such amazing house. It’s adorable. Great job done by you. Thanks for sharing this idea.
I just recently discovered your site via an invitation to the 2014 Tea Party! I’ve been clicking around your sit for a bit and I’m absolutely mesmerized by your whimsical style!
*site, not sit
Wow, and I thought my house was colorful! Your house is so neat, soooooo unique; I’ve never seen anything like it. You said you’ve tried color on your own walls but it didn’t look right–I imagine that’s because everything else in your house is so colorful that it was too much(?) I painted all the walls, baseboards, trim, etc. thirty different colors in our house and painted our basement thirty different colors. I’ve painted a lot of furniture, picture frames, outlet covers (that might be a future endeavor for you!), etc. There are 65 different colors in my house and I thought that was a lot! You probably couldn’t even count all the colors in yours! 🙂
Everyone I know is so afraid to paint their walls with color; they paint or have professionals paint them earth colors–never bright COLORS.
I have to ask, if it’s not too personal, if you’re married? I wonder how many guys would let their surroundings be so colorful and whimsical?! I’m so glad my hubby lets me do what I want!
I can’t express how neat/unique everything in your house is. I especially like the piano! Thanks for sharing your home with others.