. . . i felt like i was following
the beverly hillbillies . . .
{cue banjo music}
. . . and then the clampetts
pulled up and stopped
in front of my house . . .
. . . with two sofas . . .
. . . two wingback chairs . . .
. . . and a refrigerator . . .
{tyler, austin, and brent are the buffest/best sports!}
. . . living room before . . .
. . . living room after . . .
back story: about fourteen years ago, her children talked my dear mother-in-law into moving from her home at the biltmore in phoenix to the east valley, where most of us live. bill found a lovely patio home in val vista lakes, which she snatched right up. then, she asked if i would decorate it for her before she moved in. she asked for a competely different style than her phoenix home, which was sleek and modern and spectacular with lots of chrome and glass and red ~ everything my father-in-law had loved. but, as a widow, she wanted soft and tradititional and feminine and floral and wallpaper and purple in her new digs. her budget was, let's say, verrrrry generous. she wrote me a big check and said, "let me know when it's finished." how fun is that? i had a great time choosing flooring and shutters and bedding and furniture and art and everything. who gets to do that all at once? i had a fabulous time spending her money! fast forward to january of this year, when she passed away. there's a lot of stuff to deal with. who knew we'd end up with the living room furniture i'd chosen for her all those years ago? yes, it's really flowery {and purple isn't my favorite . . .} but i think of her and smile every time i walk past this room. maybe someday we'll reupholster these pieces because heaven knows they'll last forever. {we were also lucky enough to inherit that original oil painting of her. the artist is our good friend, allen garns.}
7 comments:
It's beautiful Steph. The old adage of what goes around, comes around (or back around in this case) is true on many levels. and love the Minerva Teichert painting, too.
I love that room! And those couches really much. I've always loved two identical sofas facing each other somewhere in my house. So far it hasn't happened.
I really miss my mom...this room doesn't help. I am grateful to have a talented wife. I was never blessed with design abilities.
Reading this post made me a bit emotional...it is so sweet! I'm sure it makes it a little hard on Bill but in time it will help him not miss her so much & actually feel closer to her. When my mom passed away almost 8 years ago...we inherited a large amount of money {my dad passed away in 1990}& my sweet husband said I could do anything I wanted with it {little did he know I would actually spend it...prob a little to his dismay} So I finally furnished our LR & also bought a baby grand PLAYER piano...one that my dad always wanted. He loved piano music & my mom was a great pianist & topped it off with Greg Olsen's "Awesome Wonder" painting cuz it reminded me of the many summers my family spent in the mountains. I LOVE my LR becuz it makes me think of my parents every day. I call it "their room" & it makes me feel so much gratitude. I'm sure this room does the same thing for you...isn't it the best feeling? {p.s. sooo sorry for this long novel}
I love it. I think it breaks up the monotones. That is such a fun story. Where was I? I don't remember that shopping spree. What a fun task she honored you with. I loved Bill's mom. She was a classy woman. So fun to have her reminder in your house now forever.
I really do love walking pass "The Purple Living Room" or "Gramma's Room". I really miss her.
The purple is awesome and the floral is lovely, but the wonderful painting of her is the sweetest part. So glad that you got to have a bit of her near. Sweet post!
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