Spooky & Sweet. As fall envelopes the world, Vanessa is inspired by the changes in the air and the eerie feeling of mystery that rises with the early, dark nights. “Halloweens are always burning bright in my heart,”Vanessa says. Her décor, style is a whimsical, Victorian cottage vibe with fanciful, forgotten European touches. “I enjoy a light, whimsical look mixed with a bit of dark fairy tale, quite like my paintings.” She has two homes, and both are expressive sets for creating and entertaining. One has her original studio and office, and the other, another studio and office. “I have my tea parties, studio and office right on my own properties, which makes it very easy to create and also set up vignettes to photograph,” she says. “My mood and inspiration determine which house you will find me in.” With pumpkins from her own gardens, art painted by her own hand and tables styled with one-of-a-kind finds, her fall fetes welcome the season. “There is a magic I tap into as soon as autumn arrives,” she says. “It’s like my childhood heart comes to life, and so do a bunch of characters I carry around with me that have become a part of who I am creatively.” To see more of Vanessa’s homes and art, visit her on Instagram @afancifultwist and online at vanessavalencia.com ABOVE, RIGHT • Antique Apothecary. Vanessa found this old apothecary cabinet at a local antique shop called Gather in Tucson,Arizona.“It is one of my favorite nds to date,” she says.When she cleaned it, she was careful to leave on the original labels and writing on the drawers.“I like to use it in my art and décor,” she says.“I often ll it with butter ies, old ephemera, stars, keys, bits and baubles—it provides such great storage place.” HOLIDAYdécor | 2022 107
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDI3NTMw