About Me

Hi, I’m Heather Grahling—owner, founder, and creative force behind Vivid Hue Home.

Vivid Hue began as a home decor blog in 2012, long before Instagram Reels and TikTok trends. Back then, I was documenting our new home build in Connecticut and swapping ideas with a tight-knit crew of fellow design bloggers. Many of us were just getting started—some eventually launched textile lines, others furniture brands—and those early connections helped shape the heart of what Vivid Hue Home would become. When a tiny 800-square-foot cottage became available in the historic village of Farmington in 2015, I took a leap and opened my first storefront.

In 2017, we moved just two doors down to a larger space, now marked by a bold hot pink front door and classic Nantucket-blue awnings. It’s here that Vivid Hue has grown into a joyful, Southern-leaning boutique that customers often say feels like it belongs in Charleston, Palm Beach, or Nantucket. I curate items you won’t find just anywhere—small-batch designers from the South, emerging artists, and bold statement makers that instantly add personality to a space. Around here, we call them “character pieces”—the ones that spark conversation and make people say, where did you find that?

You’ll find colorful home décor, thoughtful gifts, and stylish fashion—including clutches, jewelry, and dresses that look high-end but don’t break the bank. My style blends the classic with the quirky—kind of like pairing a vintage Chanel bag with a skirt from the Kate Spade for Target collaboration. Elevated, approachable, and always a little unexpected.

When I’m not in the shop, you can find me working on projects inside my 1940s Connecticut home—a perfectly-sized, feminine space that’s become the backdrop for many of my creative ideas. I share those moments on Instagram at @thecolorfulcthome, while @vividhuehome gives you a behind-the-scenes peek at what’s new in the shop, what I’m loving lately, and my ever-evolving pop-up adventures.

Behind the scenes, I’m a proud mom of two amazing kids—Jack and Vivi—who prefer life off-camera. When they do appear, it’s because I’ve added a big ol’ censor bar over their face like they’re dodging paparazzi in a tabloid. “Smidge” is Vivi’s nickname (long story, short: she used to ask for a “smidge” of everything as a toddler and it just stuck). My sidekick in most of my videos is Mr. Bradley Cooper—a black lab-pit rescue with soulful eyes, serious opinions, and a deep commitment to helping with DIY projects.

I’m a Texas-born Army brat who spent a hot minute living in Germany and Alabama, but my more formative years were spent in McLean, Virginia, while my dad was stationed at the Pentagon. He retired as a Colonel after 30 years in the military.

My mama—whom we lovingly call Mor Mor—happily found love again after 50 wonderful years with my dad. These days, she’s living her best life with her boyfriend George, dancing on porches and regularly going viral in my Instagram reels.

Mor Mor & George

My sister Brett lives in Atlanta and is my best friend, design confidante, and psychic twin—we’ve been known to show up to design gift shows in almost identical outfits, unintentionally matching down to the accessories.

After 14 years of marriage, I got divorced in 2018, and my ex-husband and I have remained dedicated co-parents and close friends. We still travel as a family and raise our kids as a team. I’m now in a happy relationship with someone special—he brings calm to my color—and we’re enjoying every chapter together.

At the core of it all, I believe in supporting small business, strong women, and living life in full color. What you’ll find here—whether on the blog, in the shop, or in your inbox—is a mix of curated style, real-life moments, and a whole lot of heart.

Come visit us in person at 769 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT (next to Hartford Baking Company), or shop online here. And remember—when in doubt, add color.