Su Casa Southwestern Homes Autumn 2022 Edition

Clay Installation & Photo Credit: Matthew Berglund, Luxe Plaster, LLC | www.facebook.com/LuxePlasterCB

Photo: Daniel Nadelbach

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inspiration ideas resources

Southwest Homes

SOUTHWEST

HOMES

40 Settling In

A retired Air Force couple lands in Albuquerque, blending their modern and rustic design styles in a new home.

72 A Diamond in the Rough

Wanting to downsize, a Santa Fe couple stumbled upon the perfect in-process home right across the street.

SPECIAL SECTION

50 Fall Parade of Homes

Bring this copy of Su Casa with you as you tour 18 gorgeous, innovative homes in the Albuquerque Fall Parade of Homes

October 7–9 and 14–16. We’ve included details about each home, plus maps and directions. And don’t miss the two virtual tours!

94

Chris Corrie

On the cover: Rustic and modern merge in this High Desert home by Diego Handcrafted Homes. Photograph by Chris Corrie.

Mark William

72

IN EVERY ISSUE

28 Inside Su Casa

36,70 Life+Style Southwest

Euphorbia: Bring this quintessential Southwestern plant into your home. Pumpkin spice up your home with products in fiery shades of orange.

82 Artist Spotlight

Meet abstract artist Brigitte Brüggemann who lets color and mood drive her creativity.

84 Su Cocina

Sawmill Market’s hip concept serves up something for everyone—all in one dining location.

88 Vida Buena

2022 marks the 50th anniversary of our beloved Balloon Fiesta.

94 Just Winging Through

Take a weekend drive to some of these local birding hot spots to catch the autumn migration.

100 Su Libro

“Santa Fe Sense of Place” peeks inside some iconic local homes that exude the architecture and design style we’re known for.

102 Design Studio

Upgrading your staircase can make a major impact on your home’s design.

106 ¡ Salud!

New Mexico is home to the U.S.’s oldest wine region, cultivated around 1629 by Spanish missionaries.

Michele Rainwater

Daniel Nadelbach

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Published by Number Nine Media, Inc.

Publisher William P. Lang

Publication Director

Cheryl Mitchell Editor Heather Shoning

Creative Director B.Y. Cooper

Contributors

Paula M. Bodah Sara Bruskin

Jessa Cast Amy Gross Kate Jonuska Carol Orona

Faerl Marie Torres Rebecca Toy Lisa Truesdale

Photography Daniel Nadelbach Chris Corrie

Advertising Manager Cheryl Mitchell

Advertising Sales Executive Michele Rainwater

information contact: 505-344-1783

subscriptions, call 818-286-3162

Number Nine Media Inc. 7777 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 USA Phone (505) 344-1783

Copyright 2022 by Number Nine Media Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Basic annual subscription rate is $15.95, Canada & Mexico is $31.95. Other international countries is $35.95. U.S. single-copy price is $6.95. Back issues are $7.95 each.

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Phone (818) 286-3162, Fax (800) 869-0040 ssacs@magserv.com, sucasamagazine.com

Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico Board of Directors

President: Jenice Eades

First Vice President: Carey Plant

Second Vice President: Ashley Lawrence

Immediate Past President: Mackenzie Bishop

Associate Vice President: Diane Huerta

Secretary/Treasurer: Danielle Fleming

Associate-at-Large: Rita Powers

Green Build Council Chair: Adam Harper

Production Builders Council Chair: Kevin Vautier

Sales & Marketing Council Chair: JP Rael

Custom Builders Council Chair: Ashley Lawrence

Membership Committee Chair: Diana Lucero

Education Committee Chair: Jason Balthrop

Builder-at-Large: Wade Messenger

Remodelers Council Chair: Adam Harper

Parade Chair: Danielle Fleming

Advisory Members: Ron Sisneros, David Newell

Honorary Member: Dr. Susan Bogus Halter

Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico Staff

Executive Vice President: Lana Smiddle

Events & Education Director: Jill Krogman

Communication & Membership Specialist: Joseph Moreno

presidential award

Copyright © 2022 by Su Casa Magazine.

Nine Media Inc. 7777 Jefferson NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 344-1783

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and text are printed by Publication Printers in Denver, Colorado.

With Hunter Douglas window fashions, the possibilities are endless.

With Hunter Douglas window fashions, the

From traditional to contemporary, Hunter Douglas window fashions enhance the beauty of any décor. Contact us to explore the wide variety of fabrics, textures, styles and colors for your home. Whatever you select, your rooms are sure to be inviting for years to come.

Designer Screen Shades

Linson's Design Source

From traditional to contemporary, Hunter Douglas window fashions enhance the beauty of any décor. Contact us to explore the wide variety of fabrics, textures, styles and colors for your home. Whatever you select, your rooms are sure to be inviting for years to come.

428 Sandoval Street, Santa Fe, NM

Please contact store for hours

From traditional to contemporary, Hunter Douglas window fashions enhance the beauty of any décor. Contact us to explore the wide variety of fabrics, textures, styles and colors for your home. Whatever you select, your rooms are sure to be inviting for years to come.

Linson's Design Source

Sunday and Monday:Closed (505) 984-8700

428 Sandoval Street, Santa Fe, NM

Linson's Design Source

Please contact store for hours

www.linsonsdesignsource.com

428 Sandoval Street, Santa Fe, NM

Please contact store for hours

Sunday and Monday:Closed (505) 984-8700

Sunday and Monday:Closed (505) 984-8700

www.linsonsdesignsource.com

©2021 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.13944712

www.linsonsdesignsource.com

©2021 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.13944712

©2021 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.13944712

Silhouette window shadings

Can you feel the crisp hint of autumn in the air? I do (or maybe I’m hoping that I do), and as I turn my attention to the outdoors, I’m reminded of our great state’s moniker, Land of Enchantment. It’s the perfect description of this place we’re lucky to call “home.” There is beauty everywhere you look, including on these pages!

In this issue, you’ve got a special invitation into two feature homes—one with a rustic-meets-modern medley of materials by Diego Handcrafted Homes. It’s the long-awaited forever home of a now-retired Air Force family. The second, by Boss Builders, is a decidedly contemporary home punctuated with color and pattern. While the building site was challenging, the house turned out beautifully.

It’s a special anniversary for Albuquerque and the International Balloon Fiesta—celebrating 50 years. To commemorate it, we look at the history of this wonderful—and world-renowned—state tradition. Another, possibly lesserknown New Mexican tradition is vinification. But as you’ll find out, the practice began with Spanish missionaries in the early 17th century and survived significant obstacles to become the nation’s oldest wine region.

Our community churns out great ideas and so much creativity. One concept that is gaining notoriety in cities across the country and right here in Albuquerque is the upscale food hall. And Sawmill Market is taking our local version one step further. Aside from various food vendors, you’ll also find gifts and flowers. And we introduce you to Santa Fe artist Brigitte Brüggemann, who takes a meditative and organic approach to create her abstract art.

Autumn is the time when we celebrate our local home builders in the Fall Parade of Homes event. Su Casa is your guide for exploring the distinctive homes showcased throughout the city. We’re also celebrating Lavender Fields, a community brought to us by Amreston Homes and Twilight Homes. This community, by the way, has a front-row seat to the 50th anniversary Mass Ascension.

As with every issue, in addition to these highlights, we’re delighted to bring a host of interesting articles focused on our local community, local people and beautiful homes.

William P. Lang Publisher

Right: In their new home, a couple with differing design styles achieved the perfect balance of modern and rustic. Read more on page 40.

Welcome to the Autumn Issue of Su Casa

Chris Corrie

Inside Su Casa

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Life+Style Southwest

finding inspiration

When Lisa Samuel of Samuel Design Group gave a historic Santa Fe home a facelift, she drew on her studies of Native American pottery as inspiration for a special fireplace layered-plaster treatment in the primary bedroom. The space was already charming with the kiva in the corner, vigas and a set of rustic double doors. Samuel refinished the vigas to give them a more modern wood tone and specified Saltillo tile throughout the home. The rustic doors once led to the closet, but Samuel moved them front and center as the entry to the suite.

Samuel Design Group, samueldesigngroup.com; OneWay Construction

photograph by Wendy McEahern

by Lisa Truesdale

standing tall

a classic symbol of Southwest living

TALL, STATELY AND DRAMATIC, Euphorbia ingens reaches toward the sky, radiating its classic Southwestern vibe with the utmost confidence. Euphorbia ingens, a succulent, and Cereus peruviana, a cactus, look almost like twins, with distinctive pillars reminiscent of the mighty saguaro.

“The saguaro—among other plant species with a similar appearance—is one of the most iconic symbols of the Southwest,” says Lynn Payne, president of Payne’s Nurseries in Santa Fe. Images of these majestic, columnar plants instantly conjure visions of the region, and they symbolize endurance and resilience.

“Endurance and resilience” describes Euphorbia ingens in the home landscape, too. Native to Africa, it somehow found its way to the Sororan Desert, where it thrives in the extreme heat and relishes the low— and often nonexistent—humidity. In the high desert areas of northern New Mexico, however, this easycare succulent prefers living in pots, so it can bask outdoors in the heat, yet easily retreat inside when it’s time to escape the frost. Here’s how to care for yours: Placement. From spring to fall, place Euphorbia ingens outside. “They like to be out in full sun as much as possible,” says Steven Brack of the Cactus and Succulent Society of New Mexico. Move the pots inside when the frost arrives, but focus on location. “There often isn’t enough light inside to help these plants thrive normally,” he says. “If the light level is too low, the growth will get spindly and weak.”

Payne agrees—place them in the brightest possible location inside, like next to a large window. “Euphorbia ingens and Cereus peruviana both make great houseplants because they thrive on neglect,” she says. “Move them outside for their summer vacation. Just don’t put them in full sun right away; like people, if they’re not used to a lot of sun, they will get sunburn.”

Watering. “When living outdoors, these plants can have a deep soak two or three times a month, depending on pot size,” advises Brack.

If they’re getting plenty of sun indoors, Payne says to water them only when the soil is dry. But if the location is not in full sun, he suggests keeping it dry throughout the winter; less water is better so that it

grows more slowly, with thicker, stronger stems. If it remains indoors all year long, a deep soak about once a month from spring to fall should do it, he says. Pruning. Euphorbia ingens—referred to as “the candelabra tree”—can reach heights of 30 feet or more when fully mature, says Brack, meaning it could outgrow nearly any indoor space.

“When it starts to get too big, it will need to be pruned so that it fits inside the house,” he says. Cut off the stems with a handsaw, allow them to dry out for about two weeks, then plant them in another pot. “After a couple of months, they will root and start to grow.”

Sap. It’s no wonder Euphorbia ingens’ other nickname is “the African milk tree”—these plants secrete a sticky white sap when cut. The sap, also called latex, repels insects and vegetarian mammals in search of a meal (just like the latex in the poinsettia, another type of Euphorbia). Unfortunately, humans and pets should avoid it, too. “It’s toxic to people and animals if ingested,” says Aryne Chacon, greenhouse manager at Rehm’s Nursery and Garden Center, “and very irritating to the skin.”

Any unintentional leaking of sap from the plant could be a sign of an injury from a pest, she adds. Wear protective gloves when examining the injury, clean the affected area with clean water, and consult a professional for advice if the damage is extensive.

Shutterstock.com/Lena Petrova_78

Michele Rainwater

Euphorbia ingens, a classic Southwesternlooking plant, prefers living in pots in northern New Mexico so it can be moved indoors when the temperature drops.

Payne’s Nurseries

settling in an Air Force couple comes full circle landing in Albuquerque

by Lisa Truesdale photographs by Chris Corrie

After nearly three decades traveling around the world as an Air Force family, Ken and Suzanne Sersun could have chosen anywhere to retire, but New Mexico had captured their hearts decades ago. So, they headed straight here.

Ken first fell in love with the Land of Enchantment in 1993, while stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base. He spent his free time skiing at Red River, eventually purchasing a townhome there. After being transferred to the Pentagon, he met Suzanne, and then brought her to Red River on their honeymoon in 1997. “We both loved it,” Ken says, adding that Suzanne had a bit of a head start, having lived in the area as a teenager.

So, when it was time to settle down after all those years of living in just about every corner of the world, Albuquerque was a no-brainer. Choosing a lot in the High Desert neighborhood was a given, too: “There are some building restrictions here,” explains Suzanne, “but we wanted the views of the Sandias and the hiking trails.”

Finding Common Ground

Ken and Suzanne purchased their lot in 2017. Although they totally agreed on the musthave features for their custom home—having gathered inspiration from all their previous homes—they had drastically different opinions about the home’s design style.

“Ken’s vision sounded like a rustic log cabin, while Suzanne’s vision was sleek and modern,” says Diego Ruiz of Diego Handcrafted Homes, the award-winning designer and builder the couple chose after meeting him at the Parade of Homes. “We ended up with ‘midcentury mountain modern,’ but we all refer to it as ‘Bass Pro Shops meets Nordstrom,’” he quips.

Intent on capturing both personalities, Ruiz designed a gold-certified green home that perfectly blends the two seemingly disparate styles. Throughout the 3,800-square-foot main house and semi-attached 800-squarefoot casita, the modern features that Suzanne

prefers abound—like the open floor plan, dramatic 16-foot window wall in the great room, large pivot front door, stainless steel cable railings on the balconies and black metal cladding on the roof overhangs. Ken gets his way too, with exposed wood beams, handscraped walnut floors and rustic Texas limestone.

The couple is thrilled with how Ruiz was able to accommodate both of their visions as well as incorporating their desired features. Suzanne’s dream kitchen is based on a photo she clipped as inspiration years ago. “It’s the same colors and vibe and shape, and I’ve always wanted a [service] pantry,” she says, adding that she even scored built-in spice racks on either side of the stove. “I’ve wanted those forever.”

As for Ken, he says his four-car garage is the one he’s always envisioned, complete with what he calls his “OCD storage system.” He loves hanging out in his rec room, built for entertaining with a fully stocked bar, a glass wine cellar and a pool table. Out back is another of Ken’s faves: “I’m a triathlete, and I wanted a forty-foot lap pool,” he says. “It didn’t really fit the design at first, but Diego made it work.”

The casita, which includes a guest suite that sleeps six, a kitchenette and a sauna, also has a multipurpose room that Suzanne

Ken was intent on incorporating Texas limestone, both inside and out. “We originally thought it wouldn’t work, but Diego made it happen,” Suzanne says. The 16-foot storefrontstyle glass wall affords stunning mountain views—one of the main reasons Ken and Suzanne chose their lot.

A ski lift chair purchased from their favorite resort in Red River welcomes guests to the Sersun’s custom home.

I’m a triathlete, and I wanted a forty-foot lap pool. It didn’t really fit the design at first, but Diego made it work. –Ken Sersun

In the back of the house, 20-foot glass pocket doors slide open between the great room and the outdoor living area, with the pool beyond. Up the spiral staircase is a rooftop deck where Ken and Suzanne enjoy their morning coffee and their 360-degree views of the Sandias.

resources

Home Design/Builder Diego Handcrafted Homes diegohandcraftedhomes.com

Audio/Visual System/Central Vacuum ABQ Sound & Vac abqsoundandvac.com

Appliances

Builders Source Appliance Gallery builderssource.com

Art

Ventana Fine Art

Bathroom/Kitchen Fixtures

Ferguson Blinds I’m The Blind Lady imtheblindlady.com

Cabinetry/Custom Furniture WoodLife woodlifecabinets.com

Countertops

Arizona Tile (supplier) United Stoneworks (fabrication and installation)

Fireplaces

Mountain West Sales mountainwestsales.net

Flooring/Kitchen Backsplash Stonewood Flooring stonewoodnm.com

Front Door/Interior Doors

Santa Fe Door

Gates and/or Metal Fabrication ADE Wrought Iron LLC

Landscaping

Agua Dulce Earthscapes

Lighting Turn On Lighting

Pool Design & Build Pelican Pools LLC

Sliding Window Wall/Windows

Sierra Pacific Windows

The rec room includes a fully stocked bar, wine cellar, ample seating, a pool table and a fireplace. It’s the perfect entertaining area.

uses for yoga and Ken uses for business meetings. “I guess I wasn’t ready for retirement after all,” he laughs, “so I bought a Chick-fil-A franchise.”

Overcoming Obstacles

Start to finish, the project took about three years, and it wasn’t without its challenges.

“Ken and Suzanne wanted a two-story home with the office upstairs, to be able to fully capture the 360-degree views,” says Ruiz. But a steep lot, height restrictions and a natural arroyo stood in the way of their dream.

So, Ruiz revised his design, carving into the side of the hill and dropping the house 9 feet below the top of the lot grade. “We were worried that it was going to block the view of the mountains,” he explains, “but it blocked the view of a neighboring house instead. It was a very happy surprise.”

Landscape designer Luke Resnick of Agua Dulce Earthscapes then terraced the slope in front of the house and covered it with rocks. “Now, it looks like it’s flowing right up into the mountains,” says Ken. “It adds privacy, but it’s also gorgeous.”

Making It Personal

Thinking back to Red River, Ken says that spending time there over the years certainly influenced the design of this house. “Red River has been the only sense of consistency we’ve had throughout our military career,” Ken says. “We would return nearly every year to visit, and it provided a sense of stability; it’s the place our son knows best as his home.”

So, when Red River Ski Area replaced their original red double chairlifts with quads, Ken and Suzanne purchased chair #99 as a reminder of their happy times there. Although they originally wanted to hang it up out back, out of sight, Ruiz had other ideas.

“Diego said: ‘No, it’s okay to have some whimsy,’” Suzanne says. “He turned it into a swing and mounted it right out front.”

“It’s pretty special to us, and we’re glad we listened to him,” Ken adds. “It’s part of our history.”

BERNALILLO

ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA

Maps are not drawn to scale. Use directions provided with home descriptions to arrive at Parade entries.

NORTHEAST HEIGHTS

SOUTHEAST HEIGHTS

BUILDERS

Amreston Homes LLC 2

CJ & J Construction LLC/ 7 H&W Construction

CJ & J Construction LLC/ 15 H&W Construction

D.R. Horton 6

ECOterra, LLC 16

ECOterra, LLC Virtual

Fellowship Homes 9

Hakes Brothers 8 Hakes Brothers 11

Joseph Custom Homes 4

Lizard King/ Virtual White Clover Design

Prestigious Homes 10 Richmond American Homes 12 Richmond American Homes 13

Sun Mountain Construction, Inc. Virtual

Twilight Homes 1

Twilight Homes 3

Twilight Homes 14

COLOR CODE KEY FOR ENTRY NUMBERS

Northeast Heights Rio Rancho Corrales Westside Valley Los Ranchos de Albuquerque

SIGNATURE COMMUNITY

LAVENDER FIELDS

Diana Lucero

New Mexico Bank & Trust

JP Rael Westway Homes

FALL 2022 PARADE COMMITTEE

Kevin Vautier Abrazo Homes

Yvette Klinkmann Bell Bank Mortgage

Danielle Fleming, Chair Quantum Fiber

Carla Wersonick Doc Savage Supply

Jason Balthrop Builders Source Appliance Gallery

Nick Salas Western Building Supply

Peggy Moeller Mead PM²

Rita J. Powers Interior Logic Group

Sherri McConnell Window Fashions

When Brian Mills moved into Lavender Fields, he was thrilled with its proximity and easy access to all quadrants of the metro area, thanks to its North Valley location. But the community is proving to have myriad other benefits as well. Mills, vice president of sales and marketing for Twilight Homes, not only gets to speak with prospective buyers, but he also talks to his neighbors.

The community of 82 lots—56 from Twilight Homes and the other 26 from Amreston Homes—is quickly filling up with families ranging from first-time buyers to retirees. “There’s a nice mix of ages,” Mills says. He has adult children, but there are also young children in the community. “I see more and more people out biking and walking dogs through the neighborhood,” he says. “Everyone is impressed with how quiet and secluded it feels. It’s not far from zoning for livestock, and you might hear a horse or a rooster on a quiet morning.”

It’s evident that prospective buyers are seeking an urban location with a rural feel. Sales started at Lavender Fields in March 2021, and Twilight Homes is already down to its last 20 lots. Amreston Homes has four lots available, and three model homes finished and ready for purchase. As the developer, Carey Plant, vice president of AMREP Southwest Inc., says that this was a fun community to see being built with

Sam Adams

Lavender Fields offers the convenience of city living with a suburban feel.

a layout and design attributes that are much different than what they regularly build, and she looks forward to the opportunity to design and build more like it in the future.

Brian Earnest, home building division president of Amreston Homes, says, “Homeowners love the secure, secluded, gated community right in the heart of the North Valley with direct access to downtown.” He says many of the company’s buyers in the community include pilots, bankers and medical professionals.

Throughout the short selling period, Amreston Homes has created a stride in this community adjusting to meet buyer needs. “Buyers still want larger floor plans,” says Earnest. “They want workspaces that aren’t necessarily a whole bedroom, so we’ve modified our floor plans to include study-style spaces.” He adds that the best-selling floor plan is the single-story 4019 Indigo, although they have seven floor plans available with up to 3,047 square feet and five bedrooms.

“We are a relatively new builder, so we have no plans older than two and one-half years,” Earnest says. “Several were designed specifically to launch in this community to take advantage of the views.”

Mills says, “Twilight Homes has six available

Community

Sam Adams

Homeowners love the secure, secluded, gated community right in the heart of the North Valley ...

— Brian Earnest

Sam Adams

Lavender Fields VALLEY Signature Community

Signature Community

Jeremy Griego (505) 750-2424 jeremy@qhometeam.com amreston.com

Pauline Hansen (505) 917-1387 phansen@twilighthomesnm.com twilighthomesnm.com

From the Big I, take I-25 north, exit west (left) at Paseo del Norte (exit 232). Exit left onto 2nd St. (south), turn left on Los Ranchos Rd. NW. Turn right on Daniel Rd. NW, drive through the gate to the community.

models to choose from. Two of the more popular floor plans are the Fredericksburg and the San Marcos.” In addition, Mills hears from residents and prospective buyers that the outdoor living aspect is appealing even though the community is in the middle of the city. “The homes we’re building are our signature series,” he says, “They have a level of elegance you don’t see in other infill projects around the city.”

The North Valley is known for its rural character and rich farmland. Driving through the area’s meandering streets takes you past old farmhouses, orchards and vineyards. You’ll find popular farmers markets, galleries, the

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the Unser Racing Museum. Lavender Fields is near trails and open space along the Rio Grande and provides easy access to Los Poblanos Organic Farm and Casa Rodeña Winery. In addition, you’ll watch the mass ascensions at Balloon Fiesta right from your neighborhood. With all this in the community’s backyard, it’s no wonder buyers are choosing Lavender Fields to call home. Amreston Homes, amreston.com Twilight Homes, twilighthomesnm.com

Sam Adams

This Austin-inspired home from our Texas Series is located in Lavender Fields—a beautiful, new gated community in the heart of the North Valley. Full of desirable features, this breathtaking

Twilight Homes

107 Fernleaf Court

Welcome to the Indigo! It’s ready for any occa sion with its open concept, massive island table and plenty of storage. Utilizing 10-foot ceilings and an array of premium features such as maple

two-story at a fantastic price is a rare opportu nity you won’t want to miss.

sq.ft.

(base

(base

Pauline Hansen (505) 917-1387 phansen@twilighthomesnm.com twilighthomesnm.com

From the Big I, head north on I-25, exit left (west) at Paseo del Norte, exit left (south) at 2nd Street, turn left (east) on Los Ranchos Rd. NW. Turn right on Daniel Rd. NW, continue straight through gate and take the first right after gate onto Fernleaf Ct. NW. Home will be on your right.

Amreston Homes LLC

104 Fernleaf Court NW

cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and more, the Indigo is a perfect blend of social sophistication.

Jeremy Griego (505) 750-2424 jeremy@qhometeam.com amreston.com

From the Big I, take I-25 north, turn west (left) on Paseo del Norte (exit 232). Exit left onto 2nd St. NW (south), turn left at Los Ranchos Rd. NW. Turn right onto Daniel Rd. NW, after driving through the gates, the house is on the corner of Station Ct and Fernleaf Ct.

From the Big I head North on I-25, exit at Griegos Road and go left (west), take Griegos to 4th St. and turn left (south), take 4th St. to San Clemente Ave. and turn left (east). The home will be the first house on the left (north).

Estrella del Norte by Twilight Homes offers new homes in Albuquerque’s highly desirable North Valley. The Broadway offers urban style with room for the family. Inside, find an open floor

with the kitchen open to the living room and downstairs bedroom with en suite bath access. Upstairs are two bedrooms and primary suite with a spacious loft area.

Take I-25 to Paseo del Norte (exit 232). Head east on Paseo del Norte to Eubank. Turn left at Eubank and travel north to Oakland. Turn right (east) on Oakland. Home is the sec ond home on the right.

This spectacular home by Joseph Custom Homes—the contemporary farmhouse—fea tures a great room and dining room with large pocket doors, dining porch with built-in BBQ,

gourmet kitchen, home office with a separate entry, family room, owner’s retreat and large walk-in closet. This home is a must see!

Situated in the Tinnin Farms subdivision, this 1990’s home has undergone a complete re-design by Krysty Ronchetti and remodel by the late Matteo Pacheco.This custom estate has been updated with

King / White Clover

a Santa Barbara style influence. The house includes a gourmet kitchen and a “ballroom” with a connect ing bar. The backyard features several fountains, a pool and numerous outdoor living spaces.

Krysty Ronchetti (505) 821-9279

@whiteclover_design or Jon Schnoor (505) 385-2154 jon@nm-casa.com Berkshire Hathaway New Mexico Properties (505) 798-6300

Not Open for Public Viewing. Please view this beautiful home online at www.paradenm.com.

Paseo del Norte North East, Albuquerque, NM 87113-1502

The Stella is a comfortable open-concept, twostory home. The spacious living area downstairs features a gourmet kitchen, dining room and family room. Also, downstairs, the primary suite

gets plenty of natural light through two large windows and includes a walk-in shower and garden tub. Other home features include an upstairs loft and a covered patio.

Jenks (505) 797-4245

From the Big I drive south on I-25 towards Las Cruces.Take exit 220 for Rio Bravo Blvd. Keep right at the fork, merge onto west/Rio Bravo Blvd. SE. Follow Rio Bravo Blvd. to Dennis Chavez Blvd. and continue straight. Turn right onto 118th St. SW. Turn right onto Aspire Way (gate will be open). At the roundabout turn right onto Cerro Alto Way, then right onto Aspiration Lane. Model home is the first home on the left.

This residence has elegance in mind with modern features. This Ron Montoya–designed home has all the bells and whistles from cus tom cabinets, custom lighting, tile throughout,

lap pool, spa and accent walls. Every custom thought on this home has functionality in mind.

Pacheco (505)

Lukas

(505) 340-7544

From the Big I, take I-25 North to Paseo del Norte and head west on Paseo. Turn left (south) on Kimmick Rd. Turn left (south) on Urraca St. Turn right (west) onto Papagayo Rd. and your destination will be on the left.

A Tuscan-style exterior is beautifully comple mented by a contemporary interior with spa cious dining, living and patio areas. Accented with several upgraded features, such as pendant

Hakes Brothers

A Southwestern prairie style home that is an enter tainer’s dream.The home features open concept living, dining and kitchen layout with multiple dining areas to host all your guests.The chef’s kitchen and service pan

lighting, 8-foot doors, a gourmet kitchen and a deluxe bathroom, this home is designed to offer luxury living in the heart of Albuquerque’s metro.

Dylan Dinkel (505) 600-6020 dylan.dinkel@hakesbrothers.com hakesbrothers.com

From the Big I, head north on I-25.Take exit 232 towards Paseo del Norte. Continue for 9 miles. Turn left onto Rainbow Blvd. NW. Turn right onto Woodmont Ave. NW. Turn right onto Redbloom Rd. NW. Then, turn left to stay on Redbloom Rd. NW.

Fellowship Homes

try make for practicality and convenience.The expan sive patio and cabana overlook the custom outdoor kitchen, oversized pool and inground spa, creating a space you’ll never need a vacation from.

Cynthia Frey (505) 544-2626 cfrey@lbcnm.com

From the Big I head west on I-40 to Unser. Take Unser north to Wellspring Ave. SE then head west and turn left on 21st Ave. Continue going west on 21st Ave to 15th street SE, turn south and head straight to 2410 15th street which will be on the east side of 15th street at the intersection of Black Arroyo.

Inspired by an old Swedish farmhouse, this Scandina vian-designed home provides ample comfort while maintaining a minimalist, neutral vibe. With earth-tone colors throughout, exposed whitewashed wood

Prestigious Homes

Silent Spring Drive NE

Located in Rio Rancho’s premier new-home community, this Mediterranean-style home offers both elegance and convenience near the city’s top-ranking schools and employers. Fea

beams, concrete-look floor tile and black metal light fixtures, this combination of materials pulls everything together nicely for the perfect family home complete with an enclosed back patio as well as view deck up top.

Richard Ayala (505) 554-9916 info@prestigioushomesabq.com prestigioushomesabq.com

Hakes Brothers

Silent Spring Drive NE

From the Big I, head north on I-25 and exit west onto Paseo del Norte, exit north onto Coors Blvd, merge onto NM-528, turn left on High Resort Blvd, turn right onto Broadmoor Blvd, turn left on Chess man, turn left onto Silent Spring Dr. Home will be on the east side of the street.

turing an open-concept floor plan and upgraded features, this home exudes luxury in all aspects of design and construction with stunning views of the Sandia Mountains.

HOME NOT OPEN ON SUNDAY

Dylan Dinkel (505) 600-6020 dylan.dinkel@hakesbrothers.com

From the Big I take I-25 North to exit 232 towards Paseo del Norte.Take the state Route 448 exit. Turn right onto Coors Blvd. Merge onto Rio Rancho Blvd. SE. Turn left onto High Resort Blvd. SE. Turn right onto Broadmoor Blvd. Turn left onto Chessman Dr. SE. Turn left onto Silent Spring Dr. NE.

The Sapphire includes a spacious kitchen boast ing white cabinets and a large center island. The secluded owner’s suite showcases dual walk-in closets and a private bath with a barn door.Three

Richmond American Homes

2394 Sandra Loop NE Seasons at Broadmoor Heights

4 bedrooms 3 baths 2,090 sq.ft. $534,826 (base price + all

Larry

(505) 510-6640

Newell

12

The Moonstone model includes an open great room with a fireplace. The well-appointed kitchen features 42-inch cabinets, a center island, and sleek stainless-steel appliances.The adjacent dining nook

secondary bedrooms, a relaxing covered patio and a 2-car garage make this home comfortable for any family. This home also offers matte black hardware and many other great upgrades.

From the Big I take I-25 North. Exit West on Paseo del Norte. Exit right (north) onto Coors Blvd. Continue approxi mately 2.4 miles. Merge onto NM 528 heading north for about 3.2 miles. Turn left on High Resort Blvd. Turn right on Broadmoor Blvd. Turn right onto Amy Rd. NE and continue to Kacie Rd. NE and Sandra Loop NE. Model is on the left.

Richmond American Homes

2390 Sandra Loop NE Seasons at Broadmoor Heights

5 bedrooms 3 baths 2,630 sq.ft. $614,413 (base price + all upgrades)

Larry Lewis (505) 510-6640

larry.lewis@mdch.com or

David Newell

david.newell@mdch.com richmondamerican.com/ broadmoorheights

with center-meet doors leads to a tranquil cov ered patio. It boasts a main-floor bedroom and bathroom, versatile loft, and three secondary bed rooms with a shared bath plus lavish owner’s suite.

From the Big I take I-25 North. Exit West on Paseo del Norte. Exit right (north) onto Coors Blvd. Continue approxi mately 2.4 miles. Merge onto NM 528 heading north for about 3.2 miles. Turn left on High Resort Blvd. Turn right on Broadmoor Blvd. Turn right onto Amy Rd. NE and continue to Kacie Rd. NE and Sandra Loop NE. Model is on the left.

RIO RANCHO

RIO RANCHO

There’s

whole family in

very pop ular Mountain Hawk neighborhood.

two-story

com munity

off HWY 550

to shopping and I-25. There are so many beautiful features and upgrades to inspire you in this affordable four-bedroom home.

From the Big I, head north on I-25, exit left (west) at US HWY 550, turn left (south) at NW Loop Rd. Turn left (east) on Westphalia Blvd NE. Turn right on Bald Eagle Loop. Home will be on your left.

The Alderwood is a ranch style home with modern features. It has a metal roof that will last a lifetime. The interior features tile flooring, custom oak cabinets, gran ite countertops and stainless-steel appliances.This home

has a 3-car tandem garage and a large lot with backyard access. Built with the homeowner in mind the Alder wood is ready for smart features. It has all hook ups for future lighting and is ready for your electric car.

Lukas

(505)

From the Big I, take I-25 North to Ber nalillo exit 242. Turn left onto HWY 550. Turn left (south) on HWY 528 to Enchanted Hills Blvd. then turn right (west). Turn left (south) on Lincoln Ave. Turn left (south) on Cam Encantadas. Turn left (east) on Nagoya Rd. The home is on your left.

Cecchini (505) 918-8476

Overlooking 2200 acres of preserve, this South western custom design is highly energy efficient. Warm and inviting with splashes of old Mexico hues, make this custom home a special retreat. Fine details

and very livable spaces, including a craft room and wood shop make this home a gem. Advanced build ing techniques and renewable energy were incorpo rated to achieve net zero electrical energy annually.

From the Big I, take I-25 North to Ber nalillo exit 242. Turn left onto HWY 550. Turn left at NW Loop Rd. to Unser Blvd. Right on Mariposa Pkwy., left on Redondo Sierra Vista. Left on Blue Grama Dr. Right on Reservoir Rd., then right on Ridgetop Rd.Turn left on Rooster Point Rd. Right on Rooster Point Place. Home is at the end of the cul de sac.

This home was designed with Japanese and Scan dinavian influences to create a clean yet warm environment. Seamless indoor and outdoor living is on display with a resort like patio, a gourmet

outdoor kitchen, pool and spa. Advanced building techniques and renewable energy were incorpo rated to achieve net zero electrical energy annually.

Cecchini

918-8476

Not Open for Public Viewing. Please view this beautiful home online at www.paradenm.com.

This home will be LEED and Build Green New Mexico certified. Some of the features in this unique home include SIPS (Structural Insulated Pan els), exposed concrete floors, custom cabinets and

doors, a large chef’s kitchen with two islands, office, media room, exercise room, pool, bocce ball court, and large covered portals. Let us design and build your custom GREEN home.

Not Open for Public Viewing. Please

smoldering autumn

nothing warms up a space like these fiery tones

Heat things up around your home this season with an array of products in blazing orange hues.

1. Teatime

You love the look of the dashing orange Le Creuset cookware. Add the distinctive tea kettle to your kitchen for a glowing stovetop adornment. It has the same great aesthetic and quality craftsmanship that the brand is known for. The steel kettle with porcelain enamel glaze features a locking handle for easy pouring and whistles when it reaches a rolling boil. Works on induction cooktops. Le Creuset Classic Demi Teakettle, $84, williams-sonoma.com

2. Pillow Perfect

Sink into this luxurious soft wool and even softer cashmere pillow—perfect for any sofa. The yarn-dyed cover provides lasting color and has a substantial weight for comfort and to guard against wear. The striped design and hidden zipper give this 22-inch square pillow a high-end, tailored look. Insert sold separately. Cashmere & Wool Equestrian Pillow Cover, $199, williams-sonoma.com

3. Pot of Gold

5This midcentury-style pot is handcrafted from clay and highfired in small batches with a gorgeous gloss orange finish. Because they are made in small batches, the glaze, texture and size can vary slightly from one pot to the next—only adding to the charm. Each pot has a drainage hole to allow for proper aeration and act as a natural safeguard against overwatering, and they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. A matching ceramic saucer is optional and not included. Midcentury Modern Planter, $72, ThePlantersClub, etsy.com

4. Buckets of Fun

These high-gloss tangerine nesting buckets are perfect storage containers to dress up any utility room, children’s playroom, mudroom and more. They are easy to carry with wide handles, and the lids ensure you can stack away items out of sight. When not in use, simply tuck the smaller 2.5-gallon bucket inside the 3.5-gallon one for easy storage. Nestable with lids included. 2-Piece Galvanized Steel Bucket Set, $49, wayfair.com

5. Elegant Dining

6Set a superb table this autumn with the golden glow of this stoneware table service. The umber hue is a beautiful backdrop for any dish. The durable stoneware resists chips, nicks, cracks and scratches, so it will look great for every meal. The set includes four cereal bowls, mugs, dinner plates and dessert plates. Dishwasher and microwave safe. Neal 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $83, wayfair.com

6. Furry Friends

Ditch the boring pet bed for one with style and vibrant color! The super plush fiberfill will keep Fido comfy, and just toss the removable zippered slipcover in the wash to ensure it looks great. The bottom is constructed of heavy-duty waterproof fabric, and the top is treated polyester with 1,000 hours of UV protectant. It’s the perfect pet bed for indoors or out! Towers Pillow, $95, wayfair.com

a diamond in the rough

with some artful planning, a problematic building site turns out to be a gem

by Jessa Cast photographs by Daniel Nadelbach

As the saying goes, when shopping for a new home, it’s all about location, location, location. So, what if you love the location you’re already in, but it’s time to downsize your home? Jaymeson Pegue and her husband Philip Thompson were in just that situation when they got an unexpected surprise. The couple, partners in their Pegue & Thompson law firm, had a lovely 5,200-square-foot home in the Las Campanas development northwest of Santa Fe—and loved it there. They were shopping for a smaller house when their real estate agent suggested a nearby home just in the early stages of construction.

“Where is it?” Pegue asked as they conversed in Pegue and Thompson’s living room. Their agent simply pointed out the window. It was a project, in the framing stage, just across the street. The couple agreed to see it and were astounded at their luck. Not only was the 2,541-square-foot floor plan the right size and still in their much-loved neighborhood, but it was located on a challenging lot which, through crafty design, unveiled astonishing views.

It was a speculative home in process by Boss Builders LLC. The company had sited the lot and initiated a design but agreed to sell it to Pegue and Thompson at that early stage and allow them to make changes. “The best thing about the house was catching it early—being able to take that great architecture and customize it,” says Pegue.

While beautiful, the 2½ -acre site’s steep grade and arroyo presented a topographical hurdle. “If you saw it before construction, anyone would find it quite a task,” says Valerie Montoya, Boss Builders co-founder and executive officer. The company engaged project architect Charles Rosenberg of Hoopes + Associates Architects to best leverage that topography. “We pushed the home into the hillside,” Rosenberg says. “Because it sits on a knoll, we tried to maximize outdoor spaces without falling off the hill.”

Montoya also credits Rosenberg with broadening the entry and filling the home with windows. “Adding so much glass to this smaller home made it so elegant,” says Montoya. All that glass emphasizes the impression of being perched.”

To visually balance the massive fireplace wall, Pegue-Shinnick added display shelves on the left, which allow the homeowners to display art pieces.

Pegue-Shinnick selected the quartz for the backsplash and countertops and spent hours laying out the pieces to ensure the gray veins would have eyecatching presence.

“The house sits high, and then the land drops off into arroyos,” says Pegue. “So, it feels really elevated.” Handsome windows outline that scenery with warm walnut-stained wood frames. Instead of single panes, multiple panes divide these floor-to-ceiling windows for the same visibility but with a refreshing interest.

Completing the creative triumvirate was Pegue’s sister. Robin Pegue-Shinnick, a professional designer, agreed to oversee the interior of the home. Her design company, Pegue and Associates, is based in Connecticut. Fortuitously, she happened to have temporarily relocated to Albuquerque for her husband’s work.

Of Boss Builders’ initial interior design plan, the sisters kept the white oak floors, the doors and the tile in two guest bathrooms and then selected the rest. “We added flagstone walkways, wood ceilings on the portals, a stone kitchen backsplash and landscaping,” says Pegue-Shinnick.

In keeping with the contemporary cleanliness of the architecture, Pegue-Shinnick employed art, stylishly comfortable furnishings and carefully appointed colors to craft an ambience that reflected her sister and brother-in-law’s tastes.

Pegue-Shinnick gave the dining room vibrancy with an orange painting, sourced from Nuart Gallery

Punctuations of bold color give this home character that reflects the design style of the homeowners.

The long hallway provides the perfect gallery wall for displaying artwork.

The bright white primary bathroom is elegant with a bold flair. The backsplash tile and black fixtures and hardware create a dramatic, fresh look.

in Santa Fe, bright chartreuse chairs, and she selected a chandelier that mimics the shape and dimensions of the surrounding window frames. For a touch of continuity, she placed identical Arhaus carpets in the dining and living areas but primarily mixed the furnishing colors, patterns and materials.

Recognizing how the gray interior doors echoed gray knots in the wood floors, a subtle aspect that adds depth, Pegue-Shinnick chose to play on that. She found a white quartz stone with bold strokes of soft, gray veins for the kitchen and a marbleized gray porcelain tile for the living room fireplace fascia.

Understated but sophisticated, the kitchen contrasts the eye-catching quartz, in the backsplash and countertops, with walnutstained cabinetry. Sub-Zero, Wolf and

Soft, warm grays give the traditional looking furnishings a casual vibe, creating a comfortable retreat for the homeowners.

The antique Mexican tinwork mirror along with the printed tile feature wall provide an elegant and unique look in this guest bath.

As the land falls steeply away from the patio, the vantage seems to soar. The smoothness of the floor and ceiling prevent any distraction from the miles of scenery.

Viking appliances provide a hint of sheen to a beautiful space without demanding to be the center of attention.

In the primary bedroom, sedate undertones back bursts of color. Colorful artwork on the walls and hot pink, orange and green throw pillows and blankets have more bang against a backdrop of neutral colors. Sliding doors open to a charming private patio with an intimate seating area. In the en suite bathroom, awash with light, Pegue-Shinnick repeated the backsplash tile pattern in the rugs to give visual texture without overwhelming the pure serenity of the space.

Outside, the wrap-around portal provides both a dining area and, surrounding a gas fireplace, lounge seating. Tongue-and-groove wood ceilings over the deep-set portal allow thunderstorm-watching without getting wet and stargazing while staying warm next to the fire.

The final product is a deceptively spacious three-bedroom, 3 ½-bathroom home with an open-plan living area swathed in windows and more than 1,100 square feet of outdoor living spaces celebrating 290 degrees of dramatic vistas.

A formidable lot turned out to be a diamond in the rough, expertly shaped by talent and skill. In downsizing, Pegue and Thompson now have a home without any unused space, designed just for them. Jubilant, Pegue says of the home’s design, “It’s absolutely tidy, very linear and very compact. Beautifully done.” Exceptionally stylish and perfectly sized—a true desert jewel.

resources

Architect

Hoopes + Associates Architects

Builder Boss Builders bossbuildersnm.com

Interior Design

Robin Pegue-Shinnick

Appliances

Builders Source Appliance Gallery builderssource.com

Bathroom Tub, Sinks, Fixtures Dahl Plumbing & HVAC

Blinds Custom Window Coverings, Ltd.

Cabinetry ProSource Wholesale

Countertops/Kitchen Backsplash Sherpa Stone LLC

Fireplaces Mountain West Sales mountainwestsales.net

Flooring

Absolute Flooring and Interiors Arizona Tile

Front Door/Windows/Sliding

Window Walls

Sunwest Construction Specialties, Inc. sunwestconstructionspecialties.com

Metal Fabrication

Adonai Custom Iron Work Inc.

Tongue & Groove Ceiling

Builders FirstSource

Venetian Plaster

Villa Painting

conversations with canvas

NO SKETCHES or conceptual plans precede Brigitte Brüggemann’s abstract paintings. She starts by building a wooden frame and stretching her own canvas, a process she describes as meditative—a ritual to get her in the right mindset to face that white expanse of primed fabric.

Then, the paint guides her. “I start with color and how I feel that day,” she says. “I look at my tubes of paint, and I’ll pick three, four or five to start. It always changes. Sometimes, when I’m not feeling so great, I try to use my painting as an escape by choosing the colors that would be uplifting and bring light into my heart and life.”

In a style she calls “organic lyrical abstraction,” Brüggemann creates layers of color and movement inspired by life and nature. While her gestural brushstrokes

often create soft, rippling fields of color, she sometimes uses bolder strokes to create more energetic, assertive pieces. The different hues also contribute to a feeling of depth and movement, she explains, as warm colors like red appear to come forward in a painting while cooler colors like blue will recede.

“It’s important to step back and have this conversation with the canvas and see what it needs—what it tells me that I need to do,” she says. “Over time, the painting will sort of unfold to this point where I can ask what it is about, and hopefully, it will tell me. Then I can add the last elements to give it a little more focus.” Those additions could include brushstrokes suggesting a branch moving in the wind, a flower in bloom or reflections of light on a body of water.

Despite this powerful intuition and her family’s long history of artistic talent, Brüggemann wasn’t always confident in her abilities. She didn’t start pursuing an education in art until she was in her 40s. Even after getting her master’s degree, she deferred her dream of becoming a professional painter to teach art instead. This path led her to New Mexico Highlands University, where she taught for five years before confronting the question: Am I a teacher, or am I an artist?

While she did enjoy helping others learn, she knew it wasn’t her true passion. Her real calling was the riskier option. “Everybody tells you you can’t make it as an artist,” she says. “There’s that fear of not being good enough and thinking that you’re going to end up starving.”

Santa Fe ultimately inspired her to take a leap of faith, with more than 250 art galleries in one city. “I said, ‘Well, if I can make it anywhere, I can make it here,’” Brüggemann recalls. “And I did.”

You can find Brigitte Brüggemann’s work at the Café Des Artistes in Santa Fe, and at her home studio. Visit brigittebruggemann.com to make an appointment.

Artist Spotlight by Sara Bruskin

Santa Fe artist Brigitte Brüggemann lets color and intuition guide her paintings

Although she wasn’t always confident in her artist abilities, Brüggemann took a leap of faith and now spends her days immersed in her creative endeavors.

It’s important to step back and have this conversation with the canvas and see what it needs ...

Brigitte Brüggemann

by Jessa Cast

by locals, for locals

Sawmill Market, a vibrant food and entertainment venue, offers myriad options

A DISTINCTIVE ALBUQUERQUE HUB teems with energy and is located just off Rio Grande Boulevard, near Interstate 40. The Sawmill Market—so named for the Sawmill District, built atop old sawmill grounds—offers guests a social center unlike any other in our area. Featuring an array of food and beverage merchants, a touch of retail and plenty of gathering options, the market is a hive of activity.

This venue celebrates local culture like everything owned by Sawmill Market’s parent company, Heritage Hotels & Resorts. Not only was the market itself constructed by local craftspeople, from steelwork to painting, but it also exclusively features homegrown merchants.

“We feature local artisans,” says Sawmill Market’s food and

beverage director, Trevor Randall. “We have no corporate chains and never will. Our company is all about heritage, and we really lean into that.”

From breakfast to cocktail hour, a bevy of options makes choosing challenging. Quench your thirst at coffee shops, a taproom and several bars. For the hungry, fare selections run the gamut: barbeque, burgers, New Mexican, vegan, pizza, Vietnamese, Mediterranean, sushi and more. A sampling for the sweet-toothed includes paletas, baked goods, Japanese ice cream and artisanal chocolates.

Stop at Estella Floral Design for a customized arrangement of fresh flowers or at Mercantile Cafe for locally made gifts. New concepts like Swoon, a sweets bar with a 1950s vibe, and a

Dr. Field Goods serves a variety of burgers, dogs and fried potato dishes, among others. If you want to cook at home, swing by their butcher counter for grilling fare.

Douglas Merriam

Spanish-fare station are both set to open this autumn.

How does one navigate this bustling marketplace? “There are a couple different ways to get served. The general market is counter service with open seating,” says Randall. “While most merchants’ fare is grab-andgo with a variety of indoor and outdoor seating options, there are two restaurants offering table-side service.”

Flora, a Mexican concept, offers traditional dishes from ceviche to flan; West Cocktail & Wine Bar offers brunch, rustic tapas and charcuterie.

Both the atmospheric yard area, which hosts karaoke, bingo and table games, and the Mill Room are available

to rent for private events.

Guests who prefer carryout can take advantage of the Taste of the Market online ordering system. “You can order from any of the twenty-seven vendors, pay for it all on one credit card swipe and pick it up to bring the market experience home,” says Randall.

Insider’s tip: Because the market is situated close to Hotel Chaco, where visiting movie and television show cast members often stay, there are occasional celebrity sightings. So, as you browse the food options, keep your eyes peeled not only for the delectable delights but also for some distinguished guests.

Mercantile Café features a seasonally driven menu of foods cooked in a wood-burning oven. You’ll also find a market space with products from local merchants.

Douglas Merriam

The upscale food hall offers a fun, vibrant gathering place where there’s something for every taste bud. In addition, there are local products and gifts that make Sawmill Market a one-stop dining and shopping experience.

Douglas Merriam

We have no corporate chains and never will. Our company is all about heritage, and we really lean into that. –Trevor Randall

says …

Curate a lovely collection of wall hangings—from photos to graphic elements to mirrors—and create an eye-catching display in your home. Whether you choose all framed items or opt to throw in something more organic such as a macrame piece, the design is all about reflecting your style! Go bold with your first or last initial. Mix in natural elements. Use a single color for all the frames such as black or create a fun mix-and-match palette. Create symmetry or not. The beauty of the gallery wall: It’s all about creating a look you love.

Shutterstock.com/Photographee.eu

fifty years of wonder

the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta celebrates its 50th anniversary

IMAGINE STEPPING OUT into your yard as dawn turns to daylight and looking toward the heavens only to see a sky full of colorful hot air balloons. The Mass Ascension is like a symphony with its opening movement being brisk and lively as the sound of the burners crescendo and the balloons take flight. Suddenly, the sky above the city is blanketed with a patchwork of multicolored, vibrant orbs. This is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

In 1972, 13 balloonists gathered in the parking lot of the Coronado Center Mall for an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Albuquerque news radio KKOB (then known as KOB). The event included the first-ever Roadrunner-Coyote race, and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta took flight.

Fifty years later, the event is renowned the world over with thousands of balloons launched and viewed by hundreds of thousands of people across the globe including those watching through livestreams and television as well as in-person attendees. Balloon Fiesta, in addition to being the largest ballooning event, is the most photographed event on earth—recent estimates show that 25 million

by Faerl Marie Torres

Vida Buena

The world-renowned International Balloon Fiesta started from the humble beginnings of just 13 balloons in an Albuquerque parking lot.

Bennie Bos Courtesy of Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Victor Banta Courtesy of Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

photos are taken over the course of the event—and the largest annual international event in the U.S. “[We] set a world record for balloons,” says Thomas McConnell, board of directors’ member, retired balloon pilot and original owner of Zia, the New Mexico state flag balloon. “Other places have tried to outdo us, but they’ve never even come close.”

Part of the success of this event is a result of a geographic phenomenon called the Albuquerque “box.” Thanks to this weather wonder, Albuquerque is a uniquely ideal place to fly. The “box” is a predictable set of wind patterns that at low elevations tend to be southerly and at higher elevations tend to be northerly. Balloonists can use these winds to navigate in a circular pattern to hover over the city and are sometimes able to land in nearly the same place the took off.

In addition to the early morning Mass Ascension, the annual Balloon Glow, Night Magic Glow™ and Special Shapes Rodeo™ awe spectators of all ages and nationalities. The remote-control Fiesta de Los Globitos is especially popular among younger crowds with smaller-scale balloons ranging in size from six to twenty feet. The annual Flight of Nations is a special ascension where each balloon’s national flag is flown, honoring all the places we call home.

Looking to the horizon, plans include expanding the variety of attractions and virtual events. “Year after year, we are always considering ways to give our guests new experiences and exceed expectations, while maintaining our safety standards,” says Sam Parks, Balloon Fiesta director of operations. “Our team is proud of how this event has grown, and we look forward to keeping the momentum going for years to come.”

Throughout its half century, Balloon Fiesta has hosted balloons from 56 countries with dozens of languages uttering wonderment. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a unifying event, bringing people from all over the world together to look to the sky we share and marvel at the beauty and wonders of human partnership and ingenuity.

David Dickinson Courtesy of Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Angelina Peace Courtesy of Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Vida Buena

says …

Mirror, mirror on the wall … It’s a common foyer design element, but it’s not just for one last look as you walk out the door. If your entryway feels a bit cramped, a mirror can be just the solution. Mirrors are multitaskers, and with the right placement, it’s a great tool for doubling the impact of what you love about your space. Create the feeling of more greenery or instantly double your artwork collection. A mirror bounces light, so use it to make a dark space feel brighter, or make a small space feel larger with a tall mirror. Use a mirror to reflect something beautiful in your home today.

Shutterstock.com/Pixel-Shot

by Carol Orona

picture perfect

When you can’t see through the condensation build-up on your windows, and they won’t slide open, or if the single pane glass rattles in the frames when the wind blows, it’s time to start thinking about replacing them.

Whether you decide to replace some or all the windows, this investment will provide a quieter, more comfortable indoor environment and add fresh curb appeal to your home. Windows are a significant investment, so it’s essential to be a savvy shopper when researching replacements.

There are a couple of different ways to go about replacing windows. Full replacement windows take out the entire frame and install a new window and frame. These have flanges that cover the area where the window meets the exterior finish, creating a smooth transition and covering minor damage that may occur during window removal. Pocket or insert replacement windows keep the original frame, trim and casing. These work well if the existing frame and trim are in good condition or if you have masonry walls. Adding decorative trim or re-stuccoing after window installation also gives a clean new appearance to your home.

Style and materials are significant factors: Single- or double-hung windows are cost-efficient. In contrast, casement windows seal tighter and have a crank that is easier to reach to open and close. Vinyl, composite and wood are the most common materials, and all have good performance ratings but vary dramatically in price. Color, unique shapes, grills and decorative hardware also factor into the cost.

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) sets window and door standards. These standards are valuable for consumers when comparing performance information and making purchasing decisions. The following factors will help you evaluate window cost and performance:

U-Factor

Measures the rate of heat transfer and how well the window is insulated. The lower the number, the better the window insulates.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

This number tells how well the window blocks heat from sunlight. The lower the number, the less solar heat the window transmits.

Visible Transmittance (VT)

Measures the amount of light transmitted through the window. The higher the number, the more natural light gets in.

A great window performs only as well as its installation. Be sure, as you embark on a replacement project, to get references and verify that the installers have been trained by the manufacturer and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Carol Orona holds a master’s degree in architecture and has a passion for building science. She is nationally recognized for her leadership, excellence, and innovation in sustainable high-performance design and construction and loves sharing her knowledge.

on the market

rustic beauty

This home, in an exclusive, gated community in Old Town/Sawmill, was architect-designed and built as his personal home. The 4,204-squarefoot property was remodeled in 2009 with high-end and green construction materials. There are Venetian limestone diamond plaster walls throughout the home. Rustic ceilings and oversized beams give it a strong sense of history and place. The kitchen features custom walnut cabinetry, granite countertops and top-of-the-

pick windows that look great and are suitable for your home and budget

line Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. Each of the home’s three bedrooms has its own bathroom and closet with built-in walnut dressers and shelving. In addition, each one opens to a courtyard, while the great room opens to the backyard with lap pool, outdoor kitchen and a firepit.

Listing Price: $1,900,000

Contact: Jennifer Wilson, 505-440-1256

Jen Wilson Home Team, RE/MAX Select nmhouse.com

road trip!

cold weather birding hotspots

FALL MIGRATION is an exciting time, but just because that last warbler has moved on doesn’t mean you should hang up those binoculars for the season! Late fall and early winter are ideal times for birding, and if you’re up for a couple of road trips, there are two hotspots you should experience firsthand.

I enjoy driving the open roads of the Las Vegas Wildlife Refuge (off Highway 281 in Las Vegas, New Mexico) several times a year but always make a special trip for the Fall Flight Festival, when the refuge opens its back roads on Sunday mornings in November for even more birding (and sometimes, elk-watching!). If raptors are your thing, the refuge has them in spades: hawks (Cooper’s, red-tailed, ferruginous, sharp-shinned, Harris’s), golden and bald eagles, northern harriers and American kestrels. There are many water holes dotting the refuge, where you might spot belted kingfishers, ducks and geese. What’s that honking and purring sound? It’s a flock of huge sandhill cranes coming in for a respite during their southward migration.

And those sandhill cranes? They’re all headed to one place: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, in San Antonio, New Mexico. Tens of thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese spend the winter at the Bosque, and until you’ve actually seen tens of thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese in one place, it’s impossible to comprehend such a sight.

Along with cranes and geese are bald eagles, hawks, blackbirds, a huge variety of wading and dabbling ducks and wild turkeys. Mule deer, coyotes, bobcats and javelina are ever-present. At the Bosque you can enjoy birding

Just Winging Through by Amy Gross

Mark William

on the market

bright and airy

This light-filled, single-level home is designed for entertaining family and friends. Its 3,717 square feet includes four bedrooms and 4 ½ baths. The chef’s kitchen features built-in, commercialgrade KitchenAid appliances, a cast iron farm sink, quartz countertops and a service pantry with a prep sink and room for a second refrigerator/freezer. There’s a beautiful dining room with a wooden plank ceiling and built-in buffet. The great room boasts an ornate Cantera stone fireplace surround, a warm wood ceiling beam and a wall of sliding doors opening to the peaceful, landscaped backyard with a portal and fireplace. There’s ample room to add a pool, playground and more. The oversized three-car garage includes additional storage.

Listing Price: $1,150,000

Contact: Michael Seligman, 505-321-3928

Michael Seligman & Associates Coldwell Banker Legacy michaelseligman.com

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says …

Houseful for the holidays? Scoot that furniture around in your spare bedroom to accommodate the necessary air mattress or pop-up playpen. But what to do with those pesky carpet divots? For a helpful hack to get your guest room in tip-top shape, look no further than your freezer! Simply plop an ice cube into any divot and let it melt! Blot up the excess and watch your carpet (and supporting carpet pad) plump right up and back into place. Use a fork to lift the fibers for a bit of extra carpet coaxing if needed. No one will be the wiser that a few things got moved about before the doorbell rings.

Cheryl Mitchell

capturing culture

STUNNINGLY PHOTOGRAPHED and lusciously printed, Jane Smith’s art book, “Santa Fe Sense of Place,” is both a museum of and an ode to the architecture and design of Santa Fe. It highlights this unique design style that draws inspiration from Spanish, Native American, Mexican and other cultures that have called the area home.

“Sitting at the nexus of culture and commerce, Santa Fe has always been a more international city than a Southwestern American city. Those drawn to a place like Santa Fe are natural explorers, pioneers, and waymakers,” writes Pamela W. Kelly with the Museum of New Mexico Foundation in the introduction to the book, which features 18 Santa Fe homes. “As the photographs in this book attest, the owners of these homes are not shy about their passion for exploring and collecting.”

Their collections are a feast for the eyes and a cultural

exploration. For instance, the book looks inside a 150-year-old homestead near Galisteo remodeled into a plush, adobe abode furnished with dark Spanish antiques and boasting three portals, ideally suited for Santa Fe’s weather and lifestyle.

Smith also steps inside an apartment at El Zaguan with a traditional corner fireplace and viga ceilings. The building, built in 1849 as a large house for a prosperous merchant and family, is now divided and run by the Santa Fe Foundation as a residency program for artists who have personalized some fantastic spaces.

Covering historic properties and new ones, “Santa Fe Sense of Place” captures the Santa Fe region, its style and history upon the page with reverence and awe—awe the homes’ owners share and that conveys to the reader from the page.

“For me, an adobe building is a living thing, and tending to it is what keeps me going,” says the owner of a home designed by noted Santa Fe architect John Gaw Meem. “I feel I am the custodian of this ever-changing landscape.”

as the name says, there’s a sense of place on every page

Santa Fe Sense of Place by Jane Smith; published by and photographs courtesy of Acequia Rose Press; hardcover, $75.

Su Libro by Kate Jonuska

... the owners of these homes are not shy about their passion for exploring and collecting.

a big step up

a makeover for your interior staircase can give your home a refresh

by Paula M. Bodah

Design Studio

GRAND AND TRADITIONAL, sleek and contemporary, or somewhere in between, the interior staircase sets a home’s tone and reflects the style of the people who live there. But what happens when a homeowner craves a change in style? While it’s easy enough to switch up wall colors or swap out furniture, giving a stairway a new look might seem a bit more daunting.

Mark Vigil, general manager of Albuquerque Stair, says it’s not uncommon for his company to hear from homeowners who want to revamp their stairs as part of a home redecorating project. “Within the last five years, the style has become more modern and contemporary,” he says. “A while back, the decorative Tuscan look was popular, but now people want something more streamlined, cleaner.”

At the simplest end of the spectrum, consider painting your stairway for a new look. A traditional oak banister and railing take on a more graphic, contemporary look with a coating of matte black paint.

Taking things a bit further, replacing ornate balusters and newel posts with plainer elements can make a big difference. “Sometimes, all you need is someone to guide you with ideas for a simpler baluster pattern,” Vigil says.

Owners of a traditional-style home with wooden moldings or wainscoting might want to stick with a wooden banister atop wood balusters. Still, he suggests replacing a wooden railing with iron for a fresh look. “You can choose something with a more traditional shape and pattern,” he says. “We’ve replaced wooden spindles with iron, and, boy, the customer just loves it! It can be a game changer.”

If an all-iron stairway feels too contemporary, iron balusters with wooden newel posts and handrail can straddle the line between classic and modern for a happy compromise. If metal isn’t your thing, a wooden railing can be replaced with glass for an open look with a less industrial feel.

If it’s possible, removing a wall or two to open the stairway can also lend a more modern feel. If you’re thinking about that, Vigil recommends enlisting a contractor to ensure your staircase isn’t closed in by load-bearing walls. “In a couple of scenarios we’ve dealt with, we’ve had to put in a beam and structurally reframe things so we could get rid of a load-bearing wall,” he explains. “It takes a little more remodeling and a contractor to make sure it works and is safe.” Consider enlisting the help of a structural engineer for complicated projects.

Damian Pascetti, owner of Pascetti Steel in Albuquerque, describes a

Wood stair treads in a warm, rich tone complement the matte black modern stair style.

home where the wooden stairway was surrounded on the first floor by a rounded adobe wall. A contractor took out the wall and the old stairs. Then, Pascetti explains, “We replaced the old wooden stair with a self-supporting steel stair. It opened the house dramatically, taking it from a 1980s Southwestern feel to a 2020s open, contemporary, transparent look.”

The self-supporting stairway Pascetti describes is also called a “floating” staircase because it appears almost to hover in place. For an even airier effect, horizontal rails might be used instead of traditional vertical balusters, and risers are dispensed with entirely.

Although Pascetti says most of his stair fabrication is for new homes, replacing an existing stair with an all-steel one is doable, especially if the footprint of the stair and landings remains the same. “It’s really a case-by-case thing, and it depends on your timeframe and budget,” he says.

because they have a dog or because they have little children, but a carpet only lasts so long,” he says. “I would always point people in the direction of a hardwood tread because they’re durable. If you put three coats of polyurethane, they should be good for years.”

From a simple railing swap to an all-out replacement, your stairway can stay in tune with your own evolving style.

No matter how you choose to revamp your stairs, Vigil is firm in his recommendation that you stick with wooden treads. “Some people like carpet resources

Albuquerque Stair Pascetti Steel

Shutterstock.com/pics721

Add pop to a traditional style with an unexpected dark stain and white palette.

…

Add a little fun and frivolity to your front entrance with a sassy—or sweet—welcome mat. They come in a variety of types including drainage mats, scraper mats and antistatic sorts, but it’s often the stiff coir rug with a rubber backing that you’ll find printed with a fantastic array of welcoming sentiments. Choose a new one for each month, holiday, season or whenever the mood strikes. Guests will love the silly sayings, and you’ll appreciate that the thick and scratchy texture made from coconut husks grabs the dirt, helping to keep your floors sparkling clean throughout the changing season.

by Rebecca Toy

NEW MEXICO HAS CULTIVATED VINES since around 1629, when Spanish missionaries illegally imported Vitis vinifera to their new home. Today historic European influences and high elevations produce complex varieties perfect for any autumn occasion.

Thirty years after arriving in the upper valleys of the Rio Grande, Franciscan monks could no longer tolerate the imported communion wine. Months of hot transport in lead-glazed jugs tainted the already strong and sickly sweet sherrylike taste. History credits missionaries with breaking the law forbidding the exportation of Spain’s coveted vines and smuggling cuttings to North America. Monks Fray Garcîa de Zuñiga and Antonio de Arteaga took the cuttings

and planted the first vineyards in what would become the United States at a Piro Pueblo south of modern day Socorro, New Mexico.

Despite extreme weather challenges, wine flourished by the time New Mexico became a territory in 1853. Jesuit priests arrived in the 1860s with Italian winemaking techniques. Producers used better presses that yielded cleaner juice. Fermentation moved from cow-skin vats to more air-tight containers with less contamination. Quality and demand surged, and in 1880

America’s oldest wine region offers up plenty to bring to the table heritage wines

Courtesy Lescombes Family Vineyards

The Lescombes family settled in New Mexico in 1981 and found the high desert temperature swings ideal for growing grapes.

Courtesy Lescombes Family Vineyards

the territory was ranked fifth in the nation for wine production.

Yet, in just a few decades, competition from California reduced New Mexican demand. Then, in 1920, Prohibition brought production to a halt. Massive flooding of the Rio Grande in 1943 decimated the remaining historic vineyards. It looked like the state’s wine industry was done.

But the memory of success remained, and a slow and steady comeback started in the late 1970s. Today, more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms produce wine commercially in the country’s oldest wine region. These three wineries are the earliest remaining startups and veterans in New Mexico’s modern wine scene.

Lescombes Family Vineyards

Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Deming, Las Cruces, Alamogordo lescombeswinery.com

Hervé Lescombes’ family had been winemakers for generations. After making wine in Algeria

and France, he brought his experience to New Mexico when he and his family immigrated in 1981. Lescombes planted a vineyard within the year and eventually settled on 200 acres in the high desert of Pyramid Valley, just outside Lordsburg, New Mexico. Lescombes found the thirty-degree swings in temperature ideal for growing grapes.

Sales director Sandra Pacheco attributes the success of the family business, now represented by its 6th generation, to its heart. “The family secured their roots in New Mexico not only in grape growing and by winemaking, but by investing in its people and its community,” says Pacheco.

Recommendations: The Lescombes family reports they create wines approachable to everyone, but president and winemaker Florent Lescombes favors the complex and not overwhelming finish of the D.H. Lescombes Limited Release 2016 Cabernet Franc.

La Chiripada Dixon, lachiripada.com

At 6,100 feet, La Chiripada is not only one of the two oldest wineries in New Mexico but is also one of the highest commercial grape growers in the world. Patrick and Michelle Johnson purchased the property in 1976, and six months later, Patrick’s brother Michael planted Marechal Foch vines. With no formal training, the duo harvested their first commercial vintage in 1981 and opened to the public.

Courtesy La Chiripada

The high elevation brought challenges, but more than 40 years of persistence paid off. Their hearty, cold-tolerant hybrids produce award-winning wines known for food-friendly balance.

“We focus our estate grapes on creating blends that complement the spicy New Mexican cuisine effortlessly. Most of these wines have some residual sugar that will cut the heat from food and, in turn, will enhance the underlying flavors in a dish and the wine itself,” says winemaker Katie Hagan.

Recommendations: The top-selling, off-dry Rio Embudo Red is perfect for spicy and smoky foods. The versatile Tempranillo and the Embudo Blanco, with its sweet, gentle spiced apple notes, are ideal choices for a crisp fall eve.

Union,

The longest continually operated winery in New Mexico opened its doors in 1977. La Viña started as a small adobe building

Courtesy NMSU Library

with 14 acres of vineyards. Winemakers Ken and Denise Stark purchased the business in 1992, eventually expanding it to 44 acres and stabilizing the vineyards in their fragile early years.

Ken Stark attributes La Viña’s decades of success to customers experiencing the brand at competitions. In addition, perseverance and the vineyard climate, noting the Mesilla Valley near El Paso, Texas, is not that different from central California’s, have also helped. Frenchhybrid varietals set the stage for La Viña, and now the winery offers 28 selections.

Recommendations: La Viña’s Pinot Noir is a crowd favorite, and their semisweet Gewürztraminer pairs well with rich poultry dishes and spicy meals.

In Las Cruces, early winemaking techniques included using a cowskin wine vat.

Photography by Daniel Nadelbach

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Albuquerque Sound &

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Altalune Wealth Advisors............................................................................17

Amazing

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Boss Builders..............................................................................................109

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Build Green

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Construction/HW

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Greater Albuquerque Association

Realtors.....................................98 Homes

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Realty

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simple beauty

“I wanted to give this house a bit of presence from the street,” says Amber Kennington of Boulevard Homes. It’s a mix of stucco with the vertical stackedstone element for subtle color change and textural interest. The homeowners saw rusted steel on another Boulevard Homes project and liked the idea it would weather and change over time. “One of the beautiful things in contemporary design is there’s not a lot of extra ornamentation—the focus of is on creating the best flow and capturing views,” Kennington says of her design aesthetic. “Small changes of materials add a little extra depth and interest, but this is the nature of a more unadorned modern architecture style.” Boulevard Homes, abqmodern.com

Adios photograph by Amadeus Leitner

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