Su Casa Southwestern Homes WINTER 2025 Digital Edition
inspiration ideas resources
bold change three renovations revealed
planting roots a stunning home grows out of a friendship
Daniel Nadelbach
Peggy and Tim Wheeler
505.450.5211 peggy@peggywheelerteam.com
Becky Perry
505.269.3410 beckyperrysellshomes@gmail.com
Stephanie Walter
505.385.4283 stephwalter@msn.com
Tim and Karen Brown
505.550.1447 karenbrown.abq@gmail.com
Charlotte Boyer, CRS 505.306.3488 Char@CharlotteBoyer.com
Linda
505.507.2459 linda@lindamalott.com
Maria
505.903.0667 maria.newmexicohomes@gmail.com
Candice
Candice@BanksRealtyNM.com Edmund
505.730.7069 edmund.ford.abq@gmail.com
505.269.1505 dee@deerealtor.com
505.507.9496 carmenzasellsabq@gmail.com
SOUTHWEST
60 Planting Roots
This contemporary home in Albuquerque’s North Valley was born from a beautiful friendship and partnership between the homeowners and the owners of Twilight Luxury Homes. It resulted in a stunning, one-of-a-kind home with standout features, including light fixtures, a mix of native and abstract art, mixed metals, on-trend furnishings, and textures galore.
SPECIAL SECTION
44 Bold Change
Local builders and designers transform three homes—all undergoing significant renovations— into beautiful, creative spaces for modern living while each retains its inherent charm. Jorgensen Builders, Studio Southwest Architects and Bohome Interiors elevated the intrinsic details of each home.
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Daniel Nadelbach
On the cover: Jorgensen Builders mastered this Abiquiu renovation, creating better flow and preserving the unique architectural details. Photograph by Daniel Nadelbach.
Daniel Nadelbach
IN EVERY ISSUE
Tips for taking care of your indoor plants this winter, plus beautiful leather home accessories for a warm, comfortable look. New to the area or need to brush up on your Southwestern building terms? Here’s a guide to get you started.
36 Design Studio
Create a tranquil, relaxing space in your home with a home health hub. Transform your laundry room from boring into a luxe, stylish area.
72 Vida Buena
Soak away winter blues at some of New Mexico’s best hot springs. Resorts or off the beaten path, there’s a gorgeous soaking spot for everyone.
76 Su Cocina
Over the past 30 years, Savoy Bar & Grill has built a loyal clientele thanks to its hearty, satisfying and creative menu.
80 ¡ Salud!
Heat up the season and add some sizzle with red-hot flaming cocktails— recipes included.
90 Su Libro
Shira Gill shares Insta-worthy organization tips in “Organized Living: Solutions and Inspiration for Your Home.” Add shimmer and glam to your space with inspiration from Jonathan Savage in “The Savage Style.”
Where Staycation is a Way of Life
Find a place where you can really feel “At home.” Together, the six communities of Turtleback Mountain Resort create one unique community of panoramic landscapes and luxurious homes— immersed in the ‘Staycation Lifestyle.’
Do make the move. Investing in a Turtleback Mountain Resort home is an exceptional opportunity. New homes and lots are available, however; space is limited to our master-planned 1,040 acres. Now’s the time to secure a luxury home in a place you want to live.
Live the life you love in a welcoming community. Minutes from the scenic golf course, clubhouse and recreational lake. Fifteen minutes from mountain trails, hot springs and outdoor adventures. Find yourself at home in a place where the ‘Staycation’ is an everyday experience. Visit with Susana at 575-636-5383. She can help you find the home that’s just right for you.
Contributors Paula
Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico Board of Directors
President: Ashley Lawrence
First Vice President: JP Rael
Second Vice President: Kevin Vautier
Immediate Past President: Carey Plant
Associate Vice President: Danielle Fleming
Secretary/Treasurer: Rita Powers
Associate-at-Large: Yvette Klinkmann
Production Builders Council Chair: Troy Crutchfield
Please direct editorial queries to editor@sucasamagazine.com
Su Casa’s cover and text are printed by Publication Printers in Denver, Colorado.
Welcome to the Winter Issue of Su Casa
Winter is my favorite season because here in New Mexico, winter is surprising. While it can be sometimes snowy, it’s usually crisp and cool. Plants go dormant, but the seeds of change—especially as it relates to our homes— begin to sprout.
This issue focuses on remodeling and interior design, and we’ve got some particularly inspiring homes to share with you. Our remodeling section includes three local homes—each with its own unique style—that were transformed into beautiful, creative spaces for today’s living while still retaining their inherent charm. As part of a major remodel, Jorgensen Builders converted a porch into an all-season living area to give the homeowners additional space while blending current design elements with the traditional Pueblo-style architecture. Studio Southwest Architects removed walls and raised the ceiling of a midcentury modern home, creating a floor plan designed for today’s living while harnessing the modern design details. Bohome Interiors created a warm, whitewashed appeal with a chef’s kitchen for the owners of a Bishop’s Lodge home.
Our feature home is a contemporary stunner in Albuquerque’s North Valley by Twilight Luxury Homes with design details that include standout light fixtures, a mix of native and abstract art, mixed metals, on-trend furnishings, and textures galore.
For those of you who are new to the area or who may need a refresher in Southwestern building styles, we’ve included an in-depth guide to the design styles prevalent in the Land of Enchantment as well as building techniques, materials and elements you’ll see in homes throughout our community.
You’ll also find inspiration for taking household chores from boring to enjoyable by giving your laundry room a facelift. And who isn’t thinking about health and relaxation these days? Incorporating a health hub into your home with a hot tub, sauna, gym and more could be a foolproof way to ensure you get some much-needed R & R. Cuddle up this season with a cocktail on fire—yes, we’ve included recipes—relax and pore over these pages. There’s a lot more inside to discover.
William P. Lang Publisher
Read more on page 60.
Right: This home by Twilight Luxury Homes features a wealth of materials and textures, giving it a one-of-a-kind design.
Daniel Nadelbach
Driven
LUXURY REFRIGERATORS WITH COMMERCIAL DNA
True Residential offers luxury side-by-side refrigerators, freezer columns, wine cabinets, undercounter refrigeration, and more in custom colors and finishes.
New Year, New Home?
turning a new leaf winter care for thriving houseplants
WINTER PRESENTS its own challenges for indoor plants—shorter days, reduced light and changes in indoor conditions— but it’s also a great time to give them the attention they need when you’re stuck inside anyway. Let’s begin with how winter can wreak havoc on your budding beauties; then, we’ll discuss a plan to maintain a green thumb status. The first rule is to learn what your individual plants require—one care plan does not necessarily apply to all, but generally …
An arid climate—winter or not in New Mexico—means although your plants might not need more water, they do need more humidity. Plant growth naturally slows in winter, so less water (to the roots) might be required. Additionally, they don’t require fertilizer at this time either. However, dry air increases transpiration—the loss of moisture through their leaves. Transpiration is necessary, but you don’t want it happening too fast. So,
Apps that help you identify and care for your plants can be beneficial if you have finicky plants with specific needs, including our New Mexican favorites: succulents and cacti.
misting or using a humidifier is a great way to keep leaves healthy.
Overcome the effects of the shorter daylight hours by moving plants to southor west-facing windows so they can soak up as much light as possible while it’s available. Just be careful that the area doesn’t have temperature swings from drafty windows or heating vents. If you can’t move them or they seem to need more light, put a grow light on a timer to give them an extra couple of hours as required. If they are in front of windows, turn them weekly so they don’t become unstable from leaning in one direction.
Due to dry air and decreased plant health, winter is prime time for pests like spider mites, mealybugs and aphids. Watch for tiny bugs or gnats, yellowing foliage, wilting or sooty mold on leaves. Insecticidal soap or neem oil will cure any infestations.
Contrary to popular belief, winter is not a great time to repot your plants unless they are severely rootbound from a toosmall pot. If not, save repotting until very late winter or spring—your plants will love you for it. However, it’s a great time to clean your planting tools and have them ready for spring.
Now that your indoor plants are situated for the season, it’s time to create a regular schedule to keep them happy and healthy all year. On a weekly basis, you need to water them (check individual plant requirements—some need more, some less), inspect them for pests and rotate them whether they are in direct light or not. Another great habit is to dust the leaves. A plant’s leaves are literally what keeps it healthy and alive—dust will inhibit photosynthesis as well as transpiration.
During the growing season, repot and fertilize as needed. This is a great time to add soil to the pot if you’re not repotting (a general rule of thumb is to repot every one to two years). Make sure your plants have proper drainage, too. Trim any yellowing leaves and deadhead spent flowers to promote new growth and blooms. And be sure you’re giving your plants the amount of water they need; growth causes thirst! Determine what amount of light (direct or indirect) is best for your plants during the growing stages. There are a variety of apps that help you know what types of plants you have (if you’re not sure) and give proper care instructions based on the species. This can be especially helpful if you have finicky plant types with very specific needs, such as tropical or flowering plants and, of course, our New Mexican favorites: succulents and cacti.
haute hide
leather gives any space a luxe look, from refined to rustic
Leather home accessories—real or faux—add a warm, luxurious and timeless touch to interiors. The natural texture and rich leather tones create a sense of sophistication that complements various styles, from contemporary to comfortable. Leather is durable and ages beautifully, often developing a patina that adds character.
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by Heather Shoning
3
1. cushy seating
Don’t let the clean lines and square edges fool you. This boxy profile sofa offers sink-right-in comfort thanks to its movement-friendly Pirelli webbing and highdensity foam cushions. Details include French seams and an extra-low back. The fullgrain, aniline-dyed Italian leather will develop a unique patina as it collects markings and texture from everyday use, and each unique hide will vary in color.
Wyat 92” Full-Grain Genuine Italian Leather Square Arm Sofa, $3,399, wayfair.com
2. faux glow
A band of faux leather with casual stitching wraps each of these delicate mouth-blown glass hurricanes, giving them a rustic charm. Designed to hold flameless candles, these vessels come in multiple sizes. One looks great on its own but create a grouping, indoors or out, to create a flickering tableau of light.
Fully wrapped in luxe leather, these seats offer a sleek take on the classic French Parsons chair with crisp, tailored lines.
Top-grain, semi-aniline vegetable-tanned leather in a rainbow of rich browns covers a solid welded steel base and inviting foam-cushioned seat. Neat mitered corners and flange seams accentuate the chair’s well-groomed look.
As useful as they are decorative, this accessories collection is a much-needed upgrade to everyday items in your home. The leather upholstered box is ideal for stowing everything from keepsake treasures to office supplies. A compact metal wastebasket has a fabric lining inside and beautiful leather upholstery outside. Designed to fit a standard square tissue box, this cover makes an attractive addition to an office desk or bathroom countertop.
Brown Leather Collection, $109–229, williams-sonoma.com
5. pillow appeal
These heirloom-quality leather lumbar pillow covers are reversible to display the sleek, warm brown leather or supple suede. Each pillow is hand-finished with contrasting stitching and a concealed zipper for easy reversing or cleaning.
styles to building processes and materials, New Mexico has its own Southwestern homes vernacular
REGIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY have unique home styles and elements plus terms from the “pop-tops” of Colorado to the hyperbolic paraboloid roof styles common in Palm Springs to Craftsman homes dotting the Midwest. Of course, these elements and styles cross borders, but regions become known for one thing or another, and in New Mexico, it’s—of course—Southwestern style. But what does that really mean? We’ve created a guide to common styles, materials and terms indicative of Southwestern architecture that you’ll likely encounter if you’re buying, building or renovating a home here.
Three main styles define Southwestern architecture, as seen in New Mexico. Of course, there are hybrids of these styles, and we’ve seen an influx of contemporary homes in recent years. However, even in contemporary styles, homeowners often seek to add traditional elements to give these homes a strong sense of place.
Luca Marino-Baker, architect at Tierra Concepts, Inc., says Pueblo Revival is the dominant style throughout the Southwest and especially in Santa Fe. He adds that Territorial style came into being when U.S. settlers migrated to the Southwest, bringing the wood details present in colonial architecture,
including painted wood elements such as casings, shutters and beams. “The most iconic feature of Territorial style is the brick coping,” Marino-Baker says. “It’s the coping at the top of the building instead of the rounded mud parapets.” Keith Gorges, president of Tierra Concepts, poses the twist to traditional Pueblo came with the railroad’s arrival, which allowed for easy transport of these heavy materials.
Yet another transitional style is the Northern New Mexico home with its pitched roof, which is beneficial for rain and snow run-off. “It’s of the same vernacular as Pueblo style, but the folks up in the mountains needed the pitched roof,” Marino-Baker says. While the style generated in the mountains, it spread throughout Santa Fe and the northern Albuquerque suburbs.
There are many hallmarks of Sothwestern style homes such as vigas, latillas and nichos, but two that perhaps stand out the most include kivas and adobe. Jim Collins of Jim’s Masonry, LLC has been building kivas since he moved to New Mexico when he was only 18 years old. These unique adobe or stucco fireplaces are often built in the corner of a room and are a true hallmark of Southwestern design—inspired by southwestern Pueblo Indian architecture. They are typically found in Pueblo and Territorial
This project by Tierra Concepts features large, round-ended lintels in addition to vigas and other Southwestern building materials.
style homes and often include a banco and/or nichos as part of the overall design.
When Collins works with clients to design a kiva, he’s conscientious about the room in which it will be built. “You want the fireplace size to match the scale of the room,” he says. Years of experience help him plan a kiva that is proportionate so it doesn’t overwhelm or underwhelm. He’s crafted kivas with openings as small as 18 inches up to 3 feet wide, but he says it’s typical for the openings to range from 24 to 27 inches wide. Collins leaves the fireplace exterior to the plaster professionals for a seamless finish.
Adobe is sometimes confused as a “style” of home, but indeed, it is a method of building as well as a material, says Kenny DeLapp, who has worked in adobe construction for 10 years and whose company Albuquerque Joinery specializes in adobe construction custom homes. “Adobe is adaptable,” he says. “There are adobes that are Territorial, Pueblo revival, Sonoran, Victorian and modern. You can do anything with it.” He adds that—at least in his business—the homes are a bit simpler in structure and detailing, allowing the nature of the building to speak for itself and to follow the historic look and feel of a traditional adobe structure.
Prepared adobe mud made from clay, sand, water and organic materials is formed into large, sun-baked bricks. Traditionally, the exposed brick surface is plastered with adobe mud. Earthen plaster can still
be found on many historic buildings throughout the state, such as the famous Taos Pueblo, though many adobe buildings today are plastered with cement stucco. Adobe bricks were introduced to New Mexico as a building technique from Spain, although Pueblo Indians used a puddled (hand-formed) adobe construction before European contact.
Adobe construction has become expensive and rare because of its hand-built nature and a lack of builders specializing in this unique style of masonry. Still, adobe offers excellent thermal mass and sound insulation to structures due to its thickness. “The mass has a presence that is at once reassuring and comforting and also fortifying,” DeLapp says. He also notes another sensory experience: “The smell of an adobe house is something to behold.” Certainly, it stems from the natural essence of its components.
“We have a distinctive architectural heritage here,” DeLapp says. “It goes back hundreds of years, and it’s based on building with earth from nearby and trees from the Jemez, and it yields structures that belong and fit with the landscape, and I want to see more of those buildings built.”
DeLapp is also a member of The Earthbuilders’ Guild (TEG), a trade organization for earthen construction. TEG periodically hosts public tours of adobe and other earthen construction projects in New Mexico, as well as historic adobe buildings. For more information, visit theearthbuildersguild.com.
This Tierra Concepts home blends traditional Pueblo elements with a sloping metal porch roof that would normally be seen in a Northern New Mexico style home.
Wendy McEahern
Wendy McEahern
Southwestern Architectural Home Styles
Pueblo Revival style
Pueblo homes are made of adobe brick walls in the architectural details both inside and out. Influenced by ancient Pueblo Indians’ simple multi-family homes, Pueblo Revival homes feature earthy materials such as rounded bullnose interior walls with nichos, large wooden beams and corbels. However, they incorporate more modern materials as opposed to adobe bricks. Stucco exteriors, as well as sloping or flat roofs and enclosed courtyards are common features. Rounded exterior walls with square framed windows and lintels mimic the appearance of the original Pueblos.
Territorial style
Territorial style originated in the New Mexico Territory from 1846 to 1912, and many of the original homes featured sun-dried adobe bricks. The style is identifiable by its square wooden columns and double-hung windows. Transom windows and sidelights are commonly used around the front door, while the interior boasts fireplaces, wood trims and non-earthy paints. Brick coping decorates the flat roofline and windowsills in many cases.
Northern New Mexico style
The Northern New Mexico architectural style is characterized by simple layouts similar to Pueblo Revival homes, lots of windows and a gable-pitched or hip metal roof. Typically a single-story, these homes have minimal ornamentation, stucco exteriors and an L- or U-shaped layout. They are oftentimes referred to as “New Mexico farmhouse” style.
This bedroom by Samuel Design Group is a cozy retreat thanks to the kiva fireplace as well as other Pueblo-style design elements.
Southwestern Building Materials & Terms
Adobe bricks
Handmade bricks constructed with sun-dried clay mud and straw that are used to construct interior and exterior walls in buildings.
Banco
Stucco or plaster benches often built in under windows or adjacent to fireplaces mostly appearing in Pueblostyle homes.
Casita
A casita—“little house” in Spanish—is generally a guest house behind or near the primary home residence. Sometimes, casitas are attached to the main home with or without direct access.
Clavo
Traditionally hand-forged of iron, clavos—“spike” in Spanish—are used as a rustic decorative element on exterior building features such as doors and gates. They are often seen in Pueblo-style homes.
Corbel
Corbels are used primarily in Pueblo-style homes. These wooden, and sometimes decoratively carved, brackets are used to support ceiling beams and vigas. Smaller versions are sometimes used as counter supports or to embellish a fireplace mantle.
Kiva fireplace
A typically tall, smooth and rounded fireplace generally built in the corner of a room. Kivas can be built for outdoor and indoor use. Kivas are most common in Pueblo and Territorial style homes, sometimes with bancos or nichos integrated into the overall design.
Latilla
Often used to form ceilings or standing vertically on fences, latillas are small branches or saplings, generally from spruce or fir trees. On a ceiling, they are laid either diagonally or perpendicular to the beams and are most often found in Pueblo Revival–style homes.
Lintel
A horizontal beam—sometimes decorative—above windows and doors. They are often called the “eyebrow.” They can be simply decorative or used as a functional support to distribute weight. Lintels are primarily seen in Pueblo and Northern New Mexico–style homes.
Nicho
These recessed, generally arched niches make displaying art, books religious objects and more an elevated experience. They are sometimes grouped, integrated into a fireplace wall or as a single nicho designed for a prominent object.
Plaster
Plaster is a highly versatile wall finish, and its sand and lime or water and cement mixtures can be custom-tinted for a one-and-done finish or painted. A popular option being the “diamond finish,” which is polished very smooth and coated with a layer of beeswax for a leather look.
Portal
Historically, the term “portal” refers to a covered porch or entryway that leads into a home, church, public building or other important structure. Today, it is colloquially for any attached overhang or porch cover. The designs can be elaborate or strictly functional to shade outdoor living areas as well as to protect certain areas of the home from heat gain.
Stucco
Stucco, similar to plaster, has a rough finish made with heavier sand grains. Sometimes, it’s used indoors as an accent, but it’s more commonly used as an exterior finish. The natural materials provide a weatherproofing barrier, allowing the home to “breathe.” It’s considered a low-maintenance exterior finish for the Southwestern climate, and pigment can be added for custom home colors.
Viga
A hallmark of Southwestern design, vigas might be one of the most unmistakable. These debarked, roughly milled logs can be structural elements or used simply to achieve the Southwestern style. Vigas sometimes extend from inside the home to the outside. These hefty, sometimes hand-hewn logs—mostly made from local ponderosa pine—can be used in their raw state, stained or painted.
Daniel Nadelbach
This home by New Decade Homes features many Southwestern elements from vigas and latillas on the ceiling to lintels above the doors and a nicho in the wall.
the aah fact or
spa-like amenities can boost your mental and physical health and add value to your home
by Paula M. Bodah
A WEEKEND AT A SPA is a wonderful indulgence that can leave you feeling relaxed, energized and motivated to build a healthful lifestyle. Wouldn’t it be nice to have that feeling at home every day? It might be easier (and less expensive) than you think. What’s more, a survey by the National Association of Realtors found that home features related to health and wellness are becoming increasingly popular among home buyers, with 43 percent of buyers reporting that they are willing to pay more for these features.
If a new house or expansive renovation isn’t in your plans (or your budget), you can still bring the spa experience home with a few simple enhancements. A bit of reworking of your existing
bathroom can go a long way. Or perhaps an area in your home—in the attic, basement, garage or spare bedroom—can be converted to a wellness hub. And if all else fails, look to the outdoors. Here are a few basics to get you started.
Turn your current bathroom into a mini spa with a few simple upgrades. Swap out a plain tub for one with whirlpool jets. Add a bit of aromatherapy with a countertop essential oil infuser. Invest in a towelwarming rack so you can wrap yourself in heat when you step out of the bath.
If you have the bandwidth for a more serious upgrade, perhaps even enlarging the bath, reserve a corner for a dry or infrared sauna or a steam room. A steam room primarily benefits respiratory health,
Whether you opt for infrared or a dry sauna, the health benefits are topnotch. And, like this one, it can take up less space than you might think.
while a dry sauna is better for muscle relaxation and improved circulation through deep heat penetration. An infrared sauna offers targeted heat that can penetrate even deeper into the body.
Cold plunge tubs are growing in popularity, with some influencers swearing by them for mood improvement as well as post-workout recovery. Another rising trend is halotherapy—an ancient therapy that involves breathing in microscopic salt particles—a practice good for the respiratory system, allergies and skin issues. Halotherapy can be as simple as a Himalayan salt therapy lamp or as complicated as a salt chamber. Whether you opt for cold, hot or salt therapy, hire a professional electrician and plumber to ensure success.
Physical fitness is a big part of wellness, of course, but who wants to slog to the gym or do the same old in-home routine? Invest in a fitness mirror to mix things up and keep you motivated. A fitness mirror can
Design Studio
hang on the wall or stand-alone, making it easy to incorporate almost anywhere in the home. Fitness mirrors, which require a subscription plan, let you choose your exercise—from yoga or boxing to aerobics or weightlifting and more. Plus, virtual instructors and programs allow you to exercise on your own schedule.
For true luxury, set aside a space dedicated to wellness—a health hub—incorporating any or all of the above. Here, you can work out and recover using heat or cold, halotherapy or aromatherapy. Don’t forget to include a fridge to hold healthful hydration options. Consider creating an outdoor wellness area if indoor space is at a premium. Indoors or out, in ways small or large, focusing on wellness in your home will reap big rewards.
Athletes and influencers alike swear by cold plunges for mood-boosting and workout recovery benefits.
Courtesy Odin Plunge Pools
A window herb garden is an enjoyable, practical and ecofriendly way to bring nature indoors. It doesn’t take up a lot of space and can thrive throughout the cooler months; plus, it ensures you always have fresh ingredients for cooking, making your everyday meals extra special. Additionally, they can be used to freshen your home. Herbs like mint and basil can improve air quality and provide a pleasant aroma. Most herbs, such as rosemary, thyme and cilantro, are easy to grow and require minimal care, making them perfect for beginner gardeners. A window herb garden is the ideal year-round solution to store-bought herbs that can spoil quickly.
by Kristen West Design Studio
lavish laundry
transforming a space meant for chores into a luxe, stylish area
BETWEEN SORTING, WASHING, DRYING AND FOLDING, the laundry room sees a lot of action. But with thoughtful design, this utilitarian room can become a sud-sational laundry space.
Start by envisioning what you’ll need for laundry purposes and what would be a bonus, like hidden hampers, a sorting station or stylish storage. Choose a theme and color palette that complements the rest of your home. A contemporary space with sleek metallic finishes like brushed nickel and minimalistic cabinetry will feel clean and classy. For a farmhouse vibe, embrace warm, neutral tones, rustic wood elements and touches of greenery.
Play with patterns and textures in the flooring and backsplash, like herringbone tile, Moroccan-inspired prints or a modern geometric design. Don’t be afraid to mix prints for a unique, eclectic feel. You can also add color and finesse through your hardware and accents. Pair a farmhouse-style sink with bold brass fixtures, for example, and carry the look throughout the space with brass cabinet hardware.
Walls can be a blank canvas or a bold statement. If you prefer simplicity or want to contrast with other patterns in the room, keep them clean and light. For a
more dynamic look, opt for decorative wallcoverings, wainscoting or vertical shiplap in shades of navy or charcoal.
If space allows, doubling up on appliances is a great way to be more efficient with laundry time. Stack them on top of each other or place them side by side. You can position front-loading machines under a countertop to add additional storage and folding space. If you’re worried about the bulky look, add sliding pocket doors to hide the appliances or choose ones in a color like a matte black, soft gray or even a fun pastel.
Laundry can require a plethora of fundamental extras like detergents, baskets, stain removers, dryer sheets and more. Storage is essential not only to maintain an organized space but also to keep the room feeling tranquil and uncluttered. Repeat the same or similar cabinetry from other areas, then give it a facelift with a fresh, complementary hue. Tall cabinets are ideal for hiding extra bedding or laundry baskets, while deep drawers with organizers keep items like dryer sheets and detergents tucked away. To save space, consider a wall-mounted ironing board or fold-out drying racks.
Daniel Nadelbach
Shutterstock.com/Carla Bullock
Above left: This ample laundry space by Twilight Luxury Homes features a full-sized sink, plenty of countertop space and beautiful finishes with pattern and panache.
Lights should be bright enough for practical tasks but still inviting. Recessed lights work well for general brightness, while under-cabinet lights provide focused task lighting. A stylish pendant light or even a small chandelier can create warmth and character. With the right design, your laundry room can be more than just a workspace. It can become an organized, beautiful part of your home where you’ll enjoy spending time—no matter how many loads of laundry you might tackle.
Details such as fold-out laundry racks can amplify the space without sacrificing the design.
Darrell DeVantier
This laundry room by Lowe-bo Homes doubles the laundry capacity while maintaining a beautiful, French-country style throughout the detailing.
bold change
three renovations revealed
Remodels run the gamut. You can choose to completely redesign or opt to amplify the details that make its current style unique. These lovely renovations sought to accentuate the inherent style of each home.
historical context
Jorgensen Builders merges cultural heritage with contemporary design in an Abiquiu remodel by Kristen West photos by Daniel Nadelbach
Mike Jorgensen and Laura Long of Jorgensen Builders have discovered a challenge unique to their New Mexico clients: integrating contemporary design with the Spanish colonial and Native American cultures that shape the region’s character. That’s one of the obstacles Jeff and Tami Sackett faced when they purchased their Abiquiu home, which led them to seek expertise from Jorgensen Builders for their remodeling needs.
“New Mexico has its own vernacular,” Long says. “The clients might already have Native American art, some folk art, some Spanish colonial pieces. How do you put history into the character of a new home?” Fortunately, with years of experience, Jorgensen and Long have honed a specialty in cultural integration.
Upon entering the Abiquiu home, the team was struck by the Chama River views and looked for ways to showcase the landscape. They raised ceilings and removed walls, which created better flow and movement. “It’s all about
volume, volume, volume,” Long says. “It creates so much integrity in these houses.”
Jorgensen and Long converted the back porch into the formal dining room and connected it to the drawing room, creating ample space and light. Now, the open floor plan, plus large picture windows and sliding glass doors, allows for impressive 360-degree views of nature from almost anywhere in the home.
Long encouraged preserving original details like the Saltillo tile, which they complemented by staining vigas and headers to contrast with the kitchen cabinets for a Spanish colonial feel. Tall, antique doors elongate the space, adding historical authenticity.
The Sacketts’ love for cooking and entertaining drove the more personalized details. Tami Sackett’s advanced cooking needs include high-end appliances like a Sub-Zero refrigeration wall, a Wolf convection steam oven and a stunning La Cornue induction range. Custom cabinetry houses secret compartments for
While much of the structure remains monochromatic, it allows the details to pop, including the vigas and Saltillo tile, as well as the artwork, furnishings and decor.
a coffee system, platter rack and television, with additional drawers for extra storage where you’ll even find a pop-up mixer.
Hand-painted rosette medallions on the tiles, brass finishings, quartzite countertops and an expansive picture window over the sink add sophistication and serenity for countless hours in the kitchen.
Long chose textiles and additional furnishings in the drawing room and dry bar to connect the clients’ contemporary Chippendale sofa with turquoise leather chairs, pulling colors from their vibrant Native American artwork. Antler lamps and a custom chandelier add a cohesive flow between rooms, highlighting Jeff Sackett’s love for hunting. Rugs featuring Native American patterns, pottery and a kiva fireplace further evoke Southwestern charm.
Even the powder room brings with it a unique cultural experience. Tami Sackett’s admiration for Frida Kahlo
Even while retaining the historical charm of the home, Jorgensen Builders harnessed the latest technology to ensure the homeowners a perfectly Southwestern kitchen with modern amenities.
Hand-painted rosette medallions on the tiles, brass finishings, quartzite countertops and an expansive picture window over the sink add sophistication and serenity.
inspired them to hire artist Kristin Bortles to paint a striking mural.
“Before, it was just a white bathroom that had nothing going for it,” Long says. “We found the antique mirror, resurfaced the cabinetry, and added the dark countertop, and it all works really well with their Spanish Colonial Native American contemporary feel.”
That historical-contemporary experience stands true for the entire remodel. The result is a house for the Sacketts that feels both brand new and timeless—a home that’s distinctly their own.
BEFORE
embracing midcentury
attending an estate sale led the homeowner to purchase a dated but long-awaited home in the perfect near–Nob Hill location by
Heather Shoning photos by Patrick Coulie
President and senior architect of Studio Southwest Architects, Ron Burstein, couldn’t wait to whirl his design wand around this midcentury home—a departure from the typical Southwestern vernacular. The homeowner bought it for the views, but Burstein could see the potential to embrace open floor plan contemporary living while retaining—even enhancing—the midcentury character.
One of the biggest challenges was the small, separate spaces—including a formal living area and a gaming space—and a low ceiling that stunted the living room. The design required four structural beams to allow Burstein to accomplish the open floor plan and to add volume that makes the home feel spacious. The homeowner also wanted the kitchen open to the adjoining living and dining spaces for seamless entertaining. “The motivation was to be able to see from one end of that space into the other, so when there are guests in the house, everybody can come together,” Burstein says. “It’s a great party house, frankly, because people can be in the living room, outside and in the kitchen and still interact.” Burstein selected warm maple cabinetry with inset doors to maintain a sleek midcentury vibe with today’s functionality.
When the construction team opened the dropped ceiling that interrupted the fireplace wall, Burstein was delighted to discover the only thing hiding there was a heating and cooling duct, making it easy to accomplish the overall mission. At the contractor’s suggestion, the team added a series of skylights that flood the central
“The design concept was to reimagine this house for the 21st century, while preserving and enhancing its midcentury character ...”
– Ron Burstein, Studio Southwest Architects
area of the home with natural light. Burstein made a conscious decision to preserve the stacked-stone fireplace façade, but he worried about finding matching stone to finish where the drop ceiling had been. As it turned out, it was widely available and worked flawlessly. Since most of the home was opened to the studs, Burstein took the opportunity to upgrade the home’s efficiency at every turn. Except for the vaulted area, the ceilings feature R-60 insulation. The roof, windows and patio doors were upgraded, and the appliances are all Energy Star–rated. He specified LED lighting inside and outside the home, plus replaced the woodburning fireplace with an efficient gas insert. The home has achieved beyond net zero and feeds energy back to the municipality. While opening and replacing so much
Burstein kept fretwork panels in a classic midcentury style, similar to breeze blocks you’d see in the era’s homes.
of the home, Burstein was mindful of the midcentury vibe, retaining clean lines and specific features such as the fireplace surround. Still, the heavy modern lifting comes with the furnishings and lighting. Cone-shaped pendant lights over the kitchen island and furniture with sleek silhouettes and midcentury lines mimic iconic styles by greats such as Eero Saarinen, Gerard Geytenbeek and Ray and Charles Eames. Fretwork grates separating the laundry room from the hallway feature an iconic midcentury geometric design. “The design concept was to reimagine this house for the 21st century,” Burstein says, “while preserving and enhancing its midcentury character and redefining spaces for the new owner’s lifestyle.”
from disjointed to designer
a Bishop’s Lodge home gets a major makeover without sacrificing its Southwestern roots
by Kristen West photos by Herschel Mair
Traditional Southwestern Pueblo-style homes are known for their earthen appearance and collaborative layouts that encourage community living. Over time, they often evolve, with each owner building on to suit their needs. This was the case with one Bishop’s Lodge home that became disjointed from all its piecemeal construction. The owners wanted to preserve the historic aesthetic and charm while transforming it into a warm, open family home with a cohesive design.
To achieve this, they worked with Amanda Tucker, principal designer at Bohome Interiors, who specializes in a desert-modern aesthetic. She says the plan for the remodel was to keep the organic appeal but also make it feel clean and contemporary. “We wanted to make everything white, bright and light, and then let their art and furniture come to life in those spaces.”
Previous additions left the house with many dark, fragmented areas, so to create flow and bring in natural light, the team removed unnecessary walls. “The flooring or the texture on the walls seemed to change in each space,” Tucker says. “We kind of blew out the house and opened it up.”
The redesign features neutral tones like white oak floors and ceilings painted white and taupe, plus preserved vigas and beams. The living and dining rooms now connect seamlessly, and light floods through the space after removing a pony wall. A step down into the living room remains to differentiate the areas, but Tucker used consistent finishes for a cohesive look. “When you’re remodeling a home, it’s so important to make it feel like it was a custom home from the beginning,” she notes.
A black dining table adds deep contrast softened by rounded chairs that echo the architectural curves. Furnishings in white and various neutral hues and oversized patterned rugs create a sense of calm and serenity. For entertaining, Tucker added a wet bar, coordinating the tan cabinets with the fireplace by painting the old red brick.
A fresh coat of paint served to lighten and brighten the home, while retaining the historical elements including the vigas and arched doorways.
Tucker gave the kitchen a modern overhaul adding a colorful, fresh take on Southwestern pattern in the backsplash tile.
There’s one distinct deviation from the neutral palette. Teal cement tiles in the kitchen exude a desert vibe. “It’s meant to complement how clean the space is and bring your eye to the area and highlight it,” Tucker says. “It felt very Santa Fe without being kitschy.” Other standout features include a custom range hood by Joshua Schriber, two sinks, skylights and a large island with black quartz countertops to allow for family gatherings. The oversized hardware adds warmth and style, while a hidden appliance garage and service pantry maintain the minimalist look.
The formal sitting room offers stunning views through a large, steel-framed picture window. Tucker added natural elements like brass and horsehair sconces and a travertine table and salvaged the traditional adobe-style fireplace for authenticity—adding a family heirloom above it.
Tucker’s overall design approach ensured the home felt unified while highlighting its architectural features. “I wanted it to feel like, whatever room you were in, it was just a calming, very cohesive vibe,” she says. The transformation honors the home’s Southwestern roots while embracing a modern, light-filled aesthetic, perfect for family living and entertaining.
resources
historical context, page 44
Builder: Jorgensen Builders, jorgensenbuilders.net; Architecture: Perez-Daple Architects LLC; Interior Design: Jorgensen Builders; Appliances: Builders Source Appliance Gallery, builderssource.com; Countertops: Sherpa Stone LLC; Cabinetry: Luis Cordova Cabinets (kitchen) Russel Moore (dry bar), Kristin Bortles (cabinetry refinishing and mural); Flooring: Artesanos Imports, lnstallation: Hunter Tile; Kitchen Backsplash: Statements in Tile; Windows/Sliding Glass Doors: Architectural Windows & Doors
embracing midcentury, page 50
Builder: Morningstar Construction, Inc.; Architecture: Studio Southwest Architects, Inc.; Appliances: Builders Source Appliance Gallery, builderssource.com; Countertops: Southwest Countertops & Cabinetry, southwestcountertops.com; Cabinetry: Bruce MacKellar Custom Design; Fireplace: Mountain West Sales, mountainwestsales.net; Flooring: Daltile, LL Flooring; Lighting: Visual Interest, Inc.
from disjointed to designer, page 54
Builder: Tierra de Zia Contracting LLC; Architecture: A. Christopher Purvis Architects; Interior Design: Bohome Interiors, LLC; Appliances: Builders Source Appliance Gallery, builderssource.com; Countertops: La Piedra Granite LLC; Cabinetry: Chavez Woodworking Inc.; Kitchen Hood: Schriber Designs LTD, schriberdesigns.com; Flooring: The Finishing Touch
BringWallsYour to Life
planting roots
a stunning home grew out of friendship and a partnership between homeowners and their builder
Nestled in Albuquerque’s North Valley, Pauline and Ralph Hansen’s striking contemporary home seamlessly blends California cool with New Mexican charm. The couple, who relocated from Beverly Hills in 2009, created a spacious yet warm oasis that suits their new chapter of life.
“We would drive through this area called Prado and say, ‘I’d love to live there someday,’” Pauline recalls. That dream became reality in late 2021 when a rare lot became available in the exclusive neighborhood.
Pauline started a career with Twilight Homes in 2014, eventually becoming a luxury homes specialist for Twilight Luxury Homes. The company has adopted an ethos around empowering by Lexi Reich photographs by Daniel Nadelbach
While the home’s aesthetic leans contemporary, the Hansens incorporated thoughtful touches to make it feel warm and inviting. Repeating colors and textures draw the eye around the home and create cohesion in the design.
The innovative drop-down feature of the kitchen island allows guests to feel engaged even when they’re spread out throughout the great room.
its employees by crowning them with the title “The Builder,” ensuring they approach the work as if it has their own name on it. The Hansens are, of course, proud they partnered with Pauline’s team.
Two and a half years later, the result is a stunning U-shaped residence centered around indoor-outdoor living. The new home represents more than just a beautiful living space—it’s the culmination of putting down roots in their adopted hometown. Pauline credits their close friendship with Vinny Pizzonia—Twilight’s president and co-founder—and his wife Melanie with helping New Mexico truly feel like home.
The collaborative spirit between the homeowners and the builder created magic. Pauline drove the interior design and product selections with help from
local designer Lenin Diaz to create a home that truly reflects the couple’s personalities and aesthetics, including a neutral palette punctuated with pops of rich color throughout.
Entering the home, a dramatic 6-foot-wide walnut pivot door surrounded by large windows opens to a foyer defined by a tambour ceiling treatment to reveal an expansive great room. Across the ample space, enormous accordion doors connect to the backyard oasis, complete with a sparkling pool. “I love to walk through the front door and see out the back—an extension of the house into the backyard,” Pauline says.
Dan Mallak, Twilight Luxury Homes division president, sees the great room’s design as revolutionary. “The kitchen island and the great room are the focal
points for everyone,” he explains. “The way it’s designed, the person in the kitchen isn’t omitted from the activity and conversation.”
In an oversized, multi-use space like this, it’s important to delineate the individual spaces while creating a through-line of design elements.
A unique island with an expansive cantilevered granite slab that appears to defy gravity anchors the showstopping kitchen. “I saw an island in a magazine with a drop-down piece that was made out of live-edge wood,” Pauline says. When that proved impractical for New Mexico’s dry climate, she worked with Vinny Pizzonia to create a sleek solution. Black cabinetry with inset doors seems to soar to the ceiling thanks to an oversized filler strip above the top cabinets. The granite from the kitchen island repeats across the room on the sophisticated fireplace design with a striking angled tambour overlay—the living space is grounded by a large, plush rug. The dining area echoes the black on the table, buffet and modern, abstract art.
The spacious primary suite is a serene retreat of white and gray that allows the backyard views to take center stage. The real treat is the spa-like bathroom with floor-to-ceiling marble including a chevron-patterned floor tile, large-format
wall tiles and a feature wall behind the bathtub of reeded marble that mirrors the tambour treatments in the great room. Like the bedroom, this space also brings the outdoors in. “Our owner’s shower is all glass,” Pauline describes. “We have a six- by six-foot window that looks out to the courtyard.” Plans are in the works for a Zen garden to complete the indoor-outdoor feel.
The Hansens made sure to include plenty of space for visiting family, with guest rooms and an attached casita. “We wanted a very comfortable suite to encourage our adult children to visit,” Ralph says. The casita features a spacious living area with a statement fireplace clad in fluted marble tile with green and salmon-colored graphic elements. “I built the room around this tile because it is so unique,” Pauline says. Other guest spaces in this fourbedroom, five-bathroom home offered Pauline a place to stretch her design wings. “I always think powder baths are like their own little personalities,” she says. One powder room features dramatic black and orange wallpaper with whimsical bug motifs.
The outdoor spaces were equally considered, with a dining area, a living space with two full-sized outdoor sofas and a fully equipped
Right: Fluted marble tile adds on-trend texture to the primary bathroom adding depth and dimension to the quiet, monochromatic space.
kitchen for Ralph’s grilling passion. “I hate for him to saute in my kitchen, so I send him outside,” Pauline jokes. The setup includes a high-BTU side burner, a cooler and plans for a future pizza oven to expand their al fresco dining options.
that’s a place where you can sit and share memories with your family and friends, then to me, I’ve failed.”
To see additional photos of this home, please visit sucasamagazine.com
The home’s livability particularly stands out to the builder. During the Parade of Homes, which Mallak says drew around 2,000 visitors, people were struck by how the residence balanced luxury with comfort. “People felt like it was somewhere they could live,” Mallak says. “You can build the nicest, most updated, outrageoustype house, but if it doesn’t feel like
With 11 grandchildren between them, the Hansens have ensured their “upsize” will accommodate many joyful family gatherings in the years to come. The collective nature of the project—a testament to the power of friendship—helped the couple embrace new beginnings in the beautiful New Mexico landscape. “It’s a collaboration of everybody,” Pauline says, crediting the Pizzonias, designer Diaz and the entire Twilight Luxury Homes team for bringing their dream to life.
The Hansens’ commitment to indooroutdoor living is evident in their choice of location. “We’re very close to the Rio Grande River, and there is irrigation that spreads about a half mile out. So, it’s much greener with a lot of cottonwood trees and pastures.”
Most people don’t give much thought to the design of the electrical outlets in their homes. However, these little gadgets can be uber-efficient and aesthetically pleasing, and like beautiful lighting, sometimes you don’t realize the impact until you see it. Ditch the old outlet covers with unsightly screws for slim profile ones that pop into place for a clean look or look for the pop-up style for the kitchen countertop or a desktop. Consider those with USB and USB-C ports alongside traditional power sockets for maximum functionality. Not surprisingly, outlets are as smart as our other devices today, with built-in wireless charging pads for Qi-enabled devices and outlets controllable via smartphone apps, voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant) or home automation systems. Forgot to turn off the lamp when you left the house? No problem; just turn it off from your phone. Smart, indeed.
by Tessa Jones
soothe and steam
soak your way through the cold-weather months with a trip to one (or more) of New Mexico’s stunning hot springs
NEW MEXICO’S HEALING WATERS have been a cornerstone of wellness for centuries, first discovered by Indigenous peoples who revered their spiritual and medicinal properties. The hot springs have been sacred places for generations, especially among the Pueblo tribes, including the Jemez and Taos, who believe the waters hold unique powers to heal both body and soul. The springs have been sites for ceremonies, with their mineral-rich waters trusted as remedies for ailments. Today, New Mexico’s hot springs draw not only Indigenous people but also relaxation- and healing-seekers, young and old. There’s nothing quite like a warm soak in winter as the steam rises off the water with a backdrop of
Courtesy
Tessa Jones
Vida Buena
snow-covered vistas. The Land of Enchantment has several dozen hot springs areas ranging from off-thebeaten-path natural pools to fully developed resorts, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Blackstone Hot Springs, a favorite in the southern town of Truth or Consequences—a town coincidentally once named Hot Springs thanks to its 40 hot springs areas—combines rich history with quirky charm. This iconic destination has been known for generations and is celebrated for its mineral content and therapeutic heat. Housed in an old motel, each room carries a different theme inspired by classic television shows, adding nostalgia to the experience. Guests can soak in clawfoot tubs filled with hot mineral water while surrounded by midcentury decor, making for a delightful journey back in time. Blackstone offers private indoor and outdoor baths, some accessible 24/7, allowing for a relaxing dip under the starry New Mexico sky. The springs’ mineral water, rich
in potassium, lithium and magnesium, soothes sore muscles, reduces stress and improves overall well-being. This comforting oasis evokes a sense of the past, with the added benefits of minerals that rejuvenate both body and mind.
Just a short walk from Blackstone, Riverbend Hot Springs offers a different experience. Nestled alongside the Rio Grande River, Riverbend focuses on tranquility and nature. Its terraced pools, designed for relaxation, overlook the river, offering a view of the gentle current and the picturesque Turtleback Mountains. Riverbend provides communal and private soaking experiences, with pools at varying temperatures to suit all comfort levels. What sets Riverbend apart is its emphasis on peacefulness and quiet, with strict “whisper zones” that help maintain a calming atmosphere. The serene setting and the mineral-rich waters create a sanctuary for those seeking peace and connection with nature.
Courtesy
Ojo Spa Resorts
Ojo Spa Resorts offer year-round soaking plus the amenities you want for a weekend getaway.
Sunrise Springs Spa
Montezuma Hot Springs
West of Santa Fe, in the lush, mountainous Jemez region, lies Jemez Hot Springs. Surrounded by red rock cliffs and pine forests, Jemez offers a more rustic and natural spring experience. Its warm pools, set against the backdrop of the towering cliffs, provide a tranquil escape where visitors can breathe in the mountain air and connect with the earth. Jemez Hot Springs features four mineral pools, each with different temperatures and mineral compositions, allowing for a customized soaking experience. With its naturalistic ambience and minimal facilities, a visit to Jemez Hot Springs keeps the focus on the surrounding beauty, providing a raw and untouched retreat where nature and healing truly converge.
Another must-visit is Ojo Caliente, one of the oldest natural health resorts in the country and a renowned destination in New Mexico with two resorts, including one in Santa Fe. The Ojo Caliente site, between Santa Fe and Taos, offers four distinct mineral waters—lithium, iron, soda and arsenic—each believed to provide unique benefits. Sacred to the Pueblo peoples, who first harnessed the springs’ healing powers, Ojo Caliente offers modern amenities like a spa, mud pool and various thermal pools nestled into the landscape. The historic bathhouse, with its indoor pools designed to evoke timeless relaxation, is a unique feature of Ojo Caliente. Surrounded by hiking trails, visitors can explore the landscape and unwind in the soothing waters, experiencing a combination of history, luxury and wellness.
The hot springs of New Mexico are more than just pools of water—they are steeped in history, from Indigenous traditions that revered them as sacred spaces to the modern travelers who seek rejuvenation in their mineral-rich waters. These springs remind us that healing can be as simple as immersing oneself in nature, letting go and feeling the warmth of the earth. Whether it’s Blackstone’s cozy ambiance, Riverbend’s peaceful riverside escape, Jemez’s rugged beauty or the historic charm of Ojo Caliente, each spring offers something unique. Visitors to New Mexico’s hot springs should know that these gifts from the earth are special to the locals. They are to be enjoyed but treated with respect, both for the springs themselves and the land that surrounds them.
by Heather Hunter
celebrate fine dining
thanks to nearly 30 years in business, Savoy Bar & Grill has a loyal clientele
FINE DINING WAS NOT AT THE FOREFRONT of the Albuquerque culinary scene in 2007. Filling this gap was the impetus behind establishing Savoy Bar & Grill. Twin brothers Kevin and Keith Roessler had already been in the restaurant business for more than a decade, having been bitten by the “hospitality bug” after working with their uncle at Seasons Restaurant in Durango, Colorado. In 1995, the twin brothers and their uncle opened Seasons Restaurant in Old Town. They embarked on an illustrious career path in the restaurant industry that
fuels and feeds the community nearly three decades later. Today, Kevin and Keith Roessler are the managing partners of five restaurants in neighborhoods across northern New Mexico—Seasons Rotisserie & Grill in Old Town, Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro in Nob Hill, Savoy in Northeast Heights, as well as The Gorge Bar & Grill and Parcht Bottleshop + Bites in downtown Taos.
But it’s Savoy that holds the key to fine dining in Albuquerque. “We have a loyal clientele and a strong neighborhood base who have supported us throughout the
Dig into the fried calamari or hope to catch an evening when the sea scallops are on the specials menu.
Courtesy Savoy Bar & Grill
years, and that’s the reason we exist,” Kevin Roessler says of this California-inspired bistro and wine bar. He also attributes the support and involvement of their wives as part of their continued success. “The four of us and our chefs all get along in and outside the buildings, and that helps tremendously,” he says.
The Roesslers created Savoy in homage to their family. At the time, their father and uncle were in the wine business and bought pinot noir from a single California producer, Savoy. The brothers also deeply respected the fresh ingredients California is known for and decided to tie this together and name their
restaurant Savoy.
Benjamin Wilken has been the company’s corporate executive chef, and while he oversees all the restaurants in the portfolio, he is in the Savoy kitchen every day, where he creates delicious specials inspired by the seasons and has fun developing new dishes for customers to try.
Savoy is one of the few restaurants in Albuquerque where customers can enjoy fresh oysters on the half shell daily—such as the beloved Blue Points and Buckley Bay oysters. The classically inspired menu favorites include Angus filet mignon with a Madeira
demi-glace, USDA wood-fired roasted prime rib, wasabi sesame seared ahi tuna and togarashi seared tuna appetizer. “Hands down, every day, these are our heavy hits,” Wilken says. “But the rest of the menu is equally adored, and the wood-fired pizzas are also a big attraction.”
The open kitchen makes guests feel at home, while the aromas tempt the senses, and the views of the Sandia Mountains create a calm ambience. This powerful combination is enhanced with a vibrant wine and drink program driven by local sommelier Ben Williams. “The culture of our wine program has always been to have a good mix between old and new world wines,” Kevin Roessler says, “to have some brands people are familiar with and other wines where we need to educate them and hope they appreciate it.”
And enjoy it they do. “We have one couple that just celebrated their sixtieth anniversary with us,” Kevin Roessler says. They celebrated their 50th and 55th anniversaries at Savoy, as well.
A restaurant on the cusp of celebrating 30 years in business is a restaurant doing it right. Here’s to the next 30 years, Savoy.
Courtesy Savoy Bar & Grill
Chef Benjamin Wilken
Courtesy Savoy Bar & Grill
by Rebecca Toy
f iery spirits
add some sizzle to the season with red-hot flaming cocktails
WHETHER GATHERING WITH LOVED ONES, hosting a holiday party or getting cozy by a fireplace, a briefly blazing drink fires up the mood. The traditional technique for a fiery drink is topping the mix with higher-proof alcohol that readily lights at room temperature. Bartenders prefer spirits between 110 and 160 proof, like Bacardi 151 or Chartreuse. (Liquors with even higher proofs, such as 190-proof Everclear, are too volatile.) When poured gently over the back of a spoon, the liquor floats atop the rest of the cocktail. Brief heat is crucial to enhancing flavors. Once lit, the high-proof liquor burns off, warming and condensing the mixture and caramelizing the liquors’ sugars, heightening previously subtle smokey or vanilla flavors without bringing out the ethanol.
While flaming spectacles with whiskey and brandy have been popular since the late 19 th century, the modern craft cocktail movement offers more than traditional tiki bowls or shot stunts like the Flaming Dr. Pepper. As bartenders play with complex, high-end concoctions, setting garnishes like lime shells, orange peels and rosemary alight provides the same showstopping presentation without potentially compromising the cocktail with remaining overproof alcohol.
For cocktails such as a Limelight or an old-fashioned, add liquor to a lime shell or a lemon peel. Some recipes add a sugar cube in the shell that will open up aromas of citrus as it caramelizes. For the coup de grâce, add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the flame for literal but brief sparks. For stronger citrus accents, directly light pre-soaked orange and grapefruit peels.
Herbs and spices like rosemary, sage, thyme and cinnamon sticks add smoked, earthy flavor to cocktails, pairing well with bourbons, whiskeys and mezcals. Char the herbs and spices on wood and serve smoldering atop the glass. For additional drama, top the glass momentarily to capture the smoke.
Feeling inspired?
These recipes are delicious ways to bring some warmth to your winter.
Toasted S’More Martini INGREDIENTS
For the Rim
½ tsp. chocolate syrup
1 tbsp. crushed graham crackers
For the Drink
1 oz. chocolate liqueur (dark or milk)
½ oz. marshmallow vodka
½ oz. heavy cream
1 marshmallow for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Dip the glass rim in the chocolate syrup and then in the crushed graham cracker.
2. Pour the chocolate liqueur as slowly as possible over an upside down spoon into the glass.
3. Mix together the heavy cream and marshmallow vodka in a separate container.
4. Pour the vodka mixture as slowly as possible over an upside down spoon to make the layered look.
5. Place the marshmallow on a bamboo stick as a skewer.
6. Brown the marshmallow slightly over an open flame (or under a broiler). Do not allow it to catch on fire.
7. Lay the bamboo stick on the drink and light the marshmallow for effect before drinking. Stir together the drink and enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
2 oz. bourbon (high-proof)
½ oz. lime juice
¾ oz. simple syrup
¾ oz. pineapple juice
3 dashes orange bitters
1 oz. Campari lime shell
DIRECTIONS
1. Add all ingredients, except Campari and cinnamon, to a cocktail shaker. Top with ice and shake until chilled.
2. Add Campari to cocktail glass, along with fresh ice and strain mix overtop.
3. Squeeze juice from the lime shell, fill with bourbon, rest it on top of cocktail and light on fire!
Universal design is a sustainable building practice because it incorporates features that increase the time a homeowner can remain in the residence without significant renovations. It’s a good idea to incorporate foundational elements during a new build. That said, universal design upgrades can easily be added during a remodel.
Incorporating wider doorways and hallways (36 inches) for navigational ease will save you from major construction if you or a loved one unexpectedly needs a wheelchair or other assistance to get around the house. Step-free access, with gentle slopes or ramps and level thresholds, ensures smooth transitions between rooms and outdoor areas. Creating barrier-free routes to bedrooms and bathrooms—preferably on the main level—provides easy and safe access to essential spaces.
Appliances installed at lower heights in the kitchen set the space up for continued optimal use. Additionally, tiered cabinets, height-adjustable countertops and sinks with knee clearance cater to a variety of needs. Maintaining at least 60 inches of clear space around the kitchen ensures maneuverability.
Certain upgrades are easy enough to include during a remodel project, whether you’re on the cusp of needing universal design features or not. For instance, standard vanities can be made wheelchairaccessible, and adjustable storage solutions can be incorporated. Replacing doorknobs with leverstyle handles and using offset hinges significantly
improves access by making doors easier to open and widening narrow doorways.
In the kitchen and bathroom, touchless faucets simplify operation. Smart storage solutions such as pull-out shelves, drawers and lazy Susans keep everything organized and accessible.
Smart technology further enhances convenience throughout the home by allowing voice activation for electronics and window treatments, and motion sensors can automatically turn lights on and off as you move from one room to the next. Additionally, integrating smart technology with heating and cooling systems enables efficient temperature management tailored to individual preferences—saving you from manually dialing the thermostat up or down and conserving energy in the process.
Safety is paramount to universal design. Non-slip flooring and thoughtfully placed lighting enhance visibility and warmth in your home while reducing the risk of falls. Select comfort-height toilets, handheld showerheads and fold-down shower seats to add ease to everyday routines. Decorative towel grab bars blend seamlessly with the decor in the bathroom and provide necessary support. By thoughtfully blending these design elements, you can create a beautiful, welcoming and functional home for everyone. These integrations enhance independence and quality of life for people of all ages and abilities, ensuring that your home remains enjoyable for a lifetime, making it a wise investment.
Carol Orona holds a master’s degree in architecture and is passionate about building science. She is nationally recognized for her work and dedication to high-performance, sustainable buildings and enjoys sharing her knowledge.
says …
Painted doors in a contrasting hue give your home a punch of color that reflects your personal style. Choosing a bold color against neutral or muted walls creates a striking focal point that instantly elevates your home’s overall design. Choose a shade that complements your home’s palette but stands out enough to make a lasting impression. Black can give your space a modern look, while navy adds a timeless, elegant touch. Gray can express sophistication without overpowering a space. From the front door to interior doors, creating contrast makes your home feel more vibrant and welcoming.
We love celebrating “home” with you. Thank you to our valued readers and partners. Our journey is brighter because of you.
Today’s washers and dryers are big-ticket home appliances, so you want to maintain them and keep them fresh and clean for optimal effectiveness. Clean the washer drum by running an empty cycle with hot water and either vinegar or a washer cleaner tablet to remove detergent buildup, mold and odors. Wipe rubber seals, the detergent drawer and the door, which can harbor mold and mildew, with a vinegar-based cleaning solution. Pay attention to front-loading washers, which are prone to moisture retention. Help prevent mildew from developing by keeping the washer door open when not in use. Nearly 3,000 fires per year are caused by clogged dryer vents. Check yours regularly and keep it free of lint buildup—it will ensure your dryer runs with maximum efficiency as well.
by Kate Jonuska
organizationuncovered
demystifying how to have an Instagram-worthy organized life
INTIMIDATION IS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR when it comes to organization, especially if you try to recreate the brag-worthy homes of organizational influencers. However, in “Organized Living: Solutions and Inspiration for Your Home,” Shira Gill dispels all the intimidation and need for comparison by interviewing and comparing the styles of 25 top organizing experts, proving there is no one-size-fits-all way to organize your unique life.
After all, some of the organizers in these pages create minimalist spaces that are primarily monotone white; others are creative and colorful. Some organizers design their own container solutions; others refuse to follow the trend of decanting spices or laundry detergent into secondary containers at all. Some have pareddown wardrobes, and others collect shoes. It becomes evident that there are many unique ways to achieve the final goal of organization, which is “a sense of peace, order, beauty, and flow,” according to Gill.
“At the end of the day, the goal of an organized home is to make your life easier and more efficient,” she writes. “Can you organize your life without buying new products or setting up a color-coded snack station? Absolutely. Bells and whistles are fully optional.”
This crew of organizers comes from diverse backgrounds, including a packingpro military spouse, former healthcare and mental healthcare professionals, fashionistas, and shopaholics, as well as environmentalists wishing to combat overconsumption. Inspirational in their lives and style, these organizers are entrepreneurs and change-makers in their communities. At least one of them will prove helpful in taming whatever mess you might be facing in a personalized way for you.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of organization during particularly messy periods, such as after divorce or a loved one’s death. For instance, when Gill lost her father, she writes, “Organization became an important form of self-care, a practice I still rely upon to help restore my spirits when I feel the most broken.”
“Organized Living: Solutions and Inspiration for Your Home” by Shira Gill, published by and photos courtesy Ten Speed Press, hardcover $20.
“At the end of the day, the goal of an organized home is to make your life easier and more efficient.”
– Shira Gill
by Kate Jonuska
shine on
interior design should allow all spaces to shine
SHEEN, SHIMMER, SPARKLE, GLEAM AND GLAM: Every exclusive and stylish space designed by Jonathan Savage has at least a sprinkle of shine, from the subtle sequin tape bordering the curtains in an otherwise tastefully monotone room to the full-on glitz of an entryway that layers lacquer, gloss and mirrors. A master of luxe, upto-the-moment style, Savage’s new book, “The Savage Style,” is a visual delight as well as a wealth of design inspiration with hundreds of such shiny moments buried in its pages.
Above all, the author’s Savage Style is elegant and sophisticated, unapologetically expensive yet rarely pretentious. The designer names in furnishings and accessories abound, including blue chips like Dior, Hermès and Chanel, as well as less widely known
designers like Jean-Michel Frank, Hervé van der Straeten and Florence Knoll. The fact that most of the projects featured in the book are entire homes allows for a deep dive into artful and cohesive design for real domestic living.
It’s a vision that translates even for folks who can’t afford Dior, thanks to Savage’s witty honesty about design and helpful advice. For instance, he’s the rare designer willing to admit that long sofas “may look fabulous, but they’re just like the back seats of cars: no one wants to sit in the middle.” Savage makes clear that every home should work for the specific people who live inside it and that, in the end, design is a tool for creating connections between people and their environments.
He writes, “One of the most important lessons I learned (with designer David Kleinberg) was that interiors should always be appropriate for the people, the place, and the time—or, as Kleinberg likes to say, ‘No silk ballgowns at the beach.’”
That said, however, authentic Savage Style dictates that even the humblest and most hard-working room deserves at least a little sparkle to help real life feel just as glam as the stylish spaces on these pages.
“The Savage Style” by Jonathan Savage, published by and photos courtesy of Gibbs Smith, hardcover $46.
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watching over
A self-proclaimed history and architecture buff, the homeowner considered the view a compelling reason to purchase this home. The Lorenzo López family, who built her home, also built the small, private chapel, La Capilla de San Ysidro Labrador, in 1928. López constructed the church from rocks gathered from the property and mud from the nearby acequia in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the 11th-century patron saint of farmers.
