Su Casa Southwestern Homes Spring 2022 Digital Edition by sucasaabqsf

Southwest Homes

Tour 22 ABQ homes

in the 2022 Spring Parade

inspiration ideas resources

a High Desert home

captures impeccable views

farmhouse style in Santa Fe

beautiful baths

private retreats for relaxation VOL. 28 NO. 2 SPRING 2022

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

Designed for the great indoors. Pella® windows are rated #1 by Albuquerque/Santa Fe homeowners for the highest craftsmanship.* Call Today! 505-209-9654 PellaofAlbuquerque.com | PellaofSantaFe.com

Window & Door Replacement of Albuquerque

Visit your local Pella showroom: 3901 SINGER BOULEVARD NE SUITE A | ALBUQUERQUE PHONE: 505.345.3502 1512 PACHECO STREET SUITE D107 | SANTA FE PHONE: 505.474.4112

RESIDENTIAL DIVISION COMMERCIAL QUALITY ROOFS NOW AVAILABLE TO NEW MEXICO HOME OWNERS.

nationalrooﬁng.com

LOCAL COMPANY. NATIONAL NAME.

505.883.3000

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

Bring Your Walls to Life americanclay.com | 1-866-404-1634

TRANSFORMING THE HOME Fine Cabinetry • Renovations

Genuine beauty is always in style. For 90 years LEICHT has produced the finest kitchen cabinetry and whole house casework in Germany. Leicht selects only proven materials which are ecologically processed and environmentally safe. The concept of “Kitchen” is constantly evolving in the way it not only reflects but reinvents the entire living space. Leicht utilizes their innovative furniture design to create flow from one space to another, blurring the traditional boundaries. For new construction or renovation, visit our new, exclusive showroom to discover all the options available for fine cabinetry and whole house casework.

505-992-8382 dmaahsconstruction.com Showroom by Appointment 1570 Pacheco St. Suite C-1

licensed representative for LEICHT.

NMCL #362407

TWILIGHTHOMESNM.COM

TWILIGHTHOMESNM.COM | 505.375.6234

TWILIGHTHOMESNM.COM

505.375.6234 TWILIGHTHOMESNM.COM | 505.375.6234 TWILIGHTHOMESNM.COM | 505.375.6234

Local. Value. Trust. Homes built by New Mexicans, for New Mexicans.

Twilight Homes understands the value of being a member of our community and we are constantly focused on building high-quality homes for our families, neighbors, and friends. For this year’s Spring Parade, Twilight Homes is honored to showcase four of our new properties, including two never-before-seen floor plans! We are always dedicated to providing our community with high-quality, award-winning home designs. That’s why we are showcasing homes in Rio Rancho, Albuquerque’s North Valley, and Albuquerque’s East Heights—to provide you with the perfect option for your new home. With Twilight Homes, you can rest assured that your brand-new home was built with the highest standards and level of care for both you and the environment. As a local builder, we value understanding what our buyers 505.375.6234 TWILIGHTHOMESNM.COM | 505.375.6234 TWILIGHTHOMESNM.COM | 505.375.6234

are looking for and desire in a new home. We know the current housing market is a constantly evolving ecosystem, but with a new build home, you never have to worry about bidding wars or costly home repairs post-move-in. Now is your opportunity to view what Twilight Homes has to offer by visiting our four Parade of Homes communities this Spring Parade of Homes! We cannot wait to see you! Visit our website to access a map of our Spring 2022 Parade Homes and learn more about building your dreams with Twilight Homes!

scan me

MOVE-IN READY HOMES

Take a picture with your phone of the QR Code and see our homes virtually.

series

TWILIGHTHOMESNM.COM | 505.375.6234

series

Helping you Thrive with the Elements

Fireplaces & Stoves • Irrigation & Landscape • Outdoor Living 1808 Espinacitas Street • Santa Fe • 505-983-5264 • TheFirebird.com

505.982.7 768 | ZacharyAndSons.com

Southwest Homes

40 SOUTHWEST

HOMES

Kirk Gittings

inspiration ideas resources

On the cover: This High Desert home designed by Jon Anderson Architecture and built by Supple Homes, captures views in nearly every direction. Photograph by Kirk Gittings.

40 Celebrating the Sights A High Desert home takes advantage of the impeccable views for a family longing to be closer to the mountains.

80 The Green Farmhouse A sustainable modern farmhouse blends Northern New Mexico Territorial with the simplicity of John Gaw Meem Revivalism in this Santa Fe builder’s home.

SPECIAL SECTIONS 50 SPRING Parade of Homes

88 Beautiful Baths These six stunning Albuquerque and Santa Fe bathrooms offer inspiring design ideas for your primary suite.

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

Fotovan

Bring this copy of Su Casa with you as you tour the 22 beautiful and innovative new homes on the Albuquerque SPRING Parade of Homes, April 22–24 and April 29–May 1. Details about each home and builder are included, plus maps and directions.

Daniel Nadelbach

80 IN EVERY ISSUE 26 Inside Su Casa

Life+Style Southwest

Visit SuCasaMagazine.com

Think you can’t grow roses? Sure, you can—here’s how! Coral is an haute hue, and we love these products in this soothing and radiant color.

96 Design Studio

Go bold with color. Local designers and builders weigh in on where and how to use it for maximum effect.

10 0 Su Cocina

Albuquerque’s Ivy Tearoom is a picture-perfect venue for celebrations of all types or your next girls’ day out.

102 ¡Salud!

Sparkling wines are for more than just fancy dinners—a crisp bubbly pairs well with anything from pizza to caviar. Our Artist Spotlight shares how Diana Stetson’s experience in hand lettering gives her an edge in painting. Spring cleaning is not just good for your home—it’s great for your mind.

110 Su Libro

We review a book about getting beautiful color in your dry-climate garden.

114 Just Winging Through

The warblers are on their way. You have to be fast, or you’ll miss these colorful and fun little birds flitting about.

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

Sergey V Kalyakin/Shutterstock.com

10 4 Vida Buena

Buying land on the far side of the moon. Not smart. Buying land with our vacant land loans. Very smart.

Insured by NCUA

Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union has smart home loans designed to work for you. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, have a growing family, need to downsize, or are looking to refinance, SLFCU has the perfect loan to meet your needs, with no private mortgage insurance (PMI) required. All loans are serviced and managed locally within New Mexico.

Vacant Land Loans Get great terms and low costs from SLFCU. With 12-year terms, 75% loan-to-value, and no points, you can get more for your investment dollar. Construction Loans Go from a vacant lot and blueprints to move-in day with financing and terms to fit your budget. An SLFCU construction loan has a 12-month construction period with interest-only payments while you’re building.

Get started: slfcu.org/HomeLoans Name

Type

Term

Initial Rate

APR

Payment Per $1,000 Financed

Vacant Land1

1st

12 years

5.00%

5.320%

$9.25

APR=Annual Percentage Rate. $45 initial credit report fee collected for all mortgage applications. Index is the six-month moving average of the yield of the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note. Third party fees may apply in certain circumstances. Additional fees may apply outside New Mexico. Survey fee may be required. You will receive an estimate of closing costs when you apply. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. You must insure the property that secures the loan. Subject to credit approval. Fees subject to change without notice. APR calculations are based on the following loan amounts: Vacant Land: $100,000. 1 Variable rate loan adjusts up to 2% annually and will not vary more than 6% from the rate at issue. 5% floor rate. Loan payments adjusted every year if necessary. Maximum loan to value is 75%.

The The Perfect Perfect Fit Fit

Southwest Homes

inspiration ideas resources

Published by Number Nine Media, Inc.

Publisher William P. Lang

Publication Director Cheryl Mitchell

Editor

Heather Shoning

Whether Whetheryou’re you’rebuying buyingyour yourdream dreamhome homeororbuilding buildingit,it, Waterstone WaterstoneMortgage Mortgagehas hasthe theright rightloan loanfor foryour yourneeds. needs. We Weare arelocal, local,and andhave haveallallthe thetools toolsyou youneed needtotoachieve achieveyour yourdream. dream. You Youhave havemore moreoptions optionsthan thanever everbefore beforewith withour ourproduct productvariety: variety: • • Single SingleLoan LoanClose Close Construction ConstructionProgram Program • • Jumbo JumboLoan Loan

• • Wealth WealthBuilding BuildingLoan Loan • • Medical MedicalProfessional ProfessionalLoan Loan

Creative Director B.Y. Cooper

Contributors Paula M. Bodah Jessa Cast Cullen Arlington Curtiss David Enright Amy Gross Kate Jonuska Kendra Lee Carol Orona Lisa Truesdale

Photography Kirk Gittings Daniel Nadelbach

Advertising Manager Cheryl Mitchell

Advertising Sales Executive Michele Rainwater

Michael MichaelBowen Bowen Sr.Loan Sr.Loan Originator Originator NMLS NMLS #214602 #214602 505.259.8326 505.259.8326

Sue SueLeydig Leydig

Chris ChrisRusso Russo

Regional Regional Sales Sales Manager Manager NMLS NMLS #470314 #470314 505.681.9038 505.681.9038

Loan Loan Originator Originator NMLS NMLS #232394 #232394 505.235.9191 505.235.9191

Call Callto tolearn learnmore! more! 505.888.HOME 505.888.HOME Mexico WaterstoneMortgage.com/New WaterstoneMortgage.com/NewMexico

Equal Equal Housing Housing Lender. Lender. Waterstone Waterstone Mortgage Mortgage Corporation Corporation (NMLS (NMLS #186434) #186434) is aiswholly a wholly owned owned subsidiary subsidiary of of WaterStone WaterStone Bank Bank SSB SSB (NASDAQ: (NASDAQ: WSBF). WSBF). New New Mexico Mexico Mortgage Mortgage Loan Loan Company Company Branch Branch License. License.

NM-ABQ-3103-021822 NM-ABQ-3103-021822

For advertising information contact: 505-344-1783

SuCa saMagazine.com Fo r s u b s c r i p t i o n s, c a l l 8 1 8 - 2 8 6 - 3 1 6 2 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 $5.95. Back issues are $6.95 each. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Su Casa Magazine P.O. Box 16925, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6925 Subscription Customer Service: Su Casa Magazine P.O. Box 16925, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6925 Phone (818) 286-3162, Fax (800) 869-0040 ssacs@magserv.com, sucasamagazine.com

Luxury Assisted Living & Memory Care

Love e r e ives H

Ask About Lavender Sky,

our signature philosophy and programming in dementia care.

Join us in leaving a legacy of benevolence & changed lives

ALBUQUERQUE 505.560.7968

8051 Palomas Ave NE Albuquerque

NORTH RIDGE 505.421.4134

8101 Palomas Avenue Albuquerque

RIO RANCHO 505.295.2853

2301 Golf Course Road SE Rio Rancho

MorningStarSeniorLiving.com

SANTA FE 505.302.2303

2041 S. Pacheco Street Santa Fe

Hom e Bu i l de rs As s o c iation of Ce nt ra l Ne w Mexico B oa r d of Dire c tors

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 Hom e Bu il de rs As s o c iation of Ce nt ra l Ne w Mexico St a f f

Executive Vice President: Lana Smiddle Events & Education Specialist: Jill Krogman Communication & Membership Specialist: Joseph Moreno

presidential award

We hand-craft custom doors, gates and kitchen cabinetry using reclaimed wood and architectural antiques from around the world — creating timeless beauty and design for your home. LaPuertaOriginals.com/design-inspirations Santa Fe, New Mexico • 505.984.8164

Please direct editorial queries to editor@sucasamagazine.com Su Casa’s cover and text are printed by Publication Printers in Denver, Colorado.

3700 Osuna Rd NE Suite 500, Albuquerque, NM 87109 RenewalbyAndersenNM.com • License #398666 2

1 See Renewal by Andersen Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranty for details. When Renewal by Andersen® products were tested against five leading competitors’ painted vinyl products.

Inside Su Casa

Welcome to the Spring Issue of Su Casa

feel the hint of spring in the air. At Su Casa, when that happens, we think: “Time to refresh the home!” There’s nothing quite like opening up the house and cleaning out the clutter—both physically and mentally—and preparing for the year ahead. Although it’s not an exciting topic, spring cleaning is on our minds, so we’ve got tips to help you make the most of it. Studies show a clean and organized home is good for your health. Refreshing the home goes beyond cleaning, so we have inspiration for adding bold color, and our annual Beautiful Baths feature is full of ideas to incorporate into your home. We’re excited to again be a part of the Spring Parade of Homes. Su Casa guides you through our beautiful community and showcases the latest building and design trends from our talented pool of local home builders. This parade’s Signature Community, Lavender Fields, featuring builders Amreston Homes and Twilight Homes, is in the heart of Albuquerque’s North Valley with easy access to wineries, farmers markets and trails. Signature Builder Enchanted Spaces LLC melds a contemporary style with high-end details—à la Scottsdale—with the Southwestern style we love for custom homes in Placitas. We bring you inside a modern farmhouse in Santa Fe built by Palo Santo Designs LLC. The voluminous home has sustainability at its core. Another, in High Desert, designed by Jon Anderson Architects and built by Supple Homes, employed a butterfly-shaped roof to maximize mountain views. We’re always looking for a reason and new ways to celebrate. If you have a special event—or even just a girls’ afternoon out—coming up, check out Ivy Tearoom to make it extra memorable. Along those lines, our Salud feature says bubbly is not just for special occasions. Pick the perfect one for an everyday dinner. I believe you’ll feel a sense of admiration for the builders and designers featured in this issue. I know I do. Their creativity and ingenuity are unparalleled, and we honor their work and how it enriches our community. Enjoy this spring awakening and the beauty of New Mexico!

William P. Lang

Right: The homeowners of this High Desert residence wanted to be closer to trails and take full advantage of unimpeded mountain views. Read more on page 40. 26

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

Kirk Gittings

Publisher

Innovative Windows, Doors & Garage Doors, And Expert Architectural Design Support

ClearOvations specializes in Luxury home products including Euroline Steel Windows and Doors and Glenview Handcrafted entry doors. 32 Bisbee Court Santa Fe, NM 87508 505.988.2001

The Smart Way to Transform Every Surface in Your Home QUARTZ

GRANITE

KITCHENS

No Demolition. Less Mess.

GLASS

TILE

BATHROOMS

Stain & Scratch Resistant

Maintenance-Free with ForeverSeal®

CABINETS

CABINET REFACING

24/7 Microban® Technology

Call 505-588-7589 Today!

for a Free In-Home Consultation granitetransformations.com | License #82287

Certified Lowe’s Pro Affiliate

QUARTZ

•

GLASS

•

STONE

Peggy and Tim Wheeler 505.362.7519 peggy@peggywheelerteam.com

Stephen Manning 505.274.2376 stevemanningnm@hotmail.com

Linda Coy, CRS 505.259.7477 Lindacoy.AlamedaR1@gmail.com

Maria M. Constantine 505.903.0667 maria.newmexicohomes@gmail.com

Jerry Jones 505.400.2635 FineHomeSpecialists@gmail.com

Brandy Acevedo 505.507.1214 brandy.nmhomes@gmail.com

Helen Demott 505.610.8355 homesbyhappyhelen@comcast.net

Charlotte Trone 505.350.0099 charlotte@thehouseangel.com

Candice Banks 505.350.3188 Candice@BanksRealtyNM.com

Carmenza Duque 505.507.9496 carmenzasellsabq@gmail.com

Christine Delmolino 505.835.9548 cdelmolino.R1@gmail.com

Linda E. Malott 505.507.2459 linda@lindamalott.com

Teri Hatcher 505.385.1606 teri@terihatcherrealtor.com

Tanya Otero-Villalobos 505.366.4612 toterovillalobos@gmail.com

Cecilie Bodman 505.250.1356 abqgold@ymail.com

Start

ALBUQUERQUE

Stop Dreaming

Doing

If you’re dreaming of a gorgeous garden landscape to welcome you home – or a spectacular home spa to soak your cares away, Bell can help you make your home dreams come true.

CATHY NEUHARTH 505.401.9012 NMLS # 470210

YVETTE KLINKMANN 505.280.0508

Gorgeous garden

NMLS #471722

KATHY BRENEMAN 505.220.9758 NMLS #5881

SANTA FE

Spectacular spa

With a rehab loan from Bell, you can roll the cost of repairs or cosmetic updates directly into your home financing.

NANCY ARMSTRONG 505.660.9643 NMLS #: 247518

We offer

simple and straightforward financing,

Luxurious landscaping

DASH HAMBLIN 505.303.7567 NMLS #1560222

whether you want to upgrade your current home – or buy or build a new one!

bellbankmortgage.com

33502

TAMMY BRANCH 505.303.7568 NMLS #1706069

Life+Style Southwest

photograph by Amadeus Leitner

Preserving the Past When artist Frank Applegate bought the De La Peña house (now known as the Applegate Estate) in Santa Fe in 1925, he entertained artists the likes of Georgia O’Keefe and Ansel Adams. So, when the owners of French & French Interiors updated parts of the home, honoring that heritage was essential. First and foremost, they were careful to maintain the integrity and history of the space. Then they celebrated the former owner and his guests. “[This house] had a significant role in the 1930’s Santa Fe artist movement,” says Heather French, “so we used color to honor that history.” French & French Interiors 34 34

NG G 2022 2022 SSUU CCAASSAA SSPPRRIIN

Life+Style Southwest

Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock.com

by Lisa Truesdale

timeless beauties IF ROSES WERE people, you’d think they were pretentious and unapproachable, the way they’re dressed so elegantly, as though they’re having afternoon tea with the queen. But don’t be fooled by these unabashed showoffs, with their regal, opulent blooms. Roses are hardy, low-maintenance flowering plants that are equally at home in an informal Albuquerque yard as they are in a formal English garden. “Roses grow well here,” says Debbie Butcher, member and past president of the Albuquerque Rose Society. Connie Barnhill, assistant manager at Albuquerque’s Osuna Nursery, agrees. “Roses do well here because of our climate, but be sure to shop locally, as those roses have been grown specifically for our area.” Keeping roses happy may be relatively easy (see “Rose Care”), but choosing roses for your garden is decidedly not. Roses come in many varieties, from hybrid teas and grandifloras that bloom in 6-to-7-week cycles to “floribundas that bear their showy flowers in large clusters and bloom continuously,” says Barnhill. When choosing your roses, says Butcher, you can match the space, like miniatures for a small area, shrubs and hybrid teas for an ample space, or climbers for a fence or arbor. You can choose roses by how they bloom (one bloom per stem vs. a cluster) or by when they bloom: “Many modern roses bloom more than once,” she says, “but in Albuquerque, it’s too hot in the middle of summer to get nonstop blooms.” You can also choose the fun way—by color. Then, your choices are nearly endless since roses come in most shades—except blue or black—and in beautiful blends and stripes. “Roses in the purple family are most likely to be fragrant,” Butcher says, “while light-colored roses are more likely to burn in the hot sun.” Before deciding, Butcher suggests visiting the Albuquerque Rose Garden in late April and May to see the plants in bloom. You might be surprised at which varieties you fall in love with when you see them up close. 36

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

Local experts agree that roses grow well in our area.

kw-photographic/Shutterstock.com

spruce up your yard with these classic blooms

Rose Care

Ellen McKnight/Shutterstock.com

LIGHT: Roses need 6+ hours daily sun and late-day shade for protection against the hot sun. “The east and south sides are best,” says Debbie Butcher of the Albuquerque Rose Society, “but keep roses away from reflective surfaces like driveways and sidewalks.” WATER: Roses love water, and during the hottest months, that could mean watering every other day. “Keep the soil moist,” Butcher advises, “but not soggy. Water early in the morning, and avoid wet foliage overnight, which can lead to disease.” SOIL: “One thing our soil lacks here is organic matter,” says Derek Stolworthy, head of the trees and shrubs department at Albuquerque’s Osuna Nursery. He advises planting roses in a 50/50 mix of native soil combined with compost, manure or peat moss. FERTILIZER: To promote blooming, try a slow-release fertilizer in the spring, Stolworthy advises, followed by a high-phosphorous fertilizer (such as bone meal) when the roses begin flowering. PRUNING: “Spring pruning removes dead wood and encourages new growth,” says Butcher, while Stolworthy adds that pruning also “creates maximum airflow to prevent fungus problems.” Cut away diseased, dead or disoriented branches.

Sergey V Kalyakin/Shutterstock.com

DEADHEADING: “Remove any spent blooms to encourage the flowers to keep blooming,” says Butcher. Climbing roses with cluster blooms will produce flowers near-continuously in our region, with the exception of the hottest, driest months of summer.

PESTS: Butcher says that aphids and spider mites, two of the most common rose pests, can be easily controlled with just a firm stream of water.

resources Albuquerque Rose Society Osuna Nursery

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

by Heather Shoning

Life+Style Southwest

captivating coral invite this haute hue into your home for a striking and soft pop of color It was Pantone’s color of the year in 2019, and it’s still on-trend today. Coral comes in everything from furniture to decorative items to wall color. Here are some must-have items.

7 5

1 38

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

1. Sit in Style

A fresh take on traditional style, Interior Define designed this sofa in conjunction with Apartment Therapy’s founder Maxwell Ryan. You can customize color, of course, and also height, depth, length and leg style. The options are nearly endless. Interior Define Sofa in Coral Performance Velvet, starting at $1795, interiordefine.com

2. Colorful Curves

Reminiscent of a genie bottle, this table lamp has a curvy, eye-catching shape upon a gold-leaf base. The body is ceramic with a lovely linen shade, and it features a three-way switch. Whitney 28” Table Lamp, $499, wayfair.com

3. Retro Cool

Love this iconic midcentury dining chair design! Made from high-quality molded, UV-resistant polypropylene, these chairs are perfect for outdoor use, but they look fab indoors, too. They’re sold in pairs, but the price is per chair. They come in a variety of colors, including this groovy coral. Svelti Dining Chair, $69 per chair, article.com

4. Coral … and Coral

This beautiful area rug features a coral design with a vivid coral background color. The 100 percent wool construction feels divine underfoot. It’s hand-tufted by artisans in India, and it naturally resists stains and is easy to care for. Sullivan Handmade Abstract Area Rug 5’ x 8’, $370, overstock.com

5. Feast on These

Although the color name is “blush,” this beautiful hand-applied glaze has a decidedly coral hue. The nature of the finish is for color to pool and crackle when the stoneware is fired. This gorgeous dinnerware, made in Portugal, is perfect for a late lunch on the patio or a formal dinner party. It’s also dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe to 250°F. Each place setting includes a dinner plate, salad plate, cereal bowl and mug. Ora Blush 4-Piece Place Setting, $49, crateandbarrel.com

6. Paint with Passion

Warm and brighten any room in your home with this perfect coral color. Named “Bisque” after the ruddy clay, it perfectly complements Southwestern designed homes. Farrow & Ball paints are water-based and come in a range of finishes. They are low-odor and low-VOC. Farrow & Ball Archive Collection: Bisque No.9811, starting at $115/gallon, farrow-ball.com

7. Stylish Storage

Add some panache to your countertops with this 3-piece canister set in a delicate coral shade. The ceramic pieces feature an embossed texture that’s both traditional and fresh at once. Each one includes a ceramic lid with a silicone gasket seal, so they are perfect for storing your countertop staples like flour, sugar, coffee or tea. Embossed 3-Piece Kitchen Canister Set, $58, wayfair.com SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

celebrating the sights a butterfly-shaped roofline helps capture the views from this High Desert homesite

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

by Jessa Cast photographs by Kirk Gittings

This home was designed with floorto-ceiling windows to highlight the views of the Sandia Mountains.

hris and Renee Patton lived in the Tanoan neighborhood in northeast Albuquerque—where neighbors are very close—with their two children when they decided they’d all benefit from a little more elbow room. As active outdoor enthusiasts, the land near the base of the Sandia Mountains called to them. “Both of us like being close to the mountains and trails for biking and hiking,” says Chris. The views were another motivating factor for making a move. Before buying a lot, the Pattons wanted to hire an architect who could effectively translate their vision. They knew Jon Anderson Architecture had a reputation for being adept with the clean, modern style they desired and well-able to interpret the desert landscape into a structure. Jon Anderson, the principal architect, paired with project architect James Lucero for the home. Lucero, who has been with the company for 19 years, and fellow principal architect Dean Cowdrey later partnered in taking over the firm upon Anderson’s retirement in 2021. Anderson and Lucero visited different lots with the Pattons, advising on layout potential for each one and absorbing the couple’s input and style. They selected a 0.9-acre lot in High Desert, with a buffer of protected lands between the home, and the mountain and access to trails. “The open space behind us will stay that way,” says Renee. “No one will build there.” The sacred views are permanent. “They wanted to build a modern home that celebrates this amazing property,” says Lucero. “There is this powerful, comforting quiet about it; it’s rugged and majestic. Essentially, they wanted their house to embody the energy of this place, to be a picture frame for the site, which has views in every direction.” Anderson called on Woods Supple, owner of Supple Homes, to build the home. In busi-

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

The clean lines and open floor plan let the views take center stage in this home. Smart use of space includes this breakfast nook tucked in alongside the kitchen.

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

ness since 1986, Supple’s experience in building a variety of home styles and his eye for and commitment to detail made him a fitting partner for the project. “Woods cares about the craft of it. He’s conscientious about keeping everyone happy, making sure things are tight. I really appreciate that about him,” says Lucero. Between Anderson and Lucero’s design and Supple’s construction, the Patton’s got their wish–a single-story, 4,400-square-foot modern home with perfectly usable spaces and a respect for the high desert landscape. It’s spacious and comfortable. Each bedroom has its own bathroom, as does the pool area. And the exterior is meant to be equally as appealing as the interior. “The massing, the projections on the outside of the house and the architecture, in general, lend themselves really nicely to that site and the views,” says Supple. “It ties in beautifully with the land.” Other than the stunning views, the most striking feature is Anderson’s butterfly roof, designed explicitly to showcase those vistas. Like a butterfly’s wings, the main roof rises on opposing sides from a center point. “As you enter, it slopes downward and compresses, for a forced perspective. Then once you get to the heart of the house, it starts tilting upward towards the view,” says Lucero. The lowest point of the butterfly serves as a subtle distinction between the living and dining areas, which are otherwise an entirely open floor plan. A spruce square-edged, tongue-and-groove ceiling draws the eye straight through the 14-foot-tall, floor-to-ceiling windows to an intimate view of the Sandias. “My favorite part of the house is that ceiling. It runs the entire underside of the butterfly,” says Supple. The height and framing allow for the views of the top of the mountain, with the sky above, rather than being cut off—quite a feat for such close proximity.

This home was designed by Jon Anderson Architecture to celebrate the views and fit seamlessly within its high desert location.

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

The concrete floors as well as the tongue-and-groove ceiling stretch beyond the home’s interior, blurring the line between indoors and out.

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

As part of the effort to meld the home into the landscape, the team brought concrete samples to the site to match the polished concrete floor to the color of dirt outside. Like the wood ceiling carries through the windows, the concrete floor carries through to the outdoors. “The front of the house, that southern exposure is important,” says Chris. The team designed the front door overhang to account for the height of the sun. “So, as it gets cooler in the winter and sun is lower, it shines through those windows and warms the house.” The home also has radiant heat and solar power and a fully integrated smart system to operate shades, lights and the audio system. And because the interior is step-free, the home will accommodate aging in place. The walls are snowy white to let the homeowners’ artwork and the views pop against the neutral backdrop. Against that solid white, the warmth of the walnut and spruce woods throughout the home stands out. A few plaster accent walls glimmer with bits of mica for sparkly visual texture.

Interior and exterior spaces are joined through a variety of entrance and exit points for a complete indoor-outdoor living experience.

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

The primary suite features built-in bookcases, ample natural lighting and a sleek bathroom.

The architects so intricately interpreted the Pattons’ lifestyle; they designed every last detail, right down to the silverware drawer, all while being careful not to waste space. “It’s an extremely livable house. The flow, the ease in this house is very nice. We fill up all the space throughout the week,” says Chris. Renee concurs, saying, “We use every spot in the house. No room goes unused.” “One of the most fulfilling things about working on this house,” says Lucero, “is Chris sends photos by text of moments he experiences at the house, with captions like, ‘I can’t believe we live here.’ That’s really profound for us. It’s cool to see how they experience it after we’re gone.”

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

resources Architect Jon Anderson Architecture Builder/Contractor Supple Homes Interior Finishes Jon Anderson Architecture Audio/Visual/Smart Home System ListenUp Appliances Builders Source Appliance Gallery builderssource.com Cabinetry PCNM Woodworks Central Vacuum System Albuquerque Sound & Vac Inc. Countertops/Quartz Rocky Mountain Stone Custom Painting Sparks Enterprises Fireplace Mountain West Sales mountainwestsales.net Floor & Backsplash Tile Daltile Front Door Santa Fe Door Gates/Metal Fabrication MoreThanGates Interior Doors Rugby Architectural Building Products rugbyabp.com Landscaping/Water Features The Hilltop Landscape Architects and Contractors Pool Design & Build Pelican Pools LLC Solar Affordable Solar affordable-solar.com Wall Finish American Clay americanclay.com Elite Dri-Wall Inc. applicator Windows Kawneer Erick Ramey installer

SPRING PARADE OF HOMES HOMES BY PRICE

April 22 - 24 th & April 29 - May 1st

Stillbrooke Homes

$649,300

Hakes Brothers

$738,000

RayLee Luxury Homes

$850,000

$558,368

Lowe-Bo Homes LLC

$886,311

$560,139

Enchanted Spaces LLC

$1,165,000

RayLee Homes: A New Generation $564,000

Crescent Custom Homes

$1,400,000

19 21

Twilight Homes

$383,990

Twilight Homes

$451,525

Twilight Homes

$503,990

Amreston Homes LLC Amreston Homes LLC D.R. Horton

$585,035

RayLee Luxury Homes

$1,600,000

Westway Homes

$595,845

Abrazo Homes LLC

N/A

Pulte Homes

$599,990

Fellowship Homes

N/A

Twilight Homes

$635,990

Joseph Custom Homes

N/A

Hakes Brothers

$641,000

Joseph Custom Homes

N/A

11 am – 5 pm

Northeast Heights

Rio Rancho

COLOR CODE KEY FOR ENTRY NUMBERS

Southeast Heights

Corrales

Westside

Los Lunas

Placitas

Valley

If you require special assistance, please call the Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico at (505) 344-3294.

Construction Lending at Flagstar Bank Tour 22 beautiful and innovative Albuquerque-area homes during the 2022 Spring Parade of Homes.

paradenm.com

One-close Construction • • • • •

Construction Draw • • • • •

Most homes have a virtual tour available.

Consolidate construction and purchase for only one set of closing costs and fees Pay just interest-only payments during construction1 Option to avoid requalification post-construction available2 Borrow up to $647,200 (or more in high-cost areas) Enjoy simple and flexible draw process with no set schedule

Build a new primary home—whether upgrading or downsizing Low down payment on primary residence3 Pay just interest-only payments during construction Choose from a variety of Flagstar loans once construction period is complete4 Build over a 12-month construction term5

LOAN THANH PHAN

Senior Mortgage Loan Oicer NMLS 595174 loan.phan@flagstar.com (505) 504-6862 6745 Academy Road, Suite B Albuquerque, NM 87109

Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC

Borrower must have an escrow waiver to be eligible for interest-only payments during construction. If not, borrower will be responsible for making interest, tax, and insurance payments monthly. 2 Borrower must have put down a minimum of 30% or have a sufficient credit score to qualify to avoid requalification. 3 Eligible in specific areas dependent on property occupancy (CA counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Orange, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma and Ventura. Michigan cities: Birmingham, Bloomfield. WA counties: San Juan, King. WY counties: Teton, Albany). 4 Borrower must qualify for end loan financing prior to construction, and upon completion of the construction of the dwelling. 5 12-month construction loan period. Borrower must close on the end loan after construction is complete. Programs available to qualified borrowers. Underwriting terms and conditions apply. Programs subject to change without notice. Some restrictions may apply. 1

SPRING PARADE OF HOMES

BUILDERS Twilight Homes 4

1 Enchanted Spaces LLC

Signature Builder

Westway Homes 3

2 Amreston Homes LLC

5 Hakes Brothers

Northeast Heights

22 RayLee Luxury Homes 21 RayLee Luxury Homes 20 Joseph Custom Homes

Pulte Homes 6

Abrazo Homes LLC Amreston Homes LLC Amreston Homes LLC Crescent Custom Homes D.R. Horton Enchanted Spaces LLC Fellowship Homes Hakes Brothers Hakes Brothers Joseph Custom Homes Joseph Custom Homes

ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA

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

Rio Rancho

8 2 15 19 7 1 9 5 10 17 20

Lowe-Bo Homes LLC Pulte Homes RayLee Homes: A New Generation RayLee Luxury Homes RayLee Luxury Homes Stillbrooke Homes Twilight Homes Twilight Homes Twilight Homes Twilight Homes Westway Homes

COLOR CODE KEY FOR ENTRY NUMBERS

Southeast Heights

Corrales

Westside

Los Lunas

Placitas

SIGNATURE BUILDER

SIGNATURE COMMUNITY

ENCHANTED SPACES LLC

LAVENDER FIELDS

18 6 11 21 22 16 14 4 12 13 3 Valley

8 Abrazo Homes LLC

D.R. Horton

9 Fellowship Homes

Stillbrooke Homes 16 Twilight Homes 14

Signature Community

Lavender Fields

15 Amreston Homes LLC

NORTHEAST HEIGHTS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Joseph Custom Homes 17 18 19 Crescent Custom Homes Lowe-Bo Homes LLC

VALLEY

SPRING 2022 PARADE COMMITTEE Danielle Fleming, Chair Quantum Fiber

I-25

Exit 203

10 Hakes Brothers

MOBILE APP/

LOS LUNAS

To Albuquerque

TECHNOLOGY SPONSOR

SOCIAL MEDIA & DIRECTIONAL SIGN SPONSOR

Twilight 13 Homes

11 RayLee Homes: A New Generation Twilight Homes 12

Carla Wersonick Doc Savage Supply Diana Lucero New Mexico Bank & Trust JP Rael Westway Homes

Jason Balthrop Builders Source Appliance Gallery Kevin Vautier Abrazo Homes Nick Salas Western Building Supply

Peggy Moeller Mead PM² Rita J. Powers Interior Logic Group Sherri McConnell Window Fashions Yvette Klinkmann Bell Bank Mortgage

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Serene City Living The Lavender Fields community has sprouted in the North Valley By Heather Shoning

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

Journey Home Media

alling Lavender Fields in Albuquerque’s North Valley ‘home’ means enjoying a bucolic experience living in an urban hub. It’s 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. 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. This pastoral backdrop inspired AMREP Southwest, a Rio Rancho-based development company, to choose this area for this new community. Life at Lavender Fields brings it all right to your doorstep. This new gated community in the Daniels neighborhood, located off 2nd Street at the intersection of Los Ranchos Road NW and Daniel Road NW, is centrally located, providing close proximity to these wonderful community destinations and easy access to public transportation, dining and shopping options. The community offers multiple open spaces—including one in the center of the community roundabout—to take the pups for a walk or gather with friends

Signature Community “We used to be thirty minutes from anywhere, and now we’re fifteen minutes from everywhere.” — Brian Mills

Journey Home Media

Beautiful mountain views are just one perk you’ll enjoy living in Lavender Fields.

and neighbors. It features muted multi-color block walls with wrought iron fencing and gates—even the streetlights have a designer feel. “We wanted to provide a subtle, upscale feel and the location and gentle flow of the layout made it possible for us to do that,” says Carey Plant, Vice President of AMREP Southwest. “We feel our vision was perfectly executed, making this a desirable place to call home.” The developer partnered with two award-winning builders, Amreston Homes and Twilight Homes, offering a variety of unique floor plans and styles of homes to choose from. Amreston Homes is a new homebuilder in New Mexico with a new vision of homebuilding. Amreston offers seven different floor plans with homes ranging from 1,651 to 3,047 square feet and up to five bedrooms. Their array of standard features includes maple cabinetry, granite counters throughout, stainless steel appliances and other top-of-the-line amenities. “Amreston Homes is excited to be a featured builder in this fantastic oneof-a-kind community—a community in the heart of Albuquerque that exemplifies what it is to live boldly,” says Brian Earnest, Division President – Home Building. Brian Mills, Vice President of sales and marketing

for Twilight Homes, and his wife made a move from Rio Rancho to Lavender Fields. They ride bikes on the Bosque Trail and into Los Ranchos. “We used to be thirty minutes from anywhere, and now we’re fifteen minutes from everywhere,” he says. “The community is quiet and gated—it’s really just beautiful.” Twilight Homes offers six award-winning floor plans for this community ranging in size from 1,928 to 3,185 square feet and three or four bedrooms. These new construction homes come with the Build Green silver certification. They include full stainless steel Samsung appliances, granite countertops in the kitchen and bath, plus additional amenities and high-end semi-custom finishes. Twilight Homes offers six award-winning floor plans in this new community.

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Lavender Fields

VALLEY

Signature Community Signature Community Jeremy Griego (505) 750-2424 jeremy@qhometeam.com amreston.com Pauline Hansen (505) 295-2131 phansen@twilighthomesnm.com twilighthomesnm.com

This 82-lot community, with its variety of home styles that complement the well-established North Valley neighborhood, is a perfect place to call ‘home.’ Plant says, “We expect that lots here will not be available for long.”

Amreston Homes, amreston.com Twilight Homes, twilighthomesnm.com

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

Amreston Homes offers seven floor plans in this community—all with top-of-the-line finishes.

Journey Home Media

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.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Signature Builder

Enchanted Spaces LLC Bringing a Scottsdale twist to Albuquerque-area homes By Jessa Cast

Photography by Michael Danzer Jr.

lbuquerque and Placitas hold deep meaning for Mike Danzer, custom home builder and owner of Enchanted Spaces LLC. He grew up in Albuquerque, entered the construction trade and at the age of 22, built his first home in Placitas, an adobe. Two years later, an irresistible opportunity to build homes in Scottsdale, Arizona, led him to move out of state. In Arizona, Danzer expanded and refined his skills. There he soaked up another style of desert home design; instead of rounded adobe homes, Scottsdale residents favored clean, open spaces with high-end details. This is the style he brought with him when he returned to Albuquerque. “It felt good to get back to my roots, where I built my very first house,” says Danzer. So, in 2011, he returned to building homes in Placitas, bringing with him his education in Scottsdale stylings and applying it to his own flavor of home design. Through his love of designing and building speculative homes, in the last 22 years, Danzer has built 120 of them—100 in Arizona and, now, 20 here.

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

His motto for Enchanted Spaces is “where Scottsdale meets New Mexico”—a nod to the combined design elements from both Southwestern cities. “What I bring to Placitas is a higher-end contemporary—but still Southwestern—home,” he says. “People want that flat-roof, Santa Fe-style exterior with an interior that has all the bells and whistles. That Scottsdale element plays out in the amenities.” For instance, he doesn’t use wood for baseboards. “We only use stone; it’s a trademark,” he says. Each project remains under Danzer’s on-site supervision from start to finish. “I manage every project just like it’s my home,” he says. Danzer engages an interior designer, Anna Matejczuk, owner of Parcel Interior Design, who works with every client to select their fixtures, appliances and finishes for an extra personal touch. Danzer showcases several custom home designs on his website, with names like Cielo, Mesa and Misty Grand. His clients can use these models as springboards for inspiration, or they can design something completely different. One of his most popular models is called the Wheel House. It features a viga ceiling, but instead of the

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

“I manage every project just like it’s my home.” — Mike Danzer vigas running in parallel, they radiate outward from a central point, like the spokes of a wagon wheel. A recent project, built for John and Provi Cooksey and showcased in the current Parade of Homes, features just that style of ceiling set against a modern-rustic interior. Personalization is the priority. Each home is tailored to the lot on which it sits and to the client’s vision. “We custom design each house to fit the lay of the land and highlight the views. We take into consideration the wind, the sun, the snow, and we hide views of surrounding homes,” says Danzer. No two homes are alike. While Danzer only builds in Placitas right now, he says he has an eye on expanding to the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Enchanted Spaces LLC, enchantedspacesllc.com

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

Signature Builder

PLACITAS

Enchanted Spaces LLC 42 Calle del Norte

Homestead Estates

Signature Builder

3 bedrooms + study 2.5 baths 3,040 sq. ft. $1,165,000

Mike Danzer (602) 882-0446 enchantedspacesllc@gmail.com enchantedspacesllc.com

This Enchanted Spaces design home exudes Old World Spanish charm with a New Mexican flair. Sitting on an elevated lot with amazing city and mountain views, the home boasts intricate details from the

rotunda entry to the wheel spoked ceiling. Handmade tiles, intricate woodwork, chiseled stone floor and a spectacular primary bath create a handcrafted masterpiece that flows into a dramatic outside setting.

From I-25 take the Placitas exit and go east on State Hwy 165 about 4 miles. Just past The Merc commercial building turn left on Homesteads Rd. Take Homesteads Rd. for 1 mile to Calle del Norte and take a left and follow to 42 Calle del Norte.

Custom solutions for better living

505.858.1100 californiaclosets.com ALBUQUERQUE 4801 Alameda Blvd NE, Suite G3

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

NM157_SuCasa_Wallbed_8x4.8_1120.indd 1

11/2/20 11:08 AM

RIO RANCHO

Amreston Homes LLC 3009 Ilford Road NE

Vista Entrada

4 bedrooms 2.5 baths 2,188 sq. ft. $560,139 Jeremy Griego (505) 750-2424 jeremy@qhometeam.com amreston.com

The Piñon was built with family in mind. The layout utilizes every inch of space to create a home for any occasion. The entry and family room showcase custom tray ceilings with wood beams

along with several premium features including maple cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and much more.

From the Big I, take I-25 north.Turn left on Hwy 550 (exit 242). Turn left onto Hwy 528 (south) take a right at Idalia Rd. NE. Turn right at Chayote Rd. NE heading north, turn left at Ilford Rd. NE, and the house is on the left.

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

Westway Homes

RIO RANCHO

3209 Vatapa

Vista Entrada

3 bedrooms 2.5 baths 2,293 sq. ft. $529,900 (base price) $595,845 (base price + all upgrades) J.P. Rael (505) 463-4305 jp@thewestway.com thewestway.com

Rio Rancho’s hottest community is Vista Entrada. This home features a modern, open living space designed for today’s lifestyle. The owner’s suite features a massive walk-in closet and en-suite with

a garden tub and enclosed shower. Vista Entrada features some of the best views around and every lot is one-half acre. Luxurious and efficient, the home is built a better way, the Westway.

From the Big, I take I-25 North to Hwy 550. Head west on Hwy 550 to Hwy 528. Travel south on Hwy 528 to Idalia. Turn right (west) on Idalia to Vatapa. Turn right on Vatapa to address.

Proud Builder of the 2022 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway Win A House, Help Children With Cancer.

The Florence Plan - Vista Entrada, Rio Rancho

Get your ticket today! Visit dreamhome.org or call 800-834-5794. 60

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

Unexpected.

theWestway.com

RIO RANCHO

Twilight Homes 4300 Bald Eagle Loop NE

Mountain Hawk

4 bedrooms 2.5 baths 2,407 sq. ft. $417,990 (base price) $451,525 (base price + all upgrades) Ariel Esparza (505) 295-2574 aesparza@twilighthomesnm.com twilighthomesnm.com

There’s plenty of room for the whole family in this spacious two-story home located in the popular Mountain Hawk neighborhood. The community is just minutes from Hwy 550 with

RIO RANCHO

easy access 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. Travel through Bernalillo to Rio Rancho, turn left (south) at NW Loop Rd. Turn left (east) on Westphalia Blvd. NE, turn right on Bald Eagle Loop. Home is on your left.

Hakes Brothers 2630 Abrazo Road NE

Fleet and Silent Springs Estates

HOME NOT OPEN ON SUNDAY

4–5 bedrooms 2.5–3.5 baths 2,740 sq. ft. $546,990 (base price) $641,000 (base price + all upgrades) Chris Lee (505) 439-9700 info@hakesbrothers.com hakesbrothers.com/albuquerque

This beautiful Tuscan-style home is located in a new community in Rio Rancho! The home’s gourmet kitchen opens to the spacious dining, living and patio areas, making this home

a natural for entertaining family and friends. The home also features pendant lights, a rain shower and 8-foot interior doors throughout.

From the Big I, take I-25 north. Exit west on Paseo del Norte. Exit right (nor th) onto Coors Blvd. Continue approximately 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 left onto Chessman Dr. Turn left on Abrazo Rd.

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

RIO RANCHO

Pulte Homes 3023 Turquesa Loop SE

Los Diamantes

5 bedrooms 4.5 baths 2,940 sq. ft. $482,990 (base price) $599,990 (base price + all upgrades) Tiffany Sanchez (505) 478-0940 newmexico@pulte.com pulte.com/nm

This luxurious Yucca home features an open firstfloor gathering room showcasing a tiled corner fireplace, vaulted ceilings and center sliding glass doors to the outdoor covered patio. The well-appointed

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

kitchen has a granite island with pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances and staggered cabinetry. Additional options include a den with French doors, luxurious guest suite and spacious loft.

From I-25 travel northbound. Exit west (left) onto Paseo del Norte. Turn right on Unser Blvd. Turn left on Westside Blvd. Turn left on Los Diamantes Dr. Turn left on Ambar Way and make an immediate left on Turquesa Loop. Home is located on the right.

WESTSIDE

D.R. Horton

9101 Cambrils Road NW

Catalonia at The Trails

4 bedrooms 2.5 baths 2,492 sq. ft. $446,990 (base price) $585,035 (base price + all upgrades) Becca Jenks (505) 797-4245 infoabq@drhorton.com drhorton.com/new-mexico/ albuquerque/catalonia-at-the-trails

The Lily is a luxurious and spacious openconcept home. The open living area features a gourmet kitchen, dining room and family room with gas fireplace. The primary suite includes a

WESTSIDE

walk-in shower equipped with rain showerhead. Other home features include walk-in closets in three bedrooms and a study/flex room.

From I-25 take NM-423/Paseo del Norte Blvd. exit. Go west on Paseo del Norte Blvd. for about 4.5 miles and then turn left onto Rainbow Blvd. Turn right onto Woodmont Ave. and continue up the street and turn left onto Bella Terra St. Make an immediate right onto Cambrils Rd. and the home is the first house on the left.

Abrazo Homes LLC 8700 Education Pl NW Bldg. A

COMMERCIAL PROJECT

Rebekah Sultemeir (317) 800-0029 rebekah@abrazohomes.com abrazohomes.com

We’re committed to ensuring that your home reflects your personal style. Our Design Center offers everything you need to select the details of your new home. And our design consultant is

there to guide you through the entire personalization process, helping you identify your style. The Abrazo Homes Design Center has everything you need to build your perfect home.

From the Big I, head north on I-25 to NM-423 (Paseo del Norte Blvd.) then exit west (left) on to Paseo del Norte Blvd. Continue west on Paseo del Norte approx. five miles and turn right onto Richland Hills Drive NW. Next, turn right (east) onto Education Place NW. Continue on Education Place for .2 miles. The Abrazo Homes Design Center will be on the right, located in the HOAMCO building A.

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

WESTSIDE

Fellowship Homes 6490 Calle Redonda NW

9 bedrooms 6.5 baths 5,830 sq. ft.

Richard Medina (505) 433-2220 richard@fellowshiphomesnm.com fellowshiphomesnm.com

A modern New Mexico farmhouse built with room for the whole family.The open clerestory entry leads to the open living room featuring a custom brick fireplace.The kitchen and dining areas share unobstructed views of the

LOS LUNAS

enormous Sandia skyline. Features a 2200-square-foot basement with room for living and entertainment spaces. Situated on five acres in the heart of Albuquerque’s Westside, this home is in-city country living at its finest.

Hakes Brothers 1191 Vista Grande SW

The Bluffs

From the Big I, head west on I-40 to Coors Blvd. then exit north on Coors Blvd. Travel north on Coors Blvd. to La Orilla Rd. then turn west (left). Take La Orilla Rd. to Via Corta del Sur and turn right (north). Head north to 6490 Calle Redonda.

10 HOME NOT OPEN ON SUNDAY

5 bedrooms 3 baths 3,012 sq. ft. $646,990 (base price) $738,000 (base price + all upgrades) Lynette Salinas (505) 439-9700 info@hakesbrothers.com hakesbrothers.com/albuquerque

Experience luxury estate living in a whole new way! This beautiful Tuscan-style home is located in the exclusive Bluffs at El Cerro Community at Los Lunas. Featuring a large lot, this semi-cus-

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

tom home is Hakes Brothers’ largest single story floor plan. It features a gourmet kitchen, deluxe bathroom, pendant lights and 8-foot interior doors throughout the home.

From the Big I take I-25 south to exit 203 onto NM-6.Take a right on Main Street in Los Lunas. Proceed west on Main Street to Huning Ranch Loop SW.Take a left (south) onto Huning Ranch Loop SW, take a right onto Lonestar Street and a right onto Vista De Bosque. Next turn left onto Vista Grande and the home will be on the left.

SE HEIGHTS

RayLee Homes: A New Generation 11512 Rodey Avenue

Volterra IV

4 bedrooms 3 baths 2,300 sq. ft. $564,000 Tammy Thornton (505) 544-5101 tthornton@rayleehomes.com rayleehomes.com

Light and bright finishes flow throughout this lovely home. White shaker cabinets, glossy Carrera marble countertops and sleek appliances provide a stunning open concept kitchen per-

fect for entertaining. The great room ceiling is finished with beautiful wood beams that complement the wood-look tile throughout. Beauty and livability make this home a must see.

From the Big I, take I-40 east to exit 166. Turn right onto Juan Tabo Blvd. Continue onto Southern Blvd. NE. Turn left onto Juan Tabo Blvd. then turn right onto Rocky Top Dr. SE. Turn left onto Popejoy St. SE, then turn left onto Rodey Ave. SE. The home is on your right.

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

Twilight Homes

SE HEIGHTS

11404 Rock Squirrel Avenue

Volterra

13 The San Giuliano floor plan, in the beautiful Volterra community, blends contemporary lines with a Tuscan feel and the thoughtful design that Twilight Homes is known for. Inside you’ll find a gallery entry hall with

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

coffered ceilings, LED lighting, a chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The home also has an outdoor fireplace and has the Build Green NM silver level certification.

12 3 bedrooms 2 baths 2,068 sq. ft. $448,990 (base price) $503,990 (base price + all upgrades) Gloria Tafoya (505) 209-8839 gtafoya@twilighthomesnm.com twilighthomesnm.com

From the Big I, take I-40 east, exit and turn right on Juan Tabo Blvd. SE, which turns into Southern Blvd. SE. Turn left on Juan Tabo Blvd. SE, turn right on Rocky Top Dr. SE, turn right on Sandia Sunset Ave. SE. Sandia Sunset Ave. SE dead ends at Rock Squirrel Ave. SE.

VALLEY

Twilight Homes 339 San Clemente Avenue NW

Estrella del Norte

4 bedrooms 3 baths 1,999 sq. ft. $378,990 (base price) $383,990 (base price + all upgrades) Samuel Salazar (505) 302-2430 ssalazar@twilighthomesnm.com twilighthomesnm.com

Estrella del Nor te 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 plan with the kitchen open to the living room and downstairs bedroom with en-suite bath access. Upstairs are two bedrooms and the owner’s suite with a spacious loft area.

From the Big I head North on I-25, exit at Commanche Rd. NE (exit 227) and go left (west). Commanche Rd. NE turns into Griegos Rd NW. Take Griegos to 4th St. and turn left (south), take 4th St. to San Clemente Ave. and turn left (east), home is the first home on the left.

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

BUILD AD TO 18.

Twilight Homes

VALLEY

111 Fernleaf Court NW

YOUR PARADE ENTRY HERE WITH COLOR RENDERING

LEAVE BLANK

This Austin-inspired home from our Texas Series is located in Lavender Fields, a beautiful, new gated community in the hear t of the Nor th Valley. Full of desirable features, this

Lavender Fields

breathtaking single-story at an affordable price is a rare oppor tunity you won’t want to miss.

4 bedrooms 3 baths 2,305 sq. ft. $620,990 (base price) $635,990 (base price + all upgrades) Pauline Hansen (505) 295-2131 phansen@twilighthomesnm.com twilighthomesnm.com

.25

AD SPACE

SIGNATURE COMMUNITY

LIVE AREA FOR COPY AND IMAGES THAT DON’T BLEED TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR LIVE AREA SPACE MEASURES 8.5” X 5.0625”

scan me

Lavender Fields

Take a picture with your phone of the QR code to see our homes virtually.

Albuquerque North Valley

NEW HOMES STARTING IN THE MID $500K

TWILIGHTHOMESNM.COM 75

B U I LD T H I S S I D E 5 . 4 3 7 5 " H

375

505.375.6234

BUILD THIS SIDE 9.125" W

.37

.25 25 X 11.125

BUILD BUILD THIS THIS SIDE SIDE 9.125" 9.125" W W

.375 .375

AD SPACE

B U I LD T H I S S I D E 1 1 . 1 2 5 " H

G UTTER

LIVE AREA FOR COPY AND IMAGES THAT DON’T BLEED

LIVE LIVE AREA AREA SPACE SPACE MEASURES MEASURES 8.5” 8.5” XX 10.375” 10.375”

.25 .25

AN UNRIVALED HOME BUILDING EXPERIENCE. 9.125" 9.125"

.375 .375 505-388-0376

S SC CA AN N Q QR R

TWILIGHTLUXURYHOMES.COM

TWILIGHT LUXURY HOMES

IMAGINED RTHE POSSIBILITIES. E A M I T. B U I L D I T. L I V E I T.

VALLEY

Amreston Homes LLC 104 Fernleaf Court NW

Lavender Fields

3 bedrooms 2.5 baths 1,918 sq. ft. $558,368 Jeremy Griego (505) 750-2424 jeremy@qhometeam.com amreston.com

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

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

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.

NEW MEXICO’S PREMIER SHOWROOM LED Lighting

NOW OPEN

Ceiling Fans Interior Lighting Exterior Lighting Lighting Design

505-296-4393 www.lightingfordesign.com 70

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

1310 Cuesta Abajo Ct. Albuquerque, NM 87113

Showroom Hours Monday Thru Friday - 9AM-5PM Saturday 10AM-2PM

Stillbrooke Homes

NE HEIGHTS

8704 Sevano Circle NE

Sevano

4 bedrooms + loft + theater room 2.5 baths 2,740 sq. ft. $649,300 Mike Davis or Teresa Sterling (505) 839-2043 sbh@stillbrooke.com stillbrooke.com

The Chiavari embodies the contemporary design with a high ceiling foyer, matte black modern fixtures and hardware, and horizontal railing lend a contemporary feel. It features custom, maple

shaker-style cabinetry, quartz countertops and Euro-style GE appliances. Many upgrades abound! The home also features GreenSmar t energy elements providing savings with a 53 HERS rating.

From the Big I, take I-25 north to Paseo del Norte (exit 232). Turn right onto Paseo del Norte. Travel east on Paseo del Norte to Louisiana Blvd. Turn left (north) on Louisiana Blvd. then turn left (west) on Signal Ave. Turn right onto Sevano Circle and the home is the second house on the right.

Congratulations I’m the Blind Lady, Albuquerque’s only Congratulations

Hunter Douglas Albuquerque’s only Gallery Dealer!Gallery!

DECADES OF EXPERIENCE LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

NE HEIGHTS

Joseph Custom Homes 10504 Oakland Avenue NE

4 bedrooms 3 baths 3,372 sq. ft.

Miriam Joseph (505) 890-5000 miriamjoseph@josephcustomhomes.com josephcustomhomes.com

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

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

gourmet kitchen, home office with a separate entry, family room, owner’s retreat, large walkin closet, spa bath and a private owner’s courtyard complete with an inviting hot tub.

Take I-25 to Paseo del Nor te (exit 232). Head east on Paseo del Norte to Eubank. Turn left at Eubank and travel nor th to Oakland. Turn right (east) on Oakland. Home is the second home on the right.

NE HEIGHTS

Lowe-Bo Homes LLC 11021 Holly Avenue

North Albuquerque Acres

4 bedrooms 2.5 baths 3,262 sq. ft. $886,311

Ted Lowe (505) 991-2555 tedlowe@outlook.com lowe-bohomes.com

Another must-see masterpiece from Lowe-Bo Homes! This beautiful home utilizes clean lines to create a contemporar y feel that functions perfectly for the homeowners while capturing

grand Sandia Mountain views. Come experience this open floor plan, sensational kitchen, family room, gorgeous primary suite and vast outdoor living spaces.

From the Big I, take I-25 north to NM-423 Paseo del Norte Blvd. (Exit 232). Turn right (east) onto Paseo del Norte for 3.6 miles. Turn left (north) onto Browning St. then left (west) onto Holly Ave. NE.

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

Crescent Custom Homes

NE HEIGHTS

11900 Anaheim Ave NE

13 This contemporary masterpiece sits on a premium lot with stunning views of the Sandia mountains. Boasting beautiful quartz countertops, custom cabinetry,Viking appliances, and charming modern fixtures.The luxuri-

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

ous owner’s suite includes a fireplace, garden tub, and radiant heated floor. The attached casita features an additional owner’s suite with a complete kitchen, walk in pantry, mudroom, laundry and a separate living area.

VIRTUAL TOUR ONLY

5 bedrooms 4.5 baths 3,612 sq. ft. $1,400,000 Michael Sanchez (505) 220-7507 koby.bose.cch@gmail.com crescentcustomhomesnm.com

From the Big I travel north on I-25 to Paseo Del Norte. Go east on Paseo Del Norte to Lowell Dr NE.Turn left (north) on Lowell Dr NE. The house is located on the NE corner of Lowell Dr NE and Anaheim Ave NE.

Joseph Custom Homes

CORRALES

255 Noble Lane

13 Another amazing project by Joseph Custom Homes. This pueblo style home, built in 1993 has been completely updated. An 800 square foot addition allowed us to

enlarge the kitchen, add an owner’s suite, an outdoor kiva and por tals with views of the beautiful new pool with waterfalls and par ty deck.

REMODEL/ADDITION 2,100 sq. ft. before addition 2,915 sq. ft. after addition

Miriam Joseph (505) 890-5000 miriamjoseph@josephcustomhomes.com josephcustomhomes.com

Heading north on I-25, take Alameda exit, left to Corrales Rd. Turn right onto Corrales Rd. and drive about six miles to Noble Ln. Turn right onto Noble Ln., 255 Noble Lane is at the end of the road on the left.

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

RayLee Luxury Homes

CORRALES

5 Paseo del Luz de Noche

Rio Compuesto

13 Understated luxury flows throughout this custom home. Located in the gated community of Rio Compuesto, this stunning home includes a beautiful gourmet kitchen with an impressive island and commercial grade

CONCEPT HOME (UNDER CONSTRUCTION) VIRTUAL TOUR ONLY 4 bedrooms 5 baths 4,687 sq. ft. Starting from $1,600,000 Tammy Thornton (505) 544-5101 tthornton@rayleehomes.com rayleehomes.com

appliances. Sleek black windows bring style and allow for plenty of natural light.The great room features a 20-footwide stacking glass door out to one of the generous patios which embraces Corrales indoor/outdoor living.

From the Big I, take I-25 north to exit 233. Turn left onto Alameda Blvd. Turn right onto Corrales Rd. Turn right at the Rio Compuesto Community/Paseo del Luz de Noche. Proceed to 5 Paseo del Luz de Noche.

1976

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

RayLee Luxury Homes

CORRALES

90 Camino de Claudio

Primos Pequenos

13 Welcome to Primos Pequenos. Located in this RayLee exclusive five-lot community, this beautiful home has plenty of livable space and upscale amenities to enjoy. A downstairs owner’s suite features a private

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

courtyard, and the upstairs loft features a generous attached deck perfect for watching balloons, or simply enjoying a beautiful sunrise. Natural tones and textures complement the home’s luxury finishes.

CONCEPT HOME (UNDER CONSTRUCTION) 4 bedrooms 4 baths 3,417 sq. ft. Starting from the mid $800’s Tammy Thornton (505) 544-5101 tthornton@rayleehomes.com rayleehomes.com

From the Big I, take I-25 north to exit 233. Turn left onto Alameda Blvd. Turn right onto Corrales Rd. Turn left onto Calle Contenta then turn right on Paseo Cesar Chavez. Turn left onto Camino de Claudio. Proceed to 90 Camino de Claudio.

says …

Kite_rin/Shutterstock.com Chekmareva Irina/Shutterstock.com

Have you ever hung a piece of artwork only to step back and realize it’s too low or too high? Now you can get it just right every time. Galleries and museums hang framed artwork where the center is 57 inches above the ground— the average human eye level. Mark that height, and the spot you want it centered on, right to left. Next, measure the distance between the center of your frame and the spot where the nail will catch—the sawtooth hanger or where the wire hits when it’s bent as if bearing weight. Add that distance above your mid-point mark, and this is where your nail goes. If you’re hanging something heavy, locate the studs in the wall and plan your placement accordingly.

LOCAL LOCAL PARTNERS. PARTNERS. LIMITLESS LIMITLESS POTENTIAL. POTENTIAL. New New Mexico Mexico Bank Bank & & Trust operates operates at at the intersection intersection New New Mexico Mexico Bank Bank & & Trust Trust Trust operates operates at at the the the intersection intersection

of of bank big bank convenience convenience and local local bank bank service. service. For us, of of big big big bank bank convenience convenience and andand local local bank bank service. service. For For For us, us, us, business business is is personal, which which is is why we’re we’re committed committed to business business is is personal, personal, personal, which which is is why why why we’re we’re committed committed to to to building building strong strong relationships relationships and providing providing you with the best building building strong strong relationships relationships and andand providing providing you youyou with withwith the thethe best bestbest construction construction fifinancing nancing financing solution. solution. Call Diana Diana or Terri or Terri for your for your construction construction fi nancing solution. solution. Call CallCall Diana Diana or or Terri Terri for for your your next construction construction project. project. next nextnext construction construction project. project.

Our vision vision is is helping you realize realize yours. yours. Our OurOur vision vision is is helping helping helping you youyou realize realize yours. yours. Diana Diana Lucero Lucero ,,, CGA, , CGA, CGP, CAPS CAPS Terri Terri Lynne Lynne Diana Diana Lucero Lucero CGA, CGA, CGP, CGP,CGP, CAPS CAPS Terri Terri Lynne Lynne CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION BANKER, BANKER, VP CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION BANKER, BANKER, VP VP VP 505.830.8103 505.830.8103 505.830.8103 505.830.8103 DLucero@nmb-t.com DLucero@nmb-t.com DLucero@nmb-t.com DLucero@nmb-t.com NMLS# NMLS# 539895 539895 NMLS# NMLS# 539895 539895

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION LOAN LOAN SPECIALIST SPECIALIST CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION LOAN LOAN SPECIALIST SPECIALIST 505.830.8105 505.830.8105 505.830.8105 505.830.8105 TLynne@nmb-t.com TLynne@nmb-t.com TLynne@nmb-t.com TLynne@nmb-t.com NMLS# NMLS# 1063970 1063970 NMLS# NMLS# 1063970 1063970

NMB-T.com NMB-T.com

the green farmhouse a Santa Fe builder forges a fresh style employing sustainability as a design principle

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

by Cullen Arlington Curtiss photographs by Daniel Nadelbach styling by Gilda Meyer-Niehof

“T

he farmhouse concept is an attempt to redefine Santa Fe style as something more contemporary— respectfully bridging the Northern New Mexico Territorial pitched roof with the beauty and simplicity of John Gaw Meem Revivalism,” says Mark Giorgetti, principal at Palo Santo Design LLC in Santa Fe. He employed this modern farmhouse style two years ago when he built his own Santa Fe home on Tano Escondido with his wife and business partner Leslie. Standing in the drive, you may sense what the Giorgettis hope to convey, not only through the 2.5-acre site—a pastoral meadow—but through the compound-like pitched-roof buildings: “There was once an old farmhouse here, and then people came and modernized it.”

Function as Beauty

Walking through the generous glass doors of the main entry—a connector space linking the public and private areas of the home—you are instantly aware that this is a “view house.” The Jemez Mountains are off the great room’s portal on the west side of the home. And to the east, off the opposing portal, are the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Giorgettis feel it’s refreshing to have subtle colors, forms and textures. Represented in the foyer and throughout the interior is the Giorgettis’ minimalist—but not stark—approach. The ceilings, cabinetry, interior doors and windows are a natural wood tone. Alongside white gypsum-plaster walls and polished concrete floors (which harness radiant heat), the complete look is a palette the couple feels is “sublime to the senses.” The cathedral-ceilinged great room with a contemporary barn-like feel, derives from a childhood imprint of Giorgetti’s suburban Connecticut home built in 1977. It featured a great room where his large Italian family would gather for holiday parties. Not for reasons of nostalgia, but because “it works well,” the great room trend endures. Rising on the north wall of the great room is a clean, minimalist single-column square box fireplace, absent of ornamentation. “It is what it is,” Giorgetti says. “We wanted the materials and the forms to

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

Artwork as well as warm wood tones in the cabinetry, island and the open shelves warm up this sleek space.

represent the function. If we need to use steel, we want it to be clear that it is steel. It is a natural resource, and it’s beautiful.” Of the timber trusses in the ceiling, he says, “We want you to see the structure. This is how the roof is held up.” The sliding glass panels to the west and east lead to eyebrowed portals that allow for optimal views, including the nighttime lights of Los Alamos and White Rock. “This space can easily be open-air, depending on the season,” Giorgetti says. With the various portals around the house, he hopes to engender that inviting ease of the old farmhouse porch. The kitchen features a generous south-facing window and two walls with natural wood-toned lower cabinets with 82

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

The floating staircase keeps this hallway light and open. Polished concrete floors throughout the home are as beautiful as they are functional and easy to care for.

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

open shelving above is all complemented by the island’s bright Mont Blanc waterfall countertop, a natural quartzite with simple veining. Also on the main floor are the children’s bedrooms, and the primary suite is at the end of a glass-enclosed thruway that creates a connection to the outdoors as you transition into the private area of the home. The portal off the bedroom captures another Sangre de Cristo view, and from the bathtub and shower, you can see a range of views from Atalaya Mountain to Truchas Peak. Also on the property is a garage, connected to the off-kitchen laundry room by a breezeway and, adjacent to the driveway entrance, a detached 500-square-foot, two-story guest house. These structures add to the rambling farmhouse property feel.

Guiding Design Philosophy

Giorgetti wanted the forms to represent the function in this home. To that end, there’s no ornamentation in the design and, particularly in the ceiling structure, the functional aspects of the construction are visible in the truss structure.

Giorgetti’s design and construction philosophy began taking shape when, as a University of New Hampshire environmental science student, a friend gave him a book by architect Michael Reynolds about Earthships. “This guy has sustainability as the design principle!” he thought as he made the connection between environmentalism and construction. Perhaps it’s no surprise then that the Giorgettis’ modern farmhouse is certified at the highest level the U.S. Green Building Council awards— LEED Platinum. As you approach the home, there are some suggestions that it employs green strategies to conserve energy and water. A perhaps subtle one is the pea gravel used for the drive and paths, which allows for rainwater infiltration. Others include the 5.5 kW solar grid system on the southfacing garage roof and the large-format, south-facing glass in the entry and on the gable. In addition, there are 14 downspouts designed to divert rainwater into an underground cistern, where, along with graywater, it is used for flushing toilets and irrigating the piñon-juniper landscape. The reclaimed water is also revegetating the terrain, feeding the budding fruit trees, creating microclimates and producing shade that invites birds, insects, pollinators and animals. The bees and chickens perform their roles, and soon the Giorgettis will build a greenhouse for food production. The 17-inch-thick walls in the great room section of the home are constructed with a locally sourced pumice aggregate, a lightweight, porous volcanic product cast in place. Its high thermal mass and R-value are improved by two inches of rigid insulation on the exterior. In other parts of the house, the walls are 9-inch frame construction with a super-insulated building envelope. While the entire home, designed along a north-south roofline axis, is oriented to maximize the east-west views, Giorgetti acknowledges this is not a traditional passive solar design approach. However, he points out how the ample south-facing glass with deep recessed exterior window wells and the construction of 13 to 14-foot-deep overhangs on any east- or west-facing glass manages the sun’s angles and, therefore, solar heat gain. “No project is ever ‘perfect’ and that is actually its strength, because that allows room for innovation, growth and learning,” Giorgetti says. “The ‘perfection’ is, in fact, that intangible sense of peace and accomplishment that results from thoughtful work carefully carried out, and the life enhancing benefits that a custom-tailored home gives to its inhabitants.” SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

In the primary suite, like much of the rest of the home, the architectural details take a backseat while the focus of the space is about capturing the views.

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

resources Builder/Contractor Palo Santo Designs LLC Interior Designer French & French Interiors Appliances Builders Source Appliance Gallery builderssource.com Artwork Stephen’s Consignment Gallery Cabinetry Conestoga Magnificent Construction installer Countertops Arizona Tile Custom Wall Finish/Diamond Plaster Roberto Erives applicator Fireplaces JS Masonry Flooring (Concrete) JLC Construction Front Door/Windows Sliding Window Wall Sierra Pacific Windows Interior Doors Pat’s Doors Landscaping/Water Features/Gate Palo Santo Designs LLC Solar AMENERGY, Inc.

KITCHEN + BATH REMODELING

FINISH SELECTIONS + SPACE PLANNING

Staircase Palo Santo Designs Timber Truss Builders FirstSource

Custom home Design

Tongue & Groove Ceiling Paul Helfrich Construction Tub/Sinks/Fixtures Santa Fe by Design Dahl of Santa Fe

JEANNETTESALAZAR.COM

Where design matters VIEW PORTFOLIO HERE

BEAUTIFUL BATHS

by Heather Shoning

relaxing respite If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then a beautiful bathroom is the lungs—where you take a deep breath and relax at the end of the day. Here, we peek inside some inspiring private spaces.

white and bright When the homeowners decided to remodel their primary bathroom, the wife wanted a spa-like design. “To her, that meant white,” says interior designer Edy Keeler. To achieve the look, the first order of business was to lighten the ceiling and vigas without losing the warmth the space would need with a crisp, white palette. Next, Keeler specified a combination of polished and matte Porcelanosa tile to have the bold look of marble without the maintenance. Warm taupe Silestone countertops with waterfall ends wrap the white lacquered cabinets with push latches to achieve a sleek, seamless look. Vessel sinks with polished chrome single-lever faucets add to the fresh atmosphere. Keeler removed the existing bathtub to give the couple an oversized steam shower. Elegant lighting and a makeup counter complete the spa-like space. Builder: Tierra Concepts; Interior Design: Edy Keeler Interiors; Tile: Porcelanosa; Countertops: Silestone; Fixtures and sinks: Kohler. 88

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

Wendy McEahern SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

Brandon Harwell

BEAUTIFUL BATHS

farmhouse-style remodel Michelle Aragon turned a typical ’90s bathroom into a rich, farmhouse-style retreat featuring warm wood tones, rich Aegean blue cabinetry, crisp black fixtures and a wide-open floor plan. The original layout had the shower wholly enclosed, and the homeowners didn’t like the cave-like feel. Ditching an outdated Jacuzzi tub afforded Aragon the space she needed to expand the shower while still including a freestanding farm-style bathtub. “The glass shower surround helps the space feel more open and allows light to shine in,” she says. The homeowners wanted ample storage but didn’t like the look of L-shaped cabinetry. Aragon selected a white upper cabinet to sit atop the blue lower cabinets with a white ship-lap-style tile backsplash to solve this problem. Builder: More Brothers Remodeling; Interior Designer: Michelle Aragon, Blue Eye Interiors; Cabinets: Solid Cabinetry; Bathtub and fixtures: Ferguson; Countertop: quartz; Backsplash tile: Tile Bar; Flooring: Emser Tile; Glass shower surround: Albuquerque Custom Shower Doors. 90

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

BEAUTIFUL BATHS

Wendy McEahern

move toward modern When these homeowners relocated from Houston to Santa Fe, they shed a chateau-style home and all its fussy furnishings for a sleek, clean style. “Because they wanted a modern look, all of the tile is straight stacked with minimal grout lines,” says project manager Josh Shultz. In the bathroom, they also opted for floating cabinetry with under-cabinet lighting. The rich wood tones add warmth, while the black countertops with an undermount sink maintain the clean-lined look. The mirror with built-in lighting, negating additional wall-mounted fixtures lends to the streamlined design approach. Polished chrome fixtures and drawer pulls add a hint of bling. Beautiful wave-pattern tile reaching to the ceiling gives the space texture and a sense of free-flowing movement. Builder: Zachary and Sons; Cabinetry: Ernest Thompson; Countertop: Sherpa Stone; Fixtures: Dahl Plumbing; Floor and wall tile: Arizona Tile; Hardware: Santa Fe by Design; Mirror: Dahl Lighting Showroom.

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

Tye Hardison

BEAUTIFUL BATHS

organic oasis This calming primary bathroom retreat features a warm neutral palette with organic textures and finishes. The floating cabinetry in a warm gray-brown finish features under-cabinet lighting for an ethereal glow. With two sinks and a makeup station, all three areas have large mirrors and sconce lighting with linen shades. Behind the freestanding tub, the opposite wall consists of floor-to-ceiling wave tile with a lit niche, including patterned tile in the back and a quartz shelf. “The look is welcoming with organic finishes such as the natural wood-look flooring combined with the wave tile,” says Sun Valley Custom Homes’ 92

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

in-house designer, Dave Kaminski. “The niche looks modern but still soft.” Behind the tub wall, the shower features white subway tile installed vertically, a quartz bench seat and a niche with decorative tile. Builder: Sun Valley Custom Homes; Tub wall tile: Daltile; Niche tile: Arizona Tile; Cabinetry: Davis Kitchens; Fixtures: Moen; Bathtub: Signature Hardware; Sconce lighting: Mitzi by Hudson Valley Lighting; Luxury vinyl flooring: Provenza Floors.

Fotovan

BEAUTIFUL BATHS

pleasingly playful The primary bathroom was the perfect spot for Westway Homes’ design center pro Gloria Furru to have fun with pattern and texture in this modern home. “I wanted to create some depth and dimension,” she says. “The bathroom is a fun place to play with tiles.” The floor has a subtle concrete look, while the shower wall tile has the appearance of faint watermarks. She used penny round mosaic tile as a decorative accent in the shower and the backsplash at the vanity. But the playful punch is on the wall behind the inset tub. Furru specified a bold, latticedesign tile from the tub to the ceiling. “I love how the tile behind the tub reflects in the mirror,” she says. “It’s like a mirage, and it’s fun how it bounces back at you.” Builder: Westway Homes; Tile: Emser Tile; Cabinetry: Legacy Debut; Bathtub: Gemline Emerald; Faucets: Delta; Countertop: Silestone. SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

BEAUTIFUL BATHS

spaciously petite M-Art Building Co. takes a value approach to home design, meaning they create spaces that are not gratuitously large and, instead, invest in more important details, says lead designer Tony Rivera. “The footprint of this primary bathroom is smaller than in custom homes,” he says. “We want the experience of the space to feel large, airy and spacious.” The room has 9-foot ceilings and 8-foot doors, while a skylight above the tub wall provides ample natural light and draws the eye upward. But this space is not just about maximizing volume; the visual experience continues with the handcrafted-look tile on accent walls behind 94

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

Fotovan

the bathtub and in the shower. “Since the vanity has a mirror backsplash, you see the reflection of the tile pattern,” Rivera says, “and it expands the visual experience.” Builder: M-Art Building Co.; Cabinetry: Design Alliance; Bathtub: Sodeco; Fixtures: Precision Diamante; Counters and Undermount Tub Top: United Stoneworks; Accent Wall Tile: The Tile Shop; Floor tile: Stonewood Flooring.

by Paula M. Bodah

Caitlyn Ottinger

Design Studio

color commentary bold color can give your home a unique look and feel

THE EARTHY NEUTRALS of the New Mexico landscape, those warm taupes and terracottas, tans and golds, just seem so right in our living spaces. But don’t you sometimes long to break out of the neutral mold? Maybe go a bit wild with some bold color beyond the occasional throw pillow or vivid piece of art? Design professionals agree that committing to color can feel like a big step. “A lot of people worry that they’ll get tired of a color or that it will go out of style,” says designer Carol Ware. There are ways to ward off that danger says Ware, who with her husband, architect Vahid Mojarrab, owns the Santa Fe-based firm WAMO Studio. The design pros advise clients to use bright color as an accent, not as the main event. For one couple’s home, Ware and Mojarrab started with a neutral backdrop. “In some homes, you might go with colorful accent walls,” Ware explains, “but our clients are art 96

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

collectors, and we didn’t want large color fields that would take the focus off the art.” Instead, they kept all the large surfaces neutral. Off-white walls would look right at home in an art gallery, while the kitchen cabinetry and the burnished concrete floors are a warm brown. Then, pulling colors from the couple’s extensive art collection by local artists, they brought in almost every color of the rainbow, starting with a glossy orange that frames all the windows. “It’s intense and vibrant and

Lou Novick

High-gloss orange around the door and window frames throughout this home offer a punch of color in an unexpected place.

shiny, almost like an automobile paint,” Ware says. To complement the orange, they outfitted the furniture in lime green, deep purple, and sky and cobalt blues. For contractor Kevin Evans of Albuquerque’s Annex General Contracting, accent walls were the way to go in his client’s classic 1950s pueblo-style home. Here, too, neutrals play a prominent role, but every room has a major punch of burnt orange. The foyer, kitchen and dining room each sport an entire wall painted the sunsetevoking color, while the living room has a hefty dose of orange accents, and the SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

Real Home Photo, LLC_Reece Martinez

Design Studio

Limiting bold color to one item—either a wall, cabinetry or other specific area— is less intimidating for clients and can create a consistency in the palette.

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

bathroom has an orange floor and accent tiles. “Don’t go overboard,” Evans advises. Used as an accent, color infuses a home with personality. “It’s a happy place,” Evans says about his client’s home. “You feel good when you’re there.” Albuquerque-based interior designer Jeannette Salazar also opted for color as an accent against a backdrop of neutrals for her client’s home, but in this case, that translated to bold green kitchen cabinets and colorful tile accents in the kitchen and bathrooms. “In any space, I recommend choosing one thing—a piece of furniture, one wall or, in this case, the kitchen cabinets—to add that bold color,” she says. Aim for consistency throughout the home, the pros suggest. Salazar kept the backsplashes in the kitchen and all three bathrooms in a similar palette and style with slight variations. Evans used the same burnt orange paint in each room of his client’s home, while Ware and Mojarrab employed the glossy orange window framing to tie the rooms of their clients’ home together. And if you’re not quite ready to add that much punch to your main living spaces, go bold with a smaller space, like a powder room or a TV room. Mojarrab says, “If we can get a client excited about color in one small space, then a lightbulb goes on, and they start to look for other places where they can add some excitement.”

says …

Andrekart Photography/Shutterstock.com

Up the ambiance in your home using fragrance. Choose a mix of candles, essential oils and room or linen spray to accomplish a layered scent sensation. Spray fabric surfaces such as sofas, window coverings and throw pillows to freshen up. Candles are fantastic for providing on-the-spot aroma, but for a longer-lasting option, choose oils. You can put your favorite fragrance in reed, electric or ultrasonic diffusers; mix a few drops with baking soda or uncooked rice to put in a decorative dish; and add drops to your furnace filter. Top spring scents include tangerine, tea tree, spearmint and grapefruit. Prefer something sweeter? Try chamomile, lavender or geranium. Or mix them to create your home’s signature scent.

Su Cocina

by Jessa Cast

sipping in style The Ivy Tearoom invites you to make some glitzy, glam-y memories of a lifetime MANY PEOPLE ENJOY the English tradition of afternoon tea, served with sweet and savory finger foods. Imagine taking the poshness of that tradition, mixing in fairytale decor, and bringing the whole affair firmly into the present. Instead of a staid, prim ambiance in dark, wood-paneled rooms, envision bright, stylish spaces with touchable, textured furnishings and the most delightful teas, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Amanda Ng, designer and owner of The Ivy Tearoom, had just such a vision. She opened her teahouse in 2015, initially renting a space in Albuquerque’s North Valley. A few years later, her sights set on a purpose-built space, she contracted David Waszak of Waszak Enterprises to build a new teahouse from the ground up. In November 2020, the new location opened in Los Ranchos. Ng’s enthusiasm is evidenced in the decor and the menu. The two-story building resembles a home with a sweeping staircase and various semi-private rooms. Every room bears its own color scheme and themed decor, from floor-skimming draperies and lush velveteen seating to ornate chandeliers and sequined pillows. Larger parties can revel in the picture-perfect Pink Parlor. Pink is the underlying motif, both in decor and cocktails, giving it a powerful chic vibe. Outside, the Secret Garden boasts two transparent igloos—with heating for cool months and shade for warm ones—for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Each room has a call button for extra panache, so service comes only when needed and never intrudes. The website offers an FAQ section to help set guests’ expectations for a pleasant visit. Choose the Afternoon Tea prix fixe menu for three courses paired with teas. Tipsy Tea includes the same menu accompanied by mimosas, bellinis or glitterswirled Glitteratis. Or upgrade to a vodka- or wine-based signature cocktail, each one as gorgeously Instagramworthy as they are tempting. Menus and cocktails vary by month and season, respectively. For something less traditional, try the Sweets and Charcuterie menu. Or, for when you’re feeling fancy, this is the only establishment in town to offer a formal caviar service. Sparkling and still wines are available by the bottle (on Wednesdays, cocktails are half price, and bottles are 30 percent off ). For a bridal party, date night or just a feel-good afternoon, The Ivy Tearoom is a not-to-be-missed twist on a classic: a distinctive, elegant rendezvous, where your inner princess can dine—and drink!—like a queen. 100

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

An outdoor igloo is just once special space to enjoy afternoon tea, boozy concoctions and divine finger foods at The Ivy Tearoom.

Extra dinary

Courtesy The Ivy Tearoom

¡Salud!

by David Enright

springtime bubbly sparkling wine is for every day, not just special occasions

102

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

allows more experimentation from the winemaker. Look for ‘Bum Bum Cha’ rosé sparkling from Milan Nestarec, a modern winemaker in the Czech Republic. The blend of Riesling, Blaufränkisch, Sauvignon Blanc and Zweigelt makes the perfect picnic fizz. Sparkling wine is exceptionally versatile when pairing with foods. Classic pairings for champagne are oysters or caviar. Yet the vast options in styles of sparkling wine available in your local wine shop expand the possibilities: fried chicken, roasted squash dishes, pasta such as spaghetti cacio e pepe and even buttered popcorn. Travel the world one glass of sparkling at a time.

Arnaud Weyrich, Roederer Estate winemaker

Courtesy Roederer Estate

NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE consider sparkling wine as something to enjoy beyond the special occasion, for birthdays or on New Year’s Eve. It’s appropriate with a meal just like any fine wine. And being the essence of spring in a bottle, what better reason do you need? Champagne is the most traditional sparkling wine. A great example is Pierre Gimonnet ‘Cuis 1er Cru’ Blanc de Blancs Brut NV. Using only Chardonnay, it’s a wellstructured style with crisp apple, almond and ginger notes. A definite creaminess in texture makes for a perfect dining companion. Closer to home, the Roederer Estate Brut MV is also a traditionalstyle sparkling wine from Anderson Valley, California. A cool climate is ideal for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and the Louis Roederer house knows how to make sparkling wine. You will find flavors of white fruit (think pears and golden delicious apples) and hazelnuts. Sip a glass of prosecco to be transported to an Italian piazza. This sparkling wine is a more fruitforward bubbly, with softer acidity but still showing plenty of sparkle. It’s terrific with a bit of prosciutto! While we all can’t be in the Veneto right now, you can enjoy Adami’s Bosco di Gica Prosecco, with yellow apple flavors paired with floral hints. Pétillant Naturel (or Pét-Nat) represents a modern take on sparkling, a fresh, lively style that

DenisMArt/Shutterstock.com

Sip a glass of prosecco to be transported to an Italian piazza.

Artist Spotlight

like fine wine artist Diana Stetson thinks her work gets better as she ages

JUST ACROSS THE VALLEY from the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, near the banks of the Rio Grande, artist Diana Stetson spends long hours in her studio on her property north of Albuquerque. It’s a sacred place where she paints “sometimes in complete silence, and sometimes with rock-and-roll cranked up a bit too high.” Although she’s been a working artist for more than 40 years, Diana wasn’t always a painter. Her science degree from Reed College in Oregon informs her artistic style, but Reed’s renowned scholarly calligraphy program shaped her future. After traveling the world studying calligraphy and other ancient techniques, she spent three decades working in letterform, collage and printmaking. That is, until the voice inside her said, “Paint!” So she turned her attention to painting, with a process as unique as her finished works: On custom birch panels measuring up to 4-by-6 feet—and sometimes larger—she lays down three different layers, starting with an abstract acrylic background. “Then I add mixed-media in a graphic style, and I finish in oils with a realistic, representational image from nature. My work is based on my love of, and belief in, beauty.” Because the panels don’t warp, they could last for centuries, she says. “I can also sand and scrape as much as I like; you can’t do that with canvas.” 104

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

by Lisa Truesdale

Honestly, I feel that I just started my serious paintings within the last few years ... – Diana Stetson

She feels her three-layer process allows her to be more expressive. “With the acrylics, I can make quick decisions and even be messy,” she says. “But with the oils, there’s no rush. I can do a lot of blending with more refined details.” Diana’s painting coach, acclaimed artist Holly Roberts, once told her that she has “great hands.” “I had no idea what she was seeing, but the more I painted, the more I realized what she meant—my lettering training gave me important skills, like hand-eye coordination, and learning to use tools in unique ways,” she explains. “I take for granted the subtle twist and lift of the brush to create calligraphic marks while painting the feather of a bird, and the control I have with plaster on a palette knife, in lifting it slowly to drag it over a surface to create the mark I’m seeking.” Diana hopes to paint well into her 80s or 90s, as other female artists in New Mexico—like Georgia O’Keeffe and Agnes Martin—have done. “Honestly, I feel that I just started my serious paintings within the last few years, and I believe my senior years will be good years to do powerful work.” For a list of galleries that feature Diana’s work, visit dianastetson.com. Her paintings will also be featured during August 2022 at Convergence Gallery, 634 Canyon Road, Santa Fe.

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

105

by Kendra Lee

Photographee.eu/Shutterstock.com

Vida Buena

clean home, happy home studies show that a clean, organized home is good for your mental health

106

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

SPRING, BY DEFINITION, is a time of regrowth and new beginnings. Many cultures have long celebrated with a deep cleaning of the home. A tradition we’ve come to call ‘spring cleaning.’ But why are we so energized to clean, reset and declutter? As spring reintroduces us to brighter and warmer days, accompanied by the opportunity for more outdoor activity, we experience an efflux of endorphins and energy. But why do we continue to focus our new spring energy on the custom of a deep home cleaning? The simple answer is an improved psyche. English writer Sydney Smith once stated, “A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.” Little did he know his sentiment would prove accurate many times over. From Princeton University to Cornell University to America’s Anxiety Disorder Center, dozens of studies have determined a clean and organized home is essential to good mental health. In fact, the act of cleaning, along with the end result of a clean home, produces many benefits, including a mental ‘high’ of being in control, reduced stress, and improved focus and productivity. A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information

are ready for a deep clean. “Those wanting a spring cleaning mostly want to feel like their house has been refreshed,” said Brandon Schoen and Brandon Condrey, owners of Sandia Green Clean. “Most just don’t feel like it’s spring until their home is completely clean again—it’s like bringing your home out of winter hibernation.”

So, what does deep cleaning entail?

revealed women with stressful homes lacked cortisol spikes which contributed to a depressed mood. In contrast, women with calmer homes had spikes of cortisol which enhanced their mood. Spring cleaning is the chance to take a complete inventory of our home and self; the time to get rid of the old (dirt, germs and negative energy) and prepare for the new. After all, your home is your safe place to reset from the world’s chaos. “A spring cleaning evokes feelings of relaxation and calm, which many are going for in this busy world,” said Molly Moran, Founder of Green Sweep. “Since the onset of COVID-19, people are at home more and spaces are more ‘used’ than ever.” And after a season (or two as we’ve come to know) of shutting ourselves in, our homes

Anna Puzatykh/Shutterstock.com

As far as the professionals are concerned, a deep cleaning is “the next-level version of regular cleaning,” explained Moran. “It should include hand cleaning baseboards, blinds, ceiling fans, rugs, furniture, doors and door frames; deeper dusting and vacuuming; removing hard water and soap scum build-up; cleaning the outside of all cabinetry as well as the inside of kitchen appliances.” “Don’t forget under the sofa cushions! You wouldn’t believe what’s hiding in there after a long winter!” shared Schoen and Condrey. “We also suggest dusting the outside of the front door and sweeping off the porch—it’s a perfect way to say hello to a new season!” Since clutter can negatively impact your sense of control and can cause stress, anxiety and depression, use this time to donate items you haven’t used in the last year. According to Psychology Today, “Emotional clutter can accrue just like bric-a-brac, clothes, shoes, furniture and cooking utensils—all that stuff that clutters your physical space. Similarly, emotional clutter most often comes from the stress that clogs our psyche.” Just follow the long-lived design mantra: Less is more! Once you’re committed and ready to tackle spring cleaning, don’t approach it with a bad attitude. Remember, this project will reset your overall mental health and outlook. Keep the mood light and approach it with a smile—open the windows, play your favorite music, invite a friend for a bit, and if you get overwhelmed, take a break. It doesn’t have to be done in one day! Turn the page for our cleaning checklist.

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

107

Vida Buena

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Dust √ blinds √ electronics √ lampshades, wall art and decor √ light fixtures and ceiling-fan blades √ plants (live and artificial) √ window frames, doors, door frames, trim and molding

Vacuum √ area rugs (shampoo if needed) √ carpets (shampoo if needed) √ fabric furniture √ refrigerator coils √ stairs

Wipe Down/Sanitize √ cabinet pulls √ cabinets √ children’s toys √ doorknobs √ dresser handles √ faucets √ garbage disposal √ leather furniture (condition if needed) √ light switches √ outlet covers √ remote controls √ showerheads √ table and chair legs √ trash cans 108

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

Wash √ chair cushions √ curtains √ floors √ marks off doors (touch-up paint if necessary) √ mirrors √ table linens √ walls (touch-up paint if necessary) √ windows and screens

Other √ clean air vents and exhaust fans (replace filters if necessary) √ clean dryer vent √ clean hardwood floors (apply protectant or polish if needed) √ clean major and small appliances, and the stove vent and hood √ clean washing machine tub √ discard outdated medicines √ flip or rotate mattresses √ launder curtains, shower curtains and liners √ organize cabinets and drawers √ organize dressers and closets √ organize pantry items and discard expired food √ replace batteries in smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors √ replace water filters √ reseal granite countertops

Subscribe to

today! Call (818) 286-3162 SuCasaMagazine.com SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

109

Su Libro

by Kate Jonuska

heartening hues enjoy lush plants and vibrant color even in an arid climate

Hot Color, Dry Garden: Inspiring Designs and Vibrant Plants for the Waterwise Gardener, by Nan Sterman, published by Timber Press, photos courtesy of Timber Press, paperback, $22.

LONG GONE ARE the days when waterwise landscaping options were mostly lifeless and colorless, all rocks and shades of brown. By contrast, Nan Sterman shows how low-water gardens can be bright, colorful and even lush, the latter a word rarely used to describe arid gardens. “Lush is an effect, not a plant type. Lush does not require water,” writes Sterman. Her book, “Hot Color, 110

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

Dry Garden: Inspiring Designs and Vibrant Plants for the Waterwise Gardener,” is packed not only with gorgeous photos of colorful waterwise gardens from around the Southwest and West but also boasts a directory of waterwise plants with every color of foliage and flowers, a veritable palette with which a gardener can ‘paint’ their landscape. The sheer number of beautiful low-water plants is stunning. It includes blooming irises, poppies and monkey flowers; seven very different kinds of agave; and three varieties of penstemons, a lovely low-water flowering bush. After all, says Sterman, a garden should have a mixture of blooming, leafy, tall, wide, upright, narrow and low plants to achieve a full and finished look, and the books’ photos reveal just how many such looks are possible. Interestingly, she notes the color of a garden’s hardscape— meaning the non-living parts like walls, boulders and pots—also

plays a significant role in colorful waterwise spaces. Examples show how a painted fence or the right shade of mulch can highlight the plants themselves and make a garden pop. In addition to color, Sterman’s suggestions include other simple techniques to create drama without water. For instance, she emphasizes building mounds in the garden, not only for the dramatic aesthetics but to create bioswales in the low zones, which filter the water and keep it in your soil longer. She also shares her deep knowledge of irrigation, pruning, mulch and maintenance, making this waterwise book not only a collection of inspirational photos but also a go-to book for technical reference. SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

111

says … lath &

plast

• Residential Stucco • Restucco • Parapet Repair • Commercial Stucco

It’s Spring! Let’s Restucco!

shutterstock_420256816.jpeg

505.344.2111 • WWW.BWEARP.COM

If spring cleaning at your house means cleaning clutter out of the garage, it might include old paint cans. Do not just toss them in the trash bin—there are special precautions to ensure toxins don’t end up in our local water supply. All oil-based paints must be recycled at the Household Hazardous Waste collection center in Albuquerque or Household Hazardous Wastes at BuRRT in Santa Fe. Latex or water-based acrylic paints are not considered hazardous, so the cans can go in your trash bin, but not with wet paint. For small quantities, simply dry them out by mixing in kitty litter, paint hardener or sawdust. If you have excess paint, go ahead and recycle it.

112

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

113

Just Winging Through

by Amy Gross

was that a warbler? A black and white warbler perched on a redbud tree branch singing loudly in the forest.

Warblers to look for (quickly!) this spring:

Agami Photo Agency/Shutterstock.com

Wilson’s Yellow-rumped Townsend’s Black and white Yellow McGillivray’s

114

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

LOTS OF COOL BIRDS pass through New Mexico on their way north during spring migration, but few get more attention from birders than the warblers. Warblers are small, insect- and berry-eating songbirds, and there are more than 50 species in the United States. Flitting in and out of bushes, or dancing around on the ground rooting for bugs, warblers move extremely fast and are great “binocular dodgers,” which only makes them more fun to spot. Two warblers we’ll see in New Mexico this spring are the Wilson’s and yellow-rumped. Like many—but certainly not all—warblers, these two species are all yellow, and partially yellow, respectively. (A gorgeous black and white warbler caused quite a stir at the Rio Grande Nature Center in Albuquerque last spring and was a lifer for this birder!) The male Wilson’s warbler is an adorable little yellow fellow with pinpoint black eyes, but it’s his jaunty black cap that makes him instantly identifiable. His female counterpart is pale yellow and olive and lacks the cap. You might think a bright yellow bird would be fairly noticeable, but the Wilson’s is quite stealthy. If one graces your backyard, you’ll likely notice movement in the brush caused by its tail-flicking before it registers that those movements belong to a bird. Wilson’s will spend a few weeks with us in New Mexico before heading to far northern forests to nest over the summer.

Ray Hennessy/Shutterstock.com

they’re cute, quick and on the move

Flitting in and out of bushes, or dancing around on the ground rooting for bugs, warblers move extremely fast and are great “binocular dodgers,” which only makes them more fun to spot.

exceptional paintings on panel ~ affordable fine giclée prints

Unless you’re paying attention, it’s easy to confuse yellow-rumped warblers with other small, streaked birds like finches and sparrows, so get out those binoculars. What you’re looking for are the telltale yellow patches on the chest and at the base of the tail—the latter being the reason this warbler is lovingly nicknamed “the butterbutt.” Plumage varies considerably with the yellow-rumped, however, so always refer to a good birding guidebook for confirmation. Yellow-rumped warblers often travel in large flocks; you’ll see them zipping from the shelter of a tree to snatch insects out of the air. “Are you seeing warblers?” is a common question among birders. There’s a joke within that question, of course, as warblers are hard to see even when they’re right in front of you. But with practice, anyone can learn to spot these beautiful little birds. And if you miss them this time around, don’t worry— they’ll be coming back through in the fall to amaze and challenge us again. Amy Gross is a birder and the organizer of Santa Fe Birdbrains, a Northern New Mexico-based Meetup group. SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

115

Green Piece

by Carol Orona

instant hot water in addition to making your shower warm, these devices offer positive economic and ecological impact A wonderful bathroom can be like a day at the spa—a hot shower relaxing the muscles and washing away the tension of the day. Unfortunately, waiting several minutes for the water to get hot and allowing that precious resource to flow down the drain is not only expensive, it’s also wasteful. According to the EPA WaterSense website, the average home wastes more than 3,650 gallons of water each year waiting for hot water. While it’s easy to blame the water heater for this inefficiency, it’s actually the plumbing distribution system that is the culprit. Fortunately, there are a few solutions for the issue of long plumbing lines. A point-of-use water heater is a simple fix for heating water at a distant bathroom or fixture. Tied to existing plumbing, these localized water heaters are small enough to fit under cabinets making them virtually invisible. Available in “instant hot” tank-less units or small tanks, which can hold anywhere from 2.5 to 20 gallons, these water heaters come in both electric and gas, so be sure to include the cost of installing under-cabinet power or gas when deciding on a unit. On a larger scale, whether you have a tank or a tank-less water heater in your home, an on-demand system can be incorporated into the existing plumbing loop or retrofitted into a standard plumbing line, and used to access hot water with the use of a doorbell-style button or motion sensor installed near the furthest fixture, typically the bathroom sink. When you need hot water, press the button to activate an electric recirculating pump which will then circulate hot water from the heater through the plumbing line to the fixture and all those in-between. The wait time for the hot water to arrive will be the same; but instead of cold water going down the drain as you wait, it gets recirculated back through the cold-water line, thus saving thousands of gallons of water. Some activating devices or buttons even have an LED light to notify you when hot water has arrived and is available. With the water savings, these solutions typically pay for themselves in a few years, but the luxury of instant hot water at the tap is enjoyed immediately. A final note: Always make sure that your hot water lines are insulated; it’s no use having hot water travel great distances only to have it get cold along the journey. Enjoy!

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.

QUALITY BUILDERS’ INC.

“SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!” 8 Foot Doors and 10 Foot Ceilings Included in Most plans.

theWestway.com

HOMES

Unexpected.

THEY SAY “UPGRADE”... WE SAY “STANDARD” SUCASAMAGAZINE.COM

117

SPRING 2022 Advertisers A1 Garage Door Service.................................................................................108 Aesop’s Gables....................................................................................................119 Affordable Solar LLC.........................................................................................14 Albuquerque/Santa Fe Awning.......................................................................10 American Clay.........................................................................................................3 Amreston Homes................................................................................................59 Arrediamo....................................................................................................47 Avance Financial LLC........................................................................................25 Bell Bank Mortgage.............................................................................................33 BMD/ClearOvations...............................................................................27 Bright Ideas, Inc. dba The Lamp Shop......................................................70 Build Green NM..................................................................................................75 Builders Source Appliance Gallery.................................................................48 B.W. Earp, Inc.....................................................................................................112 California Closets................................................................................................58 Crescent Custom Homes..................................................................................74 Diana Stetson......................................................................................................115 Diego Handcrafted Homes............................................................................101 DMC.............................................................................................................4-5 Enchanted Custom Homes LLC......................................................................115 Enchanted Spaces................................................................................................57 Flagstar Bank...........................................................................................Gatefold Granite Transformations...................................................................................28 Homes by Joe Boyden LLC................................................................................31 I’m The Blind Lady...............................................................................................71 Jeannette Salazar Interior Design...................................................................87 John Mark Custom Homes..............................................................................8 Joseph Custom Homes.......................................................................................72 Keller Williams Realty Academy.....................................................................12 Keller Williams Realty Riverside....................................................................77 Kirtland Federal Credit Union..........................................Inside Back Cover La Puerta Originals.............................................................................................22 Las Ventanas Homes..........................................................................Back Cover Lee-Sure Pools, Inc...............................................................................................95 Lowe-bo Homes...................................................................................................73 M-Art Building Co............................................................................................113 Maloy Mobile Storage......................................................................................108 MorningStar Senior Living................................................................................21 Mountain West Sales..........................................................................................66 National Roofing...................................................................................................2 New Haven Homes.............................................................................................99 New Mexico Bank & Trust.................................................................................79 New Mexico Select..............................................................................................49 Pella Window & Door...........................................................................................1 Pulte Homes.........................................................................................................62 PWKI LLC............................................................................................................15 Quallity Builders, Inc........................................................................................117 RayLee Homes: A New Generation................................................................65 RayLee Luxury Homes..................................................................................76, 78 Realty One............................................................................................................30 Reliance Construction, Inc................................................Inside Front Cover Remax Select........................................................................................................29 Renaissance Man Construction, Inc............................................................105 Renewal by Andersen.........................................................................................23 Rio Grande Credit Union.................................................................................17 Ron Hanks Design LLC.................................................................................112 Ron Montoya Custom Designs, Inc.............................................................24 Rugby Architectural Building Products......................................................116 Sandia Green Clean..........................................................................................118 Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union......................................................19 Silesha Montano Naden....................................................................................32 Stonewood Flooring LLC.................................................................................67 Sukhmani.......................................................................................................105 Tesuque Stucco Co................................................................................................9 The Amish Connection...................................................................................109 The Firebird...........................................................................................................11 Twilight Homes.....................................................................................6-7, 68-69 United Stoneworks.............................................................................................111 Vineyard Homes LLC......................................................................................103 Waterstone Mortgage........................................................................................20 Western Building Supply....................................................................................53 Westway Homes...........................................................................................60, 117 Wholesale Timber and Viga............................................................................111 WinSupply......................................................................................................35 York Septic..........................................................................................................118 Yourson Construction......................................................................................113 Zachary and Sons Homes....................................................................................13 118

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

Make your kitchen YOUR kitchen! Kitchen Cabinets

LOCALLY OWNED FOR 30 YEARS Our professional design services, expert installation & high quality products ensure that you will LOVE your new kitchen cabinets.

505-391-3267 • License #82287 AesopsGables.com

Adios

photograph by Wendy McEahern

indoor outdoor connection Three sets of pocket doors—facing west, south and east—open from the great room to this portal. It was essential to meet that level of architectural connectedness with the material choices, so the porcelain flooring runs through the great room and directly onto the portal, and the exterior stack stone runs into the great room feature wall, says interior designer Annie O’Carroll. The stone wall remains low, and the columns sit away from the corners of the space to preserve the views, while an oversized hearth functions as additional seating. The rich wood ceiling with recessed lighting creates a cozy, warm area with outdoor furnishings that could pass as indoor.

Annie O’Carroll Interior Design, Studio Beili, Tierra Concepts 120

S U C A S A S P R I N G 2022

Fotovan

BUILT FOR THE WAY YOU LIVE.