When faced with “Pueblo Revival” architecture, an alternative to a traditional Southwestern interior is the homey approach. This Santa Fe guest house is comfortable but elegant, distinguished by an airy interior and a fabulous art collection.
As with Survival Strategy #1: Contemporary, the walls and ceiling are light in color. Note, though, that here they’ve skipped the traditional viga ceiling in favor of simple exposed beams. It’s fresher and less stylized…the ceiling’s clean lines are echoed in the no-frills built-in bookshelves and simple fireplace mantel and surround, all of which are painted to blend with the walls.
On their own, the living room furnishings are nothing to write home about. But the neutral tones (warm beiges rather than cool greys) and natural materials (linen upholstery, sisal rug) are an appropriate backdrop to the resident’s collection of art and antiquities. I wholeheartedly agree with this approach to decorating and art: when you have an interesting collection, establish a consistent, muted palette and get out of the way.
Here’s another thing that makes this interior so successful: the “vignette.” Using this term in normal conversation is pretty much the same as screaming, “I watch too much HGTV,” but it has its uses. You know what I’m talking about, right? A set piece – a display, a “little picture…”
Yes, like this. Exactly like this. Vaguely Southwestern/Taos table, distressed. Carefully chosen art books neatly stacked below, small sculptures and arrowheads arranged on top. Two pictures on the wall above, the exact width of the table, reflecting the colors of the figurines on it. Whole = greater than sum of the parts (although in this case the parts are pretty darn good).
Here’s another one (right), more color-coordinated, and below is the arrangement immediately to your left as you enter the house. (There’s no separate foyer, so this vignette defines the space near the door – it separates the entry from the living and dining areas, which are all part of the same room.)
Even the guest bath has a tiny vignette on the vanity top.
The mark of an excellent eye as well as a gracious hostess: a candle, water glass, assortment of soaps, and a small painting…really, what more could a guest ask for?
Do note that the bathroom here is nothing like the streamlined bathrooms in the contemporary Santa Fe house I discussed previously. This is more typically “Southwestern,” as evidenced by the handpainted tile in rich, festive colors.
After spending a lovely cocktail hour(s) in this house, I started to think, “Maybe I could live in Santa Fe. This Southwestern adobe thing is actually pretty versatile…” but that might have been the wine and art lust talking. At the very least, I’ll go back for a visit. If I’m invited, of course.
