Authenticallydesigned
A sense of place Have you ever noticed that you gravitate to a certain spot in your or someone else’s home or office, but cannot put your finger on why? We all need at least one of those spaces where we can completely unwind, be in the moment, or get into our flow. One of the jobs of an interior designer is to determine how one will likely use a space, and help make that experience optimal. There are a myriad of components that contribute to the comfort and contentment one feels in a space; they include lighting, seat comfort, and views. Yet other considerations are subjectivity to noise or other distractions, and accessibility to electrical outlets and other elements that support time spent in the space. While many of these things seem obvious, it can still be a lot to consider when determining how a space will look best, while ensuring that it will function well. Drawing from numerous consultations in which clients are not content with the way they feel in a given space, the most common areas for improvement are orientation, lighting and accoutrement. Orientation is at the top of the list of
what makes one comfortable aside from seating. It takes some analysis to understand what is the best positioning for each person depending on the desired outcome — productivity, relaxation or engagement with those around them. Are you left- or right-handed and therefore more comfortable with things and a viewpoint accessed from one or the other? What is your optimal view: out a window, or perhaps into adjacent rooms to observe activities and participate with others? Do you prefer a more open space or to
be “nooked” into a space, facing a wall or a corner, or even surrounded by buffers such as a tall piece of furniture or plants to alleviate distractions? We also empha-
size the importance of what you will see from your vantage point and making it harmonious, be it a well-executed landscape, a compelling composition of art and furnishings, or the view into the next room. In an ideal world, several vantage points can be enjoyed at once, for example window, fireplace, television, or a piece of art. Lighting is an obvious factor to the usability of any space. For ultimate comfort, you will want to have necessary task-light for reading, writing, craft, etc., balanced with additional ambient lighting for mood. Ambient light can be achieved with art lighting or spotlighting, dimmable overhead lighting, and well-distributed table lamps and standing lamps. The presence of natural light is, of course, favorable, as it is pure and feeds the soul. The ability to adjust the light to suit your mood or needs through window coverings and dimmers is an added benefit. When we settle into our favorite spot, we want to be able to truly settle in with all of the essentials. Having a throw for warmth, adequate surface space for a bev-
Recent Home & Land Sales Homes $555,000
Sales data for the period Jan. 19-Feb. 18 from Santa Fe Association of Realtors MLS reports. Not all sales are reported. Homes $55,000 $143,000 $150,000 $165,000 $167,000
$175,000 $176,000 $177,000 $179,500 $182,000 $185,000
$185,000 $189,000 $195,000 $195,000 $196,272 $197,500
Homes $147,900 $218,000 $220,000
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M ar c h 20 1 3
HOME
Homes $430,000
$203,900 $205,000 $212,500 $216,000 $221,000 $235,000
$253,118 $305,000 $320,000 $365,000
$237,000 $263,685 $278,500 $297,400 $380,000 $520,000
$425,000 $475,000 $585,000
Land $65,000 $79,000
Land $300,000
$558,060 $873,500
Land $275,000
$79,000 $125,000
Homes $200,000 $210,000 $225,000 $304,000
S T E FFAN Y H O LLI N G S WO RT H
erage, book or technological device, and suitable storage for access to periodicals or hobby paraphernalia helps make down time or productive time that much more effective. Yes, much of what interior designers do has to do with aesthetics, but equally as important is the well-being of our clients. After all, investing in beautiful finishes and furnishings has little impact if the day-to-day experience of the space as a whole is not nurturing and joyful. Heather Van Luchene, ASID, and Steffany Hollingsworth, ASID, are partners in HVL Interiors LLC, an interior design firm offering professional residential and hospitality design services. Both are New Mexico-licensed interior designers. They can be reached at (505) 983-3601 or info@ hvlinteriors.com.
Homes $96,300 $205,000 $225,000 $433,000
Homes $50,000 $69,900 $75,000 $108,600 $233,000 $245,000
$311,000 $348,000 Land (None)
county
Land $97,300 $100,000 Homes $230,000 $290,500
H E AT H E R VAN LU CH E N E
$305,000 $342,500 $367,000
Land (None)
$525,000 $527,500 $560,000 $576,000 $660,000
$245,000 $280,000 $325,000 $405,000 $485,000 $545,000 $699,000
Homes $354,250 $379,000 $387,500 $396,000 $414,500 $549,000
$850,000 $925,000 Land $152,500
$750,000 $1,093,508 $1,475,000 $1,900,000 Land (None)
$585,000 $630,000 Land $80,000 $153,500 $175,000