compound a resort-like design for easy outdoor living
art of the view
a hilltop home embraces art and panoramic views
Find yourself...
Enjoy the space and pace that’s right for you. Whether it’s a second home or your forever home, you’ll be in a place where living is as lively as it is easy.
Distinctive homes, starting in the $400,000’s, blending seamlessly into the natural beauty of Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort.
New Mexico's most recommended floor & more store!
SOUTHWEST
HOMES
30 A Paradise of One’s Own
Married home industry professionals build a secluded compound that embraces a fusion of organic and industrial styles while offering resort-style luxury for family and friends.
78 The Art of the View
Homeowners who didn’t want to build, made an exception to get a hilltop haven in Monte Sereno that showcases their beloved artwork alongside the breathtaking scenery.
SPECIAL SECTION
50 Parade of Homes
Bring this copy of Su Casa with you as you tour 24 beautiful and innovative new homes on the Albuquerque Parade of Homes, April 25–27th, and May 2–4th. Details about each home and builder are included, plus maps and directions.
Fotovan
On the cover: Scott Ashcraft, president of Las Ventanas Homes, and his wife Missy built a dreamy resort-style compound in North Albuquerque Acres. Photograph by Fotovan.
IN EVERY ISSUE
Draw Mother Nature’s master pollinators to your garden with beautiful, colorful flowers. Add a touch of organic warmth to your home with these woven products from flooring to furnishings.
42, 88 Design Studio
Embrace fads and trends to personalize your home. Local designers share how to incorporate these design elements in smart, efficient ways. Inspired by the Santa Fe-area, artist Kate Lindsey, creates whimsically unique art. New lighting trends are beautiful, functional and smart.
92 Vida Buena
Escape to Sun Valley. Yes, it’s a winter hotspot, but spring offers shopping, dining, activities and wineries galore all with a Swiss Alps–style, jaw-dropping backdrop.
96 Su Cocina
Meraki Coffee + Market captures the essence of bright azure waters, crisp white aesthetic and clean, flavorful Mediterranean food famously known throughout Greece.
100 ¡ Salud!
Imbibe with some beautiful and tasty spring cocktails complete with flowers right from your garden.
104 Just Winging Through
Tips from a local expert for attracting a symphony of spring birds to your yard.
106 Su Libro
Hillary Munro inspires us to get outdoors with casual celebrations for any intention in “Alpenglow: Outdoor Celebrations for Every Season.”
Publisher William P. Lang
Publication Director
Cheryl Mitchell
Editor
Heather Shoning
Creative Director B.Y. Cooper
Contributors
Paula M. Bodah
Jessa Cast
Lisa Marie Hart
Heather Hunter
Kate Jonuska
Rebecca Toy
Kastle Waserman
Kristen West
Photographers Fotovan
Daniel Nadelbach
Advertising Manager
Cheryl Mitchell Advertising
Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico Board of Directors
President: JP Rael
First Vice President: Kevin Vautier
Second Vice President: Troy Crutchfield
Immediate Past President: Ashley Lawrence
Associate Vice President: Rita Powers
Secretary/Treasurer: Yvette Klinkmann
Associate-at-Large: Al Baca
Production Builders Council Chair: Joseph Cordero
Sales & Marketing Council Chair: Jolene Montoya
Membership Committee Chair: Andrea Kelley
Green Build Council/Builders Council Chair: Mike Gorenflo
Custom Builder Council Chair: Richard Medina
Parade Chair: Gloria Furru
Builder-at-Large: Adam Romero
Advisory Members: Joe Rogillio, Diana Lucero, Danielle Fleming, Wade Messenger
Honorary Member: Dr. Susan Bogus Halter
Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico Staff
Executive Vice President: Lana Smiddle
Events & Education Director: Jill Krogman
Communication & Membership Specialist: Joseph Moreno
Please direct editorial queries to editor@sucasamagazine.com
Su Casa’s cover and text are printed by Publication Printers in Denver, Colorado.
Welcome to the Spring Issue of Su Casa
In spring, our attention turns to our homes and yards—especially those of us at Su Casa and our local home and design industry. We dream of making beautiful indoor spaces that reflect our aesthetic, plus our attention goes outdoors to pretty gardens and outdoor living spaces.
Perhaps you’re looking for a builder to help shape your spaces into your dream home. Maybe you’re considering moving to a new home that better fits your needs. Either way, the Parade of Homes is your go-to for inspiration and to meet the people behind the businesses that can make your home dreams come true.
This year, we’re delighted to be your guide for visiting 24 homes throughout the Albuquerque metro—including three in Santa Fe—showcasing our local home-building community's creative and quality work. This parade’s Signature Builder, Twilight Luxury Homes, is committed to bringing sophistication, quality and artistry to every custom home it designs and builds. And don’t miss the metro’s new community, Scottish Isle, where builders Abrazo Homes and Richmond American Homes offer 12 floor plans to choose from in this 120-lot community.
This issue features two strikingly different yet both beautiful local homes. One unique Albuquerque home comes from Las Ventanas Homes for its president, Scott Ashcraft, and his wife, Missy. The couple wanted a compound so that the world would be seemingly closed off when they enjoyed their luxurious outdoor spaces. The second, a Santa Fe hilltop home by Praxis Design Build. Together with the homeowners, they conceived of and built a dream home that captures 360-degree views while prioritizing space for the couple’s fine art collection.
Turning our gaze to the yard, we call on you to create a pollinator garden. These creatures are not only beautiful to watch—like butterflies and hummingbirds—but they play a key role in the health of the environment, and they need our help to keep doing it. And some of the beautiful and fragrant flowers you plant for the pollinators come in handy for making the recipes we share for cocktails made with edible flowers—beautiful and refreshing!
There’s so much more in these pages we know you’ll enjoy. And be sure to visit the Parade of Homes—we’ll see you there!
William P. Lang Publisher
Right: High-quality lighting designers are marrying beauty with innovation in today’s options. Read more on page 88.
LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED
Life+Style Southwest
flower power
a colorful garden can make life a little easier for our struggling pollinators
UNLESS YOU LIVE under a rock, you’ve probably heard that butterfly populations, particularly the familiar orange and black monarch, have precipitously declined over the past few decades. Statistics for 2024 show that in the western half of the U.S., the monarch population declined by more than 30 percent from 2023.
But as lovely as they are, butterflies aren’t the only pollinator species struggling. Hummingbirds and bees also face challenges for survival. Loss of habitat through development, the introduction of invasive plant species, climate change and the use of pesticides make it difficult for these tiny but crucial creatures to survive.
The good news is that we can help by making wise choices about what to plant in our gardens.
Jesse Darling, manager at Jericho Nursery in Albuquerque, recommends starting your garden plan with perennial shrubs and trees. “Pollinators like to forage in the same spot, so if you have a place they can rely on, they’ll be happy,” he says.
by Paula M. Bodah
If you have the room, plant a golden rain tree—a low-maintenance, droughtresistant tree that can grow to 30 or 40 feet in height and diameter. Bees love the bright yellow flowers that cover the tree all summer long. Goldenrod, a herbaceous perennial that blooms in late summer and fall, also attracts bees—especially bumblebees.
Dana Ecelberger, coordinator for the nonprofit Bee City Los Alamos, also recommends planting cactus to attract the cactus bee, native to the Southwest, and globemallow to entice a handful of other varieties of bees.
Butterflies adore spirea, a compact, drought-tolerant shrub that sports bright blossoms from mid-spring through summer. If you really want to attract butterflies, plant milkweed. It’s the only plant monarch butterflies lay their eggs on, and the only food monarch caterpillars eat. To lure swallowtails, plant fennel and dill plants. And be sure to add a variety of colorful flowers, whether perennials like penstemon, salvia or black-eyed Susan or annuals such as pansies, zinnias, cosmos or marigolds. Butterflies and hummingbirds alike are attracted to color.
Add a honeysuckle or trumpet vine to your landscaping plan to bring more hummingbirds to your property. The vivid yellow, orange or red flowers attract the little birds, whose long beaks can probe deep inside the trumpetshaped bloom to reach the nectar.
A water feature—a simple bird bath that you keep filled with fresh water, a fountain or a pond—is also helpful to birds and butterflies. Another bright idea: Consider buying and releasing a batch of ladybugs in your garden, Darling suggests. “They don’t compete with the pollinators, but they eat the insects that prey on your plants.”
Avoid spraying chemicals of any kind all season long, and come fall, don’t be in a rush to clean up the garden. Ecelberger counsels letting seedheads and leaves stay on the ground over winter to provide shelter for pollinators. “Don’t rake them up until temperatures have been consistently above 50 degrees for a week or more,” she advises. Whatever you plant, make it colorful from spring through fall. Then sit back and watch the birds, bees and butterflies flock to your yard.
by Heather Shoning
evolution interwoven
rattan and other plant-derived furnishings are keeping up with the times
While rattan furnishings were a staple from the 1950s through the 1970s, they’ve never disappeared. Today’s woven furniture and home decor is decidedly contemporary in aesthetic, plus it’s employing new technologies to make synthetic wovens for indooroutdoor use.
2
3
1. Rug Redux
Blending classic style with a bohemian twist, this handwoven jute area rug adds warmth and character to any space. Crafted in India from jute and wool, each piece is unique. With knotted tassels and a durable, pet-friendly design, it’s perfect for various decor styles, bringing effortless sophistication to your home. Available in multiple shapes and sizes. Werts Handmade Tufted Farmhouse Jute Tasseled Brown Rug, $43–539, wayfair.com
2. Picnic Perfect
Charming for a picnic, this beverage tub blends rustic elegance with functionality. Handwoven rattan and FSCcertified ash wood form a sturdy frame with generous handles, while a galvanized, hand-finished liner holds up to 15 pounds. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, it accommodates a party’s worth of beers, bubbly and other refreshing beverages. Leland Rattan Beverage Tub, $199, crateandbarrel.com
3. Lighting Up
Handwoven rattan and sleek iron accents give this lantern a relaxed, bohoinspired feel with a modern twist. Its soft, diffused light warms any space, creating a cozy ambience. This global-inspired design is perfect for indoors or outside under the portal. It pairs beautifully with flameless pillar candles (sold separately) and is available individually or as a set of three.Wicker Globe Hurricanes, $39–99, westelm.com
4. Take a Seat
Create a relaxed, casual space with this wood and woven bench featuring a sturdy mahogany base in a warm chestnut finish. The tightly woven water hyacinth seat adds an exotic, natural charm, perfect for bringing the outdoors in. It’s ideal for foyer, dining or bedroom use. Or it can easily move to the living room for additional seating for entertaining. Seadrift Handwoven Water Hyacinth Accent Bench, $370, wayfair.com
5. Ahead of the Curve
Inspired by Verner Panton’s 1959 design, the Encinitas chair reimagines the iconic S Chair with weather-resistant synthetic wicker, handwoven in Indonesia. Its airy texture and sculptural cantilever make it a timeless addition to any pool deck, portal or even indoor dining. Crafted over a sturdy welded iron frame, it’s available in black, natural or vintage white.Encinitas Wicker Outdoor Dining Chair, $699, potterybarn.com
6. Get Organized
Streamline tidying your home with this stair-step basket designed to fit your staircase for effortless trips up or down. Handwoven from bankuan seagrass and rattan, it brings casual, textural elegance in natural or black. Made in a Fair Trade Certified–factory, it supports fair labor and community projects. The materials are hypoallergenic and easy to wipe clean with a dry cloth.Woven Stair Basket with Handles, $99, potterybarn.com
a paradise of one’s own
married home industry professionals build an embracing fusion of organic industrial style
by Jessa Cast photographs by Fotovan
The humble napkin has played a critical role in founding many ideas. Reportedly, economist Art Laffer outlined the concept of supply-side economics on a napkin, and Alexander Graham Bell sketched his design for the telephone on one. Just such a napkin, scribbled upon over drinks at Starr Brothers Brewing in Albuquerque, captured the vision that would become Scott and Missy Ashcraft’s new home. This isn’t the first home the couple has built during their 27 years of marriage. Scott Ashcraft, president of Las Ventanas Homes, is a fourth-generation custom home builder in New Mexico. Missy Ashcraft, with Keller Williams Realty, has been a prominent real estate agent in Albuquerque since 2010. Not surprisingly, the two have seen and studied innumerable homes and built a few for themselves.
Ashcraft was having a beer with residential designer Mike Cabber when he sketched his idea on a cocktail napkin, describing what he and his wife wanted for their future home. “I said, ‘Here’s the shape
The Ashcraft’s selected Wall Theory’s board-formed concrete panels—made from real concrete—to add texture and an industrial look to the fireplace, among other spaces both inside and outside the home.
Black-framed floor-to-ceiling windows match the office barn door and wine corner, providing a relaxing view of the green landscape beyond.
I want. You can fill in the details.’ I drew the basic shape and turned it over to him from there,” he says.
The shape Ashcraft described was of a ring of structures around a central point. “I said, ‘When I’m in my backyard, I want to feel like I’m in my own little compound. I don’t just want a wall around my backyard.’” This is the second personal home Cabber has designed for the Ashcrafts, and he’s done others for Las Ventanas’ clients. “He just does a great job,” he adds.
The one-acre site lies in a gated community in North Albuquerque Acres. Exemplifying that compound-style design, the Ashcrafts don’t have a backyard so much as a resort-style courtyard with a striking turf and concrete lattice design framing the pool surrounded by a 3,400-square-foot home, a cabana and a multi-purpose building.
Stepping in the front door, the open floor plan provides a clear visual of three design elements that cue the Ashcrafts’ aesthetic, which Scott Ashcraft dubs “organic modern industrial.” White
oak floors underline the “organic” aspect, and wooden box beams finished with the appearance of steel highlight the “modern” flavor. At the same time, an eye-catching brick wall showcases the “industrial” facet, and all of these materials flow seamlessly throughout the design, creating continuity from one space to the next.
The brick wall creates a cohesive backdrop connecting the kitchen and living room. Though it seems convincingly like timeworn, reclaimed material, it’s a veneer of new brick tumbled for an aged look. Similarly, board-formed concrete panels, which are heat resistant and waterproof, frame the fireplace wall which is finished with a stained white oak mantel. The intricate concrete panels repeat in a bathroom, on the front wall of the home and the hot tub enclosure outdoors.
In the adjacent kitchen, sleek Thermador appliances and minimally visible storage allow the brick wall to show uninterrupted. More storage is hidden around the corner in the pantry, complete with an Elkay water filling station and a Miele coffee maker. The Ashcrafts utilized black Venetian plaster on the range hood, purposefully suggestive of industrial zinc. Their favorite part of the 13-foot-long island is how the seating is focused around its corner rather than in a line on just one side. “I think it’s perfect because it’s so much more conducive to conversation,” Missy Ashcraft says. Three metal pendant lights and the steel-framed glass barn door and wine corner across from the kitchen add a vintage factory aesthetic.
The wood floors, squared from the entry, flow in a single direction, even into the angled portion of the house. This means when that line enters the primary bedroom, the boards are angled to the room, presenting a satisfying visual juxtaposition to the oak tambour treatment on the felt-backed acoustic wall behind the homeowner’s bed.
Rich, heavily grained wood vanities and a wooden beaded chandelier bring warmth to the primary bathroom. The palette of browns, creamy white, black and gold comes together in the striking oversized marble-look tile covering three walls, floor-to-ceiling.
Moody gray Sherwin Williams paint color sets the backdrop in the powder room, creating a linear juxtaposition that harkens back to other areas in the home. Here, the floorboards are square to the room's
The powder room vanity is heavily reinforced to hold the quartz countertop and a synthetic sink that looks like carved wood—a combined weight of about 400 pounds.
The cabana is mindfully designed not to block the enchanting views on either side of the brick fireplace and TV wall.
An overhead view shows the embracing effect of the site’s compound-style layout. No matter where you stand, the view is engaging and tranquil.
entrance, while wall tile crafted to mimic charred wood runs at a slant. On the other hand, the two en suite guest bathrooms are bright and airy, employing matching materials except on one accent wall; one flaunts oversized subway tile in glossy white, while the other bears a more subdued shiplap effect using the board-formed concrete panels.
The home is Build Green NM gold level–certified, wired for solar and employs an intricate all-electric mini split heating and cooling system that allows every room to be individually temperature controlled for maximum efficiency.
Subtle in its elegance and functionality, the 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home shines. But it’s the rest of the compound that’s sure to make guests long to overstay their welcome. The 1,000-square-foot multi-purpose structure includes a deckedout pool house and bar, a gym, an RV garage, and a secondstory guest apartment with a laundry room and a kitchenette. The design and finishes mimic that of the main home with its
industrial yet organic and totally livable feel.
Perfect for parties, the pool house features a live-edge wood pass-through bar with a foldaway window, outside bar seating, an overhead door opening to the yard, beverage refrigerators and a television. It’s equally great for summer entertaining or watching football games indoors during the winter. Because this section of the property slopes downward, the Ashcrafts utilized seven feet below grade to build the second story within the neighborhood’s 26-foot height restriction, and the RV garage serves as a retaining wall as well.
Like the famous historical napkin sketches, the Ashcrafts’ napkin is nowhere to be found now. But they have the story and a beautifully tailored home. “The house really speaks for itself,” Cabber says. “It’s not extravagant, but it has everything it needs. We didn’t put things into that house just so we could do it. Everything we put in the house has a purpose, and those are always fun.”
BringWallsYour to Life
Home Builder/Interior Design Las Ventanas Homes lasventanasnm.com
Front Door/Sliding Window Wall/ Windows Pella Windows & Doors SW pellaofalbuquerque.com
Metal Fabrication Say Ironworks, Inc.
Landscaping/Water Features AccessAbility Design & Construction LLC
Lighting Bright Ideas, Inc. lightingfordesign.com
Pool Design/Build Lee-Sure Pools, Inc. leesurepools.com
Dream Home!
to trend or not to trend? finding balance with new
and classic interior designs
WHO COULD FORGET wall-to-wall bathroom carpets, neon signs or even the curious inflatable furniture fad from the ’90s?
Interior design fads and trends can spark excitement and pizzazz in the design world, but sometimes their mere existence several years or even months later can produce a dull regret. So, how do we indulge in the trends that bring us joy without compromising the integrity of our home's overall design?
John Hare, owner and principal designer at V&R Interiors in New Mexico and Core Design in Texas, says the key is blending the more individualistic or trendy elements with timeless styles. “Start with the overall vibe in which you want to live,” Hare says. Then, it’s all about using removable trends to accent and layer among the more classic design elements.
Overall, it’s essential to have fun with your style and add personal touches that make your home uniquely yours. “Be brave and mix up the styles with some congruity that is sympathetic to one another,” Moses Zabec, president and principal designer at Moses Design Group, says. “You don’t want it to be boring. It’s livable because it’s for you, not a showroom.”
Form should always follow function, especially when it comes to furniture, Zabec says. “Those little curvilinear sofas that look like a kidney with no arms low to the floor … They look really awesome from a design standpoint. Not functional at all,” he says.
Instead, Zabec suggests bucking that trend by choosing something that strikes an informal balance. Formal balance, he explains, is the outdated matching furniture sets. In contrast, informal balance is incorporating a comfy sofa and a chair with interesting fabric and then pairing it with two ottomans for extra seating. Classic design elements include things
by Kristen West
Wendy McEahern
V&R Interiors' designers layered colorful elements and on-trend lighting in this home by Woods Design Builders for personality and spark that highlights the foundational elements of the architecture and furnishings.
Although this backsplash tile is a traditional material, the contemporary design adds a hint of surprise to the overall traditional design.
like neutral colors and wood tones, hardwood floors, statement windows, simple tile, stone countertops, leather sofas, books, neutral rugs, clean lines, and functional storage and furnishings. “Neutral color palettes allow for flexibility in decor choices that can easily adapt to changing styles,” Hare says. “Even if one piece in the room is the statement piece around which all else revolves, each space should have a blend of the old and new.”
Unique lighting can also spruce up any room. Hare says statement lighting currently is all the rage. “A small corner in a room can be enlivened to showcase personal belongings and art in ways that weren’t possible before the invention of the LED and tape lighting,” he says.
Other trends that local designers are seeing are wet rooms, ’70s-style decor and furnishings, wallpaper, and archways. Less is more with the archways, though, Zabec warns.
In the kitchen, it’s better to stick with neutral cabinet colors and timeless countertop materials like quartz and marble. Jazz it up with hexagonal or diamond backsplash tiles, trending hardware, or striking pendant lights.
If you do long to “go bold or go home,” select a small space. Powder rooms are often a designer’s delight because they can go all out in a small space like this—and homeowners love it, too.
Possibly the easiest way to harness a fad without compromising your overall design is through color. Select throw pillows, wall art, eclectic accessories and paint in today’s hottest color. They can all be easily replaced when the color loses its appeal—like the now-redundant gray color scheme,
which is a big win for designers. Zabec drives home the point: “When I would walk into a house, and the client would say, ‘Can we just do it in gray?’ I’d say, ‘Sure, but God did give us a lot of colors. Wouldn’t you like to use one of those?’”
Fad or fashionable, experts agree that decorating your home with what you love and want to look at every day is key. It’s how you implement that will determine how easily or how costly it might be to change your mind, which is how a designer can guide you to the perfect blend of trendy and timeless.
Courtesy Moses Design Group
artist Kate Lindsey finds home and inspiration in Santa Fe moved to create
WE’RE NOT ALWAYS BORN in the place where we belong. That was the case for artist Kate Lindsey. Growing up in Arkansas, she knew she was destined to be an artist when a painting she did at the age of four was selected for a juried art show.
“I was in kindergarten, and they picked one of my little paintings from my class, and it was in this big show,” she says. “I remember being at the opening and seeing my picture hanging on the wall.”
As she grew up, Lindsey's desire to be an artist persisted, but her parents had concerns about how she'd make a living and didn’t want her to go far from home for college. “I didn’t have many options. I ended up going to the University of Central Arkansas, about thirty miles from where I grew up,” she says. “That was as far as I could get. I graduated with a degree in studio fine arts.”
She says she dabbled in clay, printmaking and various mediums. She was determined to make it as an artist, working on her own pieces while holding down jobs in arts-related professions such as graphic design and photography. But it wasn’t until she decided to take a vacation that her true fate would be determined.
“In 2007, I got the opportunity to take my first vacation by myself. I went to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and I just fell in love. It felt like I belonged,” she says. It took another eight years for Lindsey to relocate, waiting until 2015 after her son went away for college and her parents passed on.
She moved to the outskirts of Santa Fe, where she could see the mountains, wildlife and big sky, which inspired her artwork of whimsical, colorful landscapes with animals covered in a tapestry of botanicals trotting carefree across the canvas. Her current style came about after
"Portrait of Missy"
a coyote inspired her to cut loose.
“I named her Missy, and this coyote made her rounds through my yard every morning,” Lindsey says. “I decided that I would just play and paint her as something fun just for me. It turned out so cool that I had to show it off. I posted it on Instagram, and everyone loved it, so I kept going. It just feels natural with this happy kind of style.”
Lindsey says while she has worked primarily in acrylic and mixed-media painting as well as photography, health issues over the past few years— including back surgery, a bout with cancer and a broken foot—left her without the stamina to stand for long periods. So, she took up painting on an iPad, opening up a new world.
“I can use different brushes that simulate oil paint, pastel, charcoal— any kind of medium you can imagine. I can mix different mediums together or combine my photography with the painting,” she says. “It’s so much fun. I feel like I’m more expressive and spontaneous with it.” She then sends the work to a local printer that makes archival prints on heavyweight fine art paper, plus a Colorado printer that prints and ships her work.
Lindsey says no matter what medium she uses, she loves being an artist and having the ability to express herself: “There are so many feelings I can’t express with words that I feel I can express with painting. And if someone else sees it and either gets that same feeling or other feelings from it, I feel I’ve done a good job.”
See more of Kate Lindsey’s art at klindsey.com
Mark Berndt
Kate Lindsey
Elevating every moment.
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PARADE COMMITTEE
Residential Retreat
A new enclave in Rio Rancho caters to all types of buyers
By Heather Shoning
Tucked away in the heart of the rapidly expanding Broadmoor corridor in Rio Rancho, Scottish Isle is a thriving new community offering the perfect blend of affordability, convenience and modern living. Strategically positioned just 25 minutes from downtown Albuquerque, the community provides easy access to shopping centers, restaurants and essential services such as medical facilities and top-rated schools while ensuring a perfect balance of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility.
Designed to cater to individuals and families at every stage of life, this 120-lot community provides a range of high-quality homes with thoughtful floor plans and energyefficient features, making it an ideal choice for prospective homeowners in Rio Rancho. The community is split evenly between local builder Abrazo Homes and national builder Richmond American Homes, offering a diverse mix of architectural styles to enhance the neighborhood’s charm and character.
Abrazo Homes is offering seven floor plans ranging from three to six bedrooms and 1,406 to 3,244 square
feet. Two floors plans are uniquely designed for multigenerational living with two primary en suites on the main floor. “All of our floor plans have structural options to tailor the home to each buyer’s needs and wants, from modified bathroom layouts to additional rooms and bathrooms, expanded patios, and more,” says Sheena Ramos, the company’s marketing director.
Buyers get peace of mind with an Abrazo home. The company prides itself on its “Abrazo Intelligence,” which is powered by RIoT Technology, an emerging technology in the home building industry. It monitors indoor air quality, leak detection in the home for minor leaks, plus has a shut-off valve to the home to prevent catastrophic leaks. It also includes EV charging pre-wiring and smart home technology to control lights, the thermostat, locking and unlocking the front door, and more from the convenience of your phone.
Courtesy Abrazo Homes
Richmond American Homes offers five distinct
Jane by Abrazo Homes
Signature Community
floor plans in this community ranging from a cozy 1,700-square-foot single-story home to a spacious 3,000-square-foot twostory design, including a mix of three to five bedrooms and up to three-anda-half bathrooms, allowing for flexible configurations such as additional guest suites or loft conversions to accommodate growing families.
All Richmond American Homes in the community meet Build Green New Mexico standards and are Energy Star 3.2 certified, ensuring long-term sustainability and costeffective utility savings. Features such as shingled roofs, tankless water heaters, R-23 wall insulation and R-49 ceiling insulation contribute to the homes’ efficiency, making them an attractive option for buyers seeking both comfort and sustainability.
Despite the community’s intimate size, Scottish Isle boasts a well-designed layout that promotes an open, community-focused atmosphere. The neighborhood includes ample open spaces and an abundance of
Elderberry by Richmond American Homes
Amolite by Richmond American Homes
Courtesy Richmond American Homes
Scottish Isle RIO RANCHO
perimeter lots that offer enhanced privacy, many with scenic views of the Sandia Mountains. The looped street pattern further enhances its residential appeal, fostering safety and an inviting environment for residents to enjoy.
Scottish Isle homes are designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. Variations include garage door styles, window designs, stone accents and gable features, ensuring the neighborhood maintains a diverse and inviting streetscape. Additionally, the homes’ top-notch finishes include solid surface countertops, ceramic tile, complete appliance packages and more.
“We have a really good mix of homes between the two builders that makes the community very attractive,” says Ashley Lawrence, director of purchasing for Richmond American Homes’ New Mexico division. Both builders provide plenty of speculative inventory for buyers to choose from, with Abrazo Homes reserving 25 percent or more of its lots for ground-up construction, creating a balanced collaboration within the community.
With this thoughtfully designed community, its variety of floor plans, and the commitment of both builders to energy-efficient living, Scottish Isle is set to become a sought-after destination in Rio Rancho.
Abrazo Homes, abrazohomes.com
Richmond American Homes, richmondamerican.com
From the Big I, head north on I-25 and exit at 232 for NM 423 west/Paseo del Norte Blvd. NE. Turn right on Unser Blvd NW., right on Northern Blvd. NE. Then left on Broadmoor Blvd. and left on Cardiff Ave. Make a right on Edinburgh St. and right on Hedingham Ave. Turn left on Seaforth Circle.
Jane by Abrazo Homes
Courtesy Abrazo Homes
peggy@peggywheelerteam.com
Jennifer
505.489.4936 jgraham6190@gmail.com
Stephanie
505.385.4283 stephwalter@msn.com
505.269.1505 dee@deerealtor.com Carmenza
Building Dream Homes
Twilight Luxury Homes caters to sophisticated buyers looking for a one-of-a-kind residence
By Heather Shoning
n the competitive world of custom home builders, Twilight Luxury Homes stands apart by blending expertise, craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. Established nearly 12 years ago, Twilight Luxury Homes originated from a desire to cater to clients seeking fully customized, high-end residences. As demand for bespoke homes increased, Twilight Homes, which has been building in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe and Rio Rancho since 2003, adapted by developing a division dedicated exclusively to luxury builds. It has steadily grown under the leadership of Dan Mallak, luxury division president, and Pauline Hansen, luxury homes sales specialist. With a deep understanding of high-end homebuyers’ needs, the team has successfully built and designed residences that redefine elegance and functionality.
“Our ultimate goal is to build the home the client wants for themselves and their families, to perfectly complement their lifestyle,” Mallak says. “We feel it is our responsibility to listen to our clients and use our expertise to design and build the perfect home for their needs and desires.”
The division started with just five homes, but today,
Daniel Nadelbach
it builds an average of 15 luxury homes annually. Its commitment to personalizing every project, plus providing clients with a home-building experience that is seamless and enjoyable, fuels the company’s growth.
From the initial consultation to the final walk-through, Twilight Luxury Homes ensures that every client receives dedicated support by managing every aspect of the building process, including permitting, engineering and inspections. Hansen, who works closely with clients throughout the process, emphasizes the importance of guidance in such a significant investment. “We take the stress out of building a home,” she says. “Our in-house designer, Melanie Pizzonia, is with our clients at every appointment. This level of support ensures our clients never feel overwhelmed.”
Customization is a cornerstone of Twilight Luxury Homes’ approach. Clients can select from existing floor plans, modify them to fit their needs or work with an architect to create a fully bespoke design. The company also leverages its vast construction experience and buying power to
Signature Builder
offer cost efficiencies that smaller independent builders struggle to match. “Our price per square foot is a better value than most builders because of our affiliation with Twilight Homes, one of New Mexico’s largest builders,” Hansen says. “Yet, we operate separately to maintain the high standards of a luxury build.”
Twilight Luxury Homes prides itself on delivering residences that stand out in quality and attention to detail. Clients choose finishes to match their style and budget. Whether it’s high-end tile flooring, custom cabinetry or premium countertops, Twilight Luxury Homes ensures that every home reflects the homeowner’s vision. “When you walk into one of our luxury homes, you can just tell the difference,” Mallak says. “The craftsmanship and level of detail speak for themselves.”
The company has a strong reputation in some of the most desirable communities, including Las Campanas, Paako Ridge, Prado, The North Valley, Tanoan and Mariposa Estates. Having built homes in these exclusive locations with high expectations allows the company to navigate the process efficiently, ensuring
Daniel Nadelbach
Daniel Nadelbach
clients don’t face unnecessary delays.
Twilight Luxury Homes focuses on building lasting relationships with clients. Its dedication to service extends beyond the closing date with its 10-year structural warranty. “Each home we build improves the lives of those we build for, the lives of our team, trade partners and the communities in which we build, for today and for future generations to come,” Hansen says. This mission statement drives every project, ensuring that clients feel supported and valued throughout the process.
This dedication is personal for Mallak and the entire Twilight Luxury Homes team. “When you care, you do everything within your power to meet a client’s expectations,” he says. “Our team interacts with clients regularly, addressing concerns and making adjustments as needed. The passion we have for building dream homes is what sets us apart.”
Twilight Luxury Homes twilightluxuryhomes.com
Signature Builder
Daniel Nadelbach Fotovan
From the Big I head north on I-25. Take exit 228 and head right on the ramp for Pan American Fwy. NE. toward Montaño Rd. NE/Montgomery Blvd. NE. Turn left onto Montaño Rd. NE. Turn right on Edith Blvd. NE. Head north to Lavender Pl. and turn right. The home is on your right.
This exceptional modern one-story home is the first in a 17-lot gated neighborhood by Las Ventanas Homes in Albuquerque’s North Valley. The property boasts an open layout and blends Green Build efficiency with warm, sophisticated, modern finishes. This model home is your starting point to a smaller, sustainable brand-new home in a fantastic valley location.
(base price) $675,000 (base price + all upgrades)
Ashcraft (505) 362-6823 missy@missyashcraft.com
From the Big I take I-25 north to Paseo del Norte Blvd. NE westbound. Exit south (left) on 2nd St. Turn west (right) on Osuna Road to 4th St. Turn south (left) on 4th St. to Camino Espanol (just past the Fruit Basket). Turn west (right) on Camino Espanol NW. Just past the Spanish Walk subdivision on your left take a left onto the cul-de-sac to the Parade home.
Introducing the AlbuqUrban 2390, where 2,390 square feet of smart, flexible living space await—perfect for modern families or anyone who enjoys the perks
“front porch
with a side of New Mexico sunsets. Inside, the open-concept layout practically begs for gatherings, with the kitchen, dining and living areas flowing together like a dream.
(base price + upgrades)
Rael (505) 463-4305
jp@thewestway.com thewestway.com
From the Big I, take I-25 south to Rio Bravo Blvd. SW. Turn left (east) on Rio Bravo Blvd. SW to University Blvd. SE. Turn right (south) on University Blvd. SE to Strand Loop SE. Turn right on Strand Loop SE to DeKooning Ave SE. The home is on the corner of Strand Loop SE and DeKooning Ave. SE.
Call
From the Big I, take I-25 south to the Rio Bravo Blvd. SW exit. Turn left (east) on Rio Bravo Blvd. SW to University Blvd. SE. Turn right on University Blvd. SE. Take University Blvd. SE to the second Bobby Foster Rd. intersection and turn right. Turn left at Sagan Loop. Take Sagan Loop to the roundabout with Dekooning Ave. SE and turn right at the first exit. Turn left on Diebenkorn Dr. It will be the second home on the left.
(505)
From the Big I, take I-25 north to exit 228 Montgomery Blvd. NE/Montaño Rd. NE. Merge onto Pan American Fwy. NE. and turn right onto Montgomery Blvd. NE. Turn right onto Wyoming Blvd. NE. Then turn right onto La Mirada Pl. NE. Turn right onto Wymont Cr. NE. The home will be on your right. Enjoy
From the Big I take I-25 north to exit 232/NM 423 onto Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NE. Head east on Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NE and turn right onto Holbrook St. NE. Take the first left, then turn right into the gated community of Palomas Meadow. After entering the gate, make your first left. The home is located at the end of Blue Dove Pl. on the west side.
the Big I, head east and take Exit 178 toward Zuzax, then follow NM-333 E, turn right at Sedillo Rd, turn right at Avenida Allegre, and turn left onto Nature Pointe Dr; the home is 0.9 miles ahead at 55 Nature Pointe Dr.
This modern mountain home is situated on two wooded acres in the gated community of Nature Pointe. An open-concept kitchen, living area and dining space with triple sliding doors provide seam-
This stunning contemporary Southwestern home boasts breathtaking 360-degree mountain views. The must-see mantel feature and tongue-andgroove ceilings enhance the great room’s charm.
Modern finishes, beautiful cabinets, mosaic tile entry and a dream garage blend seamlessly with Southwestern style. The exterior fireplace creates a cozy outdoor entertaining space.
From the Big I take I-40 east to exit 175 toward NM 14/Cedar Crest. Merge onto NM 333/US Route 66. NM 333 turns slightly left and becomes NM 14 north. Continue for 11 miles then turn left onto Turquoise Dr. then turn right onto Turquoise Ct.
The Carrisa floor plan offers luxury and style with a vaulted foyer, a den with a wet bar and a chef’s kitchen featuring a waterfall white quartz island and twilight cabinets with crown
molding. Enjoy a loft and game room with a balcony, a bay-windowed owner’s suite and decorative features throughout.
(505)
From the Big I, take I-25 north. Exit left onto Paseo del Norte Blvd. NE. Turn left on Kimmick Dr. NE. Turn right on Rosa Parks Rd. NW. Turn right on Twain Way NW, and make an immediate left on Tolkien Lane NW. The home is on your left.
(505)
From the Big I take I-25 north to Bernalillo. Take Exit 242 onto HWY 550 west toward Rio Rancho. Proceed on HWY 550 and stay right for 3 miles. Turn left on NM 347/Paseo del Volcan NE. Continue for 6.1 miles. Turn left onto Broadmoor Blvd. NE. Drive for 1.4 miles and turn right onto Leeds Castle Ave. NE. The home is on the right.
From the Big I, take I-25 north. Exit 242 onto HWY 550 west. Travel west to
Loop Rd., towards Unser Blvd. NW. Turn right on Mariposa Pkwy. Turn left on Redondo Sierra Vista NE. Turn left on Blue Grama Dr. NE and right on Desert Zinnia Rd. NE. The home will be on your right.
4101 Emerson Drive NE Lomas Encantadas
This sophisticated single-level residence seamlessly blends smart home technology with an openconcept design. The chef-inspired kitchen flows effortlessly into expansive living spaces, adorned with elegant wood-look tile.The luxurious primary suite serves as a tranquil retreat, while a dedicated laundry room enhances convenience, perfect for both relaxation and entertaining.
From the Big I, take 1-25 north. Exit 242 onto HWY 550 west toward Rio Rancho. Turn left onto HWY 528. Turn right onto Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE. Turn left onto Lincoln Ave. NE, then right onto Camino Encantadas NE. Take a left onto Zachary Dr. NE, then a right onto Emerson Dr. NE.
Welcome to the Chamisa—a stunning single-story, 2,821-square-foot home that’s big on space and style. With 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a 4-car garage, this multi-generational home is designed for those who like to spread out and live large. Whether you’ve got a bustling household or just enjoy having extra room, the Chamisa delivers.
From the Big I, take I-25 North to exit 242 onto HWY 550 west. Travel west on HWY 550 to Chayote Rd. NE and turn left. Go south on Chayote Rd. NE to Kennard Rd. NE. Turn right on Kennard Rd. NE to the address.
Stacy Fusilier (505) 896-9008
sfusilier@amreston.com amreston.com
From the Big I, take I-25 North. Take exit 242 onto HWY 550 west toward Rio Rancho. Turn left onto HWY 528. Turn right onto Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE then left on Lincoln Ave. NE. Turn right onto Camino Encantadas then right at Zachary Rd. NE. The home will be the first on the right. Indulge in the “Sandia,” an exquisite ranch-style home, where luxurious living meets effortless entertaining. An open floor plan seamlessly connects living spaces, while an oversized owner’s suite offers a
From the Big I, take I-25 North. Take exit 242 onto HWY 550 west toward Rio Rancho. Turn left onto HWY 528. Turn right onto Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE then left on Lincoln Ave. NE. Turn right onto Camino Encantadas NE then left at Zachary Rd. NE. Turn right on Sydney Drive NE. The home will on the right.
Paul and Brenda Kenderdine designed and built this home featuring unlimited views and vistas with soaring overhangs and perfect lines. The open floor plan flows with sophisticated,
contemporary finishes. Indoor spaces seamlessly lead to incredible outdoor spaces. It is exactly what you would expect, and so much more from a Kenderdine designed and built home.
Paul Kenderdine (505) 867-1765 pwki.llc@gmail.com pwki.com
From the Big I, take I-25 north to exit 242 Bernalillo/Placitas. Turn right and proceed east on NM 165 for approximately 1.5 miles, turn left on Trails Rd. E. Go to Anasazi Trails Loop and turn left. Follow the loop around to Wide Ruin Ln. Turn left on Wide Ruin Ln. and go to Wide Ruin Ct. and turn right. The home is at the NE corner of the cul-de-sac.
Desmontes.
left at
slowly up the
to the
Parklane
offers a spacious, open floor plan with a private den, 3-car tandem garage and stylish upgrades. Features include a waterfall-edge granite island, bay window, interior fireplace and sliding glass doors for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The landscaped yard boasts
From the Big I take I-25 north and head towards Santa Fe. Stay on I-25 north for approximately 56 miles then take exit 276 for NM 599. Turn right on NM 599, then turn left on HWY 14. Turn right on Avenida Colibri then right on Firecrown Ln. The home is on the right.
The
by Pulte Homes
Modern
near
Blair Bidwell-Duran (505) 226-0102
blair@abrazohomes.com
From the Big I take I-25 north and head towards Santa Fe. Stay on I-25 north for approximately 56 miles then take exit 276 for NM 599.Turn left on NM 599. Follow NM 599 to Ridgetop Rd. exit. At the stop sign, turn right onto S. Ridgetop Rd. and then turn left onto Camino Francisca. At the stop sign continue straight onto Avenida Rincon. Enter the Zocalo community, take a left after the median onto Avenida Rincon.Turn right onto Avenida Vera Cruz and take an immediate right again. Destination is on the far south side (end unit).
the art of the view
a hilltop haven in Monte Sereno showcases beloved artwork alongside the breathtaking scenery
by Lisa Marie Hart photographs
by
Daniel Nadelbach
Perhaps it was a special kind of New Mexico kismet, one that ensures you get the home you were meant to have all along. A husband and wife, who had built another Santa Fe home in the early aughts, agreed they wouldn’t take on another residence from the ground up, even when they couldn’t find an existing home they loved. However, that plan changed after meeting builder Gabriel Browne and project manager Fernando Garcia of Praxis Design Build while touring a spectacular contemporary home for sale that the firm had built. For their needs, however, it fell one bedroom short.
Initial conversations between the four progressed from “maybe we can add a guest wing” to creative brainstorming that paved a cost-effective path for constructing their vision on a lot of their choice. Praxis even helped them select a dramatic hilltop site in the Monte Sereno area just north of Santa Fe. “Being at the top of this ridge allowed us to let the home spread out and celebrate the views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains,” Garcia says.
Through a highly personal and interactive process combining regular meetings with an evolving three-dimensional model, Browne and Garcia achieved the perfect balance of the husband’s desire for gallery-style white walls to showcase their art collection and the wife’s desire to savor the elevated,
Artwork above the gas fireplace hides a recession box for a television in case the owners change their minds and want to install one down the road. Large floor-to-ceiling windows infuse the open-plan interior with a powerful relationship to the outdoors. Functioning clerestory windows above provide cross ventilation.
panoramic views through abundant floor-toceiling glass.
“A lot of the design process, led by Fernando, was done while we were living in Italy, so the video calls worked very well,” the husband says —a testament to the level of trust established from day one. Browne and Garcia were the couple’s eyes on-site and boots on the ground when they couldn’t be there.
The firm’s signature 3D model provides an incredibly detailed communication tool for feedback, enabling clients to get so familiar with the layout and the finishes that they ideally feel as if they have been “living” in the house for six months before breaking ground, Browne explains. “We really get to know them, and the house is the result of everybody thinking about it and contributing to it.”
A bonus of the hilltop locale was Garcia’s incorporation of a long, graceful, S-shaped driveway that infuses a sense of anticipation along the way. Steel planters add aesthetic appeal as the suspense grows and the house eases into view. That initial glint of steel introduces an impactful
modern palette of glass, wood and concrete flooring.
The couple asked for a home that would encourage indooroutdoor living and stand the test of style and time. The design accomplishes this with architectural influences spanning the modernist movements of the 1940s through the 1960s and the historic stucco structures of Spain and North Africa.
The minimalist intention begins in the inviting entry courtyard. The use of xeriscape lets the sandstone cliffs to the north come into focus, enjoyed from a serene sitting area protected from sun and wind. The substantial pivoting entry door opens to the fireplace—and the first big look at the Sangre
de Cristos. The home’s enviable views become “the gift that you give your guests,” as Browne likes to say. The couple affirms their guests are absolutely “awestruck” by the close feeling of this classic range, encountered throughout the home.
Praxis perfected a form of clean, straightforward “white box architecture.” The walls of the central open-plan living area almost recede into the background so the artwork and views can step forward. Two significant pieces of the owner’s artwork factored into the early planning stages. Both hang today just where they hung in the 3D model, illustrating the firm’s attention to detail. A gas fireplace warms the room on chilly
Nestled in an angled corner between the kitchen and the gallery hallway, the bold red bar takes its color cue from the wine collection it stores.
mornings, while a pair of chairs swivel to catch the sunrise.
In the dining area, over the midcentury wood dining table, a wafer-thin chandelier is an artful example of the minimalist, Italian-inspired lighting choices that preserve the open-concept flow and views.
The spacious kitchen, designed for entertaining, can handle two cooks with room to spare, particularly around the Blue Tahoe quartzite–topped island with its own prep sink and waterfall edge. Open steel shelving displays several art pieces while lightening the look.
“We felt that we needed a shot of color somewhere,” the
husband says, “so we adopted this red.” The bold hue pours like a full-bodied Italian nebbiolo against the cool whites and grays, cleverly housing an appliance garage and then wrapping around the corner to host a somewhat clandestine wine bar.
The guest suite, concealed behind a pocket door, connects to the main living spaces via a striking gallery hallway—the husband’s favorite part of the home. It accommodates smaller-scale artwork with a library tucked below. Situating the primary suite on the opposite side of the home ensured a gracious sense of privacy. The primary bathroom’s outdoor shower refreshes with vacation-style luxury through the spring and summer months.
While the freestanding tub welcomes warm winter baths, a private outdoor shower—the owners hadn’t initially planned to include—lets them soak up the warm Santa Fe sunshine.
Because the homeowners sought to eschew a TV in the home’s living room in favor of art, the casita not only serves as guest quarters but also as a cozy TV lounge. The detached space has a kitchenette, a sleeping area and an office. And, like the main home, beautiful views hold court. Outside, traditional wood ceilings line the cantilevered portal. “We like the large expanse without visible columns,” Garcia says. “Nothing stands between you and the views.”
The couple says the house wouldn’t be the same without the firm’s extraordinary attention to detail and thoughtfulness toward their lifestyle and preferences. The aesthetic lack of trim, the large pantry with a window and eastern views, the radiant heat in the flooring that extends behind the tile of the primary shower wall to keep them toasty, right down to a place for their Christmas tree (yes, that stunning corner window in the living room, of course) all add up to why the rewards of building again far outweighed the effort.
“It’s one thing to stand on an empty lot and say, ‘Oh, these views are great,’ but how the design frames them is so beautiful,” the wife effuses of the wish at the top of her list. “It’s like being in a tree house up here,” she adds. “We have three hundred and sixty degree–views, and that’s part of the art.”
Measuring 35 feet wide by 14 feet deep, a generous portal shelters a conversation area adjacent to the outdoor barbeque under a pergola that is supported by a massive steel beam that runs through the home.
resources
Architecture/Home Builder
Praxis Design Build
praxisdesignbuild.com
Appliances
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
Audio/Visual System/Smart Home
Whitney Bacon
Bathroom Fixtures
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
Santa Fe By Design
Cabinetry
Sierra Woods Cabinets
Countertops
La Piedra Granite LLC
Custom Painting
Expert Painting
Fireplaces
The Firebird
Flooring
Eagle Concrete Construction & Excavation
Front Door/Sliding Window Wall/Windows
Architectural Windows & Doors
Metal Fabrication/Water Feature
Praxis Design Build praxisdesignbuild.com
Interior Doors
Pat’s Doors
Kitchen Sink/Fixtures
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
Landscaping
YaneZtone LLC
Lighting
La Luz Lighting
Tile (Accent)
Arizona Tile
Statements in Tile
J.D. Tile (installation)
by Paula M. Bodah
let there be light
the latest interior lighting trends are beautiful, functional and smart
THE WORLD OF LIGHTING DESIGN is in a state of continual innovation, and in 2025, there’s a special emphasis on marrying form and function with style, sustainability and the latest technology.
Make a statement in your home with a funky, modern chandelier, an interesting way to increase ambient lighting or create a dramatic effect in an otherwise dark space. No matter which—or all—you choose, creating a custom lighting plan for your home has never been easier
Oversized chandeliers, sculptural pendants and unique floor lamps offer task-oriented lighting and can be striking statement pieces, adding personality and visual interest to a room. Materials with an organic, natural feel bring warmth to the home, and
lighting designers are making fixtures made of or incorporating travertine, marble, alabaster, linen and wood as well as woven bamboo, rattan or rope. There’s an increasing emphasis on sustainability in lighting, focusing on eco-friendly materials, including using recycled products and designs that minimize environmental impact. It also includes energy-efficient technologies such as LED.
Tape lights, sometimes called ribbon or rope lights, have long been used for under-cabinet lighting, but the strands of low-voltage LED bulbs are remarkably versatile. In the kitchen, they can be installed around the island’s base for soft up light and under the seating overhang for a glowing ambience. Tucked in a glass-front cabinet, they
illuminate pretty glassware. Picture them hidden in the edges of a dining room’s tray ceiling, casting a warm glow over your next dinner party. The options are nearly limitless. “I’ve seen them inserted in a kitchen backsplash and a shower niche or shelf,” says Arielle Cofer of Bright Ideas, Inc., in Albuquerque. In new construction, especially in contemporary-style homes, builders and designers are creating custom walls with channels designed to hold tape lighting. “It’s an architectural feature that’s also functional,” she explains.
Necessity is, indeed, the mother of invention, and it was restaurateurs’ need for table lamps that don’t require outlets that led to a wealth of rechargeable, cordless, portable lights. These compact fixtures can act as task lighting on a desk or a reading table or enhance your home’s overall ambiance. They come in traditional and modern styles, and most are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. While programmable lighting has been around for a while, systems just keep getting smarter. LEDs are exceptionally versatile, lending themselves to almost infinite options for custom settings. Set them to change from cool to warm white, from amber to any color of the rainbow to
Courtesy Bright Ideas, Inc.
suit your mood or the occasion.
Beyond creating a personalized atmosphere, smart systems can make the home a safer place. Set tape lights along a hallway’s baseboard and program them to sense motion so that when someone gets out of bed, they automatically come on to illuminate the path to the bathroom. You can set smart lighting systems to your location and program them to follow sunrise and sunset to turn off and on using a precise schedule, helping you keep your circadian rhythm in balance.
“Today’s lighting can do just about anything,” Cofer says. Whether you’re remodeling or building a new home, embracing a blend of natural materials, innovative designs and advanced technology enables you to customize your lighting to suit your aesthetic and lifestyle.
says …
So, you have a penchant for uberorganized and aesthetic spaces. Have you taken it to your spices? Today’s spice organizing options allow you to preserve your spices in beautiful, efficient and spacesaving ways. Uniform containers and on-trend labels with gorgeous colors and fonts create a sense of order while complementing any kitchen design style. Start by assessing the spices you own, discarding expired items and consolidating duplicates. Group your spices by category—such as baking, savory or blends—to further optimize the organization. Choose a spice rack design that fits your available space and style. They come in wall-mount, carousel or drawer-insert models. Some options come with pre-printed labels, or you can make your own, allowing for customization and creativity. Pro tip: Once you apply the label to the jar, screw on the lid before attaching the lid label for perfect alignment. Thanks to your organized and attractive spice rack, your kitchen will be more functional and enjoyable.
Daniel Nadelbach
Project by Master Homecrafters Inc.
by Rebecca Toy
stylish Sun Valley
two tiny sister towns have perfected adventure and luxurious relaxation amongst the peaks
IN A NARROW STRETCH amongst Idaho’s imposing Sawtooth Mountains, Sun Valley has been a celebrity favorite ski town and yearround adventure playground since 1935. Colloquially referred to as simply “Sun Valley,” the area consists of two tiny towns—Sun Valley (9.58 square miles) and Ketchum (3.08 square miles). Santa Fe is 37.4 square miles, for reference.
In the Golden Age of Hollywood, the rich and fabulous arrived via train, ready to frolic in the remote Swiss Alps–look-a-like complete with stars like Clark Gable, Ingrid Bergman, Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. The Hollywood connection continues, as Tom Hanks, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis reportedly own homes in the area today.
Even if you’re not a star, Sun Valley is the place to experience luxury without pretension. Both Ketchum and the Sun Valley Resort have world-class chefs, sommeliers, artists and curated shopping that rival any thrill found in the mountains—or those of larger ski towns.
Courtesy Sun Valley Resort
Vida Buena
Plated Perfection
Any local will confirm you can never go wrong with Enoteca. The Italian-inspired brick space spotlights a wood-fired oven that toasts pizzas to perfection. While other classics include burrata, panned chicken with tapenade and asiago-pesto meatballs, the restaurant leans into local ingredients with Idaho trout, lamb and pork cheeks. A diverse and ever-evolving wine list honors the Italian wine shops that serve as the restaurant’s namesake.
Asian street markets inspire Rickshaw’s menu and buzzy atmosphere. The Korean fried chicken and Thai beef salad are fan favorites. Ask for a side of sweet-soy sesame chili sauce to bring the flavor up a notch.
The Sun Valley Culinary Institute has regular cooking classes and chef-partner dinners to support this nonprofit educational program.
Après, Artfully
Ketchum has a range of art galleries, from those with extensive collections to singular artists’ hidden gems. In addition to its exhibits, the Sun Valley Museum of Art can tell you what's on show around town.
A local fine art institution since 1987, the Broschofsky
Galleries showcase pieces from the 19th century to today, focusing on Indigenous and Western culture. Standouts include screenprints from Andy Warhol and Edward Curtis’ lustrous portraiture of Indigenous life at the turn of the 20th century. Longtime visitors note a shift that includes more abstract and modern methodologies and subjects.
Salud to Sun Valley
Offering more than 1,000 unique labels in a town of less than 4,000 residents is a feat, but Sun Valley Wine Company is full of surprises. The second-story space has two outdoor patios, an elegant lounge and dining space, and chef-driven seasonal menus to pair with a curated selection of wines. The range includes approachable everyday wines to rare bottles from around the globe.
Locals fill the Warfield Distillery and Brewery’s multiple stories and patios with warm camaraderie over various brews and cocktails. The barrel-aged gin is a house specialty.
A few blocks north is Sawtooth Brewery Public House, which serves classic and inventive brews like the Peanut Butter Milk Stout. Executive chef Doug Jensen also delivers elevated pub grub.
Courtesy Maude’s Coffee and Clothes
Upcoming 2025 Events
Sun Valley Brewfest (June 21)
Sun Valley Wine Auction (June 24–26)
Ballet Sun Valley Presents the National Ballet of Canada (June 28–29)
Hailey Days of the Old West Rodeo and Parade (July 2–4)
Ketchum Arts Festival (July 11–13)
Sun Valley Music Festival (July 28–August 21)
Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival (August 8–10)
Vida Buena
Courtesy
Distinctive Wares
True to Sun Valley’s personality, shopping in Ketchum embodies upscale apparel, eclectic decor and sporty mountain gear from independent shops. The town also specializes in high-end consignment that supports the community, with deals on designer apparel at Gold Mine Design, Capelet Design and Consign Design.
Maude’s Coffee and Clothes offers locally loved coffee and an eyecatching collection of fashionable vintage pieces.
Luxe Lodging
The Limelight Hotel’s spacious rooms in walkable Ketchum have floor-to-ceiling windows for striking views. The property offers a relaxed pool, a hopping patio and bar, and secure ground-floor storage for bikes and skis. Don’t miss the robust breakfast before taking in a complimentary car to explore.
Less than two miles north of Ketchum and the slopes, the legendary Sun Valley Lodge has been a retreat for the rich and famous since 1936. While you can still share the same views as Marilyn Monroe and Clint Eastwood, renovations added granite and cabinetry to expanded rooms and bathrooms, enhancing modern luxury. The resort includes two pools, a massive spa and several restaurants.
Courtesy Limelight Hotel
by Heather Hunter
heart and soul
Nicole Kapnison put hers into Meraki Coffee + Market
IMAGINE THE BRIGHT AZURE WATERS, crisp white aesthetic and clean, flavorful Mediterranean food that Greece is known for. You’ll find it all at Meraki Coffee + Market, designed and curated by visionary, secondgeneration local restaurateur Nicole Kapnison. She grew up in the beloved Greek Kapnison family, which built a restaurant empire that included El Patron, Yanni’s Mediterranean Bar & Grill, and Kap’s. She previously owned Nob Hill Bar & Grill and opened Meraki in her father’s former Mykonos restaurant location
in the Northeast Heights. Having grown up in Yanni’s, she loves the hospitality business, and it shows.
After a trip to Greece, Kapnison felt healthier returning home. This epiphany inspired her to create Meraki, a fast-casual café with everything she loves about the cafés in Greece. Various shades of white, marble tables, reclaimed wood and fresh flowers; the menu focuses on coffee and adult beverages, freshly made pastries, and tasty breakfast and lunch items. At night, Meraki becomes Dorothea Fine Greek, where customers savor regenerative
Monique Guzman
grass-fed meat, fish shipped directly from Greece, organic vegetables, plus lots of Greek olive oil, lemon and fresh herbs.
“Food is meant to be healing and cherished,” Kapnison says. “This is how the Greeks and European countries think of food. At Meraki, we don’t use any chemicals, and nothing is processed. I feed my guests real food, just like I feed my family—with love.”
It’s no coincidence that meraki means “to put your heart and soul into something you love.” Kapnison admits guests might not notice her attention to the finer
details, but they matter to her. She says the enjoyment that others find in her work makes her happy.
Proudly, the café features Cutbow Coffee, a beloved local coffee roaster, offering a variety of coffee drinks, along with matcha, frappes, golden milk latte and raspberry milk, a customer favorite. House-made syrups add interesting flavors like Madagascar vanilla bourbon, caramel, lavender, organic mocha and others.
But this coffee shop isn’t just about coffee—there are adult beverages like the Nikle 75, which uses Kapnison’s own brand of Nikle gin. This drink is a lavender twist on the French 75, or choose an
Monique
Guzman
espresso martini, a green chile bloody mary or a selection of biodynamically farmed wines and Italian wines from vintners who don’t use pesticides.
The menu boasts a wide variety of “healthy and affordable dishes,” Kapnison says. Avocado toast uses local ciabatta, and the yogurt parfait includes homemade yogurt with fresh macerated berries and homemade granola. There are simple breakfast sandwiches, and the huevos rancheros is a fan favorite. And if you love a savory, sweet and spicy combo, order the Meraki burger with melted brie, bacon fig jam, green chile aioli and arugula.
Of course, a few Greek-influenced dishes include Greek fries, a popular savory dish. For a sweeter treat, try the loukoumades —a small-batch dough that becomes donut holes soaked in honey and topped with
Sydney Payne
crushed walnuts and powdered sugar. “These usually sell out by noon and are a classic treat often paired with an espresso freddo,” Kapnison says. Only on the weekends can you order a gooey cinnamon roll, which requires a two-day process and plenty of meraki to make these extra special.
The market side of the café offers customers a wide array of homemade syrups and spices, along with fresh flowers—a staple in Greece and Meraki. If you see a vintage blue VW bus, that’s Jennifleurs Flower Truck, where customers can create flower bouquets or grab a prepared bouquet to go. Kapnison now offers catering for off-site events, showers, weddings, birthday parties or any special occasion. Since its opening in 2020, Meraki has helped customers focus on celebrating life in both good taste and good health.
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¡Salud! blossoming spirits
bring blooms from the garden to your glass
by Rebecca Toy
Pineapple Rum Slush Recipe on page 103.
Lilac Gin Fizz Cocktail
INGREDIENTS
4 oz. gin
2 oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 oz. lilac syrup
6 oz. carbonated water
Garnish:
lilac ice cubes lilac flowers
DIRECTIONS
1. Add the gin, lemon juice and lilac syrup to a pitcher with a handful of ice. Stir everything until combined with a long spoon.
2. Pour into two cocktail glasses or tumblers and top with ice-cold carbonated water.
3. Optionally, add lilac ice cubes and lilac flowers to garnish.
FLOWERS, our most potent symbol of spring, raise spirits–and elevate cocktails. Beautiful blooms brighten beverages and add aromas that gently boost complexity without overpowering your creations. While floral garnishes aren’t new, bartenders and chefs are increasingly connecting with growers nationwide while making organic, edible options more widely available in stores for the athome mixologist. Of course, you can always grow your own, too!
Part of the fun of adding a hint of spring into your cocktails is the plethora of choices. Popular pansies, lilacs and violas add light sweetness, while carnations, calendulas and nasturtiums leave a spicy kick. Versatile, sweet alyssum captures both. Others bring fruity and earthy tones: tart berries from hibiscus, lemon zest from bee balm and grassy bite from violets. Check before using flowers, as some are not safe for consumption.
Whatever flowers you choose, look for chemical-free options–ones you’ve grown or those from gardeners committed to clean, edible use. Use blooms without blemishes and remove stems. Gently rinse any remaining dirt in cold water and let the blossoms dry flat. Then, prop petals on the rim for simple aesthetic and aromatic garnish. For more direct floral tones in your concoction, gently spread the petals and float the flower in the finished cocktail.
Stunning frozen florals are also easy, starting with artfully arranged selections in large ice cube trays. Use filtered or boiled (and cooled) water for clear cubes. While freezing can minimize alreadyfaint flavor, these are playful additions for warm-weather parties, especially gorgeous in clear cocktails.
Other methods directly enhance flavor. Sugared petals add an extra dose of floral sweetness. After the initial prep, brush egg white lightly on each petal, dip in fine sugar and dry until hardened. Their sparkle is fleeting once in the cocktail, but the flavor remains. For a more direct infusion, try macerating and boiling flowers, adding sugar and canning to create your own floral simple syrup. The options will have you making creative cocktails throughout the season.
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Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail INGREDIENTS
With Alcohol:
1 oz. pomegranate juice prosecco ice cubes with pansies
Without Alcohol: 1 oz. pomegranate juice sprite or sparkling water ice cubes with pansies
DIRECTIONS
1. To a glass, add an ounce of pomegranate juice then top with prosecco or sparkling water.
2. Garnish with ice cubes decorated with pansies and a few fresh pansies for fun.
3. Enjoy!
Pineapple Rum Slush
INGREDIENTS
16 oz. cubed frozen pineapple
¾ cup coconut water or pineapple juice
3 oz. rum, or more to taste kiwi sweet alyssum pansies
DIRECTIONS
1. (Optional) Set aside two pineapple cubes to use as a garnish, slicing halfway through and placing on the rim of your glasses.
2. Pour the coconut water and rum into a blender. Add pineapple cubes and cover. Blend until mixture is smooth and no chunks remain. If the mixture is too thick or difficult to blend, add another ¼ cup of coconut water.
3. Taste and add additional rum as desired.
4. Pour into glasses and enjoy.
backyard birding bliss
supporting wild birds and creating a haven for them in your yard
A SYMPHONY OF BIRDS in the backyard can spark joy, wonder and serenity for bird enthusiasts and casual nature admirers. From the quietly discreet hummingbird to the melodic orioles, robins and mourning doves, New Mexico is home to a plethora of bird species. Inviting them to your yard can be a fun experience while also supporting our wildlife friends.
Orchestrating ideal conditions for these birds comes down to clean and safe opportunities for water, nesting and food, says Cathy Fleischacker, co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited on Albuquerque’s west side.
New Mexico is a naturally dry environment, so Just Winging Through by Kristen West
providing a water source can make your backyard a bird’s happy place. “Because of where we’re located, keeping fresh water year-round, not just in spring and summer, is so important,” Fleischacker says. During colder months, she recommends placing a heater in the water or draining the water nightly to avoid freezing and damaging the bird bath. Keep the water clean, too, since the birds will use it as a drinking source and bath.
In spring, it can be fun to watch bird families grow. Not everyone needs to provide nesting boxes, but if you’re going to do it, make sure you clean the box before and after the season. Some nesting boxes even come with a small window or a camera that links to an app to view the birds.
To diversify your visitors, offer a variety of food options. Fleischacker encourages using extra fats, proteins and calcium in the spring for the female birds, which will help them produce healthy eggs and babies. “Suets are good because they have lots of fats, and dry mealworms are another good one because
Shutterstock.com_Bonnie
Taylor Barry
as we get into the spring, the bugs aren’t back yet, but the mealworms have a lot of protein in them,” she says.
For hummingbirds, use a pre-packaged option without red dye, or make your own with a ratio of four cups of water to one cup of non-organic white table sugar—while organic might be best for us, its higher iron content can be harmful to the birds.
Native plants like honeysuckle, trumpet vine and sages all appeal to the birds, bees and butterflies while also improving the aesthetics of your garden.
Making your yard a bird’s paradise will naturally draw in predators like hawks, roadrunners and coyotes, too, so Fleischacker says understanding how to keep the birds safe is imperative. Keep the food and nesting boxes up high and caged if possible. “And keep the cats indoors,” she says.
By creating a welcoming space for birds, you’re enhancing your backyard and fostering a vital connection to New Mexico’s natural environment. With the right mix of water, food, shelter and safety, your yard can become a sanctuary where birds—and your appreciation for them—thrive.
by Kate Jonuska
glow up
improve your celebrations by moving them outdoors
“Alpenglow: Outdoor Celebrations for Every Season” by Hillary Munro, published by and photos courtesy of Gibbs Smith, hardcover $24.
FORGET PASSED CANAPES, dress codes, forks for multiple courses and other trappings of formal entertaining. In fact, in “Alpenglow: Outdoor Celebrations for Every Season,” Hillary Munro urges you
to forget the walls altogether in favor of hosting more causal, natural gatherings in the great outdoors. Based in Jackson, Wyoming, Munro’s entertaining style leans away from white linens toward Pendleton and Navajo blankets, away from formal attire and toward cowboy boots.
Actually, boots might be required for some of the more adventurous of the parties she suggests, which include grilled oysters for fishing by the lake and picnics paired with shed antler hunting—each party designed to be appropriate to the seasonal weather and often paired with seasonally foraged table decor.
She certainly gives a great taste of Jackson culture in Alpenglow—check out the local favorite Sloshy, a boozy adult slushy— and, in general, celebrates the casual but hospitable spirit of the American West. And since all of Munro’s party ideas include recipes, you, too, could make cowboy coffee and classic scones for trips to the hot springs in spring or throw an Argentinian summer supper in a field serving pollo al disco with chimichurri.
As Munro writes, “I share authentic ways for setting an outdoor table in unexpected places, making things with your hands, and living an inspired life through stories, newfound traditions, family, and a little magic.”
That magic may be referring, at least in part, to the intentional and special handcrafted gift ideas presented in Alpenglow such as Spiritual Kindling— instructions for making bundles of firekindling and aromatic plants tied with twine that you throw on the fire “to send intentions to the universe, celebrate a special occasion, manifest dreams, or just connect with the outdoors.”
Granted, some ideas are ambitious, like making your own horse treats or serving warm chestnut soup for a snowy forest picnic. Nonetheless, all of Alpenglow’s pages exude a warmth and beauty similar to alpenglow itself, which means the glow on the mountains near sunset or sunrise.
hidden escape
This U-shaped hacienda feels like a hidden gem nestled on an expansive 3.4 acres of pristine, private land. The extraordinary single-story home is situated in the far northeast corner of Bona Terra, a distinguished rural enclave within a cherished luxury neighborhood with enchanting walking and biking trails meandering along the river, offering a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The home exudes the timeless allure of Santa Fe style with its architectural elegance and
thoughtful design such as artisancrafted Spanish tile work, elegant hardwood floors, majestic wood beams and three brick fireplaces. The 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom, 6,092-square-foot home plus oversized property offer a rare chance to step into an awe-inspiring world where nature meets refined living in perfect harmony.
1201 Bona Terra Loop NW, Albuquerque
Listing Price: $2,975,000 Dee Rasberry with D Realty –Realty One NM, 505-269-1505 drealtynm.com
by Katie Johnson
serene scenery
When photographer Katie Johnson was hired to photograph this home in Las Campanas, she stopped in her tracks at this sight.
“I was just struck with the simple beauty of the construction of this portal— the clean lines, the shadow and light play, and the view of the Jemez Mountains,” she says. The materials and hand-hewn aesthetic exemplify New Mexico style, while capturing the views is paramount to our local homebuilding ethos.
