Applewhite replaced the kitchen’s white surfaces with unique cabinetry and warm, vibrant shades on walls and cabinets. Removing both the hallway and the wall between the kitchen and dining room opened and illuminated the space. The one-of-a-kind red island is an English store counter topped with an aged, distressed piece of French zinc. The black and white rug at the sink serves to ground the kitchen’s colorful palette.

The living room of Casita Alegria, Applewhite’s historic adobe on Santa Fe’s eastside, originally had dark wood floors, windows, and vigas. The walls were white with blue and white window treatments, dark brown furniture, and white upholstery. The room was transformed with color: wide-plank honey-colored white oak was installed on the floor, which was then covered with a red, apricot, gold, and green antique Oushak rug from Arrediamo in Santa Fe. Walls were glazed apricot, windows painted persimmon with boldly striped linen in red, orange, and green hanging on each side. A commanding red French armoire is flanked by two wing chairs covered in red and cream vintage linen.

Applewhite created a warm, approachable space with her use of soft apricot walls. The staircase received a major transformation with new historically inspired New Mexican balusters and newel posts and a rich faux wood-grained texture by artist Shawn Man Roland.