by Heather Shoning
The view came first. From the soaking tub, the New Mexico landscape becomes the defining feature of this primary bathroom—and the inspiration for a barrel-vaulted shower that feels both deeply rooted in regional architecture and remarkably fresh.
Handcrafted zellige tile follows the softly arched ceiling, its luminous surface bringing subtle movement and sparkle to the space. The architecture cleverly balances openness and privacy, preserving an uninterrupted connection to the landscape while keeping the shower secluded. Reclaimed Italian terracotta flooring, warm wood cabinetry, soapstone and custom hand-punched tin mirrors add layers of craftsmanship without turning the room into a collection of Southwestern motifs.
“The real luxury is restraint—we designed everything to defer to the views,” says designer Heather Hilton of SHO Design Group, who designed this bathroom with Eric Spurlock of Eric Spurlock Custom Home Design and SHO Design Group.
That restraint gives the artisan details room to resonate. The design draws selectively from the past, giving the bathroom an unmistakable New Mexican character without tethering it to a particular era.
resources
Residential Designer: Eric Spurlock Custom Home Design/SHO Design Group; Interior Design: Heather Hilton of SHO Design Group; Builder: Rob Baines of CJV Builders LLC; Cabinetry: Chavez Woodworking, Inc.; Tile: Zia Tile; Custom handpunched tin mirrors: Justin Gallegos Mayrant; Countertops/Sink: Sherpa Stone LLC; Flooring (Terracotta): Statements in Tile; Lighting: Hubbardton Forge (sconces)
