by Lexi Reich
photographs by Chris Corrie
a Santa Fe home with a modern twist
More than a dozen moves across the U.S., from New Orleans’ French Quarter to the shores of Maui, Hawaii, with each house—from traditional and colonial to ranch and contemporary—adding a new layer of design aesthetic, will enable a couple to envision a clear picture of what they want and love about a house. That’s what shaped the design of this home just outside Santa Fe with stunning landscape views. The homeowners’ vision? A light-filled haven that would serve as both a personal retreat and a welcoming space for entertaining. “It was all about light,” the wife says. “I wanted a bright, light house with windows everywhere.”
The process of designing and building their home was one of collaboration and trust. After being introduced to builder Kay Beason of Reliance Construction by their real estate agent, the homeowners immediately felt a connection. “You meet someone, and you just know they get you,” the wife says.
“That’s how it was with Kay. And when she introduced us to Jim Beverly, we felt the same way. They understood our vision.”
Beverly, a long-time collaborator with Beason, took the homeowners’ vision to heart. Renowned for his meticulous approach, Beverly studied the property’s views and prevailing winds before drafting the plans. The result is a home where nearly every window frames a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. And Beason built the project with every attention to detail in the luxurious finishes throughout.
The result? “We call it Santa Fe modern,” Beason says. “It’s neither Pueblo nor strictly modern—it’s simply elegant.” It’s a seamless, stunning blend of contemporary sophistication with the enduring charm of New Mexican traditional design.
Upon entering through the custom front door, visitors are immediately greeted by an expansive view through large glass doors that lead to the patio. The open-concept living area centers around a striking fireplace that embodies the home’s style—hints of traditional detailing with sophisticated clean lines. The room’s high ceilings and thoughtfully chosen light fixtures add drama without overpowering the space.
The kitchen, a centerpiece of the home, was designed with both function and flair. “My husband’s the cook of the family,” the homeowner explains. “So, the kitchen was all about what he wanted. He said, ‘I’ve never had a kitchen with enough counter space.’“ The result is a gourmet’s paradise, featuring ample work surfaces and a 60-inch refrigerator. And true to the homeowners’ aesthetic, the kitchen is free of visible outlets, while strategically placed glass-front cabinets add a touch of light and break up the solid wood expanse. Because of the open concept and interconnected spaces, there’s a captivating view in nearly every direction.
A neutral color palette creates a serene, timeless atmosphere throughout the home. “Neutrals, to me, are calming, and they never seem to go out of style,” the wife says. The primary bathroom is a divine example with its soft gray vanity color that echoes in the tiles, while the chrome fixtures and sconces add just a touch of bling.
To prevent the minimlist-leaning vernacular from feeling stark, the design incorporates rich textures and organic elements. It’s perhaps the combination of high-quality finishes and the unseen aspects of the home that captured the homeowners’ attention when selecting a builder. They note that excellent insulation and energy efficiency make the home comfortable and cozy any time of year.
As with many projects in recent years, building the home was not without its challenges. “We faced issues with both labor and materials, trying to get things in and keeping people on the job,” Beason says. Yet the homeowners remained actively involved, with Beason praising the wife as resourceful and a “go-getter.”
The couple’s hands-on approach extended to the interior design. While many homeowners might rely heavily on a designer, this couple drew inspiration from their travels and past homes to create a space uniquely theirs. “She came with all of her ideas,” Beason says. “She knew exactly what she wanted, with pictures to show. Our job was simply to bring it to life.”
Beason highlights the homeowners’ commitment to minimalist design, noting that the home is a masterclass in keeping surfaces clean and clutter-free. “The wife prefers a sleek look, eschewing unnecessary items on counters to maintain a streamlined appearance,” she says. This ensures that the home’s natural beauty and thoughtful details remain the focal points, creating a space that is both visually stunning and functionally serene.
The accurate measure of the home’s success lies in its functionality for daily life and entertaining. Recently, the couple hosted guests for an anniversary celebration. What was meant to be an outdoor gathering moved inside due to rain, yet as Beason shares, the homeowner said, “We had no problem at all entertaining forty people in our house.”
It’s clear that this Santa Fe modern residence has achieved something special—a harmony between contemporary design and the timeless beauty of New Mexico. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between visionary homeowners and skilled professionals, resulting in a space that is, in Beason’s words, “super livable” and “just very well done.”
resources
Home Designer
Jim Beverly Fine Home Designs
Home Builder
Reliance Construction, Inc.
Project Management
Carpenter and Craftsman LLC
Appliances
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
Bathroom/Kitchen Fixtures/Sinks/Tub
Winsupply of Albuquerque
Beams/Interior Doors
Sun Mountain Custom Doors
Cabinetry
Wildwood Cabinetry & Design
Countertops/Kitchen Backsplash
Sherpa Stone LLC
Custom Painting
Haber Painting
Fireplaces
NM Fireplace Gallery
Front Door
Adobe Door, Inc.
Lighting
Winsupply of Albuquerque
Patio Doors/Windows
Pella Windows & Doors of Albuquerque
pellaofalbuquerque.com
Tile
Floor & Decor
The Tile Shop
