""When we first stepped in, it was in rough shape-leaks, outdated systems, the works," says Heather of the ramshackle New Mexico property, located in an eclectic, heritage-stamped neighborhood once home to Los Cinco Pintores, a group of early 20th-century painters. Still, despite the cold and heavy vibe, there was something about the home and its creative energy that spoke to the Qualls."
""It wasn't just a fixer-upper-it needed a team who could really respect its history and do it justice," says Dale. Luckily, they didn't have to look far: the couple enlisted Tent Rock Inc. for the execution and interior designers Heather and Matt French-the husband-and-wife duo behind Santa Fe-based French & French Interiors, whom they'd met a decade prior at a showhouse and collaborated with ever since-to fix the leaks and modernize the systems, and then thoughtfully bring the home back to life."
"As the AD PRO Directory designers quickly realized, the real challenge was exercising tactful restraint. "We're usually brought in to add architectural details that make a house feel special. This time, the house was the special part. It was more about holding back so the architecture could shine," notes Matt, referencing the adobe's low ceilings, thick walls, and naturally dark, moody atmosphere."
The Pueblo-style Santa Fe adobe had been in rough condition with leaks, outdated systems, and a cold, heavy atmosphere despite its history as a gathering place for artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams. Owners Heather and Dale Qualls hired Tent Rock Inc. and designers Heather and Matt French to modernize systems while preserving historic character. The design team exercised restraint, prioritizing restoration over reinvention and retaining the original layout, heavy fireplaces, rugged façade, low ceilings, thick walls, and undulating mud-plastered surfaces. Irregular doorways and a moody palette emphasize the structure’s sculptural quality. The project repaired infrastructure and revived the home’s creative energy.
Read at Architectural Digest
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