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In looking online at Santa Fe area homes for sale, most interiors are very, very southwestern, with tile and other features that are classic southwestern. I know this should not be surprising, considering that the exteriors are adobe (is that by regulation?), and the fact that's it's New Mexico. While I like the exterior look of these homes, I'm not crazy about southwestern interiors. I'm used to laminant/hardwood, some carpet (like in the master), and generally midwestern/eastern interior designs. I'm sure I could adapt if only southwestern interiors are available.
Should I expect pretty much all Santa Fe home interiors to be classic southwestern, or are there variations available?
Please don't take my post as being critical; I'm just noting what I prefer. Thanks for your help, as always.
I've been in many Santa Fe homes with wood floors and carpeted bedrooms, or what could be considered generic or non-southwestern interiors. If you're looking for something specific, like a craftsman interior, that would be more challenging.
I know this should not be surprising, considering that the exteriors are adobe (is that by regulation?), and the fact that's it's New Mexico.
For some historical areas and building, there is an ordinance. I can't find the current one, but this might help:
From the Santa Fe New Mexican Historic Santa Fe Foundation, Santa Fe NM
Quote:
October 31, 1957
The city Council voted unanimously last night to adopt the controversy old Historical District Zoning Ordinance in a historical move to protect the "Santa Fe style” of older portions of the city.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Weatherguy
Should I expect pretty much all Santa Fe home interiors to be classic southwestern, or are there variations available?
Please don't take my post as being critical; I'm just noting what I prefer. Thanks for your help, as always.
You can have pretty much have whatever you want inside your house. I've seen interior paver brick inside Santa Fe and ABQ area homes. I've seen people go from tile to wall to wall carpet. I personally dislike some of the "laminate" wood floors. But, do whatever you like. I am currently have 30% tile and 70% "Berber Carpeting" wall to wall. Am considering tile for more areas, carpeting for the bedrooms...
Last edited by Poncho_NM; 02-18-2015 at 06:13 PM..
There are plenty of homes without the southwestern interior look at all, and others that have the look to a greater or lesser degree. No need to worry that you're stuck with that style here.
There are plenty of homes without the southwestern interior look at all, and others that have the look to a greater or lesser degree. No need to worry that you're stuck with that style here.
I agree. I know plenty of people who have "regular" furnishings, or an olio of styles. The trend in recent years away from more expensive sidings to the stucco-on-wood frame seems to have helped to popularize the "new mexico furnishings" look for interior decor to match the exterior.
One of my Texas-based neighbors has built a good business buying discarded "regular" furniture when they are in town here in NM, and reselling it through a "thrift store" in New Braunfels. I'm guessing most of the discarded local stuff is being replaced by southwest style stuff.
Of more concern than what is inside the house is what is outside, i.e. the ubiquitous Northern NM "Pueblo Revival" style flat roof. You really don't want a flat roof...
In looking online at Santa Fe area homes for sale, most interiors are very, very southwestern, with tile and other features that are classic southwestern. I know this should not be surprising, considering that the exteriors are adobe (is that by regulation?), and the fact that's it's New Mexico. While I like the exterior look of these homes, I'm not crazy about southwestern interiors. I'm used to laminant/hardwood, some carpet (like in the master), and generally midwestern/eastern interior designs. I'm sure I could adapt if only southwestern interiors are available.
Should I expect pretty much all Santa Fe home interiors to be classic southwestern, or are there variations available?
Please don't take my post as being critical; I'm just noting what I prefer. Thanks for your help, as always.
,
As Poncho's post details, Southwestern-style exteriors are mandated in many parts of Santa Fe. Except in older neighborhooods or actual historical structures, however, most of these will be block or wood-frame structures stuccoed to resemble adobe rather than actual adobe itself. Custom adobe houses are quite expensive to build and maintain.
I think you will find that tile floors are less common than you think, especially in older houses. I grew up in a New Mexico-style house built in the 30s and currently inhabit a true NM adobe built around 1927, and have been in and around many other NM-style homes in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and would say that hardwood is by far the "typical" flooring choice, with carpet not unheard of either. The house I grew up in had carpet over hardwood in most rooms until my parents pulled it up in the early 1980s. Tile floors are more a California Mission or Mediterranean-style touch and are most common in newer houses built in the 1980s or later. Hardwood really is what you'll find the most of in true NM-style houses.
Also a ton of houses in SF are Territorial style, both original and revival, with sash windows, moldings, oak and pine floors, fireplaces, and other architectural features and joinery typical of eastern 19th and early 20th century houses.
Of more concern than what is inside the house is what is outside, i.e. the ubiquitous Northern NM "Pueblo Revival" style flat roof. You really don't want a flat roof...
Why not?
A properly installed flat roof with give you years and years of worry free roof over your head.
The construction company I am a partner with has installed over 150 roofs in the last 5 years. Have yet to have any issues with any. Sure, we've had some minor issue (all workmanship). Nothing serious.
FWIW - A flat roof really isn't flat if built to code.
A properly installed flat roof with give you years and years of worry free roof over your head.
The construction company I am a partner with has installed over 150 roofs in the last 5 years. Have yet to have any issues with any. Sure, we've had some minor issue (all workmanship). Nothing serious.
FWIW - A flat roof really isn't flat if built to code.
Amen to that! I agree totally.
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