Rich wood-paneled walls and twin wagon wheel chandeliers in the entryway set the tone for the rest of the home. Since most guests enter through the rear, the couple added the inviting hallway for convenience. A tiled floor and rustic New Mexican bench for removing boots are ideal solutions for keeping the home clean.
When designing their home, true comfort was one of the Millers’ goals, and they have
certainly achieved it here. John Paul, who works in commercial real estate, spends much of his free time in the library, poring over his impressive collection of antique and vintage books. “I love spending time here,” he said. John Paul’s interests include Native American culture, Lexington history, the Civil War era, and historical fiction. He is currently working on his own novel. With plenty of natural light, a wood-burning fireplace, mahogany paneling from Honduras, and shelves lined with all his favorite books and mementos, the feeling here is pure contentment and relaxation.
Warm, luxurious, and highly functional, the open-plan kitchen features a wall-to-wall bay window looking out over an idyllic field. Gretchen Roach of Kitchen Interiors designed the kitchen, using Alder cabinetry in varying finishes and accommodating furniture and art from the couple’s former kitchen in Santa Fe. Jason Roper from Pieratts assisted with appliance selections. Eric Neilson did the faux painting on the kitchen and master bath cabinets and range hood. A large painting of a Taos market scene by friend Abbie Williams adds color and charm to the room. The countertop was purchased from Many Moons Designs and was fashioned from an old oak tree. The cowhide and leather bar stools add a handsome touch.
The great room features a custom wall-mounted cabinet (a clever solution concealing the television when not in use) and a sideboard, both custom made by Morningside Woodcrafters from old Santa Fe shutters and doors. A fireplace adds ambiance while art, hand painted furniture, and other decorative items contribute to the room’s unique character. Many of the paintings in the Miller home depict Western themes and landscapes. A few special pieces include a painting of the entrance to a church at Taos Pueblo–a wedding gift done by John Paul’s son, and a large western Aspen landscape by Jackson Hole artist and friend Kathryn Turner. In addition, Judy’s own artwork is displayed throughout the home.
In the master bedroom, more original art adds vibrancy and style. A floor to ceiling stacked stone fireplace evokes the feeling of a New Mexico mountain lodge. A handful of Navajo blankets and Native American rugs are tastefully on display. A vaulted ceiling adds a sense of spaciousness and serenity.
The Millers remodeled the master bath and sitting room as well as the dressing room and closet, complete with washer and dryer. The master bath is constructed with similar high ceilings and exposed woodwork.
During the year the renovation took place, Judy and John Paul lived in what they call the “farm office”, a stand-alone building that contains a comfortable and equally stylish apartment along with a two-car garage and two horse stalls. The structure was built by Brett Construction and the finish work was provided by Larry Downey of Downey Construction. Here, we see the same lofted ceilings, as well as the Najavo rugs, and skylights letting in an abundance of natural light. The kitchen area is complete with rustic knotty alder cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and sleek granite countertops. A pair of old stall doors from Clovelly Farm, complete with horse halters, separate the living area from the bedroom.
When asked about his takeaways from the renovation, Tom remarked, “Part of what made this project so interesting is that [Judy] was so involved in the process from start to finish. She regularly went to New Mexico on buying trips, weighed in on all major decisions, and as a result, she really put her creative stamp on the home.”