This house had a completely different spirit from our little adobe, which made it such a fun design project. Shawn’s mom bought it with the plan to eventually retire in Truth or Consequences, and until then, the home would live a second life as an Airbnb. My job was to make it feel like both a getaway and a real home.

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Because she loves color, I leaned all the way into a brighter, cheerier palette: teal cabinets, yellow trim, orange stools, coral walls, red French doors, graphic art, warm wood, and a little bit of desert vacation energy. I wanted the space to feel playful and memorable, but still comfortable enough for someone to settle in and make coffee, cook breakfast, open a bottle of wine, and stay a while.

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The dining area needed to work hard without feeling cramped, so we had a friend build a custom corner bench that turned an awkward footprint into a cozy breakfast nook. It gave the room a real gathering spot while keeping the flow open, which was especially important for a rental where every square foot had to be useful.

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Some of my favorite details were the ones that gave the house its personality: vintage French doors leading to the pantry, painted a bright cherry red; colorful art sourced from INDIE ARTISTS; Mexican plates and glassware brought back for the kitchen; and a mix of bold, practical pieces that could handle real use while still feeling SPECIAL.