Color Makes a Garden Dining Room Sing in Santa Fe
Inspired by the vivid colours of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a couple decided to import heavy crimson and gold tan hues to their lawn in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “This space was important to them, since the weather in Santa Fe is indeed pleasant most of the year, and they wanted to have the ability to utilize it as a secondary space simply to hang out,” says designer Mark Haynes.
The exterior room is well appointed with contemporary and comfortable styled furniture, bright accessories and brightly coloured stucco walls. The experience is enhanced by filtered sunshine, diverse plantings, a living piece of artwork and the babble from a custom fountain. Following is a closer look at where the couple today enjoys spending as much time as possible, entertaining friends, watching the birds and relaxing.
Garden at a Glance
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Size: Around 640 square feet
Budget: Around$30,000
markdesign, llc
“The most important objective was to make a place to be in nature, to birdwatch and unwind,” Haynes says. It was likewise to be a place where the couple could enjoy meals together and with guests for most of the year.
A color sail overhead offers protection against sunlight, and the fountain on the left provides the calm sounds of gurgling water. The terrace floor and hearth are both made of flagstone.
The view into the backyard shows an exquisite plant collection. Aspen trees game soft greenish-yellow leaves and beautifully textured light bark, a blue spruce adds blue-green needlesJapanese and Japanese maples add intricately shaped plum leaves. The wide range of color, shapes and texture supplied by these three species stick out against the stucco background.
Before Photo
BEFORE: Haynes had his job cut out for him ; this was a severe complete remodel, right down to the dirt. And the space is not a place for relaxing and stopping. “The terrace is located between the primary house and an artist’s studio, therefore it is also used as a means to transfer between both structures,” he states.
markdesign, llc
AFTER: Haynes designed a vertical succulent garden to function as living artwork on the profound orange stucco wall. “The perpendicular garden requires a lot of care and water in a humid climate like Santa Fe’s,” he warns. “In a wetter climate, the care and water needs could be minimized.”
Stucco partitions: custom blended by El Rey
markdesign, llc
The furniture design is very similar to what you’d expect in an indoor dining area, right down to the mirror and wall sconces over the console table. “In the summer months, they eat all their meals outside and have a fire in the fireplace at dinner,” he states.
Dining room table, seats: Emu
Haynes designed the boulder fountain himself. The 1,200-pound rock had to be craned in, however the way it fits into the landscape made it worth the attempt. A hole drilled top to bottom paired with a little well at the top lets the water pool and then roll down the massive rock. A lined pit at the bottom prevents clogs and contains the pump.
Within this dry climate, the fountain plays a big role in the birdwatching, Haynes states: “The birds come in the courtyard to drink out of the fountain.”