14 Home Improvement Ideas That Could Keep Santa Fe DIYers Busy
Santa Fe homes have a unique charm that blends adobe architecture with desert aesthetics.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your home’s Southwestern character or add modern touches to your space, there are plenty of DIY projects to tackle.
I’ve gathered 14 home improvement ideas that are perfect for Santa Fe homeowners who enjoy working with their hands and adding personal touches to their living spaces.
1. Paint Accent Walls
The warm, earthy tones that define Santa Fe style can transform your home with just a few brushstrokes. Terracotta, turquoise, and sunset orange can bring the beauty of the New Mexico landscape indoors while complementing adobe walls.
I found that using painter’s tape creates clean lines, especially important when working with those characteristic curved walls in traditional Santa Fe homes. For best results, apply two coats and use paint with a matte finish to mimic the traditional mud plaster look.
When selecting colors, consider how the desert light changes throughout the day what looks perfect at noon might appear completely different at sunset.
2. Install Floating Shelves
Floating shelves offer the perfect way to display your collection of Native American pottery or handcrafted art pieces without taking up valuable floor space.
Made from reclaimed wood, these shelves add warmth while maintaining that rustic Southwestern vibe Santa Fe is known for. Finding studs is crucial when mounting shelves in adobe or plaster walls. I recommend using a stud finder specifically designed for these thicker wall materials.
Alternatively, toggle bolts work wonders for heavier items when studs aren’t available. Arranging objects of varying heights creates visual interest try pairing tall ceramic pieces with shorter, wider items for a balanced display that catches the eye.
3. Update Cabinet Hardware
Swapping out dated cabinet pulls and knobs instantly refreshes your kitchen without breaking the bank. Hand-forged iron hardware or pieces adorned with turquoise inlays perfectly complement Santa Fe’s distinctive style.
Local artisan markets like the Santa Fe Farmers Market often feature metalworkers who create unique hardware pieces that you won’t find in big box stores. Before purchasing, I always count exactly how many pieces I need including both handles and knobs and buy a few extras in case of future damage.
When installing, a simple paper template helps ensure consistent placement across all cabinets, giving your kitchen that professional, cohesive look that elevates the entire space.
4. Add Crown Molding
Though not traditionally part of adobe architecture, crown molding can add elegant definition to rooms while bridging the gap between traditional Santa Fe style and contemporary design. Wooden moldings stained in rich, warm tones complement the earthy palette typical of Southwestern homes.
Working with Santa Fe’s famously uneven walls presents unique challenges. I’ve found that flexible molding works best, as it can conform to the organic curves of adobe construction. A miter saw becomes your best friend for those precise 45-degree angle cuts that create seamless corners.
Pre-painting your molding before installation saves tremendous time and frustration, especially when working with the high ceilings common in many Santa Fe homes.
5. Refinish Hardwood Floors
Many historic Santa Fe homes hide beautiful hardwood floors beneath worn carpeting or tired finishes. Uncovering and restoring these treasures brings warmth and authenticity to your space while increasing your home’s value.
Renting a commercial sander from McGuckin Hardware makes quick work of removing old finishes. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually work your way to finer grits for the smoothest possible surface.
The dry Santa Fe climate actually works in your favor during this project, allowing for faster drying times between coats of stain and polyurethane. Choosing a slightly darker stain than the original often helps hide imperfections while complementing the rich, earthy tones typical in Southwestern décor.
6. Replace Light Fixtures
Wrought iron chandeliers and pendant lights with punched tin details instantly evoke Santa Fe’s Spanish colonial influence. These statement pieces not only provide necessary illumination but also serve as striking focal points in any room.
If your home has vigas (exposed ceiling beams), mounting fixtures directly to these architectural elements creates an authentic look. For homes with standard drywall ceilings, swapping fixtures is surprisingly straightforward just remember to turn off the breaker before beginning work!
LED bulbs that mimic the warm glow of incandescent lighting work beautifully in traditional fixtures, saving energy while maintaining that cozy ambiance that makes Santa Fe homes so inviting, especially during those cool desert evenings.
7. Create a Gallery Wall
Santa Fe’s world-renowned art scene provides endless inspiration for creating a personalized gallery wall. Mixing local landscape paintings with Native American textiles and your own photography creates a display that tells your unique story.
When arranging frames, I start by laying everything on the floor to experiment with different configurations before committing to wall placement. Command strips work particularly well on textured adobe walls, allowing you to adjust positioning without damaging your walls.
Consider incorporating small wall shelves among your framed pieces to display three-dimensional objects like pottery or small sculptures, adding depth and interest to your gallery. This approach transforms an ordinary wall into a museum-worthy display that showcases the artistic spirit of Santa Fe.
8. Build a Window Seat
Those iconic deep-set windows in Santa Fe homes practically beg for cozy window seats where you can soak up the abundant New Mexico sunshine. A simple bench with storage underneath maximizes functionality while creating a perfect reading nook or contemplation space.
Cedar is my top choice for building the frame since it naturally resists the pests common in our desert environment. Top your seat with cushions covered in durable fabrics featuring Southwestern patterns or desert-inspired colors that can withstand our intense sunlight without fading.
Adding low-maintenance succulents on the adjacent windowsill brings the outside in, creating a harmonious transition between your interior space and those breathtaking Santa Fe views that change dramatically with the seasons.
9. Install Backsplash Tiles
Hand-painted Mexican talavera tiles or simple terracotta squares can transform your kitchen with authentic Southwestern character. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns provide the perfect counterpoint to Santa Fe’s otherwise earthy palette.
Though tile installation might seem intimidating, modern adhesive systems make this project surprisingly approachable for DIYers. Working in small sections ensures your adhesive doesn’t dry before you’ve placed your tiles.
Remember that Santa Fe’s dry climate means your grout might dry faster than expected keep a spray bottle handy to mist the surface if needed. For a truly unique look, intersperse solid-colored tiles with decorative ones featuring traditional Southwestern motifs like kokopelli figures or geometric designs inspired by Native American weaving patterns.
10. Upgrade Bathroom Fixtures
Hammered copper sinks and bronze faucets add instant Southwestern elegance to any bathroom. These materials develop a beautiful patina over time that actually enhances their character perfect for Santa Fe’s appreciation of natural aging and authenticity.
When replacing fixtures, take photos of your plumbing connections before disassembly to reference during installation. Our older Santa Fe homes sometimes have non-standard plumbing configurations that require creative solutions or adapter fittings available at Big Jo True Value Hardware. Consider extending your upgrade to include coordinating towel bars and toilet paper holders for a cohesive look.
These smaller elements might seem insignificant, but they contribute significantly to the overall impression of a thoughtfully designed bathroom that honors Santa Fe’s distinctive aesthetic.
11. Add Outdoor Planters
Large terracotta or painted ceramic planters filled with drought-resistant plants perfectly complement Santa Fe’s architectural style while thriving in our arid climate. Placing these strategically along walkways or flanking doorways creates welcoming entryways with minimal water requirements.
Succulents, yucca, and native grasses require little maintenance while providing year-round interest. For a pop of color that can handle our intense sunlight, Russian sage and desert marigolds offer beautiful blooms without demanding excessive water.
Grouping planters of varying heights creates visual rhythm and interest, especially when placed against the backdrop of traditional adobe walls. This simple project connects your home to the surrounding landscape, embracing the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that makes Santa Fe living so special throughout our 300+ days of sunshine.
12. Refinish Furniture Pieces
Transforming thrift store finds into Southwestern statement pieces gives your home unique character while honoring Santa Fe’s commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship. Wooden furniture takes on new life with milk paint in turquoise or terracotta, complemented by clear wax for protection.
Distressing techniques work particularly well for creating that time-worn look prized in Santa Fe interiors. I’ve found that simple tools like chains, hammers, and wire brushes create authentic-looking wear patterns that suggest generations of use and care.
Hardware provides another opportunity for Southwestern flair consider replacing standard knobs with pieces made from leather, horn, or hammered metal available from local artisans at the Santa Fe Artists Market. These small details elevate ordinary furniture to art pieces that tell a story.
13. Install Smart Home Devices
Blending ancient adobe architecture with cutting-edge technology creates the perfect balance of tradition and convenience. Smart thermostats are particularly valuable in Santa Fe’s climate of dramatic temperature swings, helping maintain comfort while reducing energy costs.
Wireless systems eliminate the need to run new wiring through those challenging adobe walls. Solar-powered options make particular sense in our sunny climate, allowing you to embrace modern convenience while honoring Santa Fe’s growing commitment to sustainability.
Voice-controlled lighting can enhance those characteristically dim Santa Fe interiors without compromising their cozy ambiance. When selecting devices, look for designs with natural materials or earth tones that blend seamlessly with Southwestern décor rather than calling attention to their technological nature.
14. Create a Reading Nook
Those characteristic corner fireplaces (kivas) found in many Santa Fe homes provide the perfect backdrop for a cozy reading retreat. A comfortable chair, good lighting, and a small side table transform an underused corner into your favorite spot in the house.
Sheepskin throws and handwoven blankets in geometric patterns add layers of texture while providing warmth during our cool desert evenings. Floor cushions offer flexible seating options, perfect for when friends gather to share stories or discuss books from our renowned literary scene. A wall-mounted reading light eliminates cord clutter while directing illumination exactly where you need it.
Complete your nook with a small bookshelf featuring works by local authors like Rudolfo Anaya or N. Scott Momaday to fully embrace the rich literary tradition that thrives alongside Santa Fe’s visual arts.
