New Mexico
AA-2026-BBB41A
On the image
Many people in the 1970s wanted their homes to reflect a sense of organic connection to the land, which often manifested as thick, white plaster walls and exposed log beams that did not, in fact, grow that straight. This "Southwestern style" conveyed an earthy aesthetic while still requiring substantial professional construction.
The kiva-style fireplace, with its soft, rounded edges, serves as the room's central feature, designed for ambiance more than heating efficiency, given the single opening. Built-in benches curve gracefully, ensuring guests maintain a specific social geometry and rendering furniture rearrangement an impossible dream.
Two slender windows provide natural light, framing views of the outside world like vertical paintings, rather than offering expansive vistas. The entire space communicates a preference for permanent architectural statements over the fleeting, temporary discomforts of practical living or flexible decor.
The historian's note
This room exemplifies the "Santa Fe style" or "Pueblo Revival" architectural movement that gained popularity in the American Southwest, particularly New Mexico, during the 20th century, with a resurgence in the 1970s. Key elements visible include vigas (exposed wooden ceiling beams), coved or rounded plaster walls, and a kiva-style fireplace.
This architectural approach drew inspiration from the traditional building methods of the indigenous Pueblo people and Spanish colonial structures in the region. It emphasised natural materials, a connection to the landscape, and a distinctive aesthetic that became highly fashionable for residential and commercial buildings throughout the 1970s and beyond.
The 1970s saw an increased interest in regional styles and natural aesthetics, often as a counterpoint to more mass-produced or modern designs. This interior reflects that trend, valuing handcrafted appearances and a sense of timelessness.
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Southwestern Adobe Interior, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-BBB41A. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/southwestern-adobe-interior-1970s.
@misc{aaAA2026BBB41A,
title = {Southwestern Adobe Interior, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-BBB41A},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/southwestern-adobe-interior-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - Southwestern Adobe Interior, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-BBB41A UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/southwestern-adobe-interior-1970s ER -
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