Tu Revista Latina Magazine

From a house to a home

The perfect home is neither the biggest one nor the most luxurious one on the block. For John and Lia Muñoz finding the ideal balance between size, comfort and style turned out to be quite a challenge. After a lengthy search for a home, they realized that the house that would suit them best was only to be found in their dreams. They had no alternative but to ignite their imagination and get to work. What they found was the perfect “project” house on a hilltop. The setting was ideal with pristine views of the Organ Mountains to the East and the city with wonderful sunsets to the West. This may not have been the perfect house for the family, but it sure was the perfect setting for their future home.

The original floor plan of the house consisted of 2,000 square feet with three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Lia saw the potential in it right away despite all the changes that needed to be made. It
included a simple fireplace that seemed incomplete to Lia. And aside from the beautiful views, the backyard was unfinished and plain. They bought the house and hired a designer to start the renovation process. When the designer and the owners met, Lia had a piece of crumpled paper where she had sketched her vision which included adding a bedroom, full bath, office and balcony in the second floor.

Five months after they bought the house the dramatic renovation was complete. What was once a typical tract house has been transformed into a home full of enchantment for the family. The visual difference from the exterior of the home is impressive. To the entrance of the home they incorporated a court yard with an iron gate that accentuates the Spanish style.

Lia’s stamp is seen throughout the home but nowhere is it more evident than in the artistic fireplace that draws your eye as you walk in to the open living space. Lia designed the fireplace herself, using a variety of techniques that give it a Mediterranean look. Wood, wrought iron and tile was used throughout the home to give the space a Mediterranean/Spanish flair. The formal dining room, which was lacking in the original floor plan, has elegant tall open windows that invite an abundance of natural light. They are positioned strategically to appreciate the theatrical lightshow the sunset puts on right around dinner time. The kitchen is simply a welcoming environment that is open to the living room area. The polished granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and dark wood of the custom cabinets give the Spanish style of the house an updated look. The first floor of the house also includes two guest bedrooms and
bathroom which will eventually become a sanctuary for those who visit. Lia explained that she plans to turn one of the guestrooms into a miniature spa and workout room.

Where there was once a door exiting to the roof is now the entrance to an office with a huge window facing the balcony. One of the family’s favorite spaces in the entire house is this balcony at sunset where they sit and enjoy the colorful shows of the southwestern skies. Stefano’s room is just to the left of the balcony and it truly showcases his spunky personality. They’ve incorporated bright colors throughout to accent the bright orange he picked out himself for the walls. Attached to the room is a full bathroom for Stefano to grow in to. Also on the second floor is a unique master bedroom that not only has a balcony looking out to the back yard but also a small balcony overlooking the living space below. Hardwood flooring is featured in the master suite and replaces the carpet that was once laid out.

John and Lia not only wanted to create a functional yet warm home but they also longed to create an entertaining outdoor environment. Located off the kitchen and an extension of the living area, the backyard is a fun and relaxing space. For her authentic Italian dinners Lia requested an organic garden which was placed on east side of the house. Special touches throughout the backyard reflect an aesthetic design sensitive to Lia’s heritage. The backyard water feature is reminiscent of the Nuraghi Village in Sardinia, Italy were Lia is originally from. The 3 feet deep pond has three waterfalls and lights up at in the evening to give it a dramatic effect perfect for those pleasant summer nights.

The family’s design decisions were made base on two elements: making the house feel like a home and integrating Lia’s desire to bring a little bit of Italy to Las Cruces. It has been a very long process; but to the Muñoz family it is rewarding enough to know that they transformed the house into a home together.

Fall 2009