Kris Lajeskie Design Group has unveiled its transformation of the Hotel St. Francis, a Santa Fe landmark that’s listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Reminiscent of a Franciscan monastery, the hotel’s design honors the city’s historical, cultural and spiritual roots. The color scheme of creams, tans, browns, and grays, derived from the muted shades of the natural wool of the churro sheep, is complemented by rustic wooden furniture, tumbled travertine floors and walls, and hand-forged ironwork. Meanwhile, the lighting in the public spaces emulates candlelight, which is enhanced each evening at dusk when oversized candles are lit, enveloping the lobby and restaurant in a warm glow.
"I wanted to create a destination hotel for Santa Fe that would honor its rich heritage and pay homage to Saint Francis," says Lajeskie. "I brought together a talented group of local artisans who handcrafted furnishings, lighting, and native decorative arts. That added to the authenticity of the project. In the end, I wanted this to be a place where visiting guests and locals alike would congregate and feel comfortable, just as they did in the old days."
