My Space

In this regular series on people's favorite spaces and places, Tucson resident Sally Galbraith explains what she loves about one particular corner of her Foothills home.

"David and I have been in this house for 12 years and we thought we were ready for our next home, our next project really. We had put this house on the market, then decided to take it off. There's something about our 40-year-old adobe home with it's solid brick walls, rustic hewn beams and glass that keeps us rooted to it.

"A year ago we were contemplating change, children having moved out and parents passing. David and I were faced with blending the past and present and creating a home that felt right -  calm, clean and grounded for our future. We went about reclaiming our own home, to try to streamline and lighten the feel of the adobe.

"The intention was clean lines and harmony in the desert. We cleared the obstructions, heavy ironwork railings and deep red walls needed to go. Brick and flagstone floors were stained a rich eggplant, creating uninterrupted flooring and flow.

"This southwest corner of the sun-room is used as an office. It is the intersection of generations, of masculine and of feminine. The curves of my grandfather’s boot chair (English, 19^th century) offset the modern, sleek clarity of the Lucite desk. The worn red leather of my father's lounge chair is imperfect and inviting, and the soft creamy Gabbeh rug is perfect for bare feet. There's a collection of sculpture and ceramics referencing the feminine set in the adobe niche.

"We both sit comfortably here, paying bills or planning trips, enjoying many moments together and inviting whatever is next."

* Sally worked with 3 Story's Madeleine Boos on her renovation.