Tumbleweed Lounge
COMPLETED
November 2024
LOCATION
Tularosa, New Mexico
PHOTO CREDIT
Frazier Springfield
We recently completed the design of a unique sotol distillery in the picturesque town of Tularosa, New Mexico, located near the iconic White Sands National Park. This area, still under the radar as a destination, provides the perfect canvas for a distillery that blends exceptional craft with high-end design. As sotol—the lesser-known spirit—gains traction in the U.S., this distillery stands at the forefront of an exciting movement in craft distilling.
The owners, a warm and down-to-earth couple from Virginia & Kansas City, fell in love with New Mexico's rich cultural and artisanal heritage, and wanted their distillery to reflect this connection. From the locally sourced mixers for their cocktails to a nearby gift shop showcasing regional goods, every detail is an homage to the area’s talented producers.
The interior design reflects this philosophy with a warm, tactile aesthetic. The tasting room features bold pink tile with matching grout and a racked plaster wall treatment that introduces an organic, layered feel. The reclaimed wood bar top and custom clay breezeblock banquette with a unique backer add depth and texture, evoking the earthy materials found in New Mexico’s desert landscape. In the bathroom, a harmonious blend of tile and grasscloth wallpaper creates a serene, understated space that invites quiet reflection.
Outside, the patio features curvy pink planter benches that complement the natural surroundings, offering sweeping views of the mountains. Brass tables add an elegant touch, grounding the space with a modern sensibility that feels both timeless and of-the-moment.
This distillery is a celebration of the intersection between wabi-sabi design, the unique New Mexico landscape, and the craftsmanship of the local community. It’s been an honor to bring this vision to life, creating a space that’s as much about its surroundings and history as it is about the exciting future of craft distilling in the area.
#DoYouSotol?