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The Art of Home: Gene Hackman’s Masterful Touch in Interior Design
Gene Hackman approached the design of his home with a filmmaker’s eye for detail and nuance, aiming to imbue the interior spaces with a sense of history and authenticity. His vision was clear: to create a residence that appears to have aged gracefully over time, acquiring layers and character akin to a well-loved structure. “The house is new, but from its newness we tried to bring it back a hundred years or more,” he articulates. His desire for aged effects included watermarks on walls, suggesting years of wear and storage, and darker areas of plaster, mimicking soot from smoke.
Convincing plasterers to execute his ambitious vision required effort, yet the outcome was a series of walls that transitioned seamlessly in color, enhancing spatial dynamics without compromising openness. For instance, in the entrance hall, a gradual shift from teal to tan creates a bridge between the interior and exterior worlds. In line with this aesthetic, new ceiling beams were meticulously treated with various techniques—rehoned, charred, battered with chains, and layered with multiple coats of paint, which were then stripped away, resulting in a rich, textured ceiling appearance.
Moreover, Hackman’s vision extended to the ceilings, where he desired a traditional stamped-tin look. When his quest for pre-made patterned tin fell short, he enlisted a local artisan to craft exactly what he envisioned, underscoring his hands-on approach to design.
Hackman’s involvement in the project was comprehensive; he played an influential role in shaping the floor plan, delineating kitchen specifics, and even participating physically in the demolition phase. As a skilled painter himself, he occasionally crafted custom color mixes to provide precise guidance to the workmen.
During the construction phase, Hackman was heavily present, maintaining a close connection to the evolving project. “He’s a deeply involved client, very artistic, very keen on details,” notes architect Samuelson. This collaboration demanded constant communication—frequent calls and the sharing of sketches were the norm, ensuring alignment on his expansive vision. Hackman’s partner, Betsy Arakawa, also spent substantial time on-site, coordinating with him via phone and sharing progress photos to keep him informed.
As for the home’s furnishings, Hackman and Arakawa consciously avoided a strictly Santa Fe aesthetic. “We bought a few things in Santa Fe. Other things came from auctions in New York, an antiques shop in Germany that Betsy and I found, and from Los Angeles,” Hackman explains. This blend of items represents a thoughtful mix of soft southwestern elements and sturdy, antique pieces.
Santa Fe designers Ken Figueredo and Glynn Gomez worked closely with the couple, helping integrate items from their previous home in Montecito along with new acquisitions. The result is a coherent aesthetic that marries the gentle color palette and soft shapes characteristic of Santa Fe with the robust elegance of European antiques. Colorful, large-scale accessories serve as unifying elements throughout the space. While the decor reflects an appreciation for New Mexican art, the intention was not to create a mere showcase of crafts but rather a living space filled with warmth and character.
This new home serves as a retreat for Hackman during the rare stretches—often just two months a year—when he isn’t on location for his work. During these periods, the house becomes a sanctuary of tranquility, allowing for escapes from social obligations and entertaining. Whether it’s indulging in painting expeditions towards the mountains with his art supplies or savoring quiet hours filled with reading and music in the living room, Hackman fully enjoys the transformative beauty of the desert and the stunning landscapes that surround his home.
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