We spent an afternoon in the crisp winter sun catching up with Marty Windahl and Sara Murillo at their historic Josias Joesler home. As we embarked on the quest for their ideal abode, Marty and Sara articulated distinct priorities that echoed a profound appreciation for authenticity and purpose: a place that still retained its integrity, plenty of natural light, to be located centrally in Tucson, and near a bike path as they both enjoy riding their bikes whenever they can. Furthermore, the home needed to seamlessly accommodate their professional pursuits. Marty is a writer, astrologer and tarot reader. Sara is the creative mind and maker behind the thoughtful and artisanal company rituals incense.
What attracted you to this home?
When we first walked in, we were immediately drawn to the center of the house because of all the light pouring in from the skylights. We knew that light was an important element in a home for us. We were also attracted to the signature Joesler beams; we love that the house feels touched by its architect.
What changes did you make?
We wanted to complement and highlight the architect's original vision while also weaving in our own individual styles, mostly through the furniture we’ve made and selected. We painted the whole interior white to set off the beams and natural elements like the handmade saltillo tile. We also added new lighting fixtures and hardware, and we landscaped the front and back yards with native plants and cacti. We also added a work studio in the back for Sara’s incense business.
How has your style evolved over the years?
We both have always been very minimal and intentional in our aesthetic. Being in Tucson has shaped our styles through its landscape and the architecture that this environment supports. A big focal point in our house is our plants, and we have loved getting to know the cacti, agave, and native plants here. Their beauty and palette have been a big influence on our home curation.
What is your favorite space?
Our favorite space inside our house, which is really the heart of our home, is the living area that originally attracted us to this house in the first place. We decided to make the office off of the living room into our bedroom so that we could wake up to the warm light that cascades in every morning.
Outside our house, our backyard is like a second living space. We love spending time with the cacti and hummingbirds and grilling for our family and friends.
What gets priority in your home?
Since we both work from home and our work is an important aspect of our lives, our workspace and office have been big priorities for us. Marty wanted a space that felt intimate, private, and calm where she could meet with clients, write, and research. The front room, the original bedroom, has been perfect for this. To support a better work/life balance, Sara wanted a separate workspace, so we added a small freestanding structure in the back.
