Meet the Owner of Dekker House

Meet James Padilla, owner and steward of the charming midcentury modern Dekker House. A native New Mexican and retired public health professional, James has poured his energy into a life of service, creativity, and exploration. These days, he divides his time between volunteering, teaching English as a second language, and carefully curating the evolving character of the Dekker House, where he welcomes guests into a warm, nostalgic, midcentury modern experience.

James’ connection to place runs deep. Hailing from a small village tucked into the northern Sangre de Cristo mountains, he has carried the beauty of his homeland with him through extensive travels around the world. He loves the outdoors—whether it’s walking, hiking, running, or tending to the landscape that frames the house. Photography, discovering new places, and meeting new people fuel his curiosity and creativity.

In 2017, James Padilla and his then-spouse purchased the Dekker House. By early 2024, James had taken full ownership, ready to reimagine the home and give it new life. His vision was clear: move away from the minimalist, white-walled, contemporary look and lean fully into something warmer, more welcoming, and deeply rooted in midcentury design.

What followed was a years-long creative journey—layers of fresh paint, countless trips to vintage shops, endless rearranging of furniture, and plenty of MacGyver-style problem solving. Slowly but surely, the Dekker House evolved into what it is today: a cozy, eclectic blend of midcentury modern character, natural textures, and even a touch of 1970s nostalgia.

For James, the house became more than a project—it became a canvas. Through trial and error, he discovered a creative side he hadn’t known before, one that guided him by instinct toward the right colors, textures, shapes, and placements. He learned to trust his gut, to persist when something felt off, and to revel in those deeply satisfying moments when a space suddenly clicked into perfection. Today, the Dekker House is not just a home, but a reflection of James’ story: rooted in New Mexico, shaped by exploration, and crafted with a deep love for design, nature, and the art of welcoming others.

James shares his home with his 4-lb chihuahua, Javi, who takes his docent responsibilities seriously and also has taken to napping with guests who stay in the Dekker House.