In New Mexico’s creative capital of Santa Fe, Neighbour Moderne is a trove of handcrafted homewares and heirloom antiques that blend timeless elegance with contemporary simplicity. We chat with owner Carol Hicks Bolton about the store’s origins, its historic location, and the artistic local community that feels like family.
This is Neighbour Moderne's second store (the other is located in Fredericksburg, TX). Can you tell us how it came about?
Our family grew up going to Santa Fe and have always loved the town, the artistry, the architecture, and the community. Extending Carol Hicks Bolton Antiques and opening a brick-and-mortar has been a lifelong dream; all we needed was a building.
The old Pueblo villages and Santa Fe architecture do not lend themselves to open spaces with high ceilings; that was until we stumbled across 312 Sandoval. This building was standalone and very historic. And we love historic buildings! This building was erected in 1886 as the first public schoolhouse for the town of Santa Fe. It was love at first sight and perfectly move-in ready. All the details tumbled into place, and we opened in July 2024.
How would you describe the Neighbour Moderne aesthetic?
The Neighbour aesthetic bridges old and new, blending timeless elegance with contemporary simplicity. Picture an 18th-century French iron bed artistically stretched to a modern size, its intricate scrollwork and aged patina now layered with crisp modern linens. Or a living room centered around a low, teak coffee table that has been touched by generations, paired with a clean-lined, heavy linen slip-covered sofa. This is what Neighbour is all about—curating spaces rich with the soul of heirlooms passed down from one generation to the next.
What do you love about the Sante Fe community?
The Santa Fe community feels like family—like-minded entrepreneurs and artists who share our crazy love for historical objects and natural materials. Not only is Sandoval an easy walking distance from the historic Plaza, but we are blessed with a wonderful parking lot, which is a precious thing in Santa Fe! What more could you ask for?
Santa Fe attracts artful people who love blending their creations with nature. That is exactly what Santa Fe is: an incredible oasis of mountains, pine trees, soulful music, and people constantly creating.
What made you decide to stock Hale Mercantile linen, and what do you love about it?
Hale Mercantile has always been a staple in our flagship store, and we were thrilled when we had the opportunity to offer the range to Santa Fe. Folks here love natural fibers and earthy colors. We can hardly keep our shelves stocked with Hale’s luxurious goods because of how well-loved the linen has been.
What are your favorite pieces from the collection?
We have not met a piece of Hale Mercantile that we do not swoon over – picking a favorite is impossible! Layers upon layers have been our favorite way of showcasing these beautiful linens. More is more when it comes to Hale Mercantile.
Do you have any plans and goals for 2025 you'd like to share?
Moving into this year, our main focus is to continue bringing home lifelong heirlooms, One-of-a-kind pieces marked with stories from generations of life. In the era of mass production, that integrity has become more and more valuable to us.
Click here to browse Neighbour Moderne's collection online or find a showroom near you.
