We have been very lucky to have showcased many of Kirsten Blazek’s (of a1000xbetter) projects over the years. Remember this wood-filled beauty? This one, however, is extra special because this project is her actual personal home. For me, why I think I’m so drawn to her work in general is that there’s almost always a heavy dose of a Southwestern-inspired aesthetic. I mean, she’s known for it. Now, you may be thinking, but Jess, there’s nothing really “Southwest” about your aesthetic, so why?? Well, the town I grew up in and the homes I grew up in were very much decorated in a Southwest-inspired style. I also spent a lot of time in New Mexico growing up, so there’s an immediate sense of comfort when I see spaces that embody this energy. Now, my homes were not even close to being as cool or as beautiful (no shade to my parents, who gave us wonderful homes to grow up in), but when you see a Kirsten masterpiece, it’s a different ballgame. So let’s start with a little backstory on her home. It’s in Los Angeles County (not far from me:)), surrounded by some awesome nature. It was built in 1947, so it was really important to Kirsten to keep all of the original adobe features. This, of course, was not easy, as she still needed a house that could really work for her life. To solve this, she added a nice addition to the back, which is where the kitchen, a big bedroom, and a bathroom are. Ok, I’ve talked enough. Let’s get into these photos and talk about maybe the coolest fireplace I’ve ever seen…

I meeeeeaaan. The way Kirsten effortlessly blends midcentury modern and southwest style should be studied. The key elements seem to be bold shapes in organic materials in neutral tones. It seems to be her no-fail method if you look at this home as well as her body of work. This space feels perfectly grounded without feeling heavy. You have the darker woods, tiles, and textiles towards the bottom half of the room that make the space feel like a hug, while the light-colored textured brick walls and lighter wood ceiling on the top half balance and lighten. But that stunning piece of art also does an incredible job of blending the whole space together.

Now let’s focus on this fireplace. The top of the fireplace captures Southwest design while the tile gives that almost MCM feel. But what’s even more special about this tile is that not only is it from a female-owned small-batch tile company out of Guadalajara, Mexico, LOFA Ceramics, but this collection in particular was in collaboration with another LA artist we adore, Cindy Hsu Zell. You know Cindy’s work, and I promise you are already a fan. I feel like I’m in a design dream I don’t want to wake up from! Then add in Kirsten’s collection of ceramics, objects, and art, and you have a deeply personal and special architechural feature.

Here’s another view of that awesome dining table set up. I love some vintage chunky wood chairs:) That pretty rug is also from Pampa.

The furniture in this home is unreal. The shapes and materials are so so good, and this Lawson-Fenning cabinet is a testament to that. Also, how cool is that floor lamp??

Kirsten is a woman after my own heart in that we are not lovers of cooking! However, we are lovers of a beautiful kitchen, and that is something proved by her designing this baby. I really love how she chose to make the cabinet slats and the backsplash tiles all vertical. It makes the kitchen feel taller, which was potentially her plan all along:)

Another little detail to take note of is the upper cabinet heights. They are lower on the range wall and higher on the sink side. BUT the floating shelf height is in line with the height on the range wall uppers. That’s why your eye isn’t confused. Details, details, details.

And here we get a closer look at these beautiful backsplash tiles. I love that they look handmade but aren’t Zellige (nothing wrong with Zellige, I LOVE IT. But nice to see something else too:)). I just can’t say it enough: between the texture of the tiles and the grain in the cabinets, this kitchen has so much texture. It makes it feel alive in the best way. Also, I love the shape of the sconce.

Onto the living room! It’s cozy but cool. I love that she used the same Zak + Fox fabric in the drapes here as the shade in the kitchen. Oh, and notice the fun art placement and configurations. I am a forever fan of the “art piece under the window”. Also notice how the ceiling is painted instead of odd paneled like most of the rest of the home. A nice color contrast but not so much so that it’s jarring. It flows so effortlessly.

The detailing on this cabinet is amazing! It’s these kinds of elements that make a neutral space so exciting to look at and be in. If you want a neutral-toned home, playing with textures and shapes will make all the difference between a home that feels flat or a home that’s welcoming and interesting.

As we move down the hallway to one of the bedrooms, let’s take a second to notice the mixing of wood tones. The ceiling is that light/medium tone while the window frames and doors are a very dark brown. It’s visually exciting and makes the space feel both cozy and open.

Not that Kirsten needs to hear this from me (ha!), but no notes. I love the mixing of the stripe scales so much, and those warm tones are the definition of welcoming.

On the other side of the room is that amazing wall unit. Again, vertical panels which make the room feel taller and in a green that has warm undertones. Maybe if I close my eyes, I can pretend I’m writing this post from that vanity/desk.

Before we get to the primary bedroom, here’s the other beautiful bedroom she designed to perfection. I love that each room has its own personality. This one has the cool tones but still has some stripes and her signature Southwest-inspired pieces like the art and rug.

Another angle and another beautiful built-in closet. How great is that hanging pendant that’s seemingly floating?! Such a cool detail to hide the canopy with that front panel.

This is a bathroom I would happily call mine. Again, all vertical paneling and tile, beautiful tonal greens, and dark-toned hardware. It’s both moody and soft! Look into the mirror so you can see all the colors and materials at the same time:)

Finally, we have arrived at the primary bedroom, Kirsten’s sanctuary. As you can see, the walls aren’t overly adorned, and the bedding is simple (I used to have a blanket like this one and it was my favorite!). But each piece brings so much to the space. According to Kirsten, the rug is from Salam Hello, “a female-owned business who source all of their rugs directly from the makers, all over Morocco & beyond.” I really love how thoughtfully she designed this space. I think that if you have the bandwidth (and often the budget), it’s so unbelievably rewarding to really invest in pieces that hold special meaning to you and your values. It’s clear that while not everything in her home is woman-owned and made, having pieces from businesses that fit in that category is very important to her.

Those nightstand lamps are oversized in the best and coolest way, and that dining table as a desk is exquisite.

This is a designer-approved accent wall! That wallpaper is a dream, isn’t it? Again, vertical stripes;)

Kirsten kept the green bathroom motif but made it her own for her primary bath suite. She also ditched the medicine cabinet in both spaces and opted for a special mirror instead (she, of course, seems to have ample storage space as you will continue to see). From there, all her lighting is ceramic, which I love. That sconce is from the endlessly talented Heather Levine.

I’m not sure where the others are from, but it’s a little unexpected in a bathroom and something I’ve seen Kirsten do before…and LOVE. Can we also take a moment to appreciate this little vanity? That wallpaper accent is the perfect touch.

To finish off this incredible tour, here is the exterior of Kirsten’s home. It feels like a historic Southern California home in the best way…the warm tones and perfect landscaping.

Even her outside bench is one of the coolest I’ve ever seen.

I want to thank Kirsten for letting me oogle over her home. You can feel when a home is personal, and this one is absolutely that. Have a beautiful rest of your day, and hope you feel filled up and inspired!

More Resources:
Paint throughout – Dunn-Edwards
Switches and Outlets – Buster and Punch
Rugs in Guest Rooms, Dining Room, Hallway – Pampa

*Design by Kirsten Blazek of a1000xbetter
**Photography by Michael P.H Clifford