A Mid-Century California Hacienda Reimagined After Fire

From Ashes to Aesthetics: Rebuilding a Legacy with Style

The Resilient Adobe: A Phoenix Rising from the Flames

Perched near the base of the San Gabriel Mountains in Sierra Madre, a 1947 adobe residence, crafted from sun-dried organic bricks, has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. This tranquil setting, far from the urban sprawl of Los Angeles and shaded by native California trees, provides an unexpected backdrop for a captivating design narrative.

Kirsten Blazek's Vision: Preserving Heritage, Embracing Modernity

The journey of this home's rebirth commenced with a fire that ravaged much of its structure, leaving only the original adobe brick walls intact. Rather than starting anew, designer Kirsten Blazek of A1000XBetter embraced the remnants. Her guiding principle was to retain the home's authentic character and style while enhancing its suitability for contemporary living. New spaces, including a kitchen, master suite, and family room, were subtly integrated, with the expansion meticulously confined to the original footprint, adding only a modest area for a primary closet.

Harmony of Past and Present: The Unchanged Original Core

The original adobe section of the house was meticulously preserved, its layout remaining undisturbed. The hallway windows, a cherished feature from the 1947 construction and one of Blazek's personal favorites, were carefully retained. Her vision for a 'modern California hacienda' guided every design decision, influencing the selection of colors and finishes to evoke this specific aesthetic.

Nature's Palette: Colors Inspired by the Californian Landscape

The chosen color scheme directly mirrors the natural surroundings. Warm, earthy tones from Dunn-Edwards paints, including an exterior shade called 'Wild Horses,' subtly echo the local terrain and scrubland. Blazek expresses her strong affinity for an earth-based palette, finding it perfectly suited to the home's location at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains.

A Lifelong Passion: Southwestern Influences Meet Mid-Century Modern

The interiors reflect Blazek's deep-rooted passion for the American Southwest and her extensive collection of Native American and Western-inspired art. Yet, the design skillfully avoids imitation, integrating mid-century furniture from esteemed sources like MidcenturyLA, Amsterdam Modern, and Lawson-Fenning. These pieces, with their clean, modern lines, provide a grounding contrast to the collected artworks. Rugs from Pampa and Salam Hello add warmth, while drapery by Zak and Fox elegantly frames the windows. Blazek emphasizes her intention to avoid overly referential designs, instead creating a harmonious blend of genres.

Artistic Touches: A Dining Room Transformed

Among the designer's favorite elements is the dining room fireplace, an original feature updated with striking dimensional tiles from Lofa Tile. Adjacent to it, a framed print by artist Mark Maggiori finds its perfect home, a piece Blazek cherished and was delighted to finally integrate into the space.

A Testament to Vision: Blending Tradition and Innovation

This renovation stands as a testament to both conservation and innovation, seamlessly merging the timeless craft of adobe construction with the crisp lines of mid-century design. The result is a contemporary hacienda deeply connected to its environment, its history, and the unwavering strength of Blazek's artistic visio