After a Soulful Remix, a Midcentury Ranch Asks $2.4M in Southern California
Artfully reimagined by A1000xBetter, this Pasadena residence feels bright, roomy, and just the right amount of funky.
Originally built in 1950, this ranch-style house near the edge of the Arroyo in Pasadena, California, remained in the hands of one family before the current owner, Kirsten Blazek—founder and creative director of home staging and interior design company A1000xBetter—gave it an expert upgrade.
"The property stands out due to its exceptional, soulful, and thoughtful design," says listing agent Jennifer Parker-Stanton. "Kirsten enhanced and reworked the traditional ranch home’s bones into an Ojai-inspired retreat."
Set back on a quiet, tree-lined street, the 2,712-square-foot ranch house boasts major curb appeal with its sleek, dark facade and expansive lawn.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
Native plants stretch out along the refurbished front porch, which features redwood cladding and tile flooring.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
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On arrival, the front porch seating area extends a warm welcome. "We painstakingly removed layers of old paint and hand-sanded, so the original redwood would become the focal point of the front of the house," says Kristen, who notes that the warmth of the redwood also informed the interior palette.
A1000xBetter raised several ceilings in the home to foster a grander sense of space. The family room feels expansive thanks to a sloping roof and large window, which looks out onto the porch.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
As part of the overhaul, the owners reimagined the overall floor plan, which now separates the primary living spaces from the bedrooms. "I particularly enjoy the family room, in which we raised the ceiling and opened up the whole space to enhance the flow between the kitchen and main gathering space," says Kristen.
On the other side of the family room, a black fireplace anchors a smaller gathering space.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
Herringbone oak flooring runs throughout the living spaces, including the kitchen and dining area, contrasting with the white walls and ceilings. In the formal living room, a tiled fireplace mingles with patterned Cole & Son wallpaper.
A patterned, black-and-white backsplash climbs up the walls in the kitchen—a space filled with new appliances and that provides direct access to the back porch and garden.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
Throughout the open layout, large casement windows sweep natural light inside while also framing views of the serene setting. "The house is not only visually appealing; it strikes all your senses when you step in," notes Parker-Stanton. "It is an incredibly easy house to be in and live in, with surprising details at every turn."
Caesarstone counters complement the custom white cabinetry and open wood shelving in the kitchen.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
In addition to the added vaulted ceiling in the great room and refinished hardwood floors, other notable updates include custom closets, designer appliances, Caesarstone counters, and a number of system upgrades. There is also a finished basement wrapped with tongue-and-groove paneling, which is currently being used as a recording studio. Scroll ahead to see more of the home, now listed for $2,375,000.
The more formal living room is dressed in Cole & Son wallpaper. Black-painted wood trim frames the fireplace.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
In total, the home offers four bedrooms, three of which are clustered together, away from the primary living spaces. Here is a peek at the principal suite, also fitted in designer wallpaper.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
The en-suite bath features a long, double vanity and oversized glass shower.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
Dreamy shades of orange create a calming refuge in another bedroom.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
Each of the home’s three bathrooms were completed remodeled.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
Hardwood floors continue into all of the bright, airy bedrooms.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
A large soaking tub overlooking the lush, serene grounds awaits in one of the bathrooms.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
A look at the wood-clad basement, currently serving as a fully equipped recording studio.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
The new layout allows the living spaces to easily flow out to the covered back porch, which features a charming dining area that overlooks the planted fruit trees and garden.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
An aerial view highlighting the property's mountainous location. "The design, floor plan, tree-filled setting and being so close to the Rose Bowl makes the homes especially remarkable," adds Parker-Stanton.
Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios
1190 Afton Street in Pasadena, California, is currently listed for $2,375,000 by Jennifer Parker-Stanton of Deasy Penner Podley.
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