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.”

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." layout="wide" credit="Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios" photoUserId=""/>

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.

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.

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.”

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.

1190 Afton Street in Pasadena, California, is currently listed for $2,375,000 by Jennifer Parker-Stanton of Deasy Penner Podley.

Know of a home for sale or rent that should be featured on Dwell.com? Find out how to submit to Dwell.

Also Appears In

After a Soulful Remix, a Midcentury Ranch Asks $2.4M in Southern California