Inside Kirsten Blazek’s Earthy Spanish Revival in Ojai

https://youtu.be/wBY4v8SFf9A

In the heart of Ojai’s sun-drenched valley, designer Kirsten Blazek welcomes The Luxury Home Show into her lovingly restored 1926 Spanish-style bungalow. As the founder of A 1000 X Better, Blazek is known for her soulful use of color and craftsmanship, and this project is no exception. It’s a home that feels as if it has always belonged here rooted in the landscape, alive with texture, and layered with stories.

BRAND

A1000XBETTER

TYPE

Family Residence

LOCATION

Ojai, California

SERVICES

Full feature on YouTube, IG, FB & TikTok

PRESENTED BY

Kirsten Blazek

“This house was such a gem underneath,” Kirsten says, smiling as she steps through the front door. “We wanted to take it back to its original character but make it feel like it had grown naturally over time.” What started as a dated and divided space has been completely reimagined into a warm and connected retreat: reflecting both the home’s history and the easy charm of Ojai living.

Kirsten and her team stripped the house to its frame, opening up the layout to create flow and breathing room. The narrow living and dining areas are now joined by a graceful arched opening that draws the eye straight through the home. “The arches were key,” she explains. “They brought back that sense of Spanish architecture that felt authentic and timeless.”

Soft plastered walls, handmade tiles, and dark oak floors bring depth and warmth. The living room’s floral wallpaper from House of Hackney adds a touch of drama while still feeling grounded in nature. “I love that it feels a bit unexpected,” Kirsten says. “It gives the space personality, and it changes beautifully with the light throughout the day.”

The colors throughout the house reflect Ojai’s surroundings, from sun-baked terracotta to olive greens and muted creams, forming a palette that is soothing and full of life. “I wanted the house to mirror the valley,” Kirsten shares. “Everything here has that soft, lived-in glow, and I wanted to bring that inside.”

Each room flows into the next, with vintage furniture, natural fabrics, and layers of art and pattern telling the story of a life well-lived. The design never feels too polished or too perfect; it’s relaxed, tactile, and real.

At the home’s core, the kitchen anchors the design with a sense of warmth and enduring style. Custom cabinetry painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Roycroft Brass pairs with a handmade tile backsplash from Heath Ceramics. A cozy banquette nook, upholstered in checked wool, invites lingering mornings over coffee. “I didn’t want it to feel like a show kitchen,” Kirsten says. “It’s meant to be used and loved every day.”

Beyond the main home, Kirsten transformed a former three-car garage into a charming guesthouse. With its warm browns, hand-finished tiles, and compact layout, it feels like a natural extension of the main bungalow. “It’s connected by feeling,” she says. “I wanted it to have its own personality but to speak the same language.”

Upstairs, the primary bedroom glows with warmth and whimsy thanks to a Counterpart Studio wallpaper featuring moons, clouds, and desert flora. “It’s a little bit magical,” Kirsten admits. The adjoining bathroom continues the story with checkered floors, brass accents, and soft neutral tones that make the small space feel serene and luxurious.

Every corner of the home holds a quiet moment, an antique vase here, a textured rug there. Nothing feels rushed or overly styled. “I always want a home to feel like it has evolved naturally,” she says. “That’s when design feels most authentic.”

What makes this home so special is its soul. Kirsten didn’t just restore a bungalow, she gave it back its sense of place. Each design decision reflects her belief that good design should be deeply personal. “A home should tell your story,” She says. “This one tells mine.”

For viewers of The Interior Design Show, Kirsten’s Ojai project is more than a tour of beautiful rooms. It’s a gentle reminder that great design doesn’t have to shout; it just has to feel right. In this house, every detail feels like a quiet conversation between past and present, nature and nurture, designer and home.