Meet Alexandra Azat — principal designer and creative visionary behind Plaster and Patina, a boutique design studio known for crafting soulful spaces and historically inspired homes. Her refined style and timeless eye have deep roots, shaped by an international upbringing and summers spent traveling through Europe. Everything she touches strikes that delicate balance between elegance and experience. Her design approach is an overflow of that same thoughtful ethos — taking the time to truly understand her clients, guide them through the process, and create spaces that feel like a reflection of who they are.
After losing her home in the Eaton fires in Altadena, Alex is beginning the journey to rebuild — together with her husband, their two little boys, Beau and Brooks, and their loyal Great Dane, Grace. Today on the blog, we’re giving you a closer look at the creative mind and heart behind Plaster and Patina, but her story doesn’t stop here! Join us in following along and supporting her journey as it unfolds on Instagram.
So without further ado…
a conversation with Alex…
1
Let’s start from the beginning! Tell us a little about the journey that led you to where you are now.
I started my professional journey as a banker with Merrill Lynch! I had a business degree from USC and thought that was the direction I wanted to go in, but quickly learned it wasn’t for me! I started a small floral design shop, which eventually grew into one of the largest floral design companies in Southern California. I ran that for about 16 years before selling it and moving into the interior space. After moving to LA, my husband and I purchased our first 100 year old home and fixed it up slowly together. I was hooked! I have a deep love for old homes and was no longer be interested in my event design career. I knew it was time to make a change. I’m a big believer in following your passion.
2
Can you explain the story behind the name of your business, Plaster and Patina?
I knew my focus when designing homes would be on old homes, historic homes, or homes that emphasized the mixture of old and new. Inviting old world charm into designs is something so important to me! The woodwork, finishes, and beautiful details all speak to me! When I named my company, I wanted that to come through. I named the studio Plaster and Patina because we often encounter real materials like plaster walls when we’re renovating homes. Plus, the finishes we select are the kind that patina beautifully over time, lending even more personality and beauty to the home as it ages.
3
You’re known for your effortless mixing of the old with the new, creating soulful spaces that celebrate history while still feeling fresh and timeless. How would you describe your design ethos?
You’re known for your effortless mixing of the old with the new, creating soulful spaces that celebrate history while still feeling fresh and timeless. How would you describe your design ethos?
I believe in telling a story with my designs — I believe in authenticity, embracing the past while looking towards the future. I believe in real, raw materials and that it is perfectly okay if those materials etch and scratch and stain. Each of those imperfections is a memory! We believe in craftsmanship and that the details really matter. We also believe that the client comes first — our firm is extremely client-centric as a home is a very personal thing. We are honored to be invited in to help create that for our clients.
4
Tell us a bit about how you find inspiration. What factors have played roles in the development of your design style and evolving aesthetic?
I grew up traveling through Europe often! My mother is from Spain and I am a Spanish citizen. Seeing how Europeans embrace the age of homes with real materials and interesting quirks has always inspired me. I also grew up an equestrian, so I am often greatly influenced by anything and everything equine related.
5
Between design meetings, project installs, photoshoots, family, and everything in between, you juggle so much! Tell us what a typical day-in-the-life looks like for you.
Between design meetings, project installs, photoshoots, family, and everything in between, you juggle so much! Tell us what a typical day-in-the-life looks like for you.
Oh, do I have to? Haha, it might scare you…I wake up with my youngest, Brooks, in bed with me. He usually wakes me up by telling me I’m beautiful and kissing my face (I know, it is so stinkin’ cute!) I get ready, make breakfast for the kiddos, get them ready for school, and then I’m on my way to the studio. I work, work, and work until 6:25pm on the dot. I’m home by 6:30 to make dinner (I love cooking!) and get the kids ready for bed. After getting the kids to sleep, I’ve got just enough time to watch an episode of raunchy TV while I work on anything I need to for the house (give me all the housewives!) and then I’m off to bed so I can wake up and do it all over again the next day.
6
How do you find balance within it all?
How do you find balance within it all?
When I sold my event design company, I promised myself I would not overwork myself and that I would make more time for my family and myself. I had a few health things come up in my life about two years ago and I had to have some major surgeries (double mastectomy, etc.) which forced me to slow down. When I see that I need it, I hire. I try my best to hire well and strategically, and that enables me to continue doing what I love while attempting to keep it all balanced. It isn’t all balanced, by the way…but for the most part it is.
7
What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t try to be anyone but yourself, or it won’t feel authentic.
8
What is a design-related trend or element you’re loving right now? And not so much?
Not a trendy gal….But I love that nostalgia is “in” and I LOVE that brown is in — it is my favorite color, even my wedding was brown!
9
What’s next for you? How do you hope to see the impact of your work take form?
Truthfully, I’m so happy with where I am! I’ve had such a long personal journey to get here and I am really happy with the connections I’ve made and the person I’ve worked to become. I hope to continue balancing my life and that I get to watch my kids grow up into wonderful, kind people. I hope I get to work with wonderful clients forever and ever! But also… I really hope to help build my town of Altadena back. I really look forward to helping people that have lost so much recreate home. It is all so special…
rapid fire with Alex…
1
Favorite place to visit to spark inspiration?
Italy! Lake Como, to be specific.
2
One product that’s always in your bag?
I don’t even carry a bag, lol!
3
Current go-to interior paint color?
Mouses Back by Farrow and Ball. It’s always a fave!
4
A design “rule” you always follow — or always break?
I love breaking rules and I was once told that the exterior house has to be 3 colors…so, lets break that one!
