Heidi Gardner: Inside Heidi Gardner’s 1970s-Inspired Kansas City Residence, A Retro Retreat for the SNL Star

Heidi Gardner: Heidi Gardner, the Saturday Night Live comic famed for her memorable characters, has found a new venue to demonstrate her passion for character and style: her freshly remodeled Kansas City house. Gardner recently shared photos of her one-of-a-kind midcentury-modern getaway, which was inspired by her love of ’70s disco and Kansas City heritage.

Gardner returns to Kansas City each year after the season of Saturday Night Live finishes to spend time with family and friends. Rather than depending on short visits, she’s moved into her own apartment, ideal for hosting garden parties, cozy game evenings, and cheering on her favorite Kansas City Chiefs. “Moving back here has helped me slow down and savor summer the way I remember it growing up,” Gardner told me.

Gardner’s Kansas City house is a midcentury modern masterpiece designed by Don Drummond, a well-known figure in the local design community. The home’s lofty ceilings, wood paneling, and dramatic stone fireplace give it a cinematic aspect that reflects Gardner’s appreciation of vintage design. Inspired by her parents’ colorful 1970s decor, Gardner hired local design-build company Cicada Company and Brooklyn-based interior designer Madelynn Hudson to renovate the house while embracing her disco-era vision.

The makeover was a labor of love, peeling back layers of prior remodels to restore the property to its original appearance with some nostalgic touches. The designers used custom-colored red oak paneling, terrazzo flooring, and open spaces to create a natural flow between rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the kitchen let in warm natural light while also connecting the interior to Gardner’s outside gathering spaces.

Gardner’s house is all about the details, which turn it into a delightful, intimate room full of personality. She collaborated with her design team to include ’70s-inspired elements such as glass block walls and marble accents, as well as dazzling mirror tiles that provide a touch of disco glamour. “After years at SNL, I know how much effort goes into creating a space that feels layered and full of life,” adds the actress.

Gardner’s main closet is a prominent place, reflecting her love of antique elegance. Mauve pink cabinets with bronze swan handles, a fringed ottoman, and a zebra-print rug create a fun but classy atmosphere. “I can’t help but feel like my mom would love it,” Gardner adds, referencing her mother’s impact on her style.

Gardner’s Kansas City home, with its wide spaces and vintage charm, is a great embodiment of her own style—a place where she can relax and celebrate with the people that matter the most.