2006 Pasadena Showcase House

Yesterday I spent the first half of the day steeping in design and art at the Pasadena Showcase House! It was so nice to get out of the Studio and roam around a lavish garden and mansion! This was my second year visiting the showcase house, and I was certainly not disappointed. The way it goes is that an old historic home in Pasadena is chosen for renovation. The grounds and interior are completely restored and transformed, each by a different designer.

Here is what the website says about this particular home: "The 42nd annual Pasadena Showcase House of Design is an elegant Monterey Colonial home. Built in 1928 , the 12,500 square foot house sits on 2.2 acres that were originally part of Rancho San Pasqual, later owned by Henry E. Huntington. The house was designed by Reginald D. Johnson and was featured in Architectural Digest in 1931."


They are very strict about photography in the home, being that you cant take a camera with you, so I have no images to share, but I certainly wish there where some! There aren't even pics on the website, and every shot in the program is skillfully vague so you get nothing! It is disappointing that you go and see, and if you forget, tough! There is so much to take in, and it is so crowded at times you cant possibly absorb. Also, no sharing with people outside of the area. I would ask that if anything, people lighten up. Post images after the show is over maybe?? Something. Its a shame that the hard work is only visible to those in the area and even then just for a few minutes.

The home itself was amazing! The children's room was equipped with its own costumes closet/dressing room and stage. The guest bedroom had an incredible enclosed porch and was painted the deepest shade of teal I have ever seen. It was an unusual color choice, but I really loved it! In the master suite, there where his and hers bathrooms . . . of course! His was very well done with gorgeous retro 40s sconces and a very modern palette.

There where several outside living areas in the house which where gorgeous. The fabrics on the outdoor furniture ranged from teals and chocolates, to an awesome black, white, orange and beige stripe that was used in huge curtains and on cushions. Each area was totally different form the last. I would have taken any one of them in a heartbeat.

Despite the strictness of it, this is an amazing project that does benefit great causes including the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I just wish they would be more open to sharing with people not in LA!

(All images from the Pasadena Showcase House website. Line drawing by Lynn Van Dam. Watercolor by Eva Margueritte.)