Can a makeover add new life to an old house?
Yes, when you have the skill and vision of the designers who volunteer each year to bring their creativity to the Pasadena Showcase House of Design event.
Now celebrating its 53rd year, the nonprofit Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts organization uses the Design event to raise money for community music and arts programs — and the 2017 edition doesn’t disappoint.
This year’s transformation brought a 1916 English Tudor home into the 21st century without sacrificing its character and personality. When you’re at the front door, you’ll think you’re in England with its half-timbering, red brick and slate roof and leaded glass windows.
Although many decor details pay homage to its architectural roots, she’s definitely a Southern California girl. And she’s ready for her close-up.
The Pasadena Showcase House of Design continues through May 21, and everyone is invited to tour, take notes and enjoy the culmination of months of hard work.
Once owned by attorney-turned-actor Samuel Hinds, who appeared in more than 200 films and is best known for portraying Peter Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the spacious home was built for a then-whopping $25,000. It’s grandiose and homey, while bowing to its glamorous Hollywood past.
The home sits on two acres of prime Pasadena real estate complete with a pool, badminton court and more than 100 trees, rose bushes and a colorful Shakespeare-inspired garden.
Nineteen interior design firms with one interior design adviser and six exterior design firms and one exterior design adviser worked on the house. This major undertaking took months of planning and coordination.
Here are 10 takeaways from the nearly 7,500-square-foot main residence featured in this year’s Pasadena Showcase House of Design:
Don’t be afraid of dark: Black and dark navy may not be a top choice for wall and accent colors, especially in spring, but both are trending. Designers used them throughout the house. Black is a classic favorite, especially when paired with white. The combination is crisp, clean and modern.
Utilize today’s tech: Designers Phil Vonk of DChristjan Fine Cabinetry Design and Maria Videla of The Art of Room Design opted for the latest in appliances and decorative lighting from the Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery showroom including an under-the-counter wine preservation unit, a built-in drawer microwave, a spoke-and-wheel inspired faucet by Waterstone and alabaster pendant lighting from Visual Comfort. Designer Jeanne K. Chung also utilizes state-of-the-art technology with multi-sensory experiences, even ones that project photos and films onto the walls.
Mix metals: One good example is in the dining room and adjacent conservatory where designers David Reaume and Michele Stone use antique golds softened by muted grays with ivory, white and silver botanical place settings. Look for the silver nest-like hanging pendants in the conservatory.
Traditional and contemporary can coexist: Designer Robert Frank brought texture and visual interest to what was once a dark living room with shutters. He installed new window coverings, which allowed guests to look out onto the gardens. He created two conversation spaces, installed an ivory grass cloth wallcovering and mixed classic navy, periwinkle, ivory and grey rugs and accessories that make the room open and airy.
Be there for the bees: Husband and wife team Trevor and Justina Freel of Rose Thicket employ complete organic construction and design in a 144-square-foot tea cottage with a definite affection for bees. Don’t miss the gorgeously built Tudor schoolhouse design hive capable of producing gobs of honey. They’ve appropriately dubbed the space Bee’s Bliss Gardener’s Retreat.
Have fun with hallway art: Family trees? How about family walls — and don’t forget the pets. Designer Aaron Duke of Los Angeles brought in several pieces from his own home depicting dog and cat relatives that bring a quick smile and a sense of fun. And designer Jessica Today of Calabasas was inspired by the Scottish Highlands and castle walls filled with portraits and art work.
Make a grand entrance: No matter the size of your home, design an impact that greets guests when they step inside. In this case, designers Paul L’Esperance and Daelon Cory showcase printed fabric wall coverings that provide a Trompe-l’oeil (or fool-the-eye) look. They employ hand-painted panels inspired by Carl Gustav Carus’ “Landscape with a Strand of Trees.”
Maximize compact spaces: Designer Dana Triano of West Hollywood transformed a compact area, once used as a service area for staff only, into a multi-tasking room — laundry room, mudroom, potting spot or family command central. Just about every inch of the space is put to use with retracting doors that hide an ironing board and wall hooks that allow for catchalls.
Gardens count: Succulents have become Southern California’s go-to plants due to their variety and versatility, but don’t forget their beauty. Designers Roxanne Spear of La Cañada Flintridge and John Brace of Pasadena created plant mosaics inspired by a ceiling found in Hampton Court Palace in England and Shakespeare gardens. Just lovely.
Make a Hollywood splash: Several movies were filmed at the home, including, most recently, “La La Land.” In the film, actor Ryan Gosling’s character plays the piano at a garden party. It was set on the home’s loggia. Other film and television credits include “Beaches,” the 1985 version of “Alice in Wonderland,” “Mad Men” and “Parks and Recreation.”
Pasadena Showcase House of Design
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, through May 21.
Where: Parking and complimentary shuttle at Pasadena Rose Bowl, Lot I, 360 N. Arroyo Ave., Pasadena.
Tickets: $35-$45.
Information: 714-442-3872, www.pasadenashowcase.org.
