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Pasadena Showcase House of Design 2025: A Symbol of Resilience and Creativity
This year’s Pasadena Showcase House of Design is remarkable not just for its impressive metrics—15,000 square feet, five acres, 18 primary rooms, and more than 30 designers—but also for a particularly poignant fact: four of the participating designers have recently lost their homes to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. This makes the 60th edition of the event a striking departure from previous iterations that have occurred since its inception in 1965.
The Bauer Estate & Garden
In the wake of these challenges, the sense of community and support among the participants shines brightly. A highlight of the festivities is the Empty House Party, a cherished tradition organized by the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts. This volunteer-run nonprofit has successfully raised over $26 million for arts programs within the local community. After a delay initially scheduled for January 10, the event finally took place on January 31 with a sold-out crowd of 500 attendees exploring the historic 1928 Bauer Estate and Gardens in San Marino. Attendees were acutely aware of the destructive forces from the nearby Eaton Fire while expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming artistic transformations.
The estate, characterized by its Monterey Colonial Revival architecture designed by the notable Reginald Davis Johnson and its landscaping by Katherine Bashford, is set for a reveal following its renovation. This year, it is anticipated that over 30,000 visitors will partake in tours from April 20 to May 18, once the estate is open to the public. Notably, only two families have held ownership of this historic manse throughout its existence. The estate received attention in a Architectural Digest feature during the 1992 renovation led by renowned writer and producer Stephen J. Cannell, who hailed from Pasadena.
Returning and New Talent
This year’s renovation is entrusted to seasoned professionals and design advisors from the Showcase House program. Notable names include Jennifer Bevan and Samantha Williams, both of whom estimate that approximately half of this year’s featured designers are returning participants. The introduction of first-time talents like Directory member Alexandra Azat from Plaster & Patina, and other innovative designers such as Kirsten Blazek of A1000xBetter and Julia Chasman Design signifies a refreshing evolution in the design landscape.
Design Trends and Inspirations
Williams notes a distinct English influence permeating this year’s designs, evident in her vibrant blue-and-white theme adorning the sunlit octagonal morning room. She observes, “Little touches that used to be old-fashioned are coming back into fashion,” pointing to a resurgence of wallpapered ceilings, fabric lampshades, and bespoke design elements. Beatriz Rose’s garden room and art studio exemplifies this trend, featuring exquisite details such as Crapper British plumbing fixtures, vintage pieces from Lee Stanton, and accessories from Pointers and Nickey Kehoe, along with handcrafted items from local artisans. Rose shares, “I envisioned a space that invites the outdoors in, fostering creative activities like watercoloring and potting, drawing color inspiration from Beatrix Potter’s charming illustrations.”
Source
www.architecturaldigest.com