The Art of Collaboration: Creating the Pasadena Showcase House with Sponsors’ Support

Join us on a captivating ride through the Pasadena Showcase House, where collaboration and sponsor support blend seamlessly with artistic brilliance.

The Pasadena Showcase House of Design has established itself as one of the oldest, largest, and most successful house and garden tours in the nation. Its esteemed reputation attracts legendary members and designers from the community, making it a prestigious event that sets the stage for exceptional design and creativity.

As a designer, I have had the privilege of being selected to contribute to this remarkable project. In this blog, I will share my concept of restoring the soul and grandeur of the property while emphasizing the power of collaboration and the invaluable support provided by my sponsors.

The Journey Begins

Designing the Entrance Staircase and Second Floor Landing to pay homage to the architects Marston & Maybury, who originally built the house in 1933, I embarked on a journey to infuse fresh design elements into the foyer, staircase, and second-floor landing.

By carefully preserving the original details and incorporating modern touches, I aimed to create a grandeur befitting the home’s rich history. Throughout the process, I documented the transformation, capturing prior images and showcasing the gradual progress. Reflecting on the impact of the overall scheme, I witnessed how each decision contributed to the harmonious transformation of the space.

Curating a Space as a Work of Art

Curating a space that is a work of art requires meticulous attention to detail. I embarked on the task of selecting design elements that would come together harmoniously to create a captivating composition. Exploring textures and layers of varied hues, I sought to create a sensory experience for visitors.

In addition to carefully selecting furniture and decor, I incorporated custom items and curated special art pieces, adding a unique touch to elevate the space to new heights of sophistication.

The Fusion of Modern and Traditional

One of the challenges I encountered was achieving an elegant style that could seamlessly blend both modern and traditional influences. Drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of Murano glass and gold and silver leaf, I incorporated exquisite pieces that added a touch of opulence and served as focal points throughout the design. Gold and silver leaf accents were strategically placed to create a sense of luxury and glamour.

Furthermore, I commissioned an Italian artist to create a pearlescent texture called “cashmere” on the staircase wall. It proved to be a laborious yet rewarding process that added depth and richness to the overall design.

The Glittering Chandelier and Celestial Mural

Within the grandeur of the Pasadena Showcase House, I wanted to guide visitors on a journey of shimmering brightness. To accomplish this, I selected a stunning chandelier that exuded elegance and sophistication. Its glittering presence became a focal point, capturing the attention and imagination of all who enter the space.

To further enhance the celestial ambiance, I selected a mural from an Italian artist, depicting an array of celestial plants, birds, and flowers. This hand-painted masterpiece from Italy added a touch of whimsy and wonder; it was part of the story I wanted to tell…not only against my tropical background but also as an added element that paid homage to the late owner, who loved Hawaii. It also helps captivate visitors as they witness this masterpiece.

Blending Ornamental Tassels and Art Déco Trimmings

lending elements from sixteenth-century France, I incorporated ornamental tassels and Art Déco trimmings into the design. These exquisite details added a sense of history and timeless beauty to the space. Houles France, renowned for their craftsmanship, provided the ornamental tassels for its new collection, which I had recently seen at the Deco Off Design show in Paris (this blog is coming up). It also resembles my DNA and adorns vital elements of the design.

Merging Déco and Art Nouveau, incorporating the light fixtures

I merged Déco and Art Nouveau, incorporating the light fixtures I designed for the entrance in collaboration with ADG lighting. The fusion added a touch of glamour and served as a conversation starter, captivating visitors with its unique, organic, and distinctive aesthetic.

Gratitude for Sponsors and Industry Vendors

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of my sponsors. Their invaluable contributions made this project a reality. In particular, I am immensely grateful to Jobi Blachy, the Quintus CEO, who sponsored me with almost 70% of the space.

Their belief in my vision and dedication to supporting the arts and design community played a pivotal role in bringing the Pasadena Showcase House to life.
Each vendor involved in the project also deserves recognition for their unwavering commitment and expertise. From our trade to craftsmen and artisans, their contributions were instrumental in realizing my design vision. I express my eternal gratitude to each and every one of them, as their collaboration and hard work truly made a difference.

The experience of creating the Pasadena Showcase House has been nothing short of extraordinary. The opportunity to showcase my design skills and witness the visitors’ interaction with my work in person has been immensely fulfilling.

The positive feedback and appreciation received have further fueled my passion for design. As I reflect on the collaborative journey that brought this project to fruition, I am reminded of the immense power of collaboration and the role it plays in pushing boundaries and achieving greatness.

The Pasadena Showcase House stands as a testament to the art of collaboration, where designers, sponsors, and industry vendors can come together to create something truly remarkable.
In celebrating the successful creation of the Pasadena Showcase House, I am inspired to pursue future collaborations and design endeavors. The experience has instilled a renewed sense of purpose in me and the desire to continue pushing the boundaries of design.

ADPROP MAGAZINE FEATURE

ABC NEWS INTERVIEW VIDEO – _{^{VIDEO CREDITS TO ABC}}

I look forward to embarking on new journeys, discovering fresh inspirations, and creating spaces that leave a lasting impact. The Art of Collaboration will always be at the core of my design philosophy, as I believe that the power of teamwork and a shared vision can transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary works of art.

Enjoy this video of the space where I had the honor of interviewing Jobi Blachy CEO of Quintus.

See you in the next blog!

MY AMAZING SPONSORS

Ecla Decoration @ecla_decoration: Created an amazing cashmere textured wall reminiscing Italy on the stairs leading the visitors to the second-floor landing. Houles @houlesusa @houles_official From France with the new trim Deco collection, which I fell in love with on my first visit to Déco Off Design show in Paris (a blog for this is coming soon), provided me the amazing trims for my pillows, curtains, and tassels that I artistically used in the second-floor landing closets. Markowicz Fine art @markowiczfineart • Tom Lieber Surge II, 2022 paint oil in Canva from the USA, hung on the stairs landing. • Idan Zareski with Coolfoot 75 sculpture from France placed in the settee second-floor landing • Carole A. Feuerman Perseverance Sculpture above the Picasso custom credenza by Marbé Designs. Quintus @quintus_losangeles • Chase Erwin Textiles sheers from the UK in the knock windows second-floor landing • Rubelli Fabrics from Italy curtains in the knock windows second-floor landing • The sign Textiles from Switzerland for the pillows and settee sofa in the second-floor landing • Studio bel vetro from USA crystal and brass sconces in the entrance anchoring the door that led to the dining room, which I created that lighting electrical for my design. And 24 k gold and crystal blown chandelier in the stairs first lading • Maya Romanoff from USA wallpaper for the walls in the entrance and ceiling •kohro from Italy Wallcovering on second-floor landing from Italy. David Sutherland @davidsutherlandshowroom_la Woman in Gown Tall Corbin Bronze floor Sculpture in the entrance from USA. Aga John rugs @agajohnrugs Runner in the stairs and area rugs, carpets in • Entrance and second-floor landing Dunn Edwards @dunnedwards Paint, including the one I created for my space Marbé Green Stonevilleusa @stonevilleusa The stunning piece of Onyx to finish my custom credenza piece, Picasso, in the entrance. Zoroufy @Zoroufy Stairs finials. Marus creations @maruscreations Leave hand painted with a pillow placed on Sattee. ADG Lights @adg_lights Collaboration. We designed together the stunning ceiling-mounted luminaires inspired by Art Nouveau and Deco in the entrance ceiling. Soluna Events @solunaevents Fresh flowers in the Picasso credenza. Haptor Barret @haptorbarrett Crystal Murano base for above the Picasso credenza • The side table in metal and the gold leaf next to the Sattee • Vintage Cedric Hartman floor lamp next to the Sattee custom designed by Marbé Designs Marbé Designs @marbe.designs Accessories and custom pieces.