When Mike forwarded me the link to his fiance’s website, I could immediately tell she has a lot of talent for design. Her designs are beautiful! We have to give Mike props for being such a supportive guy…I can tell he is very proud! Can’t wait see more from Linda!! -Julia

The Pasadena Showcase House of Design 2010

I had the great opportunity to help out with the grand opening of the Pasadena Showcase House of Design this weekend. The proceeds from The Pasadena Showcase House of Design and the donations they receive allow them to fund three annual music programs, plus award gifts and grants to other nonprofit organizations that provide musically oriented. More than 16 million dollars in gifts and grants has been awarded to support the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Walt Disney Concert Hall and local symphonic, cultural and educational programs for youth since 1948. The Cravens Estate is a refined three story, fifty-room residence with a wealth of architectural features. Completed in 1930 for Pasadena residents Mr. and Mrs. John Cravens, this elegant estate was designed by renowned San Francisco architect, Lewis P. Hobart. His inspiration for the estate’s design was the baroque Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte, which was also the inspiration for Versailles. Currently, the Cravens Estate serves as the headquarters of the San Gabriel Pomona Valley American Red Cross.

Designers

Before the event, the designers have the task to create an environment that showcases their talents. The PSHA committee decides which Designer is chosen for each room. My Fiancée, Linda Allen was chosen to do the “Morning Room”. The process started in November utilizing some of the original designs of the house and morphing it into beautiful updates.

I saw the progression of her room as well as the estate and have to say it was an amazing transformation. Linda designed a room that has arcs and circles that creates a timeless sentiment that “transitions from the time period “Palace of Versailles” (1661-1774) to today’s urban time period” (2010).

Linda custom designed the chandelier and most all of the furnishings and accessories in the space that create her version of today’s take of the “Versailles Hall of Mirror” room. Through a “Philosophy of Circles”…. Linda loves creating “emotion” based design. This room was designed to make the visitors smile and exhale when walking through the room. I worked in the room on opening day and was amazed on the reaction. Countless times I heard, “This is a great way to start the day”.

Below are some pictures of her room in the event:

Check out the Pasadena Showcase here!

Click here to check out Linda’s website!

-Mike