A Preview of the 2025 Pasadena Showcase House

Just over a week ago, I had the special opportunity to preview the 2025 Pasadena Showcase House before it officially opened to the public.

Over the years, I’ve been involved in five previous Showcase Houses as a designer, but long before that, I began by covering them right here on the blog. This year, I’m returning to those roots—this time not as a participant, but as an observer—sharing the inspiring design trends I saw throughout the home. The beauty of this event is that visitors don’t just admire design; they leave with real, tangible ideas they can bring into their own spaces. It’s a true reflection of how interior design  Pasadena continues to evolve, blending innovation with timeless elegance.

The Gardens: A Tribute to Legacy and Innovation

No garden in the history of the Pasadena Showcase House has resonated with me quite like this year’s. There’s something profoundly moving about the layers of history within the landscape, originally envisioned by Katherine Bashford, a trailblazing female landscape designer in California.

While researching her story, I discovered she had attended both Poly and the Otis Art Institute—the same schools I attended before launching my own journey into interior design Pasadena style. That personal connection made the experience even more meaningful.

It’s also fitting that this year’s featured garden—the Bauer Parterre Potager—was brought to life by my friend Chia-Ming Ro of Coastal Homestead, another incredibly talented female landscape designer. Her vision is both elegant and purposeful, blending aesthetic beauty with practical use.

The Potager is split into two symmetrical formal gardens, each with a distinct focus. On one side of the central fountain lies a seasonal edible garden, flourishing with herbs, leafy greens, and kitchen-ready plants. The opposite side mirrors its structure but blooms with cut flowers, including native and drought-tolerant species that celebrate California’s rich and resilient flora. Together, they create a thoughtful balance of form, function, and sustainability—qualities that define the Best interior design services in Pasadena and the outdoor spaces they often inspire.

Adjacent to the Potager is the Fountain Garden Court by Timothy JohnLA—a serene space that echoes the natural rhythm of water through its plantings. A variety of grasses and ornamental selections subtly mimic the soft spray of the surrounding fountains. The garden also features works by Rob Homsy Studio, including a striking sculpture series titled No Mud, No Lotus—a symbolic reflection on growth, transformation, and the beauty that emerges through challenge.

Design That Moves You

This year’s Pasadena Showcase House doesn't just offer design inspiration—it tells stories, honors heritage, and beautifully bridges the past with the present. Every room and outdoor corner speaks to the craftsmanship, care, and creativity that define Pasadena home design services. Whether you're a homeowner looking for fresh ideas or someone deeply invested in the design world, this year’s Showcase is a reminder of how meaningful and layered home design can truly be.

As always, I walked away with renewed energy, countless notes, and a camera roll full of inspiration that I can't wait to revisit. It’s events like this that highlight the true value of great design—not just in how it looks, but in how it makes us feel, live, and connect with our surroundings.

If you’re looking for ideas or considering your own design transformation, let this be your sign. The 2025 Showcase House proves once again that when it comes to interior design, Pasadena has something uniquely special to offer.