The 59th Pasadena Showcase House of Design was held this year at the illustrious Potter Daniels Manor, a residence with a rich history of design excellence. This English Tudor Revival–style home, having previously hosted the showcase in 1975 and 1996, was transformed once again for the 2024 edition. With 30 newly imagined interior and exterior spaces, this year's showcase was a feast for the eyes.
One standout among these spaces was the primary bedroom, masterfully crafted by San Marino-based Peltier Interiors. The design team, led by principal designer Amy Peltier, has breathed new life into this expansive bedroom, creating a serene retreat that exudes elegance and tranquility. Let’s take a tour!
Light, Airy, and Breezy: The Design Vision
The design vision for this project was inspired by the charm of an English country estate seamlessly blended with the relaxed elegance of California coastal living. This unique combination reflects the house's architectural style while infusing it with a light, airy, and breezy ambience. Fabrics and wall coverings by Thibaut enhance the room's tranquil atmosphere, providing soft and inviting textures that contribute to a serene and welcoming space.
The design exudes a charming cottage vibe, perfectly embodied by the “showstopper” bed, which serves as the centerpiece of the primary bedroom. Adorned with an elegant skirt, the bed combines coziness with upscale elegance, creating a welcoming and luxurious atmosphere. This thoughtful addition underscores the balance between refinement and comfort, resulting in a space that feels both luxurious and lived-in.
Sophisticated California Living
Peltier Interiors’ signature sophisticated-California style shines through in this bedroom design, seamlessly blending elegance with modern living. The approach is defined by open floor plans promoting a natural flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, natural materials like wood and glass creating a serene atmosphere, and neutral color palettes providing a calm, elegant backdrop. The design captures California's laid-back lifestyle with indoor-outdoor living, a minimalist aesthetic featuring clean lines and uncluttered spaces, luxurious textures adding comfort, and statement lighting enhancing elegance and ambience.
Soothing Color Palette
The soothing color palette in this design is brought to life with carefully selected Dunn-Edwards paints. Featuring a harmonious blend of Mount Sterling, Sugar Swizzle, and Natural Process, these shades work together to create a serene and inviting atmosphere. Mount Sterling's calming effect sets a peaceful tone, perfect for a restful retreat. Sugar Swizzle's light, airy feel complements the room's brightness, while Natural Process provides a natural, earthy depth that ties the space together. Together, these colors foster an environment that feels both expansive and welcoming.
Unique Flooring Choice
The flooring showcases a bold and imaginative design decision: a hand-painted checkered board pattern floor. The choice to paint the floors in this intricate pattern demonstrates the design team’s daring approach to interior design. This ambitious decision was not without its challenges, as Amy reflects with a mix of humor and pride, describing it as both the "worst and best idea." The painstaking effort required to achieve this result was immense, yet the outcome is nothing short of spectacular. The painted floors now serve as a stunning foundation for the room's design, adding a distinctive and personalized touch.
The integration of the checkered pattern with the room's decor is a testament to the designers’ skillful design vision. The colors used on the floor – whites, neutrals, and blues – harmoniously blend with the drapes, wallpapers, and pillows throughout the space. The unique flooring not only acts as a visual anchor but also enriches the overall aesthetic, creating a space that is vibrant and refined.
Textures and Natural Elements
Textures and natural elements play a crucial role in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in this bedroom. The use of grasscloth wallpaper sets a refined tone for the room with its natural, tactile texture, immediately introducing an element of organic sophistication. This base layer is complemented by the addition of a sisal rug and rattan columns, which infuse the space with warmth and charm.
Incorporating varied textures, such as seagrass on chairs and textured lamps, adds depth and interest, creating a layered, lived-in feel that invites relaxation. The interplay of these elements contributes to a richer sensory experience, establishing a harmonious blend of natural and cozy elements.
Balancing Functionality and Style
The spacious primary bedroom masterfully incorporates a separate living area that is both connected and distinct from the sleeping zone. This design choice maximizes the room's functionality, allowing it to serve multiple purposes while maintaining a cohesive look. The fireplace, a focal point in the living area, adds warmth and a touch of classic charm, making the space inviting and elegant. This feature enhances the room's ambience and serves as a visual anchor, blending seamlessly with the overall design.
Architectural interest is further elevated by the use of different wallpapers and a divider, which creates a sense of separation while preserving the space's open feel. An archway elegantly divides the bedroom from the sitting area, balancing functionality with style and enhancing the room's architectural appeal. Classic elements like symmetry are complemented by varied nightstand styling, which adds personality and coziness without compromising the room's sophisticated aesthetic.
Charming Decor Touches
Elegant floral arrangements infuse the room with natural beauty, offering a refreshing burst of color and a touch of organic charm. Fresh flowers enhance the visual appeal and bring a sense of vitality and tranquility, creating a serene atmosphere that feels both luxurious and welcoming.
Statement lighting fixtures are strategically chosen to complement the floral elements and add drama and elegance. Unique light fixtures, whether elegant pendants or wall sconces, serve as focal points that elevate the room's overall design.
Additionally, distinctive decor items and thoughtfully selected nightstand accessories further contribute to the room's character, reflecting personal style and adding layers of visual interest.
Connecting with the Outdoors
Natural light and fresh air play a crucial role in enhancing the room's light and airy ambiance. The large windows, adorned with beautiful drapes, achieve a connection with the beauty of the outdoors while maintaining the comfort of the indoor environment. These elements not only brighten the space but also create a sense of openness and tranquility, allowing the occupants to enjoy the best of both worlds – the serene indoor setting and the refreshing outdoor views.
Crafting Designs That Excel
Peltier Interiors’ design expertise brings an unmatched level of sophistication and elegance to the primary bedroom. This exemplifies the design team’s ability to create serene and refined environments, perfect for high-profile events like the Pasadena Showcase House of Design. With a keen eye for detail and dedication to excellence, their designs not only captivate but also elevate the experience of every space they transform. For a deeper dive into the San Marino studio’s remarkable work, explore their portfolio and discover how they can bring your design aspirations to life. ♥
