Sneak Preview: Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts 2019

The Boddy House built in 1937 by architect James Dolena at the Descanso Gardens.

On April 16th, Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts (PSHA) opened its 2019 Design Showcase House for an exclusive press-only preview. As a notable interior design firm and social media influencer, Sarah Barnard Design was invited to attend the press viewing and capture a sneak peek of the house, which opens later this month. While the select group of visitors was allowed to take photos, no guests will be allowed to take pictures or use cell phones once the event officially opens.

This year’s design showcase location is the historic Boddy House on the grounds of the beautiful Descanso Gardens. Notable Los Angeles architect James E. Dolena designed the home in 1937 in his trademark Hollywood Regency Style for E. Manchester Boddy, owner of the former Los Angeles Illustrated Daily News and founder of the Descanso Gardens. Now owned by the Los Angeles County and considered a house museum, Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts selected the Boddy House to be transformed by interior designers for the 43rd annual showcase event.

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Each designer was assigned a room of this bi-level garden estate to makeover resulting in the complete rehabilitation of the historic property. Hearkening back to the Hollywood’s “Golden Era” the designers offer a contemporary reinterpretation of the original Hollywood Regency Style abound with opulent detail, vibrant patterns, and bold color schemes. Botanical inspiration abounds as lush gardens surround the property in the full bloom of Spring. Floral wallpapers, nature-inspired furnishings, and organic sculptures bring new life to the home.

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The Boddy House will be open from April 21st to May 19th, 2019. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at http://pasadenashowcase.org/

Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, runs this showcase house as a fundraiser for their charity work and welcomes nearly 25,000 visitors each year. All money raised from this event will support local music programs. Designers from all over California come to take part in the making of this project to benefit the community. See this year’s crop of designers, who generously donated their time and expertise, here.

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Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

2018 Showcase Archive

Photos by Abby Siniscal

Superbloom: Happy Healthy Interiors Inspired by Nature

Happy spring! A “super bloom” has popped up all over California in the past few weeks, a result of a record-breaking amount of rain this past Winter season. Bright orange poppies, desert lilies, yellow and white evening primrose, and pink Bigelow monkey flower, are some of the flowers blossoming in considerable numbers to the delight of hikers, tourists, and nature-lovers throughout California. The super bloom has people flocking to parks such as Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore, Near Desert Lily Sanctuary, and Diamond Valley Lake.

Close up of a wild poppy.

Flowers blooming in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Los-Feliz-local Sarah Barnard, interior designer, WELL AP, LEED AP, keeps her own wildflower garden, where she planted a variety of poppies from seeds and is experiencing her super bloom. “The colors and textures that come with each season are delightful and inspiring,” said Barnard. “I grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, (carrots, radishes, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers of all kinds, cantaloupe, lemons limes, avocado, lettuces & herbs) as well as cactus, succulents, and flowering/ornamental plants.”

Barnard recently took time to visit Griffith Park, Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, and Anza Borrego State Park to see the super bloom herself. Sarah, who specializes in interior design that contributes to her client’s health and wellness, and strives to make nature a part of each home she creates, shared photos of her recent trips.

“This year’s superbloom is a colorful reminder that nature informs life and design,” Barnard said. Incorporating this principle into the design of your home is one way to contribute to your happiness and health. The study of the effect of nature in design on our health is called Biophilia, and we have previously written about this phenomenon.

One way to bring this happy and healthy nature into your home design is to incorporate natural and organic forms, which are visually pleasing and encourage our connection to the outdoors. Selecting art, lighting or furniture for your home that resembles natural forms is one way to make an inviting and exciting space. Art and shapes inspired by nature could mean a light fixture that looks like a plant or a sculpture that looks like an animal.

Fresh flowers and bright pink leather reminiscent of wildflowers create a warm and inviting dining nook.

Cheerful coral pink tile pairs beautifully with flowers.

Sarah Barnard is a strong advocate of having nature incorporated directly into a space as well. Add your favorite flowers, succulents, and ferns. “In my home, I keep a healthy variety of plants: bromeliads, tillandsia, monstera, and ferns are among my favorites. Having this connection to nature makes my home feel lush and light.”

Using natural materials, aside from being beautiful and adding diverse texture to space, is also an excellent way to contribute to mental and physical well being. Having materials like wood, cotton, and glass rather than plastic and vinyl will avoid toxic off-gassing.

This dining room features fresh flowers, bright colors, and natural wood tones.

This colorful palette was inspired by flowers.

Fresh flowers add life and warmth to a contemporary space.

To battle the stresses of everyday life, you can use mindful home design practices to create open spaces connected with the environment, plant-life, and the seasons. Barnard reminds, "Our surroundings deeply and immediately impact our mental, physical, and emotional health. A visual connection with the outdoors can improve mood and productivity, and what we bring into a home or space (finishes, furniture, artwork) determines both the quality of the air we breathe and how we function in our daily lives." The flower fields make great inspiration for such a space, with their bright colors, gorgeous views, and fresh air.

There is energy, beauty, and vitality in wildflowers. Spring is the perfect time to find inspiration from flower fields and create a connection to the outdoors. You can do this by beginning a garden, using interior design to personalize your home or office, meaningfully incorporating plants, natural light, and elements inspired by nature. Choose natural materials like wood, cotton, and linen, and take inspiration from this season's super bloom by using bold and bright colors. As more of us make our careers our focus, nature and design are imperative to promote calmness, serenity and healthy living.

And when in doubt, go hiking!

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

Photos by Steven Dewall, Abby Siniscal, Chas Metivier

LA DREAMS: LOS ANGELES LUXURY LIFESTYLES

Above: White fabric poufs provide extra seating for guests and are low enough to preserve the ocean view (Photo by Brad Nicol); Below: LA based interior designer Sarah Barnard (Photo by Erik Hyler)

The Queen of Space

BY: NATALIE FRIBERG

Incredible space requires the knowledge and capabilities of an incredible interior designer. But in the creative and innovative hub that is Los Angeles, there is no shortage of gifted specialists.

Starting in December, we set out on a mission: Uncover an interior design professional that is on the forefront of the industry, yet capable of producing the elements of superiority, class, and professionalism required by our readers.

Enter eco-chic interior designer Sarah Barnard. Recognized by the International Institute for Bau-Biologie & Ecology as a Building Biology Practitioner and by the United States Green Building Council as a LEED Accredited Professional, to name a few, Sarah brings a great degree of eco-friendly cognizance to each of her projects.

Above: Cotton velvet draperies in a saturated burgundy tone connect with the tiny berries in the woodland wall upholstery; Below: Better Times Peonies brighten a display of the homeowner's favorite things (Photos by Steven Dewall)

Q: How would you describe your design style?

SB: Each of my design projects is as unique as each of my clients. The foundation of a successful project is getting to know my clients well, including their personal interests and lifestyle choices as well as what colors and styles most appeal to them.

I take a contemporary approach to create a timeless look, keeping it fresh and sophisticated. I prefer details that have a personal meaning for the client: a motif that reflects a favorite place; an antique with family history; a special collection; or a child’s artwork.

One area I specialize in is healthy, sustainable design. I have exceptional resources that offer appealing natural furnishings and fabrics, energy-efficient fixtures, and organic and non-toxic materials to support a healthy lifestyle. 

Another area I specialize in is historic preservation.

I enjoy giving classic styles a fresh face while preserving their vintage charm.

Overall, designing a home for a client is deeply personal. It requires establishing an essential level of trust, which I ensure through ongoing and open communications.

Q: Your mantra is: “Where smart design, sustainable choices and healthy living converge.” What do you mean by “smart design”?

SB: Smart design is design that’s healthy, beautiful, functional and enduring. I design homes to my client’s desires, lifestyle, and special needs.

Q: What are some options that homeowners have when considering sustainable choices?

SB: Stunning tiles, counter tops and even beautiful textiles are being designed out of creatively re-purposed materials. There are more energy-efficient light fixtures and avenues that bring more natural light into a home than ever before. Using local artisans to manufacture custom-made cabinetry and furniture is a responsible choice that homeowners can trust to deliver unique items of exceptional quality.

Q: Is there a favorite room you have designed or project you have completed?

SB: I am always up for a challenge and love it when clients bring me unusual requests; whether it’s designing a display room for a special mineral collection or crafting a custom kitchen into the perfect functional space. I also love designing for children and pets!

A passion of mine is designing both historic properties and modern architectural spaces. I always strive to bring harmony, balance and a connection to nature to the space.

Q: What design trends are you most excited about in 2017?

SB: There are three major themes and trends that I am excited about: Handmade furnishing items from natural materials, made by artists, not factories. Collecting! There has never been a better time to support the arts and start or expand a collection of paintings, sculptures and/or pottery. Customizable textiles printed by local artisans - personalization has never been easier!

Q: What do you recommend as first steps to those who may be unfamiliar with smart design and sustainable choices?

SB: Start small. Sometimes just a few simple changes can have an enormous impact on the health of your home or work environment. If you aren’t ready to redesign your entire home, I often recommend starting with the primary bedroom since this is where we spend a good portion of our time. This room above all others needs to feel restorative and calming.

Also, consult only with experienced designers. Professionals like myself can recommend smart, sustainable choices and create a wonderful experience you will never forget! ◆

Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.

CODAWorx: National Immigration Law Center

Sarah Barnard organized a pro bono art and design project featuring local artists and the National Immigration Law Center, one of the leading organizations in the U.S. dedicated to defending and advancing the rights to low-income immigrants.

Gardeners, Exodus, and Nabe by Jose Ramirez. Photo by Chas Metivier.

Overview

National Immigration Law Center recently expanded/relocated. Their new suite would nearly triple the square footage of their existing space (almost 13,000). NILC is a non-profit and has minimal financial resources. Sarah Barnard Design was asked to take on the project on a pro-bono basis through the 1% for the Design Program. In addition to creating specifications for the construction project and overseeing the interior design/furnishings purchasing, Barnard curated a long term exhibition for the organization that would feature 16 artists from around the globe. The artworks were created specifically for NILC’s space and with their organization mission in mind.

Cherry Picker I and Cherry Picker II by Narsiso C. Martinez. Photo: Chas Metivier

Goals

Defend & Advance is a temporary exhibit of 39 original artworks by 16 artists that celebrates the establishment of the National Immigration Law Center’s permanent art collection. With broadly varied approaches and narratives, the artists in this exhibition explore current conditions of immigration and migration, displacement and labor, and struggle against collective amnesia. The artists are from a diverse range of geographic, political and social backgrounds. Considering their work in dialogue allows us not only to reflect on their differences but also to discuss their shared concerns. The exhibit offers new perspectives on issues we may have previously thought familiar. The curation seeks to discover shared experiences that can be explored in conversation and used to promote intellectual and emotional engagement with the presented subjects. The artwork becomes a critical component in the overall design experience.

Soul of Food and Nutrition by Jose Ramirez. Photo: Chas Metivier.

Process

The designer was entirely responsible for curating the works made only for this space. Sixteen exceptional artists were selected from a pool of nearly 300 and commissioned to create site-specific works for the National Immigration Law Center. Working closely with the fine artists, Barnard encouraged works that explore controversial political themes and offer opportunities to contemplate socio-political issues that affect us all. Access to healthy foods and education, farmworker rights, border politics, the terror of uncertainty, domestic worker rights, transportation issues, and the plight of the refugee are some of the many poignant themes explored in the works exhibited. Painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media installation and fiber sculpture are among the mediums employed by the participating artists. The curator/designer held an artist potluck at her home so that the artists might form permanent relationships with one another before the show opening. While the design project helps NILC staff to work more productively, the art installation encourages hope by way of connecting people with ideas and each other. This collaboration of designers, artists and non-profit attorneys to promote social justice may be the first partnership of its kind.

With Her Own Hands by Xilomen Rios. Photo: Chas Metivier.

Additional Info

Established in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is one of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants. NILC believes that all people who live in the U.S.—regardless of their race, gender, immigration or economic status—should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Over the years NILC has been at the forefront of many of the country’s most significant challenges when it comes to immigration issues and plays a vital leadership role in addressing the real-life impact of policies that affect the ability of low-income immigrants to prosper and thrive.

https://www.codaworx.com/project/national-immigration-law-center-national-immigration-law-center

 Sarah Barnard designs healthy, happy, personalized spaces that are deeply connected to nature and art.

To learn more about Sarah Barnard Design, please visit www.SarahBarnard.com.