Shining a Light on Your Best Work
Pasadena Showcase House of Design Highlights Baldwin Oaks Estate
The Pasadena Showcase House of Design is set to captivate visitors once again, showcasing one of the nation’s foremost home and garden tours. Each year, this event attracts over 30,000 attendees, with funds supporting charitable initiatives, including Gifts & Grants, Music Mobile, Instrumental Competition, and Youth Concert.
From April 19 to May 17, the Baldwin Oaks Estate, the 2026 Pasadena Showcase House of Design, opens its doors to the public. Built in 1907, this architectural gem is a rare example of early-20th-century Southern California design, combining historical significance with vibrant modernity. Admission prices range from $38 for a special Friday "happy hour" entry to $75 for unlimited access throughout the event.
The estate boasts more than 8,000 square feet of living space, distinguished by a cedar-clad exterior reflecting the American Arts and Crafts movement. Originally constructed for Clara Baldwin Stocker, the daughter of the influential Elias Jackson "Lucky" Baldwin, the home is steeped in history, celebrated for its opulent gatherings and Stocker’s enchanting persona, famously known as "the Diamond Princess."
In a months-long endeavor, premier interior and landscape designers have reinterpreted the estate, harmonizing contemporary design with its storied past. Among the transformed spaces is the living room, now dubbed the "Bloom Lounge," designed by La Cañada Flintridge’s The Art of Room Design. Rich purples inspired by Dunn-Edwards paint and elegant accents, including a striking Calacatta Viola fluted marble fireplace, elevate the room’s sophistication.
Additional communal areas include the “Midnight Garden Room,” crafted by House of Pontovi, and the Minkwood Library by James Hernandez Interior Design, which serves as both a refined study and a hidden speakeasy. The kitchen, designed by Karen Billman of Billman Designs, also combines modern functionality with timeless aesthetics.
The upper level features five expansive bedrooms, each showcasing unique design elements. From the "Arcadian Sanctuary" master suite, designed by Amorphous Studio, to a modern bohemian guest room by newcomer Ben Nichols, the spaces reflect a range of creative interpretations. Also notable is the "Ladies Lounge," envisioned by Carla Lane Interiors, designed as a relaxing escape for unwinding at any time of day.
Set on nearly two acres of expansive grounds, the estate includes a variety of trees, gardens, and outdoor amenities, such as a pool and gazebo. Notable landscaping features include the Rainwater Harvesting Orchard and the Centennial Celebration Garden, enhancing the estate’s natural beauty.
As the spotlight of the 2026 Pasadena Showcase House, the Baldwin Oaks Estate exemplifies the interplay of history and contemporary design, offering visitors a chance to experience how traditional elements can seamlessly merge with modern trends, preserving its unique legacy while paving the way for future interpretations.
