AESTHETIC PARADISE

An ode to the visual pleasures in our city.

For anyone living in Pasadena, it’s nearly impossible not to think about great design. From Bungalow Heaven, the Gamble House, and The Huntington to architecture marvels from Frank Lloyd Wright and John Lautner and museums like the Norton Simon, conservation and appreciation of art and architecture is practically ingrained in everyone.

In this issue, we celebrate a myriad of design-driven destinations throughout the city—and beyond—for aesthetes of all kinds. We guide you through new spaces in town for art and home decor and some of the most stunning spots that have sprung up in Downtown L.A.

However, among the most interesting things happening for home right now don’t require getting on a freeway to explore. The annual Pasadena Showcase House opened its doors to the public on April 23. Our eight-page feature (starting on page 96), gives you a behind-the-scenes look at it and its designers, but there’s nothing like seeing it in person. It’s on until May 21, so make sure you snag your tickets.

We’re also excited to share what local designer Jeanne K Chung of Cozy Stylish Chic is doing for the design community. You probably have seen her work before on the pages of this magazine and in previous Pasadena Showcase Houses, but you may not know what she’s doing behind the scenes. Not only has her West Dayton Street showroom helped designers and homeowners see product they’d normally have to trek across town to sample, but she’s also created a hub and community for her peers in the city, hosting events and allowing designers to share sources and experiences. In this issue, Chung shares what’s happening in our local design world and how Old Pasadena is prime for a new design district.

As we go to press, it’s 63 degrees and mostly cloudy. However, blink and it will be summer. To that end, please enjoy our plethora of activities and experiences to kick off the season, from planting strawberries to camps for your kids—all of them designed for you to appreciate the season and our beautiful hometown.

We hope you enjoy the issue.

SAMANTHA BROOKS Editor in Chief