The Pasadena Showcase House is like an interior design magazine in the flesh. You can touch everything. Because the Showcase House showcases the designer, it is a great opportunity for you to gather ideas, and perhaps make contact with a designer who has an aesthetic that reflects your own.

This year the walls and ceilings were the highlight for me. Every ceiling was different from the one before and the use of wallpapers, Venetian plasters, paneling and fabrics abounded. Sea grass papers were used again and again throughout but the variety of texture, pattern and color kept it fresh. There was no redundancy. Mireille Parseghian of NDA Interiors in Pasadena shared an amazing option with me as she explained the process of transforming the home’s family room. She created a custom sea grass wallpaper to wrap a large wall. I couldn’t stop WOW-ING. I have seen custom painted and custom silkscreened wallpapers before, but never a custom printed sea grass. The response to her design has been so positive that she is starting a line of wallpapers that will be available through her design firm.

If you make the trip to the Showcase House, don’t pass up the opportunity to speak with the designers. They are on hand to answer your questions. And do keep their presence in mind when you share your opinion of their work out loud.

Before you head out:

Leave your stilettos at home. You must wear flat soled shoes to tour the House. There is no photography allowed and cell phones must be turned off when you enter.

You cannot park at the Showcase House. Instead, park at the Rose Bowl and ride the shuttle over.

Advance ticket purchases include an additional service charge.