The Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts is a remarkable nonprofit organization established in 1948, renowned for hosting one of the nation's largest annual showcase houses. In 2020, the Pasadena Showcase House of Design featured a stunning Federal-style estate located in Arcadia, California, originally constructed in 1937 and designed by the esteemed Hollywood architect Gerard R. Colcord. Each room in this beautifully restored Federal Revival home was meticulously crafted by 17 distinct interior designers. Among these talented individuals was Jake Galang of Ilustracion by Jake, Corp., who transformed the former sewing room into a practical yet elegant laundry space. You can learn more about her inspiring journey here:
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**Is this your first time participating in the Pasadena Showcase House?**
Absolutely! This marks my first solo participation, and it was such a fulfilling experience. It allowed me to fully express my creativity and embrace my personal style. Several years ago, I assisted my mentor during their involvement in a similar event, but being at the forefront and leading the creative process felt entirely different—and far more rewarding.
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**Could you share your design philosophy for the upstairs laundry room? Were there specific requests from the homeowners regarding this area?**
As soon as I walked through the house, the symmetry of the laundry room caught my eye. The central dormer window was a striking architectural feature, and the existing cabinetry already possessed charm. However, we aimed to enhance its functionality while preserving its character. I retained the layout of the millwork and added a built-in bench around the window for additional seating and storage. Initially, we considered converting the space into either a craft room or a second laundry facility. After presenting both concepts to the homeowners—with detailed sketches—I secretly hoped they'd choose the laundry option since my vision leaned toward something unconventional. Fortunately, they agreed.
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**How would you describe your overall design approach? How does it align with the historical style of the showcase home?**
My design philosophy revolves around blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary trends. The Pasadena Showcase 2020 is a 1937 Federal Country estate, rich in period details like cased openings, intricate stair stringers, hardwood flooring patterns, dormer windows, and full-wall wallpapers. To modernize the space while paying homage to sustainability, I introduced bold Bohemian geometric motifs alongside Satin Brass accents. My goal was to harmonize these elements with timeless finishes, millwork, and hardware.
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**What inspired you to select the Waterstone Contemporary PLP Faucet? Why did you opt for the Satin Brass finish?**
I fell in love with the Waterstone Contemporary PLP faucet due to its sleek profile and continuous, smooth spout design, which culminates in an industrial-style pull-down spray. Its fusion of vintage and modern appeal perfectly aligned with my vision. Additionally, the faucet's height proved crucial; I positioned the farmhouse sink near a window for optimal natural light but had to accommodate the slanted ceiling. Familiarity with Waterstone’s craftsmanship also played a role—I’ve used their products extensively in past projects and visited their factory, witnessing firsthand the meticulous attention to detail. Sustainability was another key factor: Waterstone is manufactured in the USA, reducing environmental impact. The Satin Brass finish complemented both my cabinetry hardware and lighting choices seamlessly.
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**The laundry room door is particularly innovative, featuring integrated shelving and a concealed pull-out hamper. What other organizational features did you incorporate into the design?**
Given the limited square footage—approximately 140 square feet—I maximized every inch. A recessed ironing board was installed on the wall, compact-sized washer and dryer units were stacked vertically, and pull-out storage was added beneath the sink. Open shelves, pigeonhole organizers, and full-height cabinets provided ample storage solutions.
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**Were there any challenges during the design process, and how did you overcome them?**
Space constraints posed the greatest challenge, as the original sewing room lacked pre-existing plumbing or ventilation for appliances. Collaborating with skilled professionals and leveraging available resources helped us devise creative solutions. By stacking a compact washer and ventless dryer, utilizing the Contemporary PLP prep-size faucet to create extra shelf space above the sloped ceiling, and implementing vertical storage strategies, we effectively utilized every available inch.
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**Any advice for those planning to renovate their own laundry rooms? Are there particular elements—like faucets—that deserve special attention?**
When renovating a laundry room, selecting high-quality appliances and fixtures is paramount. Research brands thoroughly, considering their history, reputation, and customer feedback. Faucets, in particular, endure frequent use and must balance functionality with aesthetics. Consider factors such as size, style, finish, and required features. While a faucet should look great, it must also feel durable and perform reliably under daily demands.
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This project taught me the importance of balancing tradition with innovation while respecting the integrity of historic architecture. It was truly a labor of love!
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