“In the Entry Foyer, the antique circular table pays homage to the home’s Federal style. The custom console table with its curvilinear back was based on the open string on the staircase designed by the original architect. Everything in this space has a story full of passional and purpose.

My inspiration in the entry was natural class and love. When people walked in, I wanted them to feel the loving energy and see a highly luxurious space with natural class.”

~ Christine Jahan

Nestled in the park-like grounds of the Santa Anita Oaks neighborhood of Arcadia, California is an historic 1937 Federal-style home—Locke House— designed by architect, Gerard Rae Colcord, known as “Hollywood society’s architect.” The home is modeled after an East Coast country estate.

In 2020, Locke House was chosen to be the Pasadena Showcase House of Design. Now in its 56th year, the venerable showcase is one of the longest-running house and garden tours in the country. The 6,700 square-foot home was reinterpreted by 17 interior designers and four exterior designers and was an opportunity to completely reimagine what the home could be, more than 80 years after it was built.

Vicky Sung, the 2019-2020 President of the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts notes, “We were drawn to the house because it was of such architectural significance, and it lives on a stunning two-acre expanse of property with a beautiful rolling lawn. But for all its grandness, the house itself is smaller by typical showcase standards - a little more accessible.”

While respecting the history of the home, the designers presented novel interior and exterior design concepts - in the vein of the home’s original architect, who brought an entirely new style to the area. The house is packed with inventive, artistic design elements - a breakfast room adorned with three-dimensional embroidered butterflies, cloud-covered walls, a Tiffany-blue wrapped bedroom, a calming koi pond and stream.

Since the tour’s inception, the Pasadena Showcase House of Design has opened its doors to guests eager to see new ideas from talented designers. While this house was not able to open its doors last year due to the pandemic, virtual tour tickets can be purchased online. The proceeds of this tour continue to bring music programs and music education to Southern California - tying the worlds of art, music, design and philanthropy into one meaningful gesture.

Funds raised from the Showhouse benefitted music and arts programs in Southern California.