Cape Cod Residence in Pasadena

On a lushly landscaped and gently sloping lot in Pasadena's Oak Knoll District, this new house of approximately 7,000 square feet gently cascades down its hill to open up to a large backyard for entertaining with a pool and generous cabana/trellis/outdoor kitchen area. The owner requested a "house filled with light," so we took every opportunity to admit comfortable amounts of natural light into this traditional architectural style with elliptical eyebrow dormers, shed dormers, circular dormers, transom windows, and a large skylight. Classic Cape Cod exterior materials of shingles, stacked stone, detailed moldings and trims, corbelled gables, intricately patterned wood framed and leaded windows, and a combination of shingled and copper roofs were employed.

The interior spaces use plaster, detailed wood paneling, bead-board siding, beams, corbels, and trusses to add texture and emphasis to the many vaulted and shaped ceilings throughout the main house. Wide plank floors and a neutral color palette of whites, grays, and tans give a relaxed and casual elegance to the interiors. And mostly monochromatic color schemes of gray and white marbles, tiles, mosaic tiles, and fabrics add peaceful and serene qualities to the light filled animated spaces.