The Pasadena Showcase House of Design is a celebrated annual event hosted by Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts. Held each spring from mid-April to mid-May, this prestigious fundraiser transforms a grand estate into a showcase of world-class interior design. Proceeds benefit music education programs, arts-focused nonprofits, and student scholarships, blending creativity with community impact.
This year’s Showcase House takes place at the Bauer Estate & Gardens, a 15,000-square-foot architectural gem by renowned architect Reginald D. Johnson. Nestled on five acres of serene landscape, the estate is one of the largest ever featured in the event’s history. It includes an expansive kitchen—the largest in the last five years—designed to serve as the heart of the home. Pasadena-based interior designer Rachel Duarte leads the kitchen design, drawing inspiration from natural textures and tonal harmony. Her palette of warm white neutrals and earthy materials creates a welcoming, grounded environment that feels both refined and livable.
BlueStar proudly brings its signature blend of professional performance and customized style to this year’s kitchen in collaboration with Rachel Duarte Design Studio and local retail partner Snyder Diamond. At the center of the space is a 60-inch BlueStar Dual Fuel Range with Brushed Brass trim and knobs in “Sunset Forest,” a rich, evocative green. Inspired by the golden glow of twilight filtering through a forest canopy, this atmospheric hue is part of a signature color collection curated by designer and HGTV star Alison Victoria. The dramatic range is paired with a coordinating 60-inch Custom Atlas Hood, creating a bold focal point that anchors the kitchen.
The use of Sunset Forest not only introduces color but also emotion—bringing a sense of warmth, depth, and natural luxury to the home’s central gathering space. As a whole, the kitchen reflects the larger mission of the Showcase House: to inspire, innovate, and support the arts through the power of design. With BlueStar appliances at its core, the space seamlessly merges functionality and artistry, making it a standout feature in this year’s extraordinary home.
